Saturday, August 20th

On Saturday, August 20th, we flew into Kahului Airport.  Once we landed, we took a cab (making a brief stop for some fresh poke) to our romantic home away from home for the next week – the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea.  After walking through the stunning open air lobby, we were welcomed with a traditional lei greeting along with ginger mint lemonade and fresh pineapple before checking-in and being escorted to our spacious room.  Our room had a large lanai (Hawaiian for balcony) which offered us a gorgeous ocean view.  The marble bathroom was huge with a big tub and roomy rainfall shower.  There was even a built in stereo, just perfect for some Hawaiian tunes. The Four Seasons staff had prepared a welcome plate of cheese, crackers, fresh fruit and bottle of champagne which was awaiting our arrival.  The service offered at the Four Seasons was like none we had ever experienced.  After getting settled, we took a walk around the property, saying “wow” multiple times.  After a long day of travel, we decided to have dinner at the resort.  We dined at Duo Steak and Seafood, which was a poolsiode restaurant that offered spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and the evening sunset.  Wayne Our 35 day dry aged steaks were served with a caramelized Cipollini onion, watercress, and the Chef’s signature butter.  We also enhanced our steaks with a bourbon steak sauce as well as a blue cheese fondue.  The steaks were complimented by a side of black truffle mac and cheese.  Delicious!  For dessert, we enjoyed the chocolate soufflé.  In addition, the staff of Duo celebrated our special occasion by giving us a special plate of chocolate truffles and cotton candy (yes, cotton candy).

Sunday, August 21st

On Sunday, August 21st, we got an early start with a 230am wakeup call (no, this is not a typo) so we could take in the Sunrise at Haleakala, a dormant volcano.  Fortunately, the Four Seasons thinks of everything and there was complimentary coffee and pastries waiting in the lobby.  The concierge had our rental car ready for our departure including warm blankets.  (The summit of Haleakala was 45 degrees Fahrenheit that morning - brrr) After a long and curvy drive in the dark, we finally reached the summit (10,023 feet).  We arrived in time to gaze at the stars just before daybreak began.  While at Haleakala, which means ‘house of the sun,’ we were able to see Silverswords plants.  There were numerous signs reminding us to watch out for Nene birds, the Hawaii state bird.  The sunrise with all the changing colors of the sky and dramatic landscape was absolutely stunning.  On the way back down Haleakala, we ate breakfast at the Kula Lodge, which offered a magnificent view.  The macadamia nut pancakes with fresh pineapple were wonderful as well as the Portuguese sausage.  Before heading back to our hotel, we ventured to the Maui Ocean Center.  After arriving back at the hotel, it was time for a little R & R.  There were various pools at our hotel, but our favorite was the Serenity Pool, an oasis of quiet, seclusion. From the infinity edge, we were afforded panoramic views of the island of Lanai and the West Maui mountain range.  The adults-only pool even had an underwater music system, bubble loungers, and a swim-up bar.  The pool services were simply amazing including such amenities as sunglasses cleaning, daily treats, complimentary sunscreen and aloe gel, full-service poolside lunch, complimentary amenities every hour, Evian spritz, cold towels and cooling cucumber slices for the eyelids.  It was soon time for dinner.  For dinner, we dined at Chef Peter Merriman’s Monkeypod Kitchen located in Wailea.  The garlic truffle fries were out of this world.  We ordered the special (Opakapaka red snapper) and Pete's Fresh Fish & Chips (day boat, troll-line caught mahi mahi tempura style, malt vinegar aioli).  For a side we selected the garlic truffle fries, which were out of this world.  Additionally, the strawberry cream pie, Maui Brewing’s Bikini Blond, and Monkeypod’s Mai Tai's (Old Lahaina light rum, Maui dark rum, lime, mac-nut orgeat, orange curacao, honey-lilkoi foam) were simply delicious.

