Trip Journal entry for Monday, February 16th.
It felt good to be back and visiting all of our favorite places again.
Back at the Resort
As I mentioned in the morning journal entry for Monday, we had all that excitement atop Haleakala and were back at the resort by Noon. You’d think with the lack of sleep, we’d be dragging a little bit, but for some reason that wasn’t the case. When we got back to our room, we were reminded that we never really unpacked and that our luggage was still laying on the floor, mostly full. We thought about unpacking, but the view from our lanai was calling us.
So, we decided to leave the bags for now and unpack later that night when there weren’t so many wonderful things to look at outside. We spent maybe 45 minutes, just enjoy the view of the ocean and all the activities out on the water before we made our way out to Whalers Village.
A New Whalers Village
Whalers Village has always been a big part of our trip these past 4 years. It’s only about a 5 minute walk from the Sheraton, and we usually stop there at least once a day. It’s been pretty much the same for the first three years (other than a new sign out front), but we didn’t expect some of the changes that we found this year.
The first was visible right from the beachwalk. The Rusty Harpoon right next to Hula Grill is gone, and is in the process of being replaced. We were there on our first trip, and although we ourselves weren’t overly thrilled with the service there, it always seemed to have a big crowd. Maybe it’s because of the economy, or maybe other reasons, I can’t say for sure.
Next, we started noticing some of the different stores that were removed and ones that were added. Borders Express was gone, but I mentioned that last month after reading in online. That was always a good place to pickup neat Hawaii stationary, calendars, and other little gifts for folks back home. Also gone, Ritz Camera. While I already travel with quite a bit of camera gear, it was good having that Ritz to run to whenever I needed something last minute or just had a question. Now, I’ll have to drive to the one in Lahaina Town.
The next store we found was another one of those cosmic signs calling us to move here. 
Not too long ago, I posted about where I found hockey on Maui, which has always been a part of my entire life. Well, one of Cindy’s hobbies made it to the Valley Isle as well, Swarovski. Needless to say, she was thrilled and in the door no more than 5 minutes before she was chatting up one of the sales ladies. Turns out they’ve only been open since December. What timing.
Not too long ago, I posted about where I found hockey on Maui, which has always been a part of my entire life. Well, one of Cindy’s hobbies made it to the Valley Isle as well, Swarovski. Needless to say, she was thrilled and in the door no more than 5 minutes before she was chatting up one of the sales ladies. Turns out they’ve only been open since December. What timing.…We All Scream for Ice Cream
Since we did eat a relatively late breakfast, we weren’t exactly looking for lunch at 1pm. But it was time to treat ourselves to a little Haagen-Dazs. That place always seems to be busy when we’re there, and I can only imagine what our freezer back home would look like if they ever were to sell that Macadamia Nut ice cream back on the mainland.
Once we finished indulging, we did a little shopping at the ABC Store. The main goal there was to pick up a pair of swim trunks for me and another beach towel, which took all of 10 minutes. With that out of the way, we did a little more walking around and checking out the other changes at Whalers. Nikki’s Pizza was still in the food court (thank heavens), as they have the most ono Hawaiian pizza I’ve tasted anywhere. Tiffany’s and the Body Shop were gone, and actually used to be right next to where Swarovski now is. I guess we were a little distracted at first to notice.
Before long, we started to make our way back to the Sheraton along the beachwalk. This being our first trip during one of the busy seasons here on Hawaii, there were a lot more people on Ka’anapali Beach than we had seen before. I know we shouldn’t have been surprised, but I guess it just goes to show you that people still need their Hawaii fix these days.
A Little Downtime
After our walk to Whalers, we had a little downtime in our room. Cindy took time to write in her journal (the ol’ fashion pen and paper one), and I tried to blog a little bit. I did manage to squeeze our the Sunday Photo post for this week (although it was Monday), but found it pretty hard to concentrate. Plus, I think the reality of everything we had seen that morning at Haleakala was still just settling in, as well as the warmth and Aloha of being back here on Maui again.
Cindy might have dozed off for a little bit, too. She totally earned it for being such a great sport and getting up way too early than she probably ever would have before.
