maui 2022
day 1- getting there
Aloha friends! I'm going to Hawaii for spring break and so I'm back to blogging. I'm headed to Maui!
And if you've read about any of my other trips, you know I write about a LOT of stuff that isn't actually traveling. If you just want to hear what I did in Maui.... you should scroll down to day 2 😅
All the getting-to-the-gate stuff was actually a breeze. Like 0% stress.
I dropped my car off, check-in went smoothly. I was on a shuttle to the airport within 7 minutes of parking and checking in my car.
One of the parking attendants gave me some recommendations of things to eat in Maui. He even texted me the name of a place he forgot after I left. 😊
I'm checking a bag this trip (a first for me) and I walked right up to the kiosk, the sticker was printed, and I dropped off the bag in less than 5 minutes. What?! There was NO line at TSA and I got through security in like 10 minutes. I feel so accomplished even though I didn't do anything. 😅
And, on top of all that... what luxuriously large restrooms the SLC airport has! 🐺
All the getting-to-the-gate stuff was actually a breeze. Like 0% stress.
I dropped my car off, check-in went smoothly. I was on a shuttle to the airport within 7 minutes of parking and checking in my car.
One of the parking attendants gave me some recommendations of things to eat in Maui. He even texted me the name of a place he forgot after I left. 😊
I'm checking a bag this trip (a first for me) and I walked right up to the kiosk, the sticker was printed, and I dropped off the bag in less than 5 minutes. What?! There was NO line at TSA and I got through security in like 10 minutes. I feel so accomplished even though I didn't do anything. 😅
And, on top of all that... what luxuriously large restrooms the SLC airport has! 🐺
I was just saying yesterday, that flying is the worst part of a trip, but today it went pretty well. #blessed
Side note... Do you ever think about how many pieces of you are around the world? Like, I've been a few places and have shed a lot of hair and stuff. I suppose emotional pieces of you get left around too. I was walking to terminal B in the SLC airport and I had flashbacks of a trip from last year. I was surprised at how much those memories affected me. Which in turn, makes me wonder how much of what I'm experiencing right now will cause me to look back years later and feel all the feels. And what type of feelings will be evoked. Sadness? Longing? Happiness? Anyway.
👆this my friends, is a side effect of me traveling alone. I get really reflective about life.
👆this my friends, is a side effect of me traveling alone. I get really reflective about life.
Maybe this is TMI but life has been an emotional rollercoaster for me lately. I'm a really independent person. I've effectively convinced most people in my life that I don't need any help. So in most of the relationships in my life, I give a lot more than I receive. Which is exhausting. And frustrating. But also, mostly my fault. Maybe a trip where I only need to take care of me will be helpful? 🏝️
There are other perks to traveling alone besides escaping the stress I feel in relationships...I feel more present when I travel alone. More aware of where I am and what I'm doing. I feel closer to God. I feel more free to feel all the feelings when I travel alone. (As you've had a tiny taste of)
On that note, I've been watching Brené Brown's "Atlas of the Heart" special on HBO Max, it's like a master class on emotional intelligence. You should watch it. 👀 #notapaidadvertisement #obviously
I had a short layover in LAX and then headed to MAUI. I had arranged with a guy on AirBnB to rent a van, unofficially a "campervan". The back two rows had been replaced with a mattress.
I picked that up, and then drove to Camp Olowalu, where I had reserved a camping spot for the night.
As I was driving, I got flashbacks to driving in Crete. Now THAT was a stressful night. My ferry arrived late, they cancelled my rental car (luckily I had booked two?), I remember wandering around an almost empty dimly lit parking lot by the dock, with my luggage, trying to find the other rental car place. Asking a few people, but no one knew. Finally finding Anna and getting the car. Feeling so much relief! Then realizing the car is like a manual / automatic hybrid. Freaked out a little. Past midnight, long drive to the AirBnB, couldn't find it, had to ask bartenders at the bar down the road. Finally find the place, but it turned out the hostess at the Airbnb told me the wrong apartment and someone was already sleeping there. Had to wait for her to drive down to look through her other rooms to find an empty one for me. Also I wasn't confident I had parked the car right because there was no 'park' gear in the car. *Deep breath*
I picked that up, and then drove to Camp Olowalu, where I had reserved a camping spot for the night.