Monday, August 22nd

On Monday, August 22nd, we had another early morning as the staff at the Four Seasons whisked us away to our wedding license appointment in Lahaina.  When we arrived back to the hotel we had a scrumptious brunch at Duo.  We both ordered the Wailea Breakfast Skillet – scrambled eggs, potato rosti, bell peppers, Maui onions, Swiss cheese, toast, and Portuguese sausage.  And, of course, we also had some Maui coffee.  It was delicious!  Afterwards, we met with Karen Lincoln, our wedding planner to complete a walk through and attend to any last minute details. Later that afternoon, we also met with the Four Season’s chef for our consultation regarding our wedding dinner.  After meeting with the chef, we visited the spa at the Four Seasons for a Lomi Mohala Oceanside Couples Massage.  Our couples’ massage was in an open-air Hale hau (traditional Hawaiian hut).  The hut was nestled among fragrant naupaka flower hedges, with the soothing sounds of ocean waves and a spectacular view of Wailea Beach.  It was so relaxing!  Next, it was time for dinner.  Tonight, we ate dinner at Ferraro's Bar e Ristorante. Here, we dined under a canopy of stars at Wailea's only beachside open-air restaurant. Ferraro's features cuisine with a Italia rustica twist paired with magnificent sunset views, world-class service, an extensive collection of Italian wines, and homemade pastas.  We started out with the Ferraro’s Salad (Belgium Endive, Candied Hazelnuts, Gorgonzola, Pear, Dates, Aged Balsamic) along with some fresh bread and olive oil.  For the main courses we had a scallop pasta dish and lasagne (Traditional Meat & Pork Bolognese, Bechamel, Mushroom, Tomato Sugo).  Of course, we had to sample their famous Molten lava cake for dessert.  Once again, the food and service was nothing short of superb.

Tuesday, August 23rd

Well, Tuesday, August 23rd was the big day!  We enjoyed our morning on golden Wailea beach and even did a little snorkeling.  While snorkeling, we were able to swim with giant sea turtles and various colorful fish.  Tabitha had to head off to the Four Seasons' salon at 2:30 for her hair and makeup appointment with stylist Pam.   Refer to ‘The Ceremony’ for details of the wedding.  After the ceremony it was time for more photos with Joanna Tano.  After we finished with our photos it was time for our Ultimate Private Dinner.

Wednesday, August 24th

On the morning of August 24th, we headed out for an Outrigger canoe adventure.  After a brief lesson, the Four Seasons’ resident outrigger experts guided us out into the Pacific Ocean.  It was great to be out on the water and learn a bit of Hawaiian history at the same time.  After our Outrigger adventure, we had lunch at Ferraro’s.  Here, we had the Kona Surf Lobster Melt (Big Island Lobster, Cheese Focaccia, Avocado, Tomato, Sprouts, Sriracha Aioli) and the Niçoise Salad (Seared Ahi Tuna, Fingerling Potato, Local Salad Leaves, Green Beans, Tomato, Kalamata Olive, Red Onion, 6-Minute Organic Egg, Red Wine Vinaigrette) along with some fresh bread and olive oil.  We spent the rest of the day enjoying beautiful Wailea Beach.  We even tried the famous Hawaiian coconut flavored shaved ice from Snorkels!  For Wednesday’s night dinner, we dined at Spago’s, Wolfgang Puck’s terrace restaurant located at the Four Seasons.  Our dinner started out by enjoying a Maui onion roll with tomato soup.  Delicious! 

Thursday, August 25th

Well, August 25^th was our day to tackle the infamous Road to Hana.  For this scenic drive, we elected to rent a Black Mustang convertible to allow us to truly take in all the sights and sounds of the drive.  Our first stop was the town of Pa’ia Town where we grabbed some Maui coffee and a bite for breakfast at Charley’s, known for being a local spot for Willie Nelson and other stars.  We chose the breakfast burrito and the banana pancakes with coconut syrup.  It was delicious!  Next, we headed out for Hana and all the sites along the way.  First, we stopped at an overlook where we watched surfers tackling the waves of the North Shore.  Here, we also tried the famous coconut candy and coconut water from a real coconut.  At mile marker (MM) 2, we stopped to see Twin Falls.  Next, at MM 4.5, we stopped at Huelo Lookout.  At MM 6 we saw the famous “Painted” eucalyptus trees.  At MM 9, we took in the Waikamoi Ridge Trail/Falls.  There was a sign that read “Quiet, trees at work”.  We also took in the waves and watched the surfers at Ho'okipa Beach Park.  At MM 10-11, we stopped to explore the Garden of Eden, a botanical garden.  Here, we were offered great views of the lower and upper Puohokamoa falls.  There were many other sites here including a 100 year old mango tree, a duck pond and a bird feeding area, the Keopuka Rock Overlook, an enchanted forest, a banana patch, painted eucalyptus trees, and an anthorium garden.  

