Toronto, Hawaii...and an unexpected stop in LA

Toronto, Hawaii...and an unexpected stop in LA 

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Sunrise on the top of Mount Haleakala


The night before our Toronto flight to Maui, we head to an airport hotel.  After encountering traffic on Friday we have learned our lesson, or rather, we listen to DH when he suggests traffic on Monday will be a disaster (thanks to DH for the hotel coordination).  He’s right…even on Monday night it takes us two hours to complete a drive that takes 45 minutes in traffic free-conditions.  I joke to MG that he's lowered my standards in hotels, as the airport Hampton Inn seems practically luxurious compared to some of the places we’ve spent the night while travelling. 

Tired from the busy weekend, we are asleep fifteen minutes after we arrive.

With our proximity to the airport, it's quick and easy to drop the rental car and check-in.  Our flight to Maui has a short stopover at LAX.  As we leave the lounge and head to the gate, we learn the flight to LAX is a half hour delayed - a little frustrating, because we’re excited to get going, but it leaves room for Starbucks treats and plenty of time to make the connection in LA.  As we are waiting at the gate, MG discovers our LA flight to Maui flight is also delayed… by 5 hours.  Instead of getting into Maui at 17:00, it will now be 22:00.  At least the inn we have booked is close to the airport and a quick email to the Paia Inn confirms our late arrival will not be a problem.  We arrive in LAX to discover… 5 hours delayed has turned into 9 hours delayed.  This means a 3:00 arrival in Maui.  After several attempts to investigate alternatives and repeated, lackluster service from United, we accept that there is no possible alternative connection and hit the streets of LA.

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Hollywood Boulevard at Night

First Santa Monica Pier, then Rodeo Drive and then, as I shake thoughts of Pretty Woman out of my head, on to West Hollywood.  My MG guided tour of LA is complete when I see the landmark Hollywood sign… it isn’t lit, but I can still see it in the distance (Note – we checked it out…the Hollywood sign was originally erected to advertise a housing development in the 1920s, but is no longer allowed to be lit at night).  Satisfied with our mini-tour of LA, we head back to the airport and depart as expected at midnight, arriving in Maui just after 2:30.  Notified of the flight delay, the rental car companies have stayed open – with MG’s airport efficient airport protocol, we are second in line at the car rental place.  With the keys to our Jeep in hand, we pass the (now extensive) line and load up the car.

Too late to check in at the Inn, we start the two hour drive to Haleakala National Park to watch the legendary sunrise from the summit.  The fact that we have our luggage is a benefit, because it is cold, and jetlag plus lack of sleep only add to the chill in the air.  As MG and I wait in the dark, surrounded by other couples wrapped in blankets from their hotels, we agree that this is not our coldest wait for a sunrise (almost a year to the day, we were in Tibet, waiting for the sun to rise over Mount Everest as we stopped on our drive to Everest Base Camp).  Between 5:00 and 5:30 the black sky begins to lighten and the clouds and mountain ridges become visible. As the sun starts to appear above the clouds, the sky transforms into shades of red, yellow, orange and pink.  It’s beautiful - cold, but worth it.  Although our guide book is marked with all the best hiking routes in the park, we’re tired and hungry so we decide to make our way out of the park.  Back in Paia we first find coffee at a bustling coffee spot (Anthony’s Coffee Company), across the street from the Inn where we had planned to stay (United, we’re coming after you for reimbursement), and wait for the restaurant around the corner to open.  After a delish breakfast of smoothies and crepes at Café des Amis, we’re back in the car heading to Wailea. 

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The infinity pool at the Four Seasons

We arrive at the Four Seasons (thanks to JS for the family and friends rate) and are warmly greeted with fresh flower leis and hot towels, our car and bags whisked away by the accommodating staff as we take in the luxury resort.  In the lobby, Reception inquires if we are willing to wait a couple of hours for our room – in exchange, we will be upgraded to a suite (since it’s our honeymoon…although, technically second honeymoonJ).  While waiting for our room, we wander the resort, have lunch, spend time at the pool and check out the beach…and then we’re done, itching to get our room and start exploring.  The property is beautiful and everyone is friendly; MG and I make a note to inquire about the move in rate. 

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Our free upgrade

The suite upgrade is worth the wait – with two bathrooms and two balconies, the suite is larger than our flat.  I wish I could take the massive bathroom home.  Somewhat refreshed after a sort nap (and MR P90x completes his daily workout), we leave the complimentary champagne on ice and take a short drive to watch an amazing sunset at Big Beach. 

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Sunset at the Big Beach

Dinner at seaside restaurant Pacific’O is tasty, but the drive to and from Lahaina is a bit too ambitious after our long day.  Because he’s a wonderful husband, MG indulges me as I drag him to the other end of town to get locally made Kona Pie Ice-cream (Kona coffee ice-cream with coconut, macadamia nuts and fudge) at a place called Scoops.  I even get him to agree it was worth the walk.  We are both exhausted on the 45 min drive back and fall asleep the second our heads hit the pillows.