As I was driving, I got flashbacks to driving in Crete. Now THAT was a stressful night. My ferry arrived late, they cancelled my rental car (luckily I had booked two?), I remember wandering around an almost empty dimly lit parking lot by the dock, with my luggage, trying to find the other rental car place. Asking a few people, but no one knew. Finally finding Anna and getting the car. Feeling so much relief! Then realizing the car is like a manual / automatic hybrid. Freaked out a little. Past midnight, long drive to the AirBnB, couldn't find it, had to ask bartenders at the bar down the road. Finally find the place, but it turned out the hostess at the Airbnb told me the wrong apartment and someone was already sleeping there. Had to wait for her to drive down to look through her other rooms to find an empty one for me. Also I wasn't confident I had parked the car right because there was no 'park' gear in the car. *Deep breath*
But I'm actually really proud of myself for handling all of that. And today really has been so smooth. Opposite of that night in Greece. 🇬🇷
This is going to be a fantastic trip. ♥️🌴👍🌺
This is going to be a fantastic trip. ♥️🌴👍🌺
day 2- snorkeling + beaches
I woke up to the faint sound of roosters and song birds. It was flipping magical. I set out a breakfast of oatmeal on my take and had a nice quiet morning.
The first full day I spent in South Maui. Keihei / Waimea area. When I was planning this trip, I realized that you've gotta know the regions of Maui. There are so many places that people recommend, you need to know what area of the island they're talking about.
I had reserved a trip to boat out to Molokini Crater + Turtle Town to snorkel, so I headed to the harbor in Wailuku. It turned out the wind was too strong, making for rough waves at Molokini, so they took us out to Coral Gardens instead. :/
I was a little disappointed. I mean, I know they can't control the weather, but I wouldn't have paid for a boat ride if I had known.
I saw a few fish, but no sea turtles. 🐢 Those parrot fish are something else though. Super bright. I saw one trumpetfish 🎺, a Moorish idol (which is like that scarred fish in Finding Nemo), and some Tang fish. It just felt good to be out in the sea and sun.
I was a little disappointed. I mean, I know they can't control the weather, but I wouldn't have paid for a boat ride if I had known.
I saw a few fish, but no sea turtles. 🐢 Those parrot fish are something else though. Super bright. I saw one trumpetfish 🎺, a Moorish idol (which is like that scarred fish in Finding Nemo), and some Tang fish. It just felt good to be out in the sea and sun.
I've also seen 9 butterflies today. 🦋
After the trip, I got some ice cream 🍦(I mixed an orange mango dreamsicle flavor with coconut pineapple 🍍, it was a really good decision)
After the trip, I got some ice cream 🍦(I mixed an orange mango dreamsicle flavor with coconut pineapple 🍍, it was a really good decision)
Then I drove to Maluaka Beach, which has the nickname 'Turtle town' because you can apparently see a ton of turtles there. The road was closed to the beach. I saw some people snorkeling further down, so I hiked along the black rocks (though black rock beach is a DIFFERENT beach. #therearesomanybeacheshere)
|
|
I didn't see anyone snorkeling down at Maluaka so I decided not to risk it.
My next stop was Makena Cove or Secret Beach. It's a little bit further down than the official state park (Makena Beach) but you don't have to pay. It's GORGEOUS.
Guys I tried to pee in the ocean. 🌊 I couldn't do it. Even though I had to go. My mental block is too strong. My insurmountable steel willpower. I only have one weakness... maybe two. 🤫 And I couldn't exploit them in this situation.
I stopped by Waimea Beach but not for too long. I'll do more beaches tomorrow.
I stopped by Waimea Beach but not for too long. I'll do more beaches tomorrow.
|
|
I went to dinner at MonkeyPod. It's on the verge of being a fancy restaurant. I paid $25 for a deconstructed fish sandwich. It was actually really good - mahi mahi, house made bun, my waiter was telling me about each element- the tomatoes, the pickle, the coleslaw. But they also played loud music so it was hard to hear. So it's THAT level of fancy 😅 🐟
|
|
I drove to Keawakapu Beach to watch the sunset. It was lovely.
My night accommodations were not as nice as the night before. I parked in an empty field next to someone's house (pre-arranged and with permission of course), but the next full day is the road to Hana!
day 3- road to hana pt 1
I've had a little bit of a ridiculous morning. So, I told you I stayed in an empty field last night... but there were no facilities.
You guys see where this is going, right?
