2017-06-15 - Thursday - Heading north

Thursday we took a ride north to check out some of the sights.

We went to Diamond Head, but the parking lot was full and people were walking about a half a mile from another parking lot at the bottom. That walk was before the hike up the hill so we decided to skip it and keep moving.

We stopped at the Koko Head scenic lookout to, well... look out.

These people were fishing and getting very wet.

The crater.

We were here.

Back in the car and off to Turtle Bay Resort. We had lunch right on the beach and watched a guy surfing with his dog.

Later we were scheduled for a sunset cruise around Honolulu. We had heavy hors d'oeuvres and cocktails. I had another coconut porter.

Honolulu.

Diamond Head.

Closer view of Diamond Head.

The only rainbow we saw.

It was a wide one.

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2017-06-14 - Wednesday - More Honolulu

On Wednesday we walked to the Shore Bird Restaurant for lunch. I had the Hawaiian Loco Moco. From the menu: "An island favorite! Angus all beef patty on steamed white rice, topped with brown gravy, a fried egg, and crispy fried onions". After seeing it on several menus I decided to give it a try. It was good and even better with a Kona Longboard beer.

I did some work in the room while Karen attended her conference.

Wednesday evening we went to d.k Steak House and had some great dry aged steaks... and another coconut porter.

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2017-06-13 - Tuesday - Honolulu

Tuesday we flew to Honolulu. It reminds me of Atlanta with palm trees. Lots of traffic and lots of tourists.

We stayed at a huge hotel that is part of a famous chain. It consists of 7 towers and a whole village.

We arrived at 10:30 am and were asked if we wanted an upgrade to a king bed instead of a full so we said, "Sure." Unfortunately it took us 7 hours to get our room. Check-in was supposed to be at 3:00 pm, but that time came and went. We had to hang around the lobby and various lounges. Most places like lobbies and even the airport are "open air" so we were sitting in 80+ degree weather while waiting.

Finally, at about 4:00 pm we asked the "manager on duty" what our status was and he said that they could not get the previous guests to leave the room. I said, "So you mean to tell me that there are 3400 rooms in this hotel, but only 4 king size beds?"

He offered us coupons for free ice cream.

We checked back at 5:00 pm and nothing had changed.

At 5:30 pm we were told they were going to give us another room since they couldn't get our room ready in time. Maybe Keith Richards was staying there.

When we finally got our room it was a corner unit in the Rainbow Tower with 2 balconies --one looking out over Waikiki Beach and the other looking at the other towers.

While it took us 7 hours to get our room, Karen's 2 associates showed up and both got upgraded to a king size bed, and were in their room in the Rainbow Tower within 15 minutes of arriving. Go figure.

The rest of our stay was good after securing a room.

That evening we went to The Yard House where I had another coconut porter and this:

KUROBUTA PORK BURGER

spicy candied bacon, white american cheese, arugula, blueberry ketchup, fries.

Yes, blueberry ketchup. I always work on trying new things. It was good, but not a favorite. It was either that or the Vampire Tacos.

Waikiki Beach.

Two balconies.

Pigeons everywhere.

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2017-06-12 - Monday - Goodbye Maui

Monday we took a walk on the beach, then it was off to the Maui Brewing Company again to exchange a t-shirt in the wrong size. I figured I might as well have a coconut porter while I was there.

After a nap it was back out again to Mama's Fish House for dinner. When Karen made the reservation she mentioned that we were celebrating our 30th anniversary. We are, in August.

We had a nice meal and said goodbye to Maui. Tomorrow it's off to Honolulu.

Rocks and sand.

The submarine.

Magnolia trees are messy everywhere.

The scenic point on route 30.

Another coconut porter
at the brewery.

A nice card on our table at Mama's Fish House.

My lovely wife.

Oh, and another coconut porter.

Karen's fish.

My "Traditional Hawaiian".

Outside the restaurant.

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2017-06-11 - Sunday - Lahaina

Sunday we went back to Betty's for brunch and enjoyed the food and the view.

Later we went to the square in Lahaina to see the Lahaina banyan tree that was planted in 1873. It's located in Lahaina Banyan Court Park, by the port. It has rooted into 16 major trunks and covers 0.66 acres. It's very impressive. It was even better on Sunday because there was an art show underneath it.

I found a cone 10 reduction potter there named Mary Ann Leigh and we had a very nice conversation about her work. I'm sure Karen was bored out of her mind, but she indulged us during our "shop talk". Mary Ann makes some beautiful work, but I got the impression she was not fond of people taking photos so there are none in my post. Please check out her website to enjoy her work.

Later, back at the condo, it was raining on the bay between us and Lanai. I had to take more photos of Lanai in all different lights and conditions.

In the evening we had reservations at the Lahaina Grill. The food was amazing! One of our best ever dining experiences. Oh, and I had a coconut porter.

View from Betty's brunch.

One large banyan tree.

A larger view.

Some of the peripheral trunks.

Rain on the bay.

Sun with the rain.

Beet salad at Lahaina Grill.

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2017-06-10 - Saturday - Maui

Saturday we slept in a bit, had a quick breakfast at Betty's and started exploring Lahaina.

We walked around Front Street in Lahaina where all the shops are and visited a gluten-free bakeshop called the Maui Sugar Shop and Karen stocked up (hey! it's vacation).

We hopped in the car and drove over to the Maui Brewing Company to check out their t-shirts and maybe get a beer. The coconut porter was even better on tap.

During our stay I took lots of photos of Lanai because the view was always dramatically changing. Whether it was morning or afternoon light, a passing shower, a thunderstorm, or just shadows of puffy clouds on its surface, there was always a different view.

Patio door.

From behind the cooktop in the kitchen.

On the patio.

Lanai, from the beach.

A slogan I can get behind.

Gluten-free nirvana.

The lawn.

Lanai.

The beer.

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