Cheap Airfares and $100/night Rate

My daughter has a friend who decides to go someplace last minute. It's late Friday. She gets online. Finds an incredible last-minute offer for airfare. Books that. Then looks for a place to stay, checking out all the last-minute deals. Finds a bargain, because there are always bargains to be found. Hops on a plane late Friday night and is sitting on the beach of a luxury resort in Hawaii when the sun comes up on Saturday. (She also has a very fine room at the resort, in case you were wondering.)

My instincts always told me this is not how you travel cheap. I was wrong. I only know this now, rather late in life, that you can do something exciting and fun and not get punished for it! The math is simple. Airlines and condo owners like to fill up their bookings. When cancellations mess with their bottom line, a last-minute bargain is born. Last-minute travel may not be everyone's adventure, it can be tricky, but for those who dare to catch-as-catch-can, it can save big. 

Right now, today, you can book a flight from Oakland to Maui on Nov. 27 for $250/RT. Our Beachside Maui Condo is available for 5 days, Nov. 27 to Dec. 1, at $100/night...a last-minute steal! Wait for it...say until March 1...and you'll be paying up to $800 RT and $155/night. Same plane. Same condo. That's a pretty incredible difference.

Nowhere But Maui…September 2012 Calendar of Events

We've been beachcombing...not on the seashore, where you might expect, but on the internet. Our quest has been to find something you might enjoy doing if you happen to be visiting Maui in September. We looked for things that are unique to the island. Forgive the sand we've tracked indoors...we hauled in everything we could find. Our collection includes September events for marathon runners, world-class swimmers and all the rest of us who can’t resist a good festivity. You won’t find these events anywhere else but Maui.

Every Friday, 2012 – Maui Friday Town Parties

Place: 1st Fri. of the month – Wailuku  /  2nd Fri. – Lahaina  /  3^rd Fri. – Makawao  /  4^th Fri. – Paia, Maui

Event Details: Maui County Office of Economic Development, (808) 270-7710, economic.development@mauicounty.gov

Maui Friday Town Parties celebrate art, music and Maui culture with free entertainment and merchant Friday-night only special offerings and promotions. It’s a safe, fun community-minded way to kickoff the weekend and enjoy Maui’s small-town ambience. After a day in the sun, you can shop under the stars with retailers, galleries and boutiques open for extended hours. Crafters, artisans and culinary artists add their creative touches to the event. Attendees have a great night out while also supporting the local economy and revitalizing historic Maui.

Aug. 31 – Sept. 2  —  Kaanapali Fresh

Location and Schedule details @ http://kaanapalifresh.com/

Reservations required.

Costs vary from $395/person for an all-inclusive package to $42/person for a champagne brunch.

A three-day celebration brings Kaanapali resorts together to savor the bounty of Maui in a first-time annual event. Sample chefs’ menus, learn about Grown-on-Maui products with Maui’s farmers, savor the beauty of Kaanapali, play on the beach, and simply enjoy the rich history of the land. The event marks the 50^th anniversary of Kaanapli’s famed golf course, which has hosted the likes of Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Billy Casper, Chi Chi Rodrigues, Jan Stephenson and Amy Alcott in numerous Champions Tours and LPGA events. It’s your turn to spend a weekend playing golf like the pros, enjoy headliner entertainment and get a taste of the fresh Hawaiian cuisine dished up by Kaanapali’s award-winning chefs.

Sat., Sept. 1 — Maui Channel Swim: Lanai to Maui

Finishes at Kaanapali Beach Hotel

Event Details @ http://www.mauichannelswim.com/

Billed as “The Only Masters Inter-island Relay Race in the World,” the channel swim pits master –level swimmers against the swift currents and high winds of the Lanai to Maui channel.  Americans and Australian relay teams have developed a rivalry, but conditions in the channel mean that favorites in the race aren’t always winners.  In a relay with six swimmers per team, starting on the island of Lanai, the approximately 9.9 miles long race finishes at Kaanapali Beach Hotel. It takes three to four hours for top-placing swimmers to complete.

Sat., Sept. 15 – Maui to Molokai Canoe Race

D. T. Fleming Beach Park to Kaunakakai, Moloka'i (26 miles)

Event Details: Rick Nuu at Hawaiian Canoe Club - 808-283-1585. More @ http://holoholo.org/wahine/

A chance to see a great outrigger canoe warm up/pre-race for the Na Wahine O Ke Kai  (women’s championship) and Molokai Hoe (men’s championship).

