Maui - our trip...
November 19th 2007 11:00
I’ve decided that seeing it has taken me so long to get around to writing anything about our trip, I’m going to break it up into the main three stages of the holiday: Hawaii, America and England. I realise that Hawaii is part of the US, but it felt different so I’m going to treat it as a separate component. I guess if this first instalment bores you, then you won’t read the next three, but I’ll take that risk.
Anyhoo, we started in Maui. I know it might not be that exciting to you, but I slept all the way there from Sydney. I was pleased as I usually have insomnia at home, so how I managed to sleep for eleven hours in a shoe box is a mystery and a kicker behind me, but that’s what happened. Of course, I woke up for food; I needed the sustenance to keep sleeping.
Just to let you know, I don’t have the greatest memory for remembering the official names of monuments or important landmarks, so I may just describe my reactions. I’m a bit of a forgetful traveller. I revel in the sights, breathe its essence in, but I won’t necessarily retain the details such as how old the site is, how it originated or things like that. Yes, I could look them up in the Bible (The Holy Lonely Planet), and if I can be bothered I will. We’ll see how we go. The parts where I do show an impressive amount of exact knowledge means I either asked Rich or looked in the book. My husband is a walking encloypaedia of knowledge which probably adds to my laziness for remembering things (any old excuse for me).
Also, I’m just going to tell you bits and pieces, if I were to tell you the whole holiday, it would be lengthy, tedious for you and exhausting for me. So, this is a snap shot of our journey.
So, back to it, we landed in Maui in the morning of the same day we left, thanks to the International Date Line. I like having that opportunity to experience the same time twice. It’s always good for working out which version of time you prefer
It took a while for us to finally board our flight to Maui. The view of the islands’ various rising ranges from active volcanoes was incredible. Once at landed in Maui we collected our luggage and picked up our rental car. Rich was in charge of driving, as because of some of my medical problems, I wasn’t able to drive, which I have to admit, felt strange. So my role was primary navigator, which I’m not brilliant at doing. My philosophy when driving around in Sydney is that you get to where you want to eventually, all roads leads to it. I do realise though it’s not always the efficient way of journeying and it’s not for everyone. So I sat back, trued to read the map and say supportive, encouraging things to Rich as he learnt to drive on the other side of the road. He did well, in fact he was great. There were times when I was confused and I was just the passenger.
We found our holiday unit, checked in and collapsed into bed. Even though I had slept the whole flight, I was still exhausted. After our nap we headed out into the balmy night to find food. We found a burger place next door to our accommodation, we didn’t venture far that night. We were both slightly apprehensive about the food and its fat/sugar content because as soon as we mentioned to friends that we were off to the States, the common warning was ‘size control’, so we were prepared or maybe scared. The food was decent; I think you always learn a lot about different cultures through their food and telly (that’s my excuse for watching some rubbish). To me, it’s all anthropological research.
We then found a local corner/tourist shop where we tried to interpret the sugar and fat content of the back of the food products so that we could minimise our fat/sugar intake. It wasn’t easy as they have a different system to us. So we just gave in and picked what we liked the look of and wanted to sample.
We went back to the unit and flicked and watched their 70 channels, including, ‘What not to wear’ where the presenters/fashion gurus did half-arsed job of a wardrobe change on a nervous girl whom they derided for having ‘poor dress sense’, (she did have crap taste, but the way they communicated it was blunt to the point of mocking). But that’s one of the elements of reality telly isn’t it? The shock value, aimed at keeping viewers involved. This wide choice of channels gave us a fascinating vacuous amount of content. Our justification was that we were on holiday and it’s good to trial all aspects of a new culture, again back to the anthropological research philosophy.
The next day, we drove to Haleakala Crater. This is apparently the world’s largest dormant volcano with its last eruption in the 1790s. It officially begins about 6km under the ocean and extends 3km high. In fact, the island was once a lot higher and over double the land mass, but erosion has worn it down. That makes sense, sometimes I feel a bit eroded myself. The first lookout was particularly spectacular with that feeling of being the only person on that spot of land. Ahead of us was a view of the of the red and black cones of Haleakala and in the background the ocean 3km below, it was stunning, so incredible we didn’t talk...we simply stood there and looked. Sometimes you don’t need words...
We continued to the top with more views of Halekala, as well as the Big Island of Hawaii (where the active volcano of Kilauea is). One other site up here was the observatory, although not as famous as Mauana Kea, it’s still highly rated as having the fourth best observatory conditions in the world. After a few more striking lookouts overlooking the setting sun we made the slow drive back, stopping for dinner at Kieki.
