For the love of Lanai

As a travel planner-  part of my passion for travelling is that it appeals to my needs to explore and do things I have never done. On my recent vacation to Maui, I decided to visit the Island of Lanai. Lanai – At 18 miles wide and 13 miles long, Lanai is the most secluded island in the Hawaiian island chain. In my opinion, the best way to sample the island of Lanai is by taking a catamaran over with Trilogy Excursions  808-874-5649; http://www.sailtrilogy.com)
When you check in at the harbor, you can see the crew getting the catamaran ready for your adventure. We were greeted by Captain Chuck and invited to start boarding. On board they invited us to stow our bags and head up top for the best views.  Once we were all settled and accounted for we started out for Lanai. The water was a deep azul almost black in some places. Lanai was off in the distance with some low laying fog visible from our seats. The crew on my trip was Nick and his brother Dominic and a wonderful young lady named Alex.  After a few minutes a mouth watering smell of hot cinnamon rolls made its way up from the galley. While the cinnamon rolls were being served, Captain Chuck talked about the island and what the itinerary was for the day. Through out the ride over, the crew served us juice and kept us well fed with fresh fruit and later on delicious wraps.  Along the way we stopped to view the amazing spinner dolphins as they showed off their fins in the water and their fabulous dance moves as they dipped and dived in and out of the water. They were graceful as well as playful as they sped along in front of us.
Once we arrived in Lanai, we had the option of going straight to the beach or doing a local tour that took us into Lanai City. I decided to hop on the city tour. We had a fabulous local guide by the name of Moana who had live on and off Lanai for most of her life. She had fabulous knowledge of the history of the pineapple plantations and the growth of Lanai through the years.
While driving from the harbor to the town of Lanai City, it is hard to believe that you are on the same island. The landscape changes from tropical beach to wild west prairies on the drive to Lanai City.   We went from approximately 95 degrees on the beach to 75 and afternoon showers in town. Images in my head are of hot desert sand under my toes and cool green Cook Island pines (planted to collect moisture) in the fog  because water is scarce on the island.
Lanai’s central town – for a wonderful array of shops, restaurants and local businesses all centered around Dole Park. Depending on what you’re in the mood for, you can grab a cup of coffee from Coffee Works, dine like a local at the Blue Ginger Café, or enjoy other delicious fare at Canoes, Café 565 or Pele’s Other Garden.
After the tour we headed out to the beach to snorkel, snuba or just relax in the sun. Manele bay and Hulopoe Bay (recently named America’s best beach) are simple breath taking. Because they are protected by a reef they are great for snorkeling and swimming. The crew of Trilogy I had the snorkeling equipment set up and ready to go. My first two attempts at snorkeling were not very successful. So as I bravely asked for my size 8 snorkel fins they asked why I was so nervous. I said well I feel like I am suffocating. Alex offered to go out with me on a surf board and help me learn how to breathe using the mask so I could successfully snorkel. I cannot tell you how much I appreciated her patience and encouragement. She was fantastic! You could tell she loves her job. She paddled out with me and slowly walked me through how to fit my mask, how to use the breathing apparatus and gave me little tips like don’t smile under water otherwise water will get into your mask. I couldn’t help but smile! So naturally water got into my mask. She made my first successful experience snorkeling fun and safe! After time on the beach we head back toward the marina where they had a barbeque set up for us. The lunch was sumptuous with BBQ chicken, Chinese stir fry noodles with corn on the cob and a yummy dessert.
After a leisurely lunch, we all head back on board Trilogy I and sailed back to Lahaina with an amazing sunset for a backdrop and rainbows welcoming us in the clouds over Maui.
I loved my experience and I will be back to sail Trilogy again and visit the enticing island of Lanai. If you would like more information about visiting the island of Lanai or would like more information about booking a trip to Maui, please feel free to send me a comment or leave a message.

