Rain Rain, I Want Sun!

Today I put my rain boots on and it actually made me happy because I realized that spring may actually come. For a few weeks here with all of the snow and negative temperatures, I was convinced I moved to Alaska…I actually think Alaska was warmer.

Anyways, since spring is coming and I am itching for sun, I'm going to throw today back to last May when my brother got married in Hawaii. I don't really know where to start besides explaining that I was on the island of Maui for 2 weeks celebrating love, family, and friendships. Warm weather, palm trees, Mai Tais, and a laid back attitude is what I needed after a stressful senior year.

I have been to Maui, Hawaii (the Big Island), and O'ahu and Maui is my family's favorite. O'ahu is where Pearl Harbor is, however the Wakiki side of the island has a commercial feel to it and I wasn't impressed. The other side of the island is more quiet and a few resorts, including the Disney Resort (for all you parents or Disney lovers!) That side also has the beach where the first scene of Lost was filmed, so that was cool. I was younger when we went to the Big Island and there wasn't much on it. We stayed at the Hilton Waikoloa Village and it was really nice and a lot of fun, perfect for families. My most profound memory of this island was the volcanic eruption which is still flowing today.

Now Maui…pictures would be able to convince someone easily to go there. We stay on the Wailea side and since there are 6 people in my family, we usually rent a condo. This makes it easy for us to hit our favorite restaurants, but also enjoy a nice family meal on the patio looking for turtles and dolphins and the sun sets. In all our trips we have surfed, snorkeled, parasailed, scuba dived, zip lined, wine tasted, saw the sun rise from the top of the volcano, and plenty more. Honestly, just a morning jog or walk down the beach can bring happiness to me while I'm there.









Here our my suggestions for Maui:

Restaurants
-Mama's Fish House (expensive but the best view in the world and delicious food)
-any of Bev Gannon's restaurants (wonderful lady with a inspiring story)
-Tommy Bahamas
-Maui Tacos
-brunch at Grand Wailea (complimentary mimosas!)
-Gazebo Restaurant (breakfast- must get there very early, it is small and fills up quick!)
-Lappert's Ice Cream is to die for
-808 Bistro (they catered the wedding and it was phenomenal)
-Cool Cat Cafe
-Kimo's
-Monkey Pod Kitchen

Things to Do
-Old Lahina Luau is truly the best luau on the island!
-Road to Hana (it is long, but worth it…beautiful water falls and nature)
-if you want to scuba dive, I suggest B&B scuba--amazing guides
-Ulupalakua winery
-spa at Grand Wailea
-veg out on the beach!!!
-shop in Paia

Aloha =)