"Aloha Nui Loa...Fondest Regards...Much... " a Maui Travel Page by keida84

October 2008: Signs of recession and tight purse strings were quite evident on this recent trip to the islands. When we landed at Maui International (OGG) there were no signs directing us to the luggage carousel to retrieve our belongings. Furthermore employees were scarce as well and often not well informed. We asked this gentleman where to retrieve our bags, he stopped looked at us and said "just pick one and sooner or later you'll find the right one."

The recession was also noted by a drop of 18% to 20% in tourism, stated a local guide. When we returned to OGG to fly home we discovered that the flight we were suppose to take was nowhere on the departure screens in the 1 or 2 kiosks that worked. Luckily we happened upon a woman who had a clipboard with what it seemed to be a flight manifesto. She directed us to the correct flight. She made no real effort to be seen and it was only when we looked a bit harried that she called out to us. We had to go back through the agricultural scan which was no big deal.

Now let me tell you Maui is and continues to be a lovely island to visit. We had a spacious condo in Kihei, used miles for the flight plus a $10 sur charge and had a wonderful low key no stress kind of week. I love Hawaii and will return many times as I can in the near future.

We had a great time in Maui and the time was all too short. Kris, Kristi, Sally and yours truly drove around, ate and had some great mai tais in various places around the island. The one thing I think really impressed me was Kristi Dabs About 10 days prior to our trip she sprained her ankle badly. Not to be daunted she bravely donned the huge moon boot her MD prescribed for her and boarded a plane with a 7 hour layover in Las Vegas so this made for a very long day of traveling. Though she was frustrated that she could not tour the island like she would have liked to, she still braved the tropical environment the best she could and even tried a bit of snorkeling later in the week.

Please take a look at my Maui pages, they are still under construction but I am working on them. I think you will enjoy some of the tips. Great place for breakfast in Kehei. There is a tip for going up Haleakala (the name means "House of the Sun") and if you like bed and breakfasts, there is a great one in Lahaina, "The Plantation Inn". Make sure you get a flower lei when you arrive, keeping with local custom.

**NOTE**The picture shown here is NOT color enhanced, it was taken by me with my Canon Powershot following the remains of a hurricane that blew through. Please do not use this photo unless authorized by me.

There is so much to see and do on this island. The only thing that can be problematic is the amount of traffic during the "rush hours" 8 to 9am and 4 to 6pm. Oh yes and the constant road work that is going on all over the island at any given time. Barring that you should be able to find some great things to do. Visit the Iao Valley, Take a road trip up past Kapalua to see the Blowhole, take a trip on the "Road to Hana" Attend a free hula presentation by the local hula schools, check out the many snorkeling or sunset cruises offered, sit on your lanai and read a good book, try ziplining or para sailing for those not faint-of-heart. All in all there are many good ways to spend your time.

I was born on June 11, now to many of you that is just another day but in Hawaii it is a state holiday...King Kamehameha I birthday.

King Kamehameha Day is the only ali'i (royalty) holiday established during the monarchy and observed continually since its establishment by royal proclamation in 1871.

So that proves it, I am reincarnated royalty. Well, that is what I am trying to get everyone to realize. Yeah, right!

Well, birthday or not I have always had a special affinity for the Islands and learning about the native Hawaiians and their history holds a special place in my heart.

Another convincing fact that I am re-incarnated royalty is the year Hawaii was admitted to the Union...1959 That was the year I was born!! Coincidence? No...well maybe...okay I am stretching it here. I just would like to have some of that deeded land. I guess its just NOT going to happen.