After months of saving up my bonus from work, I was actually able to join my parents for a week in Maui. I haven't been since 2007 so I was overjoyed when I actually had the plane ticket in my hands. It almost seemed surreal that I was FINALLY able to go back. I had dreamed about Maui since I left and always envisioned myself going back.
Our Saturday started off early. And by early I mean I woke up at 2 in the morning and absolutely did not sleep. We had a flight to catch at 8 which meant we needed to be at the airport at 6 to give us enough time to check in our bags and make it to our gate. Needless to say we had plenty of time to sit and wait but I wasn't complaining, I was on my way to Hawaii!!
My Mom and Dad rode a separate flight from me but we both ended up boarding around the same time. We said our "love yous" and "goodbyes" and boarded our planes. I dreaded the 8 hours there but I know once I stepped foot in the Kahuilui Airport, it would all be worth it. I arrived in San Francisco with plenty of time to make it to my next gate so I decided to go and get coffee and breakfast while I waited. I attempted to take a nap on the way to Maui but I figured I had slept enough on the previous flight and well, I was just too excited anyways. I got lucky and ended up sitting next to a really cute family...a husband and wife and their three sons. It was nice getting to chat with them but I was getting antsy and was definitely ready to make our landing.
Once we got closer to land I could tell it was windy outside because the plane was all over the place and it definitely made for a rough landing. I was no doubt feeling a little sick when everyone got off the plane but I needed to head to the baggage claim to get my luggage. I literally wanted to get on my knees and kiss the ground but I'm sure I'd have security called on me so I opted not to...but holy crap I was FINALLY HERE!!!
I waited for my parents a little over an hour to arrive and it seemed like an eternity. I was definitely ready to leave the airport and make our way around the island. After they arrived we picked up our rental car and made our way to K-Mart...yes, K-Mart. After packing I don't know how many swimsuits, I broke down and ended up buying another one because well, this one was a lot cuter than the ones I already had. After buying what we needed to buy it was time to eat. The airplane food just wasn't cutting it anymore so we made our way to Kihei and checked into our room.
Now here's the story behind the room. Because of the fact that my coming to Hawaii was so last minute, my Dad never managed to call and get anything bigger so needless to say, I slept on the floor. This wasn't a nice and comfy carpeted floor, this was tile floor. But again, I was in Hawaii so who was I to complain? My Dad felt bad, but I already knew that once my head hit that pillow...I would be out. An 8 hour plane ride will do that to you. So anywho, we were still hungry and decided to head to Fred's which was this REALLY good Mexican restaurant that my parents had already frequented many times. Our table was right outside and overlooked the ocean. I was happy and completely content with the sun in my face, a pina colada in front of me and a view of the water. This was already a perfect start to my vacation :)
After full stomachs, we made our rounds to the local shops and found some goodies to spend our money on. We ran across this sweet little asian lady who was more than obliged to give us some free stuff since we had bought a few other things from her. I think we humored her as well but it was nice to get some laughs from her. After leaving there my parents drove me over to The Shops at Wailea and showed me around. And of course I spent more money there too but hey, I was on vacation. It was getting late so we drove back to our room and made our way down to the beach to watch the sunset. I felt so blessed to take my flip flops off and sink my toes in the soft and cool sand. I was here...I was finally here in Hawaii and it was going to be a BEAUTIFUL and unforgettable vacation.