I used the restroom before heading TO said field, and then parked and went to sleep. I specifically avoided having a delicious blueberry fig bar before bed because I knew I'd want to drink water with it. 💦
You guys see where this is going, right?
I used the restroom before heading TO said field, and then parked and went to sleep. I specifically avoided having a delicious blueberry fig bar before bed because I knew I'd want to drink water with it. 💦
I woke up around 4am and needed to pee. I thought I'd find a park or a gas station somewhere. Everywhere was closed. 😩 "No public restrooms" at the places that were open. (and there's not a lot open at 4am). I asked anyone I could find. Google was no help. All the public restrooms were part of parks that opened at 7am. Even a port-a-potty would work! I packed toilet paper and hand sanitizer, I supposed I could go in nature?? But you remember the pee-in-the-ocean fiasco from yesterday.... One woman was like " there might be some in the park down the road, but it's so dark there". Lady, the dark doesn't matter to me now. I'm allied with the darkness 🦇.
Her lead was a false one.
I decided to at least head in the direction of my plans for today. Stopping everywhere that looked open. When I tell you that I have been driving / searching for an hour and a half.... It's only a 10 minute exaggeration. The good news is, 🗞️ it's 6am in 5 minutes and I'm parked in front of a grocery store that's supposed to open at 6.
Well it's 5:59 and although writing has been a welcome distraction... There's business to be done.
I decided to at least head in the direction of my plans for today. Stopping everywhere that looked open. When I tell you that I have been driving / searching for an hour and a half.... It's only a 10 minute exaggeration. The good news is, 🗞️ it's 6am in 5 minutes and I'm parked in front of a grocery store that's supposed to open at 6.
Well it's 5:59 and although writing has been a welcome distraction... There's business to be done.
My first stop on the 'Road to Hana' was Hookipa (ho- oh- key- pah) - a surfing beach. I didn't stay too long. It's too windy and the waves are too big to snorkel or body surf. I'm no surfer. Maybe one day I'll try real surfing, but it'd have to be on baby waves.👶🌊
The Road to Hana is like the #1 recommendation when you ask what to do in Maui. It's a windy BEAUTIFUL road that leads to a town called Hana and there are cool waterfalls and hikes to do along the way. It's really jungly and the road was not as packed as I thought it would be. A ton of curves and one-way bridges though.
The tips I read about before coming was- Get up early, avoid the crowds. I did get up early, didn't see a ton of people. But correlation does.not prove causation. 🤓
The Road to Hana is like the #1 recommendation when you ask what to do in Maui. It's a windy BEAUTIFUL road that leads to a town called Hana and there are cool waterfalls and hikes to do along the way. It's really jungly and the road was not as packed as I thought it would be. A ton of curves and one-way bridges though.
The tips I read about before coming was- Get up early, avoid the crowds. I did get up early, didn't see a ton of people. But correlation does.not prove causation. 🤓
Can I also just say, technology is amazing. I think back to my 2016 Europe trip where I relied on wifi and researching a ton beforehand. I like this get a feel for the place beforehand, but decide what to do when you get there (apart from things that have to be booked beforehand).
I also think the fact that I have an old van makes it so I'm not a target of car robberies. Makes me look like a local.
I was also told to download a audio your before doing the loop. That advice was solid 🪨. Shaka guide 🤙 gives you little tidbits of information about the land and features, as well as places to stop. I only made it halfway through the tour, I'm saving the rest for tomorrow.
I also think the fact that I have an old van makes it so I'm not a target of car robberies. Makes me look like a local.
I was also told to download a audio your before doing the loop. That advice was solid 🪨. Shaka guide 🤙 gives you little tidbits of information about the land and features, as well as places to stop. I only made it halfway through the tour, I'm saving the rest for tomorrow.
The first official stop on the road is Twin Falls (Ho'okipa doesn't count). You have to pay $10 for parking... The falls were cool, but probably not worth the parking $$
Next I did a short pretty loop- Waikamoi trail, that was beautiful.
