Lunch in Kihei and Walking back to Wailea

As we walk along the water in Kihei, we see many surfers paddling out and riding the waves back in.

Surfers in the water

At the end of Kalama Park, we come up on a humpback whale statue, commemorating that Hawaii is the only place in the United States where humpback whales mate, calve, and nurse their young.  Every November to May, over half the the North Pacific humpback whale population migrates over 3,000 miles (4,830 km) to the warm, protected waters of Hawaii.

Humpback whale statue

We pass Maui bus stops, just small places to rest while waiting for the bus.

Bus stop bench

We had been hoping for fish & chips at Maui Fish & Chips, but they are closed for the holiday and we get fabulous fish tacos and ahi poke prepared two different ways (traditional and spicy) at the nearby ABC Store and eat in the park across the street.

Fish tacos and ahi poke (two ways)

As we walk back through the nature preserve over Eddie Pu trail, we stop to admire the view and watch the people out fishing.

More beaches

Along the Eddie Pu trail

Greetings on the trail

Fishing

We pass through the Kihea harbor and spot a sea turtle that has crawled out of the water and is slowly turning around to head back into the Pacific.

Kihea harbor

Sea turtle ashore

We leave Kihei behind and cross the beaches of Wailea, heading back to the Grand Wailea, to wind up the day.

Wailea coming up

Back at the Grand Wailea

As the day winds down

Walking to Kihei

We wake up to a beautiful morning on Maui and stroll through the Grand Wailea, remembering the fun times we've had here over the years.

Morning on Maui

Hotel holiday decorations

Hotel grounds

We start the day with a walk along the water (over paths and beaches and through parks) to Kihei, the next town, about about 4 miles (6.5 km) away.   Initially, we follow a path along the water, passing several of the Wailea-area resorts.

Along the water

We pass some grand houses on the edge of the beach.  In prior years, we walked by these houses on the road side, but fences and hedges prevented us from seeing how great they are.  But, they're all open to the sea and the beach on the beach side, at the rear of the property.

Hawaiian lifestyle

Simple holiday decorations are on display at one of the properties.

Holiday

Soon, we reach the harbor at Kihei and the Eddie Pu trail, named after the National Park Ranger who circumnavigated Maui on foot every year for 25 years, starting in 1976, a distance of 211 miles (340 km).  This part of the trail leads through seabird nesting area, with great views of the Pacific.

Kihei harbor

Eddie Pu trail

We arrive in Kihei, packed with beautiful parks and beaches along the ocean.

Kihei beaches

Holiday Weekend in Maui During the Pandemic

 

The State of Hawaii reopened for tourism on October 15, with safety precautions.  We fill out health forms on line and upload our negative Covid-19 test results (within 72 hours of departure) and receive a QR code to show when we land on Maui (along with the negative-test-result certificates) and go through a quick, but comprehensive, health screening, QR code and negative-test-result certificates in hand, before being allowed out of the airport terminal.  And, we (and Hawaii) accept some risk.  The process is efficient and smooth and, soon, we are in Maui for the US Thanksgiving holiday.

An important step

We arrive at the Grand Wailea as the sun sets and the lights come on at the entrance to the hotel.

View from our room as the sun sets

View of the entrance

Around the lobby

We follow brightly-lit steps through the lush tropical foliage over to the nearby shops to find dinner at the bar at Longhi's, sharing mahi mahi with gnocchi and prawns "venice" with gnocchi (sauteed in lots of garlic with lemon, butter, white wine, and Italian parsley), along with a bottle (or two) of Sancerre.

Path to dinner

After dinner, we walk through the hotel to find an after-dinner drink, admiring more of the holiday decorations.

Back through the lobby.

It's great to be back in Hawaii!  And, to be travelling again!