The next day, we drove to Haleakala Crater. This is apparently the world’s largest dormant volcano with its last eruption in the 1790s. It officially begins about 6km under the ocean and extends 3km high. In fact, the island was once a lot higher and over double the land mass, but erosion has worn it down. The first lookout was particularly spectacular with that feeling of being the only person on that spot of land. Ahead of us was a view of the of the red and black cones of Haleakala and in the background the ocean 3km below, it was stunning, so incredible we didn’t talk...we simply stood there and looked. Sometimes you don’t need words...
We drove back out of the forest/valley and headed next to Lahain, the old whaling town. We drove along the coast around Wets Maui and the Puúkukui volcano. After a while we arrived at Albanian, an elegant old town; its quaint main street was full of old buildings, shops and houses with a tranquil mood. We walked along the waterfront, watched the sun set and enjoyed the early evening breezes over dinner at a pictures old pub/hotel on the waterfront. After dinner, we strolled along the main street, gloriously lit up.
With an unusual decision of spontaneity, as it was expensive, we booked a helicopter ride for the next day around Hana and over the volcano. The experience was unforgettable. We learnt about the island, its agriculture, which famous people had houses here (e.g. Oprah, groan, that woman is everywhere), variations in island rainfalls and of course the volcano.
We saw streams that were originally lava tubes, deep ravines, past volcano flows, spectacular waterfalls dense and untouched rainforest and the windy road to Hana. Unfortunately there was 85% cloud cover on Haleakala meaning visibility was very poor. The immense rainforest was astonishing; apparently the terrain was so rugged that most of it is unexplored. Unfortunately, the ride was extremely bumpy and I held the sick bag more tightly than I ever had before on any other journeys. But aside from that, it was an adventure to relish.
We ended our trip in Hawaii with a day and night in Wakiki (and yes all that was in my head were Beach Boys songs). Things didn’t go quite how we wanted them too, which is OK as it was a holiday (if I wanted a regime, I would’ve been working), so we ended up with 8 hours to spare in the broiling heat after seeing all we wanted to see.
After the tranquillity of Maui, Waikiki was a bit too touristy and populated for me. So...and please try not to judge me too unkindly for this next decisions...we saw The Nanny Diaries. We needed to escape the heat, rest our bums and kill some time. So there you are, a tacky film was seen. And...We both quite enjoyed it. It was what it was, Hollywood, formulaic fluff with some snippets of life issues in it.
And that was the end of this holiday chapter. Next is LA, Vegas and New York....
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Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Was it Trinny and Susannah on What Not To Wear? Because they really are bitches - but I'm addicted to watching it.
I've never been in a helicopter but I really want to. I don't get travel sick at all usually so I think I'd do OK.
Can't believe you saw The Nanny Diaries. I didn't even like those books, which is saying something! Usually I can handle a fair bit of trash and fluff. It was Julia Roberts' niece yes? How did she go?
Looking forward to the next instalment Tracy!
Michaelie
Comment by katyzzz
Photography Tips
Health Focus
Poetry Lighthouse
MS Paint Art
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
I know what you mean about the film...but in my defence, it was either that or Superbad or some other worse rubbish!! It was hot, we were so tired, it was a pleasure to sit and be fluffed out. But...some bits were OK, I have to admit it!!
I didn't know that it was Julia's niece...interesting...
Yes, it was Trinny and Susannah on What Not To Wear? Yes, they're so catty and condescending. They know their stuff but I can’t watch them!
Byeee
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Byeeee
Comment by Cibbuano
20/20 Filmsight
Science News
Hunt Famous
Orble Post of the Day
Fat Cult
Techbreak
Comment by Techno
Geeky Blog
Comment by Krystal
feelings
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
We didn't see all the islands and as beautiful as Maui is, I think Australia is more beautiful.
Tracy
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
I also love Australia (originally from the UK), but I love travelling.
Tracy
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Comment by Miswanderlust
Killer Beats
Ramble On
Hipnotherapy
Thanks for the travel log! Enjoyed it so much! Magnifique! I am so jealous......
Mis
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Good to see you here,glad you enjoyed the journey,
Tracy
Comment by Holly Go Lightly
Movie Mage
Just l'il ole Holly, that's me.
Do you serve food with all your posts, maybe I should too. I'm Just soooo hungry, but I've got to be slim, for the movies, you know.
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
You're from Maui? Gosh...it's beautiful.
I'm afraid I don't serve food with my posts...wish I could though...
Nice to meet you, Hollly,
Byeee
Comment by Ash
Australian Traveller
Flashes of memories
Oh my word I`m so jealous - what a great start to your trip. Those photos are amazing I can only imagine what it must have been like standing there and seeing it all.
Looking forward to the next installment of your travels.
Ash
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Thanks, it was a great holiday. Some of the views were spectacular, we just stood there and tried to absorb it all.
Good to see you,
Tracy