Our 7-day trip to Hawaii in Feb 2007 was more than fun and more than refreshing.We had a hard time getting out of Salt Lake when a rip-roaring blizzard hit the valley just as we left for the airport at 6am. We arrived at the airport and got through security just in time to be the last ones on the plane before it took off.
When we arrived on Maui a soft warm breeze greeted us, so different from the world we had left behind. Gently blowing tropical greens waived to us as we walked out of the airport. Steves parents and sister who had come before us greeted us with flower leis. It was like we were in a really really good dream.
Alyssa and I stood out on the curb at the airport and took it all in as Steve went after our bags. I cried a little (good cry) because the realization of Hawaii's beauty was a little overwhelming.
We stayed in Kehei in a TrendWest condo. The accomodations were lovely, partial ocean view from the Lenai. The beach was only 100 yards or so away (just across the street). We had everything we needed and more, kitchen, pool, the works.
We enjoyed ourselves everywhere we went for the entire week. I kept asking myself, Is this real? Am I really on a tiny little bump in the middle of the ocean? We took in many different beaches thanks to our travel guide Charlie Sokol. He knew all the best places to take us. We saw incredible tropical fish while we snorkeled daily. Our highlight was always seeing the Hawaian Honu (Green Sea Turtle). Another personal favorite was the Puffer fish, which looked like a polka-dotted box of Kleenex with teeny tiny fins.
Fine dining was also a real highlight. After being on weight watchers for almost a year the food was not only delicious but exciting. We attended a traditional Luao at the Wailea Marriott. The food (and drinks) were incredible, and the entertainment as well. 
Karen and Charlie treated us to many delicious dinners at lovely Hawaiian restaraunts. A favorite was Buzz's and Da Kitchen (teri beef, yum). Not to go with out mention were the meals we cooked (and when I say "we" I mean Karen) in our condo. The fresh fruit, especially pineapple, was incredibly sweet like candy, large and plentiful. Charlie also BBQ'd for us multiple times, so delicious.
We visited the Maui aquariam. We spent hours googling over all the fish. Some we had seen first hand in the water while we snorkled, and many were new to us. Alyssa enjoyed seeing all the fish for the first time. It was one of her favorite events of her lifetime (so far). We enjoyed seeing the rays and sharks and big tuna's and thousands of other variety's. We felt like we were inside with the fish when we stood in the tube with the sea life above us, below us and all around us.
The road to Hana although slightly sickening at least to Alyssa who threw-up three times while we drove the 633 turns on the narrow and winedy highway, turned
out to be one of the most breath taking and memorable parts of the trip. We couldn't belive our eyes when we saw the black sand beaches. It was like witnessing creation, almost a spritual experience. The thick jungle, waterfalls and flowers made it unforgettable.All in all we can not wait to go back.
