Thursday, March 2, 2023
Quick breakfast, needed some butter though, quick trip to Times Market.
All done with breakfast and packed up and checked out of the Aston Mahana by 8:15. Arrived at airport at 9:15 after a quick gas up in Ma’alea. Reached the terminal, and the curb-side gate agent was empty! $20 and our bags were checked in and through security and agricultural inspection. TSA-Pre went super fast, no one in line, too! We were sitting in the Hawaiian first class lounge by 9:40 or so. An anemic lounge with no real supplies.
The flight was on time and we arrived in Las Vegas at 7:45 pm. Spent the night at the Palms hotel.
Wednesday, March 1
Quick breakfast, then off to Lahaina for last minute shopping. Lunch at either Frida’s Beach House or Cheeseburgers in Paradise. Frida’s was the choice and our Mexican food craze was satisfied. I had the mahi fish tacos and Sandy had chicken enchiladas. Good Cadillac margarita’s!
A nice afternoon to relax and dinner with a Pizza Paradiso Paradiso medium pizza. We have red wine to consume!
Checked in for our flight tomorrow, HA32
Tuesday, February 28
Quick breakfast and off to explore the Kihei and Wailea areas. Went to the Shops at Wailea mall and lunch at Tommy Bahama. It was ok, I had the fish tacos and Sandy had the lobster roll. A little more shopping in Kihei and we were back in the room ready for dinner.
We may want to stay on that side of the island next time, the Lahaina area looks tired and the traffic is just a pain.
Earlier in the week, our concierge found us a dinner table at 5:00 pm at the Lahaina Grill. It did not disappoint. I had the Mahi-Mahi and Sandy had the Waygo Beef Ravioli, actually we mixed and matched. As an appetizer, we had the buffalo mozzarella. All the food and service was amazing. Cocktails were Gin and Tonics, one a “White Ginger” and one called the “Empress”. The Empress changed color to a light lavender. Both were yummy. The champagne with dinner, “Tuff Nutt” from Delinquente Wine Company in Australia was just awful. It came with a beer bottle cap (first clue) and very little fizz. At the end of the bottle, was a collection of yeast sediment. This was not a sparkling wine and a waste of $64 (one of their least expensive bottles). Dessert was also delicious, a triple berry tart. This place is no longer cheap, but was worth the meal.
Another note, Longhi’s has also disappeared, a sign of the times.
Monday, February 27
We booked a trip on the Paciifc Whale Foundation 11:30 boat. Same old story, 2 hours, it was just an ok trip. Not a lot of close up whale action. We have seen more from the lanai in room #716!
A quick fried zucchini lunch appetizer at the Pioneer Restaurant Papa’aina right next to the docks and the banyan tree.
Dinner was at 4:00 pm at Mala Ocean Tavern. We had been there on other trips for breakfast, so we had high hopes. It was ok, not fantastic. Calamari for an appetizer and Sandy had the Caesar Salad with chicken, I had the Hebe (short-billed swordfish).
As a side note, Mala, Honu and Frida’s have all been sold off. Sadly, the owner just sold off Frida’s and he passed away suddenly over the weekend, before retiring, at age 67.
Sunday, February 26
Wind was nice and calm this morning, predicted to pick up throughout the week.
Nice and relaxing, morning lilikoi pancakes, coconut syrup and Portuguese sausage and POG mimosas. We keep forgetting to bring a champagne cork.
Booked the Pacific Whale Foundation 11:30 cruise for tomorrow out of Lahaina.
Took the western Maui road around the island, returning to Wailuku and Kahului. A few places where the 1 lane road is REALLY one lane. Glad that trip is done, it did remind us of the road in Hanalei on Kauai. With more traffic, I couldn’t imagine the backups.
Dinner at the Sea House in Napili. I screwed up big time, the anniversary reservation, I thought, was for tonight the 26th at 6:15 (sunset at 6:30), but it was for MARCH 26th at 6:15. They still managed to seat us which was most appreciated. I had the poached pear salad, Sandy had the coconut shrimp to start off. For the main course, we split the sesame spiced Ahi Tuna. Next time, think of the happy hour dinner option!
Saturday, February 25
Early morning departure, 5:30 am to Ma’alea Harbor and the Trilogy catamaran snorkel cruise to Molokini and Turtle Town. It was dark and windy when we arrived, we thought about cancelling, but went ahead.
The trip was great, the food was good and the crew were awesome was well. Was it as good as the Ali’I Nui of year’s past. No, but it was a close second. Molokini was ok and and so was Turtle Town (really next to Makena Point). I think we have been spoiled by trips of years past. The current at Molokini was strong and the visibility was a little murky with just a few fish. Turtle Town was ok as well, we didn’t hear the whale singing or sight the turtles in the water.
Went to the Safeway in Lahaina and stocked up on a few things, we had a nice pizza in to relax. We were both tired with the Dramamine and the physical swimming!
Friday, February 24
For breakfast, we went to The Gazebo up the road in Napili. Thought we’d arrive around 7:15 for a 7:30 opening. So did the other tourists on the island. We were seated by 8:15 so it all worked out. Great mac pancakes as usual, still recommended!
Went to the art show and the Safeway in the Safeway village shopping center. A few more supplies and a little better stocked stuff. Strolled through Whaler’s Village as well. It has changed, couldn’t find the main “anchor” at the entrance to the Hula Grill restaurant.
Went to the Maui Fish Market up the road for their fresh fish plates mahi-mahi and shrimp plates for lunch/dinner. Lots of food and a light dinner in the condo! Our body food clocks are 3 hours ahead, so we are still adjusting.
Thursday, February 23
HA31 from Las Vegas to OGG, Maui. The flight left at 7:00 am direct and we arrived about 11:00 am, early.
Grabbed the rental car, a Jeep Wrangler, from Alamo and off we went to the Aston Mahana, our go-to condo in Ka’anapali.
Checked in, room not quite ready and returned from Duke’s Beach House, Maui, next door adjacent to the Honua Kai Resort about 3pm. The room was ready, it’s nice and clean, but a little dated. Kitchen supplies are not the most plentiful.
We went over to the Times Market in the village across from the condo. Picked up a few supplies, it is a tired store. Had some wine and cheese for dinner!