At MM 12, we stopped at Kaumahina State Wayside Park.

•MM 11:  Haipua’ena Falls – ½ mile after, small waterfall not too far from road, path far side of bridge – 60 steps in

Near MM14 at Honomanu Bay there were great views of Ke’anae Peninsula.

•MM16:  Ke’anae Arboretum (30-40 min) (leafy canopy, eucalyptus on R hand side, shed in back, nut tree)

At MM 16/17, we stopped at Ke’anae Peninsula.  Here, we were able to enjoy some banana bread and smoothies from Aunt Sandy’s.  Next it was MM 17/18 marked the Halfway to Hana point. 

Near MM18, we reached the Wailua Valley State Wayside Park, which offered some spectacular views as well.    Wailua Overlook (near 19)  pull over & look back, also stone/coral church, farming country

Next it was between MM19/20 that we saw Three Bears Falls (Upper Waikani Falls).

•Honomanu Bay #14

high elevation views of Ke’anae Valley,  sprawling taro fields of Wailua Village and, on clear days, waterfalls.

•MM22-23:  Secret Falls at Pua’aka’a romantic

•MM25 Makappi Falls – look down on falls (Bridge)

Near MM32, we made a stop at Wai’anapanapa State Park.  This was a must see due to its black sand beach (Pa’iloa Beach), sea arches, a blowhole, freshwater caves, lava tubes, and views of East Maui’s coastline.  I few more curves and we finally reached Hana Town.   Whew!  Well, now it was time to make the same treacherous but gorgeous journey back.

On our way back to the Four Seasons from Hana, we had diner at the famous Mama’s Fish House in Pa’ia Town.  Once we arrived we toured the grounds, which were simply amazing.  We were able to continue enjoying the ambiance as the Four Seasons had prearranged for us to have an ocean view seating.  The eclectic Polynesian influenced menu was fabulous.  The seafood was so fresh; they even listed the local fisherman that caught the fish that morning!  For our appetizers we enjoyed Mama’s Ceviche (Uku, avocado, calamansi, and Hawaiian chili pepper) along with Kalua Wild Boar and Fresh Poi.  For our main courses, we enjoyed the Mahimahi stuffed with King Crab and baked in a Macadamia Nut crust and Tahitian Prawns (South Pacific prawns baked with a Taha’s island Vanilla).  Of course, we also had to sample their famous dessert - the Polynesian Black Pearl (Liliko’I chocolate mousse in a pastry shell).  For drinks we again enjoyed some Maui brews along with some Plantation Punch (pineapple, orange, lime juice, and island rum) The owners (Mama Doris and Floyd Christenson) actually dined at the restaurant this same night. 

Friday, August 26th

On Friday, August 26, we started off our day sunning on Wailea Beach with a little more snorkeling with Maui Underseas Adventures.  For lunch, we dined at Ferraro’s again electing to try the Tuscany Panzanella Salad (Arugula, Cucumber, Haiku Tomato, Capers, Red Onion, Ciabatta Croutons, Red Wine Vinaigrette) and the Hawaiian Tuna Sashimi and Lobster California Roll (Pickled Ginger, Shoyu and Wasabi).  Wow!  After lunch, we lounged some more on Wailea Beach.  Soon, it was time to get ready for the evening’s festivities.  After donning our traditional Hawaiian attire, we set out to enjoy a traditional Hawaiian luau at The Grand Luau at Honua’ula located at the Grand Wailea Resort.  What fun – a traditional Hawaiian luau!  When we arrived, we were greeted with a traditional lei greeting and had our photo taken with cast members in full costume.  Next, it was time for the torch lighting and full imu ceremony.  This was a great experience!  Next, can the buffet which included the following:  surf and turf poke (pipikula, shrimp, Maui onions, pohole ferms, kim chee base and wasabi vinaigrette), lomi lomi salmon, fresh poi, a green papaya salad with lime and cilantro flavor, potato mac salad, Maui grown lettuce bar, cucumber namasu, Maui gold pineapple and Kula strawberries, sweet bread rolls and Macadamia Nut butter, Maui cattle grilled top sirloin steaks glazed with Teriyaki Sauce, baked Molokai sweet potatoes glazed with guava syrup and Macadamia Nut butter, fried Macadamia Nut Crusted mahi-mahi with a light coconut and lime sauce, Shoyu chicken, Kalua pig, stir fried vegetables wok fried and seasons with soy sauce, ginger and garlic, idsland style fried rice lup chong and vegetables enhanced with oyster sauce and sesame oil, Maui chow fun vegetables and Por Char Sui.  Wow!  And that does not even include the desserts – chocolate brownie topped with Macadamia Nuts, coconut cake, pineapple upside down cake, traditional Hawaiian Haupia, and guava mousse.  Did we forget to mention there was also an open bar with Blue Hawaiians, Pina Coladas, and Mai Tais.  Next, was the show!  ‘Honua'ula’ goes back to a time when the mighty seafaring Polynesians discovered the land of Hawaii.  It touches upon the voyages of La'amaikahiki and Moikeha who first came to Maui, specifically the area named Honua'ula.  It speaks of gods and goddesses that watched over the courageous people and how they were able to co-exist and live in harmony.  Pele, the goddess of fire is described as one who came prior to the settlers, paving the way with her lava so there would be land sufficient for the Hawaiian people to live.  Lilinoe, the goddess of the mist was said to linger above sending cool rains to nourish the lands.  The mermaid of Maui, Kananaka, swooned near the surfers and tried to capture them for fun. The love story legend of Naulu, the goddess of the clouds could only visit her lover Kanaloa in upon the clouds.  These stories combined create an exciting evening of traditional chant and hula bringing the history of Maui to life. The show concluded with a phenomenal fire show.  What a great experience!  After the luau, we enjoyed a leisurely, romantic beach walk back to the Four Seasons.

