Maui: Vacations

At one point it was hard work. There was a time when every dollar I spent was a dollar I didn’t have. A time when good food consisted of a corn dog from the local 7-11. A time when the closest thing I had to a stereo was two car alarms going off on both sides of my studio apartment.

But I finally made it. I hit the big time. My worries began to consist of whether or not to take the Yacht out in the late afternoon. Whether or not to drive the Lamborghini Diablo to the mall or slum it in the Cadillac Escalade. And whether or not my wife is going to be ogled by college kids while my sons drive through the streets in their custom made AMV’s.

I was at the point where I tipped 20′s to baristas just to make my wallet lighter. I bet thousands at the races on the horse with the limp, just to laugh hysterically as everyone stared at the only guy brave enough to cheer for the horse that came in dead last.

I had nothing I didn’t own, nothing I couldn’t buy. And, once that happened, nothing that could make me happy. Without value, my possessions became meaningless. It was more painful to look at them than it was to purchase them. I gave away most of my belongings to friends and family, and sold the rest to whoever asked me for them.

With my family (always supportive) in tow, I searched for that little bit of meaning I had lost. Back before I had money, I used to cherish the corn dogs that constituted a “healthy” meal. Now a bite of even the most expensive Italian cuisine was meaningless.

And so, with nothing left to buy, I decided to take to traveling. I thought that leaving my surroundings and enjoying a change in environment would help my regain my soul, but I found that the appeal of most vacations spots was nothing but more materialism. France was nothing if you could not enjoy the food. Asia had its trinkets that made it special, and that specialness was lost on me. Even the landmarks in Italy seemed like nothing more than large structures. I owned large structures. I did not need to see large structures.

It appeared that traveling was ineffective. My stress was beginning to rub off on my family, as they began to stay inside, rarely finding any of their own joys in our traveling adventures. It looked like this would be the way I would spend the rest of my life.

That is, until I found Maui.

When I stepped off the plane and onto Maui’s soft, warm sand, I could tell this place was different. It seemed that even the sun was pleased to be there. The scent of the air was as wonderful as its beauty, and the wind was as calm as its inhabitants.

Although we had several suitcases full of clothing, it appeared that all the clothes we needed could have fit into a single backpack. A pair of shorts, sandals, and the occasional shirt were all I needed to enjoy the Hawaiian sun. My wife found herself wearing nothing but a bikini and a skirt, even in the evening. It was as though materialism was inexistent, because in Maui, less was more.

We stayed at an amazing hotel in Wailea, but we could have slept outside and been equally as comfortable. The air was crisp and comforting no matter what the hour, and even my kids found themselves up all hours of the night, because the only difference between night and day was a light blanket of darkness.

In Maui, I finally felt renewed. Material goods were not only unnecessary, they were a nuisance. I slept well for the first time in years thanks to the soothing comfort of the ocean waves. In Maui, I managed to recapture the appreciation for what I had – a great family, a great life, and the ability to enjoy my surroundings.

My family and I canceled our return trip for almost a month before we decided it was time to head back. But I guarantee we will be going back soon. Though I won’t guarantee we will make the return trip.

Volker Weiss – Maui Realtor(R/S) specialist focusing on Wailea and Makena real estate. To conquer their frustration, successful people have purchased oceanfront property in Maluhia at Wailea. For immediate help with unbearable frustration call VW directly at 888.572.6888

Jack Blacksmith regularly produces online reports on issues dealing with car hire at malaga airport. With his writings on rental cars at malaga airport the columnist expressed his capability in the field.

There are tons of places to see on Maui and sure there are alot of “bussed” sightseeing tours.  Don’t bother with them though!  If you really want to see Maui, do it on your own terms.  It’s really not that big of an island and if you just grab a good book on “things to do on Maui,” a full tank of gas and a day per side of the island, you will be good to go.

Here are some places you absolutly need to see though.
Makena – Drive all the way out until the road ends.  It is erie to drive through a lava field (Stop by Big Beach on the way out!!)

Lahaina – Big-ol-tourist trap.  But even us locals get sucked in… But seriously, there is alot to do and see in Lahaina.  Go see it!

Twin Falls – Who wouldn’t want to see some beautiful waterfalls?  They aren’t even that far off the road!

Paia – HippyFest.  Nah, but its a fun town.  There is a ton of good food there!  Oh and make sure you stop by Ho’okipa (check your guide book. )

Anyway, there are tons of other places to go, but those are just a few I recommend.

I just liked this picture.  It is taken from the “really really old” Lahaina Pali road. (The super twisty broken one that has the chain fence hanging from it (for those of you that live here.)

This is one hell of a hike, it starts after the “tunnel” and takes you all the way up to the windmills.  Its amazing!

Here is a picture taken from Front Street, Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii of the “Maui Marathon 2007.”  I don’t know how these people do it!

Maui Mall Megaplex is located at 70 E Kaahumanu Ave # A, Kahului, Maui, Hawaii and has 12 screens.

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The popcorn is great and the seats are very comfortable. This is our newest, biggest and most comfortable theater on the island! Be warned though, tickets will cost you about $9 a pop (though it’s about the same on the rest of Maui.) This theater gets most of the “big hype” movies and is well worth the drive from other parts of the island.

Kaahumanu Theater has 6 screens and is located at 275 Kaahumanu Avenue, Kahului, Maui HI 96732

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The popcorn is ‘alright’ and the seats are decent. It is an older theater, but it our second largest. If Maui Mall Megaplex does not have the movie you’re looking for it will more than likely be here. Be sure to check the Maui movie schedules before you leave for Kahului though!

I was out diving and I snapped this shot of the West Maui Mountains. The water started getting a little choppy which killed the dives visibility unfortunately. This reef is beat up, its still a great dive but I think I will stick to some of the other shore lines or maybe head further south. Didn’t catch anything worth keeping this time around… maybe next time.

This is a little off track but I was looking up the “Lahaina Pali Trail” (Na Ala Hele) and ran across this blog.  There are some great pictures but the comments are what I was laughing at.  It’s amazing how “knowledgeable” they all are   I got a kick out of it.

We have a bunch of theaters here on Maui. Keep in mind though, Maui Mall is by far the nicest and is easiest on your back! (Great seats!)

For Maui movie listings be sure to check out Maui Cheetah

Kukui Mall Theater

Kukui Mall is an older theater but is located conveniently in Kihei (for south side movie goers.) Decent popcorn, painful seats!
Get Directions!

Maui Mall Megaplex

Maui Mall Megaplex is located at the Maui Mall in Kahului. It is our largest and most comfortable theater here on Maui and has great popcorn!
Get Directions!

Ka’ahumanu Center Theater

Ka’ahumanu Theater is located at Ka’ahumanu Center in Kahului. This is an older theater but they usually have the movies that Maui Mall Megaplex does not. As for the popcorn? Bring your own…
Get Directions!

Oh, and prepare to spend $9 per ticket, $4 per soda, and $6 per bag of popcorn.