On with the Tradition
By now, it was getting to be time for dinner, and for those that have been reading our blog recently or have followed us on previous trips, there’s that one place we always head to for dinner on that first evening. Cheeseburgerland! While we don’t actually order cheeseburgers at Cheeseburger in Paradise, we do have our favorites. Dinner was great as always, and it was kinda funny to have the same waiter we had last year, and see the ones we’ve had previously still working there. Or maybe it’s just funny that we remember them. Either way, another year, and the tradition lives on.
It felt so good to be back on Front Street again. So many familiar sites, like the guy with the parrots outside the Pioneer Inn and that big old Banyan Tree near the harbor. The Lahaina Town we know and love, still crowded with cars and people. That was a good sign.
Speaking of Front Street, we’re taking it home with us!
Allow me to explain. Cindy’s aunt is friends with an artist that spends quite a bit of here on Maui, and is one of the featured artists at Maui Hands this month. His name is Mort Luby, and has been painting on Maui for quite a few years now. We received one of his paintings as a gift when we moved into our condo (aka our first home) a few years ago, and just had to check out more of his work.
While we were there, we saw this painting Mort made of Front Street that we just had to have. It’s a view looking Northwest down Front Street, and it was neat because we could actually name some of the restaurants and stores in the painting, just by looking at th
e shape of the buildings. I’m planning to size up a photograph of a similar scene and when we get home, hang them up side by side, my photograph and his painting. It should look pretty cool.
e shape of the buildings. I’m planning to size up a photograph of a similar scene and when we get home, hang them up side by side, my photograph and his painting. It should look pretty cool.
Mort is actually going to be at the Maui Hands location along Front Street on Fridays this month, but we’re totally bummed because we’ll be down near Wailea this week for our portrait session and in Kahului next week for the Hapa concert. I think it’d be really fun to chat with him and watch him paint, but we know there will be other times. Both Mort and his wife, as well as Cindy and I, aren’t planning to remove Maui from our lives anytime soon.
Let the Shopping Begin
After the visit to Maui Hands, it was time to get down to business. I mentioned above that Cindy and I have a portrait session on Friday, so it was time to start hunting down an outfit for her and a new shirt for me. We window shopped for a little bit, but found ourselves at Serendipity on Front Street.
Now, maybe Cindy just humors me, or maybe I have a hidden talent that I’m not ready to admit to, but I’ll usually try and help her find different tops or combonations while she’s shopping. Well, this time she didn’t need me because Cindy received such great personal customer service from one of the salespeople at Serendipity. I tell you, it was like two girlfriends in front of a big closet picking out clothes for a date. Yet another prime example of how the Aloha Spirit here on the islands is so wonderful and how friendly and welcoming people are here. Unlike anything I’ve every seen elsewhere. Truly amazing.
Time for Bed Yet?
Okay, so by now it was all of about 8pm, and we were starting to feel exhausted. We still had enough energy to stop at the Lahaina Cannery Mall for a little bit of Starbucks and shopping at Safeway. We didn’t pick up as many groceries as we normally do this early on our trip, but none-the-less, we were still there and with our own bags. Before long, we were back at the resort, put the groceries in the mini-fridge, unpacked the rest of our luggage, and were asleep by 9pm.
What a day!
That’s it! I’m booking my next trip!…oh wait, that’s in March, I can’t wait. Not quite Maui, but Miami will do for now
-Alicia
Let me know when you’re ready to come out here someday. We’ll be happy to help.
Not sure if my message posted. Sooo will write again. I am the one who wrote you about Jimmy Buffett. Can’t thank you enough for writing your blog every day. Makes me feel like I’m right there in Maui. We have a Maui Marriott Time Share and try to get there at least once a year and sometimes 2x. But a majority of our family work’s for the state and this year we are on furlough and are facing possible layoff’s sooo for now Maui is on the back burner. I really enjoy living vicarously through your journey. Again thanks so much.
Sorry to hear about your situation, but hopefully things will start to turnaround sooner rather than later. Hang in there!
You have great taste in islands to be coming back to Maui 1-2 times a year. I’m glad you’re enjoying our blog this trip and I hope to squeak out a few more posts before we have to come home.
Mahalo.