Our initial stop on our desired trip to Hawaii involved landing in Maui and settling into our lodging, so join us for this first look!
Before detailing our first day in Maui, I must share a crucial background detail.
As you likely know, I have been looking forward to this journey for a considerable period. I conducted research, selected the ideal swimsuit (sigh!), organized my carry-on items, and even borrowed a neat passport holder to simplify travel days.
It was 10:30 pm the evening before our 6:45 departure the following morning.
For reasons unknown, I took out my passport to verify its expiration date; it is a 10 year US passport, and I prefer managing all 'immigration' matters proactively. (Laughing…)
Remember that the flight to Maui took place on April 10th.
I opened the document and checked the date…
April 13, 2013.
I was quite alarmed!!
My supposed 'organized' life was clearly challenged!
I felt completely uncertain about how to proceed; several internet searches offered no clear guidance. This was certainly a predicament no one should face!
We proceeded to the airport the next day. My husband offered calm reassurance, suggesting the worst outcome was being denied boarding.
“We will address this one step at a time…”
And so, we did.
The airlines presented no issues, and since Maui is in the United States, US immigration was not a concern for entry. The challenge lay in returning to Canada, making this our first focus for 'Maui Day 1'…
Traveling to Hawaii
Day One Plan: Arrive at Kahului Airport
We reached the Kahului airport at 8:30 pm. It was completely dark, and we felt travel fatigued, given the 3 hour time difference which made it feel like 11:30.
We drove roughly 40 minutes to our condo in the Kaanapali Beach area. Due to irregular meal times, we stopped at a nearby small grocery store for a bite. After spending $12.00 on crackers and a small cheese portion, we decided to seek a different grocery store subsequently.
Interestingly, the gentleman on the moped dressed as batman provided some amusement on the way out…!
Settling into our Hawaiian lodging
The subsequent morning, we awoke quite early, around 5:00. The time zone shift was affecting us, so we embraced it, getting up and opening our linai door.
We had reserved a garden view room at the Papakea Resort. Though the exact meaning was unclear, the location was highly praised by 4 different couples. We also highly suggest it. This is what greeted us that morning:
and there, nestled in the corner, was this:
The vast ocean expanse!
We started our day with coffee and headed straight to the shoreline.
Soon, we were able to place our feet in the sand,
and experience the moderately warm ocean water (though it wasn't quite bathtub warm!)
This became our daily ritual: coffee enjoyed at the beach, near our favored bench…
Since we didn't fight the 'wake up at 5' jet lag, the early mornings were usually tranquil with minimal activity.
It provided the ideal, serene setting to witness the sun's daily ascent.
Much of the first day was dedicated to resolving a passport issue over the phone. After several calls, a resolution was reached: we needed to fly to Honolulu on the island of Oahu for my Monday afternoon 2:00 appointment at the Federal Building.
With that sorted, we opted to unwind and proceed; I had to apply everything I've learned about managing anxiety.
Despite the initial tension, I'm pleased to share that the matter didn't occupy my thoughts again until Sunday evening (the night preceding our unplanned trip to Oahu).
Dining and sights to explore in Maui
- We had lunch at Kimo’s in Lahaina
where the ocean waves gently washed beneath our feet!
- We picked up groceries at Costco in Kahului, and the Maui pineapple was superb!
- We swapped our initial rental car (which had a drive train issue) for a completely new vehicle! (My first time ever driving a new car!)
- We savored our initial fresh Krispy Kreme donut. (It was amazing!)
- In the evening, we visited Lahaina to browse the local shops; we thoroughly enjoyed it!
