Hawai’i Babymoonin’- Fall 2018
November 20th- December 1st, 2018 | Wailea + Kaanapali Beach, Maui
Wailea | Andaz Resort - November 20th-24h
Kaanapali Beach | Marriott Ocean Club- November 24th-December 1st
Tuesday, November 20th, 2018- Departure for Maui
We left GJ late morning bound for Maui, Hawai’i. We had a long flight ahead of us, but that really never matters when your destination is somewhere as beautiful as Maui. This would be Keller’s 8th time to Maui, and Shiara’s 4th time to Hawai’i (3rd to Maui, once to Oahu and Big Island.) Yes, we miiight classify ourselves as experts at this point. ;) Just contact us for any insider tips; we got you. We were very much looking forward to a long 12 days on the island; we also recently discovered some news for an additional reason to celebrate- BABY ON BOARD! This was the week we also planned on announcing the good new to our family.
We arrived in Maui late afternoon, jumped into our white mustang convertible and headed southwest on the island to Wailea. We were just a little overloaded with baggage, which probably was a sight to see with my giant white suitcase and Keller’s golf clubs sticking straight up into the air in the back seat! LOL. We were excited to heck out a relatively new resort in Wailea- the Andaz. We immediately were taken back by the amazing level o service upon arrival: leis, fresh cold towels, lavender lemonade, and a comfy spot in the lobby lounge rather than the typical “stand in line” check-in process. The modern, yet Zen intimate feel of the resort was just up our alley. Let vacation begin!
On our first night, we enjoyed a light meal at the poolside bar and cozied into our room that would be our home for the next four days.
Wednesday, November 21st, 2018:
We started off our first full day on the island on the right foot- sunrise yoga oceanside. Keller and I both decided that we wanted this vacation to be a chance to reset, reflect, and reconnect. Yoga at sunrise couldn’t have been more beautiful or relaxing. Follow that up with breakfast at the resort- complete perfection.
Due to our full day of travel yesterday, we had little to nothing planned for the day. We took a nice short walk down the road to an amazing gourmet grocery story and deli. We love stocking up on snack and drinks on vacation, and it always saves a couple bucks as well. Is it weird that I research grocery stores prior to departure? This place was not “just” a grocery store, but an itinerary item on our list. I’ll take a gourmet deli with local fresh fruit, sushi, poke, ad ready made culinary items all day. Sign me up!
Aaaaand the rest of the day consisted of pool, sunshine, and relaxation. The stunning Andaz is made up of multi-level pools and lounge areas which made the pool vibes feel more intimate and private. Dinner on our first full day was spent at a local restaurant called Monkey Pod, which later was the same place we ate at another location on our last night up in Whaler’s Village.
Thursday, November 22nd, 2018
Happy Thanksgiving from Maui!
This morning, Keller and I woke up before dawn to meet a boat nearby for a sunrise snorkel trip. There is something about waking up before sunrise, that is extremely peaceful and fills you with gratitude. When the sun did peak its face above the horizon, we were already aboard our snorkel catamaran ready to get our snorkel on. Our destination was the nearby Molokini Island. Molokini is inhabitated… We saw some pretty great fish and reefs before moving to a second snorkel spot called turtle town. We were able to see 2-3 sea turtles at this location. In between cruising, we were served with mimosa, coffee, and breakfast and cinnamon rolls.
While we were still on board the catamaran, we called home to WI (Oconto Falls) to wish our family a Happy Thanksgiving and share our exciting baby news. To say that the crew was shocked would be an understatement. Overwhelmed with emotion, happy tears, laughter, and questions were in abundance.
Post-snorkel trip, Keller and I made a pit stop at the four seasons Wailea. Thanksgiving Brunch for the WIN! Keller was able to indulge in bottomless mimosas, while we both ate like kings. The Four Seasons was absolutely grand and beautiful, but we both admitted we preferred the more intimate, zen like vibe at the Andaz.
With a very strong buzz (Keller) going at this point, the only practical choice for the remaining part of the day was pool time at the Andaz. Traditional Thanksgiving dinner was served at the Andaz and the gourmet buffet maaay just have been too much after a buffet at the Four Seasons, but it was absolutely delicious. Watched the sunset from the Andaz lobby.