Maui--The Magical Isle

The Maui Visitor

Also see:

The Aloha Spirit
The Hawaiian Diet

Maui--the Magical Isle--can change your life.

A friend and I just proved that fact as new Maui visitors this year.

The spectacular beauty of the place, perfect climate and Hawaiian hospitality combine to create a paradise that is like a dream.

Wherever you go after that, you take the beauty and serenity of Maui with you. The experience stays in your head; you try to replicate the native Hawaiian lifestyle and live the Aloha Spirit.

The approach to the island with glimpses of the misty green mountain ridges leaves a lasting magical impression.

We had no preconceived ideas about being there, and the reality exceeded all expectations.

The contrast, on arrival, from our snowy northern climate, to this sunny paradise, chattering mynah birds, swaying palms and the vivid, fire-y color of bougainvillea along the road to our hotel couldn't have been more welcome.

My foodie friend reveled in the fresh and innovative native Hawaiian cuisine and deliciously healthy meals We were spoiled in every possible way, from the cuisine to the amenities, the gorgeous views and the sweetness of the people everywhere we went.

Our first two nights on Maui were at Ka'anapali Beach Hotel, called "The Most Hawaiian Hotel, with welcoming smiles, lei's and friendly service.

Treating guests like family is the philosophy of KBH,  a culturally authentic hotel committed to preserving native Hawaiian traditions. Employees treat guests as members of their own extended family with the result that visitors return year after year.

The mynah birds chattered away on the lawns of the hotel with their plumeria trees dropping fragrant blossoms on the lawn like bestowals from heaven.

Our upstairs room and its lanai at the KBH soon contained vases of the exotic pink and white blossoms, while the fridge held our lei's and the sumptuous fruit platter and blue ribbon pineapple present on arrival.

The employees of KBH, who are exceptionally welcoming, seem to be a true " 'Ohana" (family). The hotel offers classes in Hawaiian culture and customs, including lei-making. For the children ("keiki" pronounced "kay-key"), there is a "Passport for Kids" program with plenty of activities to keep them busy and having fun.

The view from our lanai was spectacular, overlooking the lawns and plumeria trees and lawns, the whale-shaped pool and deck chairs, the Tiki Terrace Restaurant--where the food is "ono" (delicious)--and the ocean, beach and palm trees beyond.

An invitation promptly arrived to meet our gracious hostess for dinner, so we hurriedly changed in time for the sundown torch-lighting ceremony on the beach, with a cliff diver who hurled himself off of Black Rock, the famous promontory nearby, into the waters near the beach.

Then we were treated to a fascinating guided tour of the tropical gardens, along with information about the early Hawaiians' use of the kukui nuts, growing in nearby trees, for light--and their oil--for light.

Hence, the origin of the polished brown kukui nut lei's with which guests receive, symbolizing friendship, enlightenment and wisdom.

A guest returning for a subsequent visit, receives a light-color kukui nut added to the lei--one for each visit.

(Next time...We visit historic Lahaina and attend an island Luau.)

Maui Visitor

Copyright 2006 - The Maui Visitor. All rights reserved.
----to be continued next time----