Then I did the Garden of Eden Arboretum. Privately owned, so you have to pay for it. I didn't get to the other arboretum, so I'll have to wait until tomorrow to compare them, but I LOVED the Garden of Eden. 🌸🌷🌺 I wandered around in the rain and saw some breathtaking overlooks. You can see Puohokamoa falls from the road, but the view from up top is better. ⛰️🌄🌋🏞️ If you're not into trees though, I guess don't go 😅🤷♀️
I also watched another episode of Brené Brown's show, because I was feeling like I needed some additional coping skills for the emotions I was experiencing. Probably I should just go to therapy. 👩⚕️
The last thing I did on the 'Road to Hana' was detour up Ke'anae peninsula to get some of the famous Aunty Sandy's banana bread. Ya. It was worth the hype. So good. 🍌🍞
The last thing I did on the 'Road to Hana' was detour up Ke'anae peninsula to get some of the famous Aunty Sandy's banana bread. Ya. It was worth the hype. So good. 🍌🍞
Then I headed back to Pa'ia town (Pie ee ah), and it was BUSTLIN'. Pretty opposite of when I passed through 10 hours earlier. 😆
I got some pizza from Flatbread Company. 🍕 I thought two different people recommended that place... But when I think about it more, the lady on the plane mentioned truffle oil and deep dish, and I think she was actually taking about the area of Lahaina. I'll have to try and find that one later.
But flatbread was dees. Is that how you spell that? The shortcut word for decent? I wanna be hip like the kids 😎
I got some pizza from Flatbread Company. 🍕 I thought two different people recommended that place... But when I think about it more, the lady on the plane mentioned truffle oil and deep dish, and I think she was actually taking about the area of Lahaina. I'll have to try and find that one later.
But flatbread was dees. Is that how you spell that? The shortcut word for decent? I wanna be hip like the kids 😎
I ate pizza and drank Hawaiian Punch in the back of my van as I listened to a few sessions of General Conference that I missed.
|
|
I parked just outside of Pa'ia near a public beach. I washed my hair in the outdoor shower and felt like I was homeless, but also adventurous. 🥾🧭🧳 Nothing's tying me down, just me and the van on the open road. 🚐🛣️ No schedule. No places to be. Just the siren call of the next adventure. 🏖️
I headed back to Ho'okipa, because rumor had it, you could see turtles in the evening. Um, ya!! The rumor was true! I finally saw sea turtles! I finally SEE SEA turtles! 🌊➕🐢➕👀 Get it? Okay. I I'll try harder next time.
There were a ton. ⚖️ Plus a monk seal 🦭 at the other end of the beach just hanging out. I expected the beaches to be more crowded. I'm not sure if Oahu is really that much more touristy, if it's covid, or this side of the island, or what. I sat on the beach and watched two turtles in the waves. It looked like they were struggling a little. A lot. Like they were stuck in the waves. It is super rocky, (again not a great beach to get in the water if you're not a surfer 🏄).
|
|
But other than that (the maybe-distressed turtles), I had a good evening. Prayed on the beach, felt a lot of feelings.
day 3- road to Hana pt 2
First thing I did was head to Ke'anae arboretum. It wasn't as impressive as the Garden of Eden, but it was cool.
Lots of waterfalls on side of road, you can't stop without blocking traffic. I was reminded recently about being respectful of locals. They have to deal with a lot of tourists here. That would be tiring.
Also, no biggie, just this AMAZING overlook!
Lava tube - this was pretty cool. It's a little hole on the side of the road that you'd miss if you didn't know it was there. You have to duck and crawl a little, but it's fun to explore. There's a mini bamboo forest at the end.
|
|
If you want to take a 45 min detour off the road to Hana, I 💯 recommended Nahiku peninsula. (Nah-he-coo)
I know I keep using the same words, but Nahiku was breathtaking. It was raining and the waves crashing on the rocks *literally* took my breath away. My audio tour told me George Harrison (the Beatles) used to live on this peninsula. He bought 60 acres to get away from fans after becoming famous. But fans would come anyway. One woman broke into his house, cooked a pizza, and did laundry. What if you were so famous you couldn't escape people anywhere in the world? How exhausting would that be?
Today I've been reflecting a lot on change. Thinking back to different periods of my life and the way I thought about the world. There are aspects of my past self that I want back. Like 10-year-old me. "Seek and expect miracles" the prophet said. I am horrible at that. 10-year-old me did though. She was great at believing in miracles.
I stopped at the roadside stand on right of the road, just before getting to Hana. It has a cool shop and a pizza place. I got a veggie calzone. Then I napped and listened to more General Conference. I had reserved a spot to get into Wai'anapanapa State Park but they wouldn't let me in until 3.
