So we just got back from our vacation on neighbor-island Maui (not neighboring and NOT outer island).  We took the Superferry (huge mistake) and stayed at the all-suites Fairmont Kea Lani in Wailea.  Hung out in Wailea the whole time and had a blast.  Since we already live on a tropical island, wasn’t sure how “vacation-y” it would feel, but it was so much fun.  We can’t wait to visit more islands. 

First, the Hawaii Superferry.  We chose to take the Superferry because we thought it would be a fun experience and a convenient way to take our car.  Wrong.  I was so seasick, I made frantic calls on the Superferry to the reservations desk to cancel my return trip.  It was 3+ miserable hours.  Joe and kids did okay, but we (foolishly) sat in first class at the bow (front) of the ship which made it extra rocky!  Joe returned on the ferry with the car, and the kids and I flew back.  It was about the same price and only a 34 minute plane ride.

So the thing that sticks out most in my mind is Joe and I experienced some culture shock.  It was very subtle and took a cummulative effect to feel, but we had grown so accustomed to our Parallel Asian Universe on Oahu, we couldn’t get over the shock of seeing so many caucasian people (tourist) on Maui.  Then it dawned on us that this is what life on the mainland is always like. 

One highlight of the trip was the Fairmont’s pool.  There’s one adult pool and another multi-tiered pool with a waterslide.  The waterslide’s twists and turns kept the kids busy all day.  Joe and I had quite a few out-of-control spins down the slide too.  We never even made it to the beach, the kids wouldn’t hear of it.  Normally I would balk, but I knew nothing compares to Kailua Beach on Oahu. 

Another highlight is the al fresca dining. Almost all the hotels have outdoor dining areas with a local accoustic performer.  It makes for the perfect vibe–good food, candlelight, palm trees swaying, and island music.

Places I can recommend:

Shops at Wailea (has one of the best ABC Stores)

Ko Restaurant

Longhi’s Restaurant (for breakfast)

We went to Spago’s again, and again I was disappointed.  I shouldn’t complain since we got a Kama aina discount of 2 for 1 entree, but still, I couldn’t get into the food.  The first time I ate at Spago’s in the Four Seasons Hotel, Wolfgang Puck, himself, was there greeting every table in the restaurant.  And to his face, I told a white lie that I enjoyed my dinner. (I really wanted to!) I had some fish dish that was drowned in BBQ sauce.  Gross and not-understated!  This time my food was again overflavored and unsubtle.

Hawaiian Word of the Day

Shaka  the hang loose hand sign, back of hand faces OUT