Sun., Sept. 16, 5:30 am — 42^nd Annual Maui Marathon and Half Marathon

Marathon starts at Queen Kaahumanu Center, Kahului, ends at Weston Maui Resort and Spa, Kaanapali Beach

Event Details @ http://www.mauimarathonhawaii.com/

With 17 miles of oceanfront, the Maui Marathon is one of the most scenic and popular marathons in the world. No wonder the event attracts runners from every corner of the globe. The marathon starts in Kahului, follows Rt. 380 to Maalea Bay, then heads along the coastline following Rt.. 30 to Lahaina. The Sunday morning marathon and half marathon are just part of multiple events planned for Maui’s 42^nd anniversary celebration. The marathon is preceded on Sat., Sept. 15, by Maui Tacos 5K Run/Walk, and Run Forrest Run Front Street Mile.

Thurs. – Sun., Sept. 27 - 30  — Maui Fair

War Memorial Complex, Wailuku

Event Details @ http://www.mauifair.com/2012/entertainment/

This annual Hawaiian-style carnival fair features rides, food, live entertainment, crafts, games and livestock.

Fri. Sept. 28th, 6:00 pm - 12 am, 2012 – Benefit for Maui Birds

Maui Brewing Company, Kahana Gateway Shopping Center, West Maui

Event Details: Laura Berthold, (808) 573-0280,laura@mauiforestbirds.org

Have an award-winning local brew at Maui Brewing Company and help out Maui’s threatened bird population while you’re at it. The fundraiser is for the Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project. Half of the sales from the night's pints go to bird research on the island. Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project is a research organization dedicated to the recovery of Maui's native forest birds, which are facing extinction due to habitat loss and introduced species. The Maui Brewing Company is a sustainable business with flavorful brews made on Maui. 

Maui's Sugar Cane Train: Fun with our Grandson and, Surprise, Us Too!

We love trains and old things, so when our daughter suggested we join her and our 3-year-old grandson for a ride on the Sugar Cane train we didn't hesitate. http://www.sugarcanetrain.com/

We'd passed the Sugar Cane train by every other visit. There's just too much good scenery on Maui to think a train ride along the roadway would be something we'd enjoy more than other forms of sightseeing. The set up might look a bit rag tag, but it's an old, historic train. Its beat up nature is part of its charm.

Maybe you just have to have a 3-year-old with you to get how fun it can be to rock along a track and listen to the sound of a railroad engine, the clatter of metal underneath your feet, squeaks and squeals, the open air cars where you have to keep your hands and head inside to avoid being slapped in the face by shrubbery. You definitely don't take the ride for the scenery, but we did see a part of Maui we'd never checked out before.

Other reviewers of the train have complained about a train route that takes them past cluttered backyards. For me, this was not a bad thing, rather a chance to see some part of life in Hawaii that’s not in the tour books. I was struck by how self-sufficient these aging residential and commercial neighborhoods seemed to be. Owners use every square-inch of land, right up to the track bed, and every castaway scrap of wood, metal or other material has value when you live on an island. We saw flourishing vegetable gardens, a secluded, shady patio or two, mostly made from scrap materials, and yes, some junk collections that looked to have been left to rot back into the soil for several more decades. There are those who know how to make the best of what they have and that’s what interested me, what I saw and celebrated.

At one point the train travels across a pretty impressive chasm. The bridge spanning it looked ancient, rickety and scary. It was a kick to travel across and a relief to arrive safely on the other side. Way more fun than a Disney-version of the same thing because, heck, we felt like we really could fall to our deaths. Let me be quick to add that overall we felt safe enough and the railroad operators were conscientious about ensuring our safety throughout the 40-minute trip. It can’t be an easy-thing to keep this old railroad “alive." We saw lots of hustle and bustle in the background by operators and crew to suggest they take pride in what they do.

 The ride ended at an old railroad station in Lahaina, something it did our hearts good to see preserved. Along the way, a guide gave us some history we wish we could have heard more clearly. A better speaker system might help. We were having too much fun with our grandson to pay enough attention to much else. I'm sure the history was interesting and sorry we missed it this time. But then I have a feeling we might do this again on a next trip to Maui...even without our grandson.

For West Maui Travelers: Groceries and Getting There!

Following are tips for travelers who have had a long plane ride, possibly unfamiliar with Maui, anxious to get settled into their lodgings, and probably hungry, thirsty, tired and excited. Grocery stores are listed in the order you will find them on your drive from the airport to West Maui. NOTE: Not all are open 24 hours or everyday. They are truly on the way as you drive to the Royal Kahana. Directions lead to the Royal Kahana...Welcome!

