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Report 1896: Two Travellers on Maui, January 25 - Feb 5, 2011

By Doug Phillips from Canada, Winter 2011

Trip Description: We received an unexpected invitation to visit a friend living on Maui - and off we went, making new friends, meeting up with relatives, touring the island and having a great time. Can't wait to return.

Destinations: Countries - North America; Regions/Cities - Hawaii

Categories: Family/Friends; Beach; Day Tours; Foodie Trip; Sightseeing; Walking/Hiking; Independent Travel; 2 People

Day 1, Liz by the pool in Ka'anapali Hillside

Millions of Canadians plan at least a partial escape from our winters - Florida, Mexico or the Caribbean islands are the usual destinations of choice for people in our area of central Canada (Ontario). My wife and I are both retired and usually forgo such a respite so we can indulge in a trip to Europe for a couple of weeks, or maybe a bit longer, in May-June or September-October. We have been to Mexico twice and took a cruise of the eastern Caribbean a few years ago, but that's it.

Hawaii was never on our travel horizon. It's pretty far away and has always seemed to us to be a rather expensive holiday option. However, a most fortunate happenstance presented us with the opportunity of visiting the island of Maui for almost two weeks. Melissa, a young friend of my wife, contacted her in November, mentioned that she had relocated to Maui for at least a year, and invited us to come for a visit. She didn't have to ask twice.

I didn't know much about Maui, so I started a thread on Slow Travel, got the usual great response and assistance. I bought a recommended book - Maui Revealed by Andrew Doughty - confirmed dates with Melissa, booked tickets with United Airlines - Toronto-San Francisco-Kahului and return, added a couple of warm weather items to add to my Christmas list and, beginning in January, counted down the days.

Oh, a couple of weeks after I booked our flights, I received an e-mail from United, changing the return segment. Instead of coming back through San Francisco, we would be returning via Washington DC, with a stop in Los Angeles. No problem, shouldn't make any difference.

On January 24, the day before our departure, the morning temperature outside our home was -30 degrees. Neither of our two cars would start. Looking forward to Maui.

Here's what happened ....