Three days in Maui

I flew to Maui on Friday for the weekend. People in both Maui and Denver have been laughing at me for taking such long flights (about 7 hours each way) for such a short trip. Although it was a short visit, I got see to my brother and sister-in-law and do some of my favorite things.

My brother picked me up at the airport on Friday afternoon and our first stop was Da Kitchen. I forget to take a picture of my meat mountain of Kalua Pork (at least 12 ounces) with a side salad before I ate it.

There is a nice 5 mile out and back route that I like from my brother’s house along the beach. I did all or part of on Friday, Saturday (twice), and Sunday.

Saturday we walked through the Iao Valley State Park. My brother even agreed to be in a photo with me (this is like a unicorn sighting!) with the Iao Needle in the background.

For dinner on Saturday night, we went to the Hali’imaile General Store – they have great food and an excellent wine list. They always have a new to me Sine Qua Non. Last night I got to try Ratsel (rated 99 and 100!) which was delicious! My brother and his wife each tried a sip (not drinkers) so it was all for me! The restaurant decanted 1/2 the bottle so I could take home the rest.

Sunday morning my sister-in-law let me join her outrigger canoe outing (she races and such). Her paddling coach Malama makes beautiful hand made paddles. I got to borrow one of the very special paddles for our outing. We only did 2 x 20 minute outings in a 6 man outrigger canoe, but there was a lot of wind and bigger swells. I am sure I will feel it tomorrow especially in my core. My sister-in-law Sookie has amazing shoulders, and I suspect this could be one reason why.

My brother lives about a 5 minute walk from a great spot to see the sun sink into the ocean. I caught one last sunset before heading to the airport. All in all, this was a great trip, albeit short!