Halloween, Hawaii and holiday celebrations - the Hawaii section part 3 COMPLETED - Page 20 - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
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When you were planning you day in Maui, did you consider driving the road to Hana? It is a challenge - narrow and lots of curves - but great scenery. We only did the paved portion, but my daughter and son-in-law also did the unpaved portion when they honeymooned there. I was scared to death and very happy when it was over.
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Last edited by nanajoyx2; 02-18-2014 at 04:31 PM..
Fleetwood's seems like a wonderful place to dine. The dishes you all got looked both delicious and nicely portioned. Wonder what was up with the Krispy Kreme donuts. Your flight sounds a bit scary, but thankfully, your pilot knew what he was doing.
When you were planning you day in Maui, did you consider driving the road to Hana? It is a challenge - narrow and lots of curves - but great scenery. We only did the paved portion, but my daughter and son-in-law also did the unpaved portion when they honeymooned there. I was scared to death and very happy when it was over.
I certainly considered it, but I knew I couldn't fit it all in. My priority was the National Park, as we love visiting those, then I thought Lahaina looked good for the rest of the day, as it wouldn't take that long to get there. We might do that when we go back to Maui....
Monday 11 November – part one: learning about Hawaii’s history
I first woke up at 6:00am, then went back to sleep for an hour, then decided I’d better surface, and headed downstairs to put another load of laundry on, as it had been a week since we’d done the last lot. Where does the time go? It’s certainly flown by!
At about 8:05am, I remembered that Laniwai, the spa here, usually does an open house, although I hadn’t yet picked up my Daily ‘Iwa (essentially it’s like a Navigator for those of you who’ve been on the cruise), but it’s been on every other day, so I wandered down there. Unfortunately it’s not an open house in terms of you wander round for a while, it’s an actual tour, so I’d missed it, but they told me to come back in 10 minutes, and they’d show me around.
I grabbed Mark and we headed down for a quick tour. Now, while this is absolutely beautiful, I have to say I’m glad I explored it, as the outdoor Kula Wai hydrotherapy garden wasn’t as expansive as I thought it would be from the descriptions I’d seen. Essentially, there are three whirlpool tubs, and a series of six outdoor showers. Now while it’s well shielded from the sun, it’s not so well shielded from the wind. It was quite windy this morning, and you could feel it in there. While it was beautiful, I have to say I still don’t think it justifies the prices they charge here.
We set off for our tour for the day about 9:50am, a bit later than I’d planned, but at least we missed the rush hour, not that there was much of one today I’m guessing, as it was the Veterans’ Day holiday. As it was a bit later, it was much easier to get photos today as a) it was daylight and b) it was dry.
Another familiar name from the continental States
Our first stop today was the Bishop Museum, which was founded in 1889 by Charles Reed Bishop in honour of his late wife, Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop. She was the last descendant of the royal Kamehamha family and the museum was established to house the extensive collection she had of Hawaiian artefacts and heirlooms. Since it was first established, as happens with these places, the collection has expanded and now includes other Pacific island cultures.
When we got there, we were told by the security guard that the parking lot was already full, and we’d have to park along the road. Not what I was expecting – I knew it was a holiday, but I really didn’t think this place would be so popular with families. What I didn’t know was that there was a massive LEGO exhibition, along with their science section, which is all hands on. In fairness, the parking lot wasn’t that big, and there was a line to get tickets, but we were seen within five minutes.
With our DVC discount it was only $12/each. Without, it would’ve been $19.95/each, so that’s quite a saving.
We headed towards the Hawaiian Hall, and this is obviously the original part of the museum.
Once inside, we headed first into the Abigail Kinoiki Kekaulike Kahili Room to learn all about kahili, the feather standards of the chiefs of the islands.
We also learnt about Hawaii’s Royal family. It was a fascinating history, but slightly depressing, given how young some of them died. One was a prince who died at the age of four. Another one came with his Queen to London, and they both died there from measles. Not a good day for the British then…
We crossed into the next gallery to see the ni’ihau shell leitemporary exhibition. These things are beautiful.
Interesting that the outdoor part of the spa didn't seem worth the expense. The way it's described it sounds much more extensive and protected than it really is. Just shows you should try to tour a spa before booking! The Bishop Museum looks like a wonderful place to learn about the culture of the islands. Those shell leis are just beautiful.
Interesting about the spa. It didn't look comfortable to me. I am glad you were able to go to the museum. Very interesting history, though I had to chuckle about it not being a good day for the British. Sad, but true. She was quite the independent spirit for her time. Marrying who she wanted and refusing to be queen.
I am enjoying your trip report immensely. You are bringing back so many memories for me from our trip to Aulani last year and our trip to Maui many years ago. You are making me want to go back so very badly. Thank you so much for sharing, your reports always make me so happy.
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Maybe they don't anticipate a lot of spa usage. I don't know. But it's a shame it's not up to par.
A lego exhibition! I sure hope Mark was able to play a little bit.
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Interesting that the outdoor part of the spa didn't seem worth the expense. The way it's described it sounds much more extensive and protected than it really is. Just shows you should try to tour a spa before booking!
I was a bit surprised, but not completely, as I was conscious I hadn't seen many photos of the garden, which is what made me wonder about what it was like...
Quote:
The Bishop Museum looks like a wonderful place to learn about the culture of the islands. Those shell leis are just beautiful.
It's a wonderful place to visit. Sadly, that DVC discount is no longer for 2014....
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Your flight sounds a bit scary, but thankfully, your pilot knew what he was doing. 
Great trip to the island!!
PassPorter Guide Author
Where does the time go? It’s certainly flown by! 
Not what I was expecting – I knew it was a holiday, but I really didn’t think this place would be so popular with families. What I didn’t know was that there was a massive LEGO exhibition, along with their science section, which is all hands on. In fairness, the parking lot wasn’t that big, and there was a line to get tickets, but we were seen within five minutes. 
it was only $12/each. Without, it would’ve been $19.95/each, so that’s quite a saving. 
Another one came with his Queen to London, and they both died there from measles. Not a good day for the British then… 
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