A dark early morning, raining and cold, off we were to the airport to our long awaited trip to Hawaii. The airport parking lots, shuttles, check in lines et al were packed as it were thanksgiving holidays. Luckily our flights were on time inspite of the busy season and In fact we landed earlier than scheduled at the Kahului (Maui) airport.
The airport was a pleasant surprise with the open ceilings that is rare to find. You walk right out to find the direct view of tropical skyline with warm temperature and cool breeze welcoming you. It was an exciting moment and perfect time to change to flip flops! We couldn't resist the hawaii shirts at the airport shops. Once we got our rental car, off we were to Wailea, about 17 miles which is located at South Maui.
At the Wailea Marriott, the resort was just so exotic with the multi flora , waterfalls and koi ponds, sound of the ocean and chirping birds - a lovely combination to relax. We had decided to stick to the resort that night to experience a luau. It was located at the gardens facing the beach. Just before sunset, there was a lei greeting, the open bar and arts and crafts. There was wood carving of the various tikis (tikis are idols of Gods that protect, bring luck, peace, prosperity, money, strength), a display of traditional extract of coconut milk, lei making, even the earthen oven display. Watching the sunset right at the ocean was just
too lovely. After sunset, the music began, mostly romantic Hawaiian songs and later the dance performances.the hula dances were a lot of fun to watch, with the women dressed in bright colors and their swaying of hips in the catchy music. There was stunt performance by men with fire- I am amazed how many cultures do these similar stunts. Between performances, the hostess would describe the mixed culture of Hawaii which reminded me of a poster at the airport that said we look different, but we smile in the same language. There encouraged any couple to dance just before winding the show, which was fun and sweet.
On our way back, we walked by the beach and we noticed that stars appeared lovely, probably town like life was doing the trick, it felt like we were at a planetarium.
Once back in the room, it was not tough to sleep after the flight, walk and change of time.
The airport was a pleasant surprise with the open ceilings that is rare to find. You walk right out to find the direct view of tropical skyline with warm temperature and cool breeze welcoming you. It was an exciting moment and perfect time to change to flip flops! We couldn't resist the hawaii shirts at the airport shops. Once we got our rental car, off we were to Wailea, about 17 miles which is located at South Maui.
At the Wailea Marriott, the resort was just so exotic with the multi flora , waterfalls and koi ponds, sound of the ocean and chirping birds - a lovely combination to relax. We had decided to stick to the resort that night to experience a luau. It was located at the gardens facing the beach. Just before sunset, there was a lei greeting, the open bar and arts and crafts. There was wood carving of the various tikis (tikis are idols of Gods that protect, bring luck, peace, prosperity, money, strength), a display of traditional extract of coconut milk, lei making, even the earthen oven display. Watching the sunset right at the ocean was just
too lovely. After sunset, the music began, mostly romantic Hawaiian songs and later the dance performances.the hula dances were a lot of fun to watch, with the women dressed in bright colors and their swaying of hips in the catchy music. There was stunt performance by men with fire- I am amazed how many cultures do these similar stunts. Between performances, the hostess would describe the mixed culture of Hawaii which reminded me of a poster at the airport that said we look different, but we smile in the same language. There encouraged any couple to dance just before winding the show, which was fun and sweet.
On our way back, we walked by the beach and we noticed that stars appeared lovely, probably town like life was doing the trick, it felt like we were at a planetarium.
Once back in the room, it was not tough to sleep after the flight, walk and change of time.
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