So this trip has been one of being flexible, and allowing for changes of plans. We had planned to have breakfast at Slappy Cakes, but Taffy19's suggestion of 808GrinzCafe sounded especially good, as did their online menu, so we tried that instead. There was a line literally down to the end of the sidewalk. MUCH too crowded. They said the wait would be about an hour. Sorry, it's just breakfast. So we went back to Plan A, and ate at Slappy Cakes, across from the resort.
It was very, very good! Something about “Banana bread French toast” just sounded slightly decadent. So of course, I had to try it. “With macadamia and walnuts, dipped in custard, and grilled.” Now, how awful could that be? Truth be told, it was really, really good! Too rich to finish, but I left feeling quite satisfied. The meal was made better by covering it in Coconut Syrup. (Is there any other kind in Hawaii? I don't think so.
)
After breakfast, we had planned to do the Road to Hana. Well, best laid plans, and all that.
We decided to head to Iao Valley, and see the Iao Needle instead. So we drove to Wailuku, only to get drenched in rain. The entire valley was socked in and raining. Hmm. Not going to go up there if we can't see anything. What to do...
So we went to the Queen Ka'ahumanu Center mall for a bit, to let the weather settle down. When we were done walking around, (and buying more shoes!), the weather was better down at sea level, but Iao Valley was still a no-go. So we went to Kihei instead.
It was a nice drive. Slip, I waved at Maui Schooner for you. Luanne, I also waved at Maui Hill for you. (Who said I don't think of my friends at times like these?
) We putzed around, mostly admiring the real estate in Wailea, and ended up at Makena Beach. Not the boat launch, but the State Park. It was deserted - couldn't have been more than 30 cars in the parking lot, probably because the weather was a bit sketchy. We spent time hanging out, putting our toes in the ocean, and admiring my two favorite lesser islands, Kahoolawe and Molokini.
Wanting to kill a bit of time mid-late afternoon, and wanting to avoid rush hour traffic, we headed back to Kahului, and the Emerald City for my Warehouse Worker - Costco. (Just driving into the parking lot and seeing the building, I hear the song from the Wizard of Oz: "You're out of the woods, you're out of the dark, you're out of the night. Step into the sun, step into the light...") We bought a larger bottle of that amazing Koloa Rum Pineapple Passion Fruit (somebody drank the one we bought the other day. How did that happen?) Lo and behold, Costco has one twice as big, for only five bucks more. So, we had to have that. And a package of Manapua, because, you know, it's Hawaii.
I got us fresh deli chicken sandwiches and salad for dinner, some Mango salsa, and a bigger bag of chips (the local grocery store's price is bordering on extortion.) Even if I leave half this bag here when we leave, I'm still money ahead.
So we're back at the resort, having dinner and testing out that bottle of Koloa Rum from Costco. and then we realized tonight is Luau Night. We aren't attending, but we have birds-eye-view ringside seats for the event. The music so far isn't bad, but we're hoping for an after dinner show. Tahitian dancers and fire knives and so forth. Always a great time. I really like this resort.
Tomorrow, we'll try again for the 808GrindzCafe breakfast, and the Road to Hana.
Dave