Saturday, August 27th

On Saturday, August 27th, we rented a Jeep and set out to spend a little more time touring Maui.  First, we headed back to Pa’ia Town – the North Shore.  (We enjoyed our Thursday breakfast at Charley’s so much we elected to return.)  While in the bohemian-style Town of Pa’ia we also did a little shopping in the local surf shops and one-of-a-kind boutiques.  Next, we decided to stop by the Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum, which highlighted the establishment and growth of the Maui sugar industry.  After leaving the Sugar Museum, we headed to West Maui, specifically Lahaina.  Lahaina was the original seat of the Hawaiian monarchy.  While in Lahaina we strolled along Front Street, perusing the boutiques, surf shops, and galleries as well as taking in some awesome Pacific Ocean views.   For lunch we stopped in to the Lahaina Pizza Company, located directly across from the seawall.  From our table we could enjoy stunning ocean views as well as watch surfers and fishermen in the harbor.  For our meal, we ordered one of their famous deep dish pizzas (‘The Works” - homemade meatballs, pepperoni, Italian sausage, mushroom, green pepper, black olives and sweet onions) along with a chopped Italian salad.  Again, the food did not disappoint.  After lunch, we took in some of the historic sites in Lahaina, including the Baldwin Home, the Old Lahaina Courthouse, the Lahaina Banyan Tree, and the Lahaina Lighthouse.  Next, it was time to head back to the Four Seasons and enjoy a little more sand and surf as well as some more coconut flavored Hawaiian Shaved Ice (no, this is not simply your traditional mainland snow cone) from Snorkels.  Soon, it was time to get ready for dinner.  Before heading off to dinner, we stopped by the Four Season’s Lobby Lounge to take in another gorgeous sunset as well as some Hawaiian music and dancing.  Tonight’s dinner was at Tommy Bahama’s, located in South Maui’s Shops at Wailea.  We started our dinner with some scrumptious Seared Scallop Sliders (Chipotle Aïoli, Basil, Romas, Crispy Maui Onions, Island Slaw) along with bread and butter.  For our main courses, we enjoyed Coconut Crusted Crab Cakes (Lump Blue Crab, Thai Chili Sauce) as well as Crab Stuffed Shrimp (Sautéed Spinach, Almond Rice, Thai Chili Sauce).  For dessert, we had a Pineapple Crème Brûlée (Tahitian Vanilla Bean, White Chocolate Mousse) as well the Brown Butter Blondie (Toasted Macadamia Nuts, White Chocolate Mousse, Hawaiian Sea Salt Caramel, Vanilla Bean Ice Cream).  For drinks we enjoyed some Maui brews, Pineapple Yuzu Mojitos (Cruzan Citrus, Muddled Pineapple and Mint, Yuzu Syrup, Soda) and Mai Tais (Flor de Caña 4 Year, Orgeat, Orange Curaçao, Lemon, Lime, Pineapple, Dark Rum).  Delicious!