Just an Idea

It's beautiful out here.  Do you think we can stay?
Silly, we've got til our flight out on Saturday.  Soak it in.

I wondered what it takes to pick up and move out to a place like this.  What do you do for a living?  Where do you find a place to stay?  It must be something beyond just the condos and hotels that the tourists roost into.

That was more than fifteen years ago, and my first memories of Maui have since been overwritten by the new life I enjoyed when I returned, together with a new family of my own.  As the local dialect speaks of "ohana" (family), I learn that family cannot only be in common by blood, but by a lasting bond that extends between friends that soon become just like family.

Down In the Bubbles of Blue

The aquarium at the Maui Ocean Center is a half-day activity that is family-friendly.  The sea life kept in the aquarium create a very peaceful feeling to watch from within the viewing areas.  There is a shopping area nearby as well for browsing too.  The harbor area here is also the launching point for many of the snorkeling and reef exploration tours mentioned in many of the visitor guides.

Kid and Family Friendly Ideas for Your Maui Trip

Things to do when your travelling companion is barely two...

My wife put together a short list of some activities and places she enjoys going to on our outings together as a family.  It started out as a project for a family friend, but I think it's worth sharing with others as well!

2014-10-05 12-47-23-upclosemaui-things-to-do-part-1 from RGlenn Pascual on Vimeo.

When you come to Maui, you may find an opportunity to discover them as we have. Feel free to pause the video so you can read everything she wrote on the "sticky" notes posted to the desktop.

My favorite is the Maui Plantation.  It's nice enough where many couples decide to book their entire wedding event to be hosted on the plantation grounds.  The little keiki will enjoy some fun feeding the ducks, fish, nene and other wandering animals at the lagoon, and the surrounding grounds are shady, breezy lawns (my favorite) where you can set down and relax,

Aloha!

Broadway's Princess Graces Maui Theater Scene

This last weekend we were in for a treat.  The full cast of "Miss Saigon Maui" performed pieces of the show's headlining songs on the center stage at the Queen Kaahumanu Shopping Mall (pictured in photos below).  The acoustics of the musical score was filled with echoes at the mall, but the powerful energies of the cast still rang through and brought a chill to me in response. (In a good way)

Miss Saigon Live in Maui (2014): To be performed at the MACC

I remember the friends I had in college many years ago who absolutely adored the entire "romantic" storyline of Miss Saigon.  If you read into its origins too deeply however, you'll discover that the musical is inspired from an even older performance piece known as "Madame Butterfly".  I didn't like the premise of "Madame" very much, but at least Miss Saigon's script introduces more modern sensibilities in its characters. 

So if you're in Maui this mid August (2014), consider attending this headlining event at the MACC (Maui Arts and Cultural Center) in Wailuku.  Look up the event online for updates, reviews as well as ticket prices and show times.  Aloha!

Everyday is a Good Day for a Luau!

Summer is Here!

Yes, locals go to luaus too.  How often?  My answer is "not enough".  Even a transplanted local like me gets wrapped up in everyday distractions:  go shopping, pick up the kids, fill up the gas tank, pay the bills... and on and on... 

I don't think there's a grown-up alive here or on the mainland who doesn't get overwhelmed with these kinds of daily dramas and burdens.  I love summer on Maui because there's a flood of fresh travellers looking for a change of pace.  Most have forgotten anything about rushing or hurrying anywhere by the time they get into the driver's seat behind their rental car.

I respect visitors and their presence of mind to take a hiatus from wherever they are.  My observations are that you don't have to go far from home (but helps) to transition yourself from a stressful life or lifestyle.  This is based on a greater truth, and I try to live it by the suggestion of a different maxim:

Every day is a good day for luau. What's your excuse?

Although the preparation and the set-up for an event like this seems like a big production, think about the good times and the hospitality that comes across to visitors and guests alike.  Taking turns being a good host and being a mirthful guest is how communities recycle the attitude of ALOHA. 

Remember us and how you felt for the moment of this visit... bright, refreshed and carefree. 

Your assignment:  Bring a piece of your feelings and memories home but also share it with anyone... and do so with love.  We're glad to have you here. 

Special Requests:  If you haven't given in to the "island-mood" transition, please take care when you get behind the wheel of your vehicle.  Road-rage is definitely not common around here!