The state park has a famous black sand beach and a lot of black lava rock to explore. That was fun :)
There are a few more things to do on the Road to Hana, but I'm gonna save them for tomorrow. I'm going to settle in to my camp site, heat up some dinner, write in my journal, and enjoy the sound of waves. 🤙🌊
day 4- last of the Road to hana
The weather is perfect. I brought sweats and stuff because I was worried it would be cold at night. Or that the sunrise hike would be freezing. (I didn't end up doing the sunrise hike because Andrew said it wasn't worth it). All that is to say, the weather is perfect. 👨🍳💋
This morning I explored the Oheo pools, nicknamed 'Seven Sacred Pools'. The nickname was just a gimmicky nickname to get people to come out here. #itworkedforme. The pools are in the Haleakala National Park, which is 45 mins past Hana for those of you who know Maui or are following my journey on a map. it's beautiful out here. Worth the drive.
I stayed at Kipahulu campground last night. It's a campground in the national park. Very peaceful and beautiful.
They used to let people swim in the Oheo pools, but people have died. You know how national parks have signs that tell you all about an area / hike? This one has news articles about people who have died in this area.
The opposite direction from the pool is the Pipiwai trail. You see a few waterfalls, a really cool tree, and the second half you're waking through a bamboo forest.
It's 4miles roundtrip and 💯 worth the view. I keep feeling like I need to put % after that emoji. Is the percentage implied? It feels incomplete...
Because I had camped in the park, I got an early start to the hike. I was the first one on the hike this morning. 👏
It's 4miles roundtrip and 💯 worth the view. I keep feeling like I need to put % after that emoji. Is the percentage implied? It feels incomplete...
Because I had camped in the park, I got an early start to the hike. I was the first one on the hike this morning. 👏
That meant no one had walked in front of me to get rid of all the spider webs that had been spun during the night. I ran into a few. It was unpleasant. It's a good thing you didn't hear the reactions. No one did. Except the spiders themselves. Those evil 🤬
Also as I turned a corner on the hike two wild pigs darted out in front of me. I was a little worried, being super alone, but they weren't huge.
Also as I turned a corner on the hike two wild pigs darted out in front of me. I was a little worried, being super alone, but they weren't huge.
After the hike I headed back on the Road to Hana. If you do the loop the road is rough and I didn't want to put my mini van through that. Or myself for that matter.
I stopped at Koki beach and walked around a bit. Took some pictures of Pele's bones.
I stopped at Koki beach and walked around a bit. Took some pictures of Pele's bones.
|
|
Saw signs for a 'fish pond' on the beach...
My audio tour was telling me about how Lindbergh's grave was just down the road from the national park. I didn't visit. I didn't know him personally. But I did learn some things about him
He came to Maui to get away from the fame (first solo transatlantic flight in the 1920's. New York to Paris. He delivered mail by plane and heard they were offering a prize to the first person who did it). I learned he died of lymphoma. They were treating him in NY and he said he would rather spend 2 days of life in Maui then 2 months being treated in NY. People easily fall in love with this island.
He came to Maui to get away from the fame (first solo transatlantic flight in the 1920's. New York to Paris. He delivered mail by plane and heard they were offering a prize to the first person who did it). I learned he died of lymphoma. They were treating him in NY and he said he would rather spend 2 days of life in Maui then 2 months being treated in NY. People easily fall in love with this island.
I looked at Hamoa beach - I was told it was an okay spot to snorkel, but having heard Honolulu Bay was THE best, I decided to head there instead.
I listened to stories about King Kamehameha (ka-may-ha-may-ha) and how he united the island. A very Arthurian-type story of him lifting a huge stone and turning it over, convincing people that he would unite the islands and become king. There were signs in the heavens before he was born. It was said that the thing the pregnant mother craves indicates the type of child she'll have. King Kamehameha's mother craved the eyeball of the chief, but she settled for a shark's eyeball.
As I was driving back, there seemed to be a lot more people on the Road to Hana. Luckily hardly anyone going the direction I was. 😅 But it made me think that maybe the weekend is less crowded? Maybe it has to do with the fact this week is spring break? Maybe it's all in my head?
Some of the restaurants and shops asking the road are closed on the weekends.
Some of the restaurants and shops asking the road are closed on the weekends.
