Maui in December

Kea Lani's Christmas Tree

The last time I was on Maui was in December. A fantastic time to go if you're there early enough to beat the Holiday rush. The pricing is great, the crowds are few and there is still a sense of the Holidays as many of the resorts are in the process or already have their holiday decorations up. I figure, go early to mid December and start your holidays off early so by the time you get home, you are already in that festive holiday mood!
If you're smart, you'll also do quite a bit of your holiday shopping while you're in Hawaii. Think of all the original gifts you can get for the people on your list! For that special someone, create a basket of Hawaiian goodies along with one of our special gift certificates which lets them know they will be going on a Hawaiian getaway!
 The kids love the t-shirts from Hawaii, there are many to choose from but if you shop at the Crazy Shirts, they will either wrap or provide you with complimentary special wrapping for their shirts... their coffee dyed shirts come in a package that looks like fresh roasted coffee and the shirt smells like wonderful Kona coffee! Speaking of Kona coffee, make sure to get several of those since they also make terrific gifts and will last the recipient so every time they enjoy a great cup, they think of you! I happen to enjoy several brands including the Kona flavored coffees... mmmmm! You have a tea lover such as myself, then give them some of the great teas of Hawaii, they come flavored with some of the great fruits of Hawaii like guava and passionfruit!
There really is no bad time to go to the islands of Hawaii and I always make sure to come back with some Hawaii made items but wouldn't it be nice to be able to do your holiday shopping while in Hawaii... you know you're going to shop anyway!
Aloha & A hui ho,
Evalani~

Evalani on Maui~

Just a Short Trip to Maui

Ok, so I had a very quick five day trip to Maui but it was as sweet as the
pineapple that still grows there! If you make it to Maui… or shall I say
when you make to Maui, If you want to snorkel Molokini Crater, go early,
I mean early! The earlier, the less likely you are to be snorkeling in a parking lot
of boats. We had the place to ourselves and it was just beautiful. Also, head to
turtle arches also known as turtle town to be graced by the large Hawaiian green
sea turtles You can also find eagle rays, white tip sharks, if you’re lucky and
the famous humuhumunukunukuapuaa state fish!

If you’re staying on the Lahaina or Kaanapali side or just want to take go out on
the water there, check out sailings to or around Lanai. They have great snorkel
spots and you may get lucky and spot a school of spinner dolphins! I was once snorkeling
off shore and a school swam past, I couldn’t believe how fast, playful and cognizant they
were of us in the water!

Ok all that snorkeling must make you hungry right? If you’re into healthy food and you’re
on a bit of a budget. I highly recommend Down To Earth! They have a full food bar of
vegan food that is so delicious that sometimes I wonder…. how do they make it so ono?!

Also head to Costco right from the airport to get some great fresh fruit, salad and fish
especially if you’re staying in a condo. You can even find ahi and the Hawaiian favorite,
poke which is ahi and scallions, shoyu. Pick up the chocolate & coffee gift souvenirs as
they are inexpensive compared to the shops you’ll find as you walk around. Make sure to
get some for yourself… they are pretty good!

Head to Hula Grill on Kaanapali Beach and order the
crab wontons and fish and chips…trust me when I say this, they are so good! Fish & chips made
with ono fish and a spicy sauce and the wontons you dip into a wasabi sauce. All that and a view
of the ocean at a very moderate price! Go and let me know what you had!