Ever since our arrival in California, I've had trouble committing to making plans. So when Eddie insisted that he needed a vacation, I agreed we should bite the bullet and plan something. It didn't take long to decide: Maui.
Neither of us had ever been, and Hawaii is super easy from California. So, we booked our tickets and started making plans.
The hardest part turned out to be saying goodbye to the dog. As the sitter went to take him away, he turned back a little confused but then merrily trotted alongside her. I'm convinced he won't want to come home with us as she will take him on daily hikes and adventures with all his little doggo friends. But, we'll cross that bridge when we come to it Saturday.
We splurged and flew first out here. I find that chatting with the flight attendants (and copious drinks) helps my nerves on the flight. I asked the two that were in the front their least favorite route and both answered LAX <-> JFK, which wasn't the least bit surprising. Our pilot wasn't very communicative. We spent an inordinate amount of time sitting on the tarmac waiting for takeoff without a peep from the cockpit. One minute we're sitting, the next it's wheels up. Normally you get a little bit of play-by-play (we're third in line/next in line, etc).
About halfway there we heard from him that we were going to be over some weather that would make the next half hour pretty bumpy. I grabbed Eddie's hand and squeezed it with varying intensity for the duration of the bumps. At one point the flight attendants were advised to stick close to their seats, which always sends my anxiety into overdrive. If they're up and about, I know it isn't that bad. It's when they strap in that makes my butt pucker.
Thanks to some yoga breathing, I made it through - and promptly asked for a cocktail. As we approached land, the flight attendant warned me it would be bumpy and windy coming into Maui. But, bumpy landings don't bother me too much, because I know the torture is almost over. We landed safely and made our way outside into the airport. Which, what?! I was pretty amused by the concept that everything is outside, but I guess it makes sense given the climate. There are also a lot of wild roosters around the airport, which also struck me as strange.
We waited for the Hertz shuttle for what felt like an eternity but finally got our car. The shuttle driver did not give the impression of loving her job. She said mahalo at the end of the trip, but her tone betrayed her.
We made a quick Costco run for sunscreen, champagne, and assorted chocolates for gifts and headed to our hotel.
As another splurge, we're staying at the Four Seasons Maui. I've only been to Hawaii once (Oahu with my sister about 18 years ago), and I was very upset I wasn't greeted anywhere with a lei. Television and movies had lied to me. I thought you landed and immediately were presented with a lei by a dude in a Hawaiian shirt or a lady in a grass skirt. Thankfully, the Four Seasons greets you properly, and I finally got lei'd (hacky joke - I know, and I'm sorry).
The property is beautiful, and the staff is all so friendly. Everywhere we walk, each worker we encounter greets us with an enthusiastic aloha and smile. Our room was ready shortly after our arrival (yay for the Amex fine hotels and resorts early check in benefit), and we did a little exploring of the property.
We got lunch at THE restaurant on property that serves it, which quickly decimated the $100 food and beverage credit that is also included as part of the Amex deal. We both opted for something containing raw ahi tuna (mine was a wrap; his was a poke bowl) and a cocktail while soaking in our ocean view and perfect weather. After, we wandered down to the beach for a little while and then decided to go shopping and procure Hawaiian shirts for Eddie.
There's a little shopping center about a half mile from our hotel, so we walked. The shops are a mix of high end and surfer mall fare (Quicksilver contrasted with Gucci), and we found this local Hawaiian shop called Tori Richard. I have a new obsession. Eddie got some great shirts, and I got two dresses I don't need. I find most women's clothes in Hawaii to either skew mature woman (read: grandmother) or slutty teenager. There isn't much I've found in between. We'll, Tori had me covered. The clothes are vibrant and flattering without making me feel menopausal or pre-pubescent. And worst of all they ship to the mainland tax-free. I'm in trouble...
After shopping we got ready for dinner at a fancy place a friend from college who lives here had recommended called Ka'ana Kitchen. It was phenomenal. We both did a mini tasting menu with wine pairing while enjoying an amazing sunset ocean view.
We ate on the early side, and were back at the hotel by 8:00. Since we'd taken the 7 a.m. flight out of SFO and been up since 1:30 a.m. local time, I was asleep by 8:30.