West Maui and the Royal Kahana are about a 45-minute drive from Kahului Airport (OGG).

The following grocery stores are on the way when you leave the car rental area next to the airport.

Take Keolani Street (380).

1) COSTCO address, hours and directions at website

http://www.costco.com/warehouse/locationtemplate.aspx?warehouse=119

Costco is the first market you’ll find, not more than 10 minutes from the airport and car rental area.

It will be on your LEFT, BEFORE YOU REACH DIARY RD AND HANA HWY (36).

We missed the Costco sign, first time, but spotted the K-Mart that shares the shopping area. Costco’s prices in Maui are virtually identical to the mainland. Hope you’ve got a membership card.

One caution. This Costco does not take credit cards, only debit cards and cash.

2) Down to Earth, All Vegetarian, Organic and Natural

305 Dairy Rd.,
Kahului, HI 96732

Store Hours: 7:00 am - 9:00 pm, Mon-Sat; 8:00 am - 8:00 pm, Sun

Just a few minutes from Costco, on the RIGHT. 

http://www.downtoearth.org/

You’ll still be on 380. Continue on 380 to the 30. Turn left at the last traffic signal, onto the 30, which leads north to Lahaina.

3) Lahaina Cannery Mall

Safeway (open 24 hours)

About 35-minutes after you’ve left the airport. Highway 30 is now Hanoapiilani Road  and you will have traveled past all kinds of wonderful beaches and ocean views. You may notice signs saying you’re in Lahaina. The Cannery is a little further, about another 5 minutes at the north end of town, still on 30. Turn LEFT at the signal on Kapuna St. to enter the parking lot. 

http://www.lahainacannery.com

4) Times Market

3350 Lower Honoapiilani Rd.

Lahaina, HI 96761

Store Hours: 5 am to 2 am

You’ll have to leave Highway 30, but not by far, to reach the Times Market that serves the Kannapali area. Turn left from Highway 30 (Hanoapiilani Rd) to Lower Hanopaiilani Rd. There’s a signal at this corner. The street veers right and straightens out. It’s just after this turn that you will see the market and shopping center on your right.

Here’s a Yelp link to Times Market with comments comparing prices, inventory and quality among the most popular West Maui’s grocery stores.

http://www.yelp.com/biz/times-supermarket-lahaina

Congratulations…you’re almost to the Royal Kahana and Unit 106, where you’ll be staying. Just RETURN TO HIGHWAY 30 and travel another 6 minutes, about 2 miles. Turn LEFT at the signal onto Hoohui Rd. Follow Hoohui to the end, one block. Turn RIGHT onto Lower Hanoapiilani. The entry to the Royal Kahana will be the first driveway you see on the LEFT. Hooray!!!! You made it!!!!

If you want to skip the groceries for a day, you can still find food items across the street at Whaler’s General Store in the Kahana Gateway Shopping Center. They have a selection of fresh food as well as dairy and other grocery, beverage and personal items. Their hours are from 6:30 am to 11 pm.

We hope you enjoy your stay!

Rick and Darlene Norwood

Not to be missed...Beachside Maui Condos Top Travel Picks

Here's why we love Maui. When you arrive at the airport, you're bound to see departing tourists. Bags packed. Tickets in hand. Wistful smiles on their faces as they watch you arrive. Catch their eye for a second and it’s a pretty sure bet they’ll say,  "I don't want to leave!" No matter how long they've been there, from a few days to a few months, they don’t feel ready to go.  So our first thing to tell you is, don't worry that you'll miss having a wonderful time no matter where you go and what you do in Maui. There are no wrong choices because there is truly something in the air that makes you melt and be happy from the minute you step off the plane.

Our personal list of must-sees:

Kapalua Bay and Napiili are just a couple miles up the road (north) from the condo. You can snorkel in both bays. http://www.hawaiisnorkelingguide.com/kapalua_bay.html There's snorkel gear (masks, fins) for two in our closet for your use...try it out first at the beach at the Outrigger. It may not fit as well as you'd like. If you want or need to rent something better, Boss Frogs is just up the street at Kahana Manor shopping center. http://www.bossfrog.com/kahana-shop.php They rent all kinds of gear. Napiili has a popular Gazebo restaurant that serves what many consider to be the island's best breakfast. http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g60634-d404362-Reviews-Gazebo_Restaurant_at_Napili_Shores-Lahaina_Maui_Hawaii.html Usually there's a line out the door, so best to arrive prepared to wait. Kapalua is one of the world's most beautiful spots. A scenic OMG! Last time we were there, a tourist stopped us as we were lugging our gear from the parking lot to the beach, just to glory in the moment. “Isn’t this the absolute most gorgeous place you’ve ever seen!” he said. It would be a rare visit to Kapaula not to hear this from someone who can’t believe their eyes.