There's definitely an Aloha spirit here. When I was researching things to do, I kept reading about "tourists ruin everything" and "locals get annoyed by tourists". It made me wonder if maybe the people of Maui were sick of everyone. But here's what I've concerned ... They are good at setting boundaries. Everywhere you go, you see private property signs. Signs requesting you respect private property when heading to the beach, and there are private residences and graveyard in state parks. They want you to respect their land. Which makes sense. They're happy and loving people, but they've set boundaries.
I made it to Honolua bay, it is on NW Maui, and I had to figure out how to get there (you have to park and then climb down to it) but it was very cool! So many fish! One of my favorite snorkeling experiences so far. 🤿
I finished snorkeling and I was FAMISHED. The closest places were super fancy. I looked up one that had "valet parking only". Not in my messy camper van and wet clothes! 😆
I ended up going to Kaanapali, where they have a ton of resorts. I got pasta and fries and ate near the beach.
|
|
I ended the day back at Camp Oluwalu. 🌴
day 5- Lahaina
I woke up, and headed to breakfast at Keihei Caffe. I ran into a guy asking for spare change to buy breakfast, I didn't have spare change but I offered to buy him breakfast. By the time I came back, he was gone. What am I supposed to do with TWO breakfasts? 😅 #youeatthemTara. I got eggs Benedict and an omlette.
Okay, this next video I'm telling you the story about this guy who got caught not paying taxes, but he claimed it was because he was a citizen of the 'Kingdom of Hawaii' not the United States... I can't find the name of the case or any more specific details, so *I don't know if it's true* or maybe I'm remembering some of the details wrong? Anyway, I heard it as part of the SHAKA GUIDES tour (which was AWESOME by the way. Highly recommend). If you find more information about the validity of the story ... let me know :)
I sat on a bench near the beach to eat. The coast at Kihei has really gentle waves. There were lots of group surf lessons going on.
Then I drove to Lahaina and laid on the beach some more.
I wandered through shops most of the morning. Got macadamia nut ice cream and ate it under the Banyan tree. The tree was imported from India. 🇮🇳
I'm liking Lahaina.
I talked to a woman in a jewelry shop who said she DOESN'T love the weather here. She said it never changes. I mean, 80° year round sounds ideal to me. 🤷♀️ She has been to St George (Utah) in February and said that was too cold though, so I don't know what weather she wants.
I went in another shop where this guy showed me his collection of antique European posters. Nothing was under $500. He started talking to me, found out I teach history, and showed me some cool historically significant posters. He's from New Orleans He flirted a little, which was fun. 😉 He started talking to some other guys, but as I was leaving he said I should check out karaoke tonight down the street. I'm not sure about him though, he thinks the invention of the printing by lithograph is AS INFLUENTIAL as the Gutenberg printing press was 🙄😉
I had lunch at a place called KIMO'S. The guy I talked to at airport parking said that I had to come here and try a piña colada. I got a virgin lava flow, which is a piña colada with strawberry. It was, in fact, delicious. 🍓➕🍍➕🥥
The rest of the day has been pretty chill, I've laid on beaches and walked around. My energy is waning though 😴
I've got one more full day! (And then a full day of travel, I don't know why I do this to myself) 😩
I've got one more full day! (And then a full day of travel, I don't know why I do this to myself) 😩
day 6- Kapalua Coastal trail
Today I decided to explore a little more of that northern side of the island 🏝️
There's a trail that's about 3.5 miles that goes along a few different beaches. I started at Kapalua Bay and ending at DT Fleming beach. I spent a lot of time soaking in the waves at both beaches.
If you want to learn more about that stuff, click here.
I stopped at the Honolua Bay store, found some spam musubi to eat.
I had a couple experiences today where peeled have looked at me and said "Go cubs!" The first time I was super confused. Then I realized I was wearing the shirt I bought at Wrigley Field. Good thing they didn't ask me anything about the team! All I know is that they play baseball and they're from Chicago. I like that shirt.
I like wearing things that connect me to people. I wore a Slytherin sweater back when I visited Boston and had a nice conversation about that. 😁 🐍
I spent the rest of the afternoon at Airport Beach. I didn't wear sunscreen on this day (foreshadowing). I laid in the shade though! I thought I'd be fine! I was not fine. I'm burnt.🔥
I wandered along a few beaches / resorts and getting another lava flow smoothie (piña colada + strawberry)
I am a little ashamed to admit that I had Carl's Jr for dinner. I just wanted something cheap. It was not all that cheap though. 😂
day 7- heading home?