It was a great first day, and this trip is just what the doctor ordered (except not literally, because I plan to eat and drink to excess).
Neither of us had ever been, and Hawaii is super easy from California. So, we booked our tickets and started making plans.
The hardest part turned out to be saying goodbye to the dog. As the sitter went to take him away, he turned back a little confused but then merrily trotted alongside her. I'm convinced he won't want to come home with us as she will take him on daily hikes and adventures with all his little doggo friends. But, we'll cross that bridge when we come to it Saturday.
We splurged and flew first out here. I find that chatting with the flight attendants (and copious drinks) helps my nerves on the flight. I asked the two that were in the front their least favorite route and both answered LAX <-> JFK, which wasn't the least bit surprising. Our pilot wasn't very communicative. We spent an inordinate amount of time sitting on the tarmac waiting for takeoff without a peep from the cockpit. One minute we're sitting, the next it's wheels up. Normally you get a little bit of play-by-play (we're third in line/next in line, etc).
About halfway there we heard from him that we were going to be over some weather that would make the next half hour pretty bumpy. I grabbed Eddie's hand and squeezed it with varying intensity for the duration of the bumps. At one point the flight attendants were advised to stick close to their seats, which always sends my anxiety into overdrive. If they're up and about, I know it isn't that bad. It's when they strap in that makes my butt pucker.
Thanks to some yoga breathing, I made it through - and promptly asked for a cocktail. As we approached land, the flight attendant warned me it would be bumpy and windy coming into Maui. But, bumpy landings don't bother me too much, because I know the torture is almost over. We landed safely and made our way outside into the airport. Which, what?! I was pretty amused by the concept that everything is outside, but I guess it makes sense given the climate. There are also a lot of wild roosters around the airport, which also struck me as strange.
We waited for the Hertz shuttle for what felt like an eternity but finally got our car. The shuttle driver did not give the impression of loving her job. She said mahalo at the end of the trip, but her tone betrayed her.
We made a quick Costco run for sunscreen, champagne, and assorted chocolates for gifts and headed to our hotel.
As another splurge, we're staying at the Four Seasons Maui. I've only been to Hawaii once (Oahu with my sister about 18 years ago), and I was very upset I wasn't greeted anywhere with a lei. Television and movies had lied to me. I thought you landed and immediately were presented with a lei by a dude in a Hawaiian shirt or a lady in a grass skirt. Thankfully, the Four Seasons greets you properly, and I finally got lei'd (hacky joke - I know, and I'm sorry).
The property is beautiful, and the staff is all so friendly. Everywhere we walk, each worker we encounter greets us with an enthusiastic aloha and smile. Our room was ready shortly after our arrival (yay for the Amex fine hotels and resorts early check in benefit), and we did a little exploring of the property.
We got lunch at THE restaurant on property that serves it, which quickly decimated the $100 food and beverage credit that is also included as part of the Amex deal. We both opted for something containing raw ahi tuna (mine was a wrap; his was a poke bowl) and a cocktail while soaking in our ocean view and perfect weather. After, we wandered down to the beach for a little while and then decided to go shopping and procure Hawaiian shirts for Eddie.
There's a little shopping center about a half mile from our hotel, so we walked. The shops are a mix of high end and surfer mall fare (Quicksilver contrasted with Gucci), and we found this local Hawaiian shop called Tori Richard. I have a new obsession. Eddie got some great shirts, and I got two dresses I don't need. I find most women's clothes in Hawaii to either skew mature woman (read: grandmother) or slutty teenager. There isn't much I've found in between. We'll, Tori had me covered. The clothes are vibrant and flattering without making me feel menopausal or pre-pubescent. And worst of all they ship to the mainland tax-free. I'm in trouble...
After shopping we got ready for dinner at a fancy place a friend from college who lives here had recommended called Ka'ana Kitchen. It was phenomenal. We both did a mini tasting menu with wine pairing while enjoying an amazing sunset ocean view.
We ate on the early side, and were back at the hotel by 8:00. Since we'd taken the 7 a.m. flight out of SFO and been up since 1:30 a.m. local time, I was asleep by 8:30.
It was a great first day, and this trip is just what the doctor ordered (except not literally, because I plan to eat and drink to excess).
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