For sheer beautiful, you also should see the Iao Valley. http://www.hawaiiweb.com/Maui/iao-valley-needle.html It's a bit of a drive, but the fog-shrouded scenery there is absolutely otherworldly and breathtaking. Ditto for Hana, which is on the other side of the island and will take you a day to see. http://www.mauiinformationguide.com/road-to-hana.php/ It's definitely worth the trip with secluded beaches, a reconstructed native Hawaiian village, waterfalls, and quaint little communities. Hana is the rainy side of the island and its beaches and natural features are unique...very different from West Maui's scenery. 

Upcountry is another special area we enjoy exploring over and over. We loved taking an early morning bike ride down the side of Haleakala. http://www.nps.gov/Hale/index.htm There are tours that will pick you up at the condo and drive you to the volcano's summit to watch the sunrise, then provide you with all the gear to bike down the steep slopes after. We have to add that our son and daughter-in-law recently did the bike ride and had some bad experiences with other bikers who didn't follow the rules. The upcountry (slopes of Haleakala) are unique, and biking , hiking or horseback riding there gives you a way to appreciate a very different Maui than you see along the shore.  

We have taken the ferry over to Molokai and enjoyed that quite a bit. It's definitely off the beaten path. But it's been quite a few years since we did this. At the time there was a wonderful resort over there...part cowboy ranch, part Hawaiian retreat, with a plantation style decor and airiness that we found irresistible. It's since changed hands and we've no idea what you'll find in its place. For the most part, Molokai is arid, not nearly so lush as Maui. It's remoteness, the distances you need to drive to get from place to place, it's history as a leper colony, all work against it's being everybody's favorite. Still, if you want a unique experience, Molokai might appeal to you. You will feel miles away from the rest of the world there.

For local spots, we just discovered Dollies, on our last visit. http://dolliespizzakahana.com  It's a pub just up the street from the condo in the Kahana Manor shopping center. Nothing fancy, but the food is good, the drinks are better, and the prices are relatively easy on the pocket book. We'd passed it by, but kept hearing people talk about it. The place is friendly and lively. Directly across the street from the condo, the Gateway Shopping Center has a pretty good little coffee place, Hawaiian Village Coffee. http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g60634-d535948-Reviews-Hawaiian_Village_Coffee-Lahaina_Maui_Hawaii.html Usually they have a stream of customers, inside, or at the tables outside. The Maui Brewing Company, also at the Gateway center, offers locally brewed, award-winning beer, and a menu that features $5 mini-burgers with blue cheese topping that are filling and yum! Check out their ice-bar and get a flight of beers to pick your favorite.  http://www.mauibrewingco.com/

 We love early morning beach walks and you can take one right out the condo's backdoor. The strand of beach pretty much ends at the Outrigger Royal Kahana but it does extend about 1/4 mile south to a local park. At the park, you can reconnect with Lower Hanopiilani Rd. and walk through the neighborhoods about another 2 miles to a local Farmer's Market across from from the Honokowai Beach Park. It is open MON, WED, and FRI, 7-11 am. http://www.bestofmauiguide.com/FarmersMarket.html

You’ll find perfectly ripe pineapple, a local banana variety that’s compact and slightly different tasting than what you might be accustomed to, mangoes, papayas, oranges, lemons, avocados, and other fruits and vegetables in season. Samples are provided and light eaters can fill up for free. Do not pass by the chance to buy some fresh ears of Maui corn. It’s out of this world sweet and delicious! You’ll also find yummy, freshly baked bagels in a variety of flavors including pineapple and coconut along with the usual multigrain, cheese and plain favorites. Cheese and other Hawaiian-influenced spreads, sauces and condiments are also available for sale and for tasting.

 The concierge in the lobby at the Royal Kahana offers a free service to guests to find and book most of the "big" tourist attractions on Maui. We get that you might not want to do everything everyone else does (we're a lot like you in that) but we do have to say that some of our best times on Maui have been doing the normal tourist things. For instance, there are some worthwhile snorkeling/diving boat adventures and just some sightseeing boat tours that will get you out on the ocean to see the island "whole." The island, as seen from the ocean, is a perspective we definitely would regret missing and the BEST tours will be the most popular because they do things really well. The concierge will have the latest information on these and probably can direct you to a lot of the local things we've missed. We'd just encourage you to talk to the concierge and get some recommendations there.