Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii is always a popular destination among travelers and it certainly ranks tops for me. During our most recent trip to Maui this summer my two teenage girls tried surfing. According to them, “It’s easier than it looks.”   We purchased a lesson from Maui Beach Boys.  They offer lessons at the Cove of Kalama Park. The Park is right in the middle of Kihei and close to the Maui Banyan, our home property on Maui.  

We booked a group lesson but there were only 4 people total in the group so it was like a semi private lesson anyway.  The out of water instruction was brief and the girls quickly made for the water to learn by doing.  The instructor helps each person judge and catch the wave, so Madison was able to stand up on her first wave. 

Travelers can contact Maui Beach boys at www.mauibeachboys.com

We returned from our Sundance Vacations Hawaii trip this past Sunday and here are my comments on our stay at Maui Banyan.  This is our 7th trip to Hawaii and all of them were outstanding to say the least.  As for the Unit we stayed in, it was just fine.  We had maintenance install a security chain on the inside of the entry door and had the cleaning service come in to thoroughly clean the Lanai that, in our opinion, had not been cleaned in weeks or maybe months.  It was that dirty.  When we left for our 2 week vacation on Kauai, we told the rental office that the air condition in the bedroom needed to be repaired.  It kept going on and off constantly so we just shut it down.  Between the fan in the bedroom and the A/C in the living room, the Unit was cool enough.  We also told the rental office that the non-conducting material (for the lack of a better description) that is just around the front inside of the oven the oven door closes on was not only frayed but in some areas completely torn.

Aside from those deficiencies, it really was a nice place to stay.  The Maui Banyan complex was a great place and located in a nice area of Kihei.  We made good use of the beach across the street as well as the pool in the complex.

Russell and Diane Scardigli

Maui-Sept. 23 to Sept. 30

Thanks to the reservation agents and the Banyan property office staff at

Maui for making the planning and check-in process stress free, smooth and

informative.

Maui is a true paradise with something for everyone: A rainforest,

breathtaking vistas, superior beaches, premier vegetation, plus typical

shopping stores in the more commercialized/touristy communities.  Prices for

food, souvenirs and things you’ll forget to pack, did not seem out of line.

TIP: Take slip-resistant, treaded sandals/water shoes for walking on the

volcanic rocks, "tropic wear" clothes, and 1 or 2 nicer Hawaiian outfits for

luau’s. Shop around for prices that will fit your budget for side trips and

excursions. Our unit at Maui Banyon was very clean, spacious and well

equipped (incl. cooler, beach chairs, washer and drier).  Pack light, to

save room for all the mementoes you’ll bring home with you.

Molokai-Sept. 30 to Oct. 7

Our second week was in Molokai, where we rested from the activity of Maui.

The Hotel Molokai is like a step back in time, 180 degrees from the other

islands’ tourist trappings.  The locals deliberately designed this island to

remain a true representative of the "real" Hawaiian island.  Here you will

sleep late, read, play cards and mingle with the locals.  Our time there was

private, romantic and unforgettably restful. Jeanie at the hotel, her staff,

and the residents of the island made sure we were enjoying this peaceful

escape from our real life.  THANKS to all!

Sandy Burkhalter-Sundance Vacations Hawaii trip