Mad for Molokai :)

As a travel agent - recently I had the pleasure of experiencing the island of Molokai. From Maui the easiest way to get to Molokai is by ferry. As I headed off to the harbor in Lahaina, I could just see the sun poking its head through the morning clouds over the mountains of Maui. It was a very early morning start with the Lahaina Cruise Company. The ferry I was on was the Molokai Princess. Of course being an explorer at heart, I headed topside for the best views. On the way over we were served a complimentary continental breakfast with juice, fresh fruit and muffins. When we arrived we were met by our tour guide Kalani. Today I was going to enjoy the Molokai Ali’i tour . This tour has an excellent overview of the island of Molokai. Highlights of my tour included the Kalaupapa Sea Cliff Lookout, Father Damien’s Churches, Purdy’s Macadamia nut plantation, Hawaiian Fishponds, an operating coffee plantation and quaint and eclectic Kaunakakai Town. We also enjoyed a nice lunch at the Hotel Molokai with amazing oceanfront views. Kalani’s knowledge of the history of the island was very impressive as well. All in all it was a perfect day.
After dropping everyone else back at the harbor, I was dropped off back at the lovely Hotel Molokai for the night. The agent at the front desk was Carly. She was very sweet and answered all my questions with a smile. I inquired about Halawa waterfall hike or other day trips. There is truly a lot to do on Molokai. After I received my key to room 221, I grabbed my bag for a short walk through the well manicured grounds of the hotel. Through out the property you can see plumeria trees in blossom. Right out front of the property are huge mango trees that I was invited to go pick fresh fruit from. My room was beautiful with high ceilings and wood beams and a huge bed with views direct to the ocean. Stepping out the sliding glass door to my lanai, I had amazing views of the ocean and the Pailolo Channel that looks across to Lanai. After getting settled in, I decided to go get something cold to drink from the bar and take a dip in their ocean front pool. The view from both the restaurant and the pool as the sun was setting was amazing. That night I ordered prime rib from the Hula Shores restaurant and it was the best I’ve had in my life. It was very relaxing just sitting on my lanai, drinking a glass of wine and enjoying the music that was being played by a live band by the pool.
The following morning, I picked up my car rental from the hotel. The young lady, Iris, was very charming as she talked about working for Enterprise at the hotel. First thing I did after I got in my rental was head back to this amazing coffee shop called the Blue Monkey. I had the most amazing cup of coffee called Toasted Coconut. After getting my much needed jolt of caffeine, I decided to head off to this lonely stretch of beach on the other side of the island called Papohaku Beach. This was the most spectacular beach I have ever laid eyes on. After walking on that lone stretch of beach I decided to head off to Halawa to view the waterfalls. The road on the way to the falls is mountains on one side and historical fish ponds, mango trees and taro patches and pure ocean on the other. My last stop on the way back from my drive around Molokai was to stop at Molokai Pizza Café. My guide told me that if I wanted the best burger in Molokai – this was the place. I was not disappointed. Big juicy burger layered with mushrooms, provolone and bacon almost as big as the plate! Sadly, I had to return my car and get back on the Molokai Princess and head back to Maui. From snorkeling to kayaking and horseback riding to hiking – There was so much to see and do that I have to go back!
My impression of Molokai is one of beauty and wilderness coupled with aloha cultural and sprinkled with grace and charm. The first thing you notice is the absence of background noise. My subconscious has so many images of Molokai. I basked in the feel of hot sun and cool afternoon breezes on my skin. The sound of slack key guitar was wafting into my room with the evening breeze. As well as the gentle gurgle and splash of the waves as they hit the beach. The sound of the night wind whispering through the windows. In the distance I heard the hollow sound of hand carved coconut wood chimes ringing melodically. The smell of sea salt air mixed with the tangy scent of mango trees and plumeria while watching the sun dip into the horizon as it fades from gold to hot pink while tiny crabs scuttle along the beach.
If you would like more information about visiting the island of Molokai, please feel free to email me.

Mahalo!
-Jill