California and Hawaii – Day Fifteen: A Dash of Charm in the Tropics
Up and At ‘Em in Paradise
Ah, the crack of dawn—a time when sensible folks are dreaming of sugarplums or, in our case, surfing in Maui. But no, not us. We were up, showered, and caffeinated by the unholy hour of 6:15 am. Why, you ask? Because, dear reader, when you’re on holiday, early rising is not a choice; it’s a lifestyle.
Farewell to Kauai: Where Queues Fear Us
Checked out of our temporary love nest, and into an Uber bound for Lihue Airport. Now, here’s a travel nugget: they advised us to get there two hours early because, heaven forbid, there’s only one security line, and it’s not the speediest. Lo and behold, we breezed through like pros in three minutes flat. Of course, Murphy’s Law dictates that if we had arrived fashionably late, chaos would’ve ensued. Why? The universe has a wicked sense of humor.
And can we talk about those security scanners? They’re akin to the ones at Schiphol, where everything stays put in your bag. But, dear Brits, why, oh why, must we unpack our entire lives at airport security? A mystery rivaling the Bermuda Triangle.
Maui, Here We Come: Where Greeters Play Hooky
Touching down at Kahului Airport, on Maui, ahead of schedule—because time bends to our vacation whims. Ready to hop into our pre-ordered shuttle, we were greeted by a lonely note informing us that the greeter was taking an extended coffee break. A call later, enter Jimmy and our private shuttle chariot. No sharing—just us, the breeze, and Jimmy’s wisdom on Maui during the short 30-minute ride.
Ka’anapali Chronicles: Waiting for Rooms and Burning Soles
The Ka’anapali Beach Hotel welcomed us with a pre-check-in tease. Bags dropped, we went exploring—because patience is not a virtue when there’s an island to conquer. A stroll along the beach path led us to a charming shopping area with bars, restaurants, and even a supermarket. Lunch—a tuna salad for me and yogurt for Michele—set the tone for a leisurely day.
But, oh, the beach escapade! Cooling our heels in the surf seemed like poetry until we had to traverse the scorching sands back to the hotel. Michele, in an unexpected sprint, could’ve given Usain Bolt a run for his medals. Lesson learned: sandals are a beach’s best friend. Even the pavement had a vendetta against bare soles, leaving us seeking refuge on the grass.
Room on the Third: Checking Soles and Chilling Out
Room ready, we ascended to the third floor like eager mountain goats. Bags dropped, it was time for the crucial foot damage assessment. Turns out, sandy strolls can be perilous for tender soles.
After a suitable chill-out session in the shade of palm trees by the pool, we were ready to brave the Maui heat again.
Hula Grille and Sunset Dramas: Waiting, Watching, and IPA Sipping
Dinner at Hula Grille was the plan, until we were hit with a reality check— a 75-minute wait. No worries; we turned it into a sport, sipping local IPA beers and lava flows, watching the sun dip below the horizon. Patience rewarded with a spectacular sunset, we finally indulged in a well-deserved meal.
Submarine Shenanigans Await: Tomorrow’s Dive into the Deep
And now, we recline in the room, contemplating the day ahead. A 9:00 am start beckons, and guess what’s on the agenda? A date with a submarine! Because, let’s be honest, what’s a tropical vacation without a plunge into the deep blue?