More like heading to Portland, I have a long layover there.😅
I've had a good trip. Plenty of time to explore Maui. I'm sad to leave, but ready to go.
I packed up, took a shower, and then has a few hours to kill.
I packed up, took a shower, and then has a few hours to kill.
I drove back down to the Keihei area, I found a cafe that had some pretty good french toast. 🍞🥞
I spent some time on the beach, and made sure to stay completely in the shade this time.
I drove back into town and thought I should grab some lunch. I went to Costco, found some chocolate covered macadamia nuts and then realized... I could probably do a lunch of free samples! I got about 6 different free samples. Yay Costco. Gas was also almost $1 cheaper there too. 🙌
I dropped off the van and caught an Uber to the airport. My driver was from Cali, but has loved here for 6 years. He said the West side of the island isn't usually so dry. He told me they've been in a three year drought. But he also said it hasn't rained all week and I KNOW that's not true. Maybe not near the airport, but it's rained all over Maui.
He also told me how cool Japan is. Maybe my next trip? #wewillsee
He also told me how cool Japan is. Maybe my next trip? #wewillsee
At the airport 🛬..
PA SYSTEM: "please report suspicious activity"
BOY: "Dad, what does 'suspicious' mean?
DAD: "it's like when you're unsure..."
BOY: "oh you mean like 'sus'!"
👆😂
PA SYSTEM: "please report suspicious activity"
BOY: "Dad, what does 'suspicious' mean?
DAD: "it's like when you're unsure..."
BOY: "oh you mean like 'sus'!"
👆😂
So, my flight landed in Portland around 1am. I had planned to get a rental car, but the place I reserved it from closed at 1am. I couldn't stay in the airport because I had checked a bag and it would be down at baggage claim. (If you have a longer than 12hr layover they won't hold your bags for you).
I looked at a couple other rental car options and called to see if they had anything available... Turned out my phone wasn't working. The call would go through, but no one could hear me. I decided I'd just get a hotel, I restarted my phone and tried calling hotels to see who had an opening... But alas, still no one on the other end could hear me.
I was starting to freak out. I could sleep next to baggage claim? I could ask a stranger to borrow their phone? But everyone was busy trying to get somewhere and I didn't know how many places I'd have to call. There were a few phones by baggage claim that had direct lines to 3 hotels... All full. 😥
Heaven forbid I ask someone for help. Sometimes I need these extreme situations where I *literally* cannot help myself to get me to reach out.
I was messaging a friend, I told him the situation and he immediately offered to help (he works nights, I didn't wake him up at 3am 😅). He called a couple of hotels near PDX and found a opening. I caught an Uber and checked in. 🙏🙏 Thanks Jacob!!! ♥️♥️
I was starting to freak out. I could sleep next to baggage claim? I could ask a stranger to borrow their phone? But everyone was busy trying to get somewhere and I didn't know how many places I'd have to call. There were a few phones by baggage claim that had direct lines to 3 hotels... All full. 😥
Heaven forbid I ask someone for help. Sometimes I need these extreme situations where I *literally* cannot help myself to get me to reach out.
I was messaging a friend, I told him the situation and he immediately offered to help (he works nights, I didn't wake him up at 3am 😅). He called a couple of hotels near PDX and found a opening. I caught an Uber and checked in. 🙏🙏 Thanks Jacob!!! ♥️♥️
I also just realized, the room # I got at the hotel is the same number as my classroom at school 🏫♥️
Looking back on those situations, it doesn't seem like a huge deal. Stuck at the airport. My life wasn't in danger, things just didn't go as I planned. But in those moments, it seems like such a huge deal. It's just comforting to know that even though I hate asking for it, people are willing to help. A pretty poetic message considering the trip I just had. Well friends, rest up. Enjoy your beds. And go on that adventure. Because you learn from these things and it's worth it.
Looking back on those situations, it doesn't seem like a huge deal. Stuck at the airport. My life wasn't in danger, things just didn't go as I planned. But in those moments, it seems like such a huge deal. It's just comforting to know that even though I hate asking for it, people are willing to help. A pretty poetic message considering the trip I just had. Well friends, rest up. Enjoy your beds. And go on that adventure. Because you learn from these things and it's worth it.