Commuter Flight

We flew Go Mokulele to travel back and forth to Maui from Oahu.  It's a small commuter airlines using small planes and charging small prices.  But watch out! They get you on baggage fees!

We can't stand baggage fees and make sure we travel with carry ons only no matter where we go.  But this airlines can be strict.  They even make you try to fit your luggage into the little empty box that is their size max...22x9x14.  I'm guessing the one inch thick wood making up the box makes that size requirement even smaller because our "carry ons" didn't pass.  We ended up paying $60 in fees to get to Maui.

Now, on our way back to Oahu, I made sure my husband was present when we checked in our bags.  He made those bags fit the box!

Makena Landing

We had no reservations, but we had a plan.  He down to Makena Landing and find someone to rent us a couple kayaks.  We checked the web and found only places that would provide you kayak tours.  But that's not the way we roll, or row, in this case.  We'll skip the guided tour and blaze our own trail.  Nothing against the knowledgeable guide and the interesting facts one can learn from them.  We like to have a little more freedom and go on our own pace.

So, 7 am and we're at Makena landing.  There were already a couple small tour groups either heading out or doing their pre-ride talk.  BT was able to secure us two two person kayaks for $50 cash.  Normally, a guided kayak tour is $70 for adults and $40 kids, saving us over $200.  We were in our wet suits, life jackets and water shoes with our snorkel gear bag strapped to the kayaks even before another tour guide had finished talking to his group about how to kayak.

We kayaked north for a mile then dropped near a point to snorkel.  The water was clear with a beautiful variety of coral.  My son Trenton spotted a white spotted eel within 5 minutes of being in the water.  It had to be over 3 feet long.  On the kayak back we swam with
turtles.

I just asked my eight year old "How far was that turtle from your face? Close enough for you to touch?"

He replied, "No! That's illegal!"

But it's true, the turtle was that close!

As we rowed to shore we thought we hang out and catch a wave into shore.  We were right on top of a wave riding it in when our kayak somehow turned to the side and turned over!! We fell right into the sandy surf with my daughter freaking out and me laughing the whole time.  Of course the husband and son rode the wave all the way into shore perfectly.

Heading to Turtle Town...

We're up early on our last day in Maui.  We are yet to see any turtles, so hopefully this trip to Turtle Town will check that off the list. We did see one in Oah'u, but I attribute that to beginner's luck.

Don't mind my hair. This humidity and salt water is making me look more like a native than evah, brah!

We're going to try to rent a kayak on our own to avoid the premium tour fees they're charging.  Wish us luck.

31 Days to Paradise

In exactly one month from now, I'll be basking on the beaches of Hawaii. Where I'll be gathering more material for this blog, along with seashells, lava rock and ancient talismans (Is the correct plural here talismans or talismen?).

Alright, I know, taking anything off these islands are strictly taboo. We all remember what happened to poor Greg Brady who wore that idol around his neck during the surf contest. I will not be risking that.

The last time I was in Hawaii was August of 2008. Here's the blog of the time we were there to visitKona and Maui. However, that trip was just Brian and I. This time we are bringing my 15 year old daughter, Spencer and our 8 year old son, Trenton. It will be there first time in Hawaii.

We will be spending the first night at the JW Marriot Ilhilani, Ko Olina Resort in Oahu for one night. Then two nights in Waikiki. Then we'll island hop over to Maui for 3 nights at the Marriot Maui Ocean Club.

Needless to say we are all extremely excited. Yes, Spencer squealed, as 15 year old girls are wont to do, and then danced with delight when she first found out. She also had no qualms about missing 3 full days of school and knowing she will need to catch up on all her honors and AP classes. Yikes!