Hawaii 2025 - Day 8 (Maui)

 Today was our "relaxing" day. No real plans but to spend some time in the ocean and eat some food.

We hung out on the balcony watching whales and eating breakfast after sleeping in a little bit.  AA cut up the Maui Golden Pineapple we had purchased, and wow we ate the whole thing at breakfast it was so good.

can you spot the whale?

We headed on our adventure for the day, starting by getting towels and heading to the beach. We walked towards the Westin (where we had snorkelled before a few years ago). We stopped in the shade of the tree, and got into the water.

The fish were so happy and the water was so clear.  The water was pretty calm this morning, and we really enjoyed the snorkel.  It was amazing that we barely got off the shore and the fish and coral were right there.

After we got out of the water, we sat on the beach in the shade for a little bit, to dry off before continuing down the beach. We had about a 2 mile walk to get to Whalers Village, this was quite the walk, but AA thought we could do it.

We started on our way...and wow it was a long way, but the views and the ocean was amazing.  We walked most of the way there along the sand, but got onto the boardwalk and road once we got closer.  (don't forget we are also carrying our snorkels, towels, and water...)

Arrived at Whalers Village, to check out the quicksilver store that was closing (but nothing to purchase), and then headed to Hula Grill for Lunch. 

The hostest asked if we wanted a table in the sun outside or shaded inside.  We decided for the shaded table, but it sure didn't feel like we were outside (right on the boardwalk edge and watching the ocean.

The food was so good, and Lola had the fish, and AA had the Pork sandwich.  Lola also had a POG slushy, and AA enjoyed a beer after that long hot walk.  Lola was excited to try the dessert that was gluten, corn and diary free. Its called Pono Pie, and locally made with "ulu", Hawaiian breadfruit, toasted coconut, nut crust.  It also had a coconut and honey sauce and roasted Macadamia nuts.  It was so good.

This was outside

this was "inside"

After lunch we headed on our adventure back to the hotel. We knew we wanted to stop at the beach where the water was deep and so blue a short distance from Whalers Village, near Keka'a Landing Pier. We put our stuff in the shade, and headed for a dip.  The water was so deep, Lola didn't go very far.  AA ventured out into the ocean a little farther, but we only "swam" for about 5 minutes, and Lola was tired of treading water so she went back to the beach and AA followed.  It felt so refreshing!

After a short dry off, sitting on the beach, they continued to walk back to their hotel.  This time they stayed on the path the whole way, as it was much easier than walking on the sand.  Plus the sand was way too hot.  As they were walking they did have to detour around on the sand at the site of where a BBQ exploded about a week before at The Whaler Hotel.  There were 2 workers sifting through the sand trying to get all the debris.  7 people were very injured including the worst a person from Wininipeg.

We made it back to the snorkelling spot, where we sat in the shade again. Lola convinced AA we should go snorkelling one more time before heading all the way to the hotel. So we got our snorkels on and headed out the same spot we did earlier in the morning but decided to swim left instead of right.

There were so many fish close to the surface it was very neat.  Lola patted her head she was done, and we headed back to the shore, when AA pointed.... and there was a sea turtle eating on the coral.  Well we had to stay a little longer.  Watching the turtle eat, and eat and eat.  Then it went to the surface, and back down. It was so amazing.  As we were about to leave the turtle and go back to shore, another turtle showed up and Lola followed it a little before we finally made our way back.

Selfie with the turtle

It was absolutely incredible. 

Back at the hotel, we cleaned up and played some cribbage on the balcony before heading to our Dinner reservation at Duke's. 

It was a shorter 10 minute walk to supper.  We got seated right on the edge where we could watch the whales and enjoy the sunset.  We had to "drag" out supper to make sure we got to see the sunset from our seats (they were perfect).

We started with Ahi Sashimi.  The fish was so smooth, it almost melted in your mouth.  It was so good. Then we ordered our meals, AA with the Macadamia nut crusted Mahi Mahi, and Lola wit the thai basil rubbed fish. 

To top it off, Lola had to try and Lilikoi Pono Pie with fruit Compote.  She liked Hula Grill one better, but it was still very good.  This one was a little more flakey and the compote was way sweeter than the coconut sauce.

Back at the hotel, we checked out the videos/photos of the turtles and fish.  AA mentioned when he was snorkelling he could hear the whales.... in the go pro videos you can hear the whales.  Lola couldn't hear it, as she only hears crackling when she is in the water. but wow you can sure hear it in the videos.

We played a few games of cribbage, before watching Golden Girls and heading to bed.  

Today was an amazing day of whales, blue waters and turtles and some great meals.

We sure love Maui.