Click here for a slideshow of Molokai Island, Hawaii

As a travel agent for Totem Travel, recently I had the pleasure of experiencing the island of Molokai. From Maui the easiest way to get to Molokai is by ferry. As I headed off to the harbor in Lahaina, I could just see the sun poking its head through the morning clouds over the mountains of Maui. It was a very early morning start with the Lahaina Cruise Company. The ferry I was on was the Molokai Princess. Of course being an explorer at heart, I headed topside for the best views. On the way over we were served a complimentary continental breakfast with juice, fresh fruit and muffins.  When we arrived we were met by our tour guide Kalani. Today I was going to enjoy the Molokai Ali’i tour . This tour has an excellent overview of the island of Molokai. Highlights of my tour included the Kalaupapa Sea Cliff Lookout, Father Damien’s Churches, Purdy’s Macadamia nut plantation, Hawaiian Fishponds, an operating coffee plantation and quaint and eclectic Kaunakakai Town. We also enjoyed a nice lunch at the Hotel Molokai with amazing oceanfront views.  Kalani’s knowledge of the history of the island was very impressive as well. All in all it was a perfect day.

After dropping everyone else back at the harbor, I was dropped off back at the lovely Hotel Molokai for the night. The agent at the front desk was Carly. She was very sweet and answered all my questions with a smile. I inquired about Halawa waterfall hike or other day trips. There is truly a lot to do on Molokai.  After I received my key to room 221, I grabbed my bag for a short walk through the well manicured grounds of the hotel.  Through out the property you can see plumeria trees in blossom. Right out front of the property are huge mango trees that I was invited to go pick fresh fruit from.  My room was beautiful with high ceilings and wood beams and a huge bed with views direct to the ocean. Stepping out the sliding glass door to my lanai, I had amazing views of the ocean and the Pailolo Channel that looks across to Lanai. After getting settled in, I decided to go get something cold to drink from the bar and take a dip in their ocean front pool. The view from both the restaurant and the pool as the sun was setting was amazing. That night I ordered prime rib from the Hula Shores restaurant and it was the best I’ve had in my life. It was very relaxing just sitting on my lanai, drinking a glass of wine and enjoying the music that was being played by a live band by the pool.

The following morning, I picked up my car rental from the hotel. The young lady, Iris, was very charming as she talked about working for Enterprise at the hotel.  First thing I did after I got in my rental was head back to this amazing coffee shop called the Blue Monkey. I had the most amazing cup of coffee called Toasted Coconut. After getting my much needed jolt of caffeine, I decided to head off to this lonely stretch of beach on the other side of the island called Papohaku Beach. This was the most spectacular beach I have ever laid eyes on.  After walking on that lone stretch of beach I decided to head off to Halawa to view the waterfalls. The road on the way to the falls is mountains on one side and historical fish ponds, mango trees and taro patches and pure ocean on the other.  My last stop on the way back from my drive around Molokai was to stop at Molokai Pizza Café. My guide told me that if I wanted the best burger in Molokai – this was the place. I was not disappointed. Big juicy burger layered with mushrooms, provolone and bacon almost as big as the plate! Sadly, I had to return my car and get back on the Molokai Princess and head back to Maui. From snorkeling to kayaking and horseback riding to hiking – There was so much to see and do that I have to go back!

My impression of Molokai is one of beauty and wilderness coupled with aloha cultural and sprinkled with grace and charm. The first thing you notice is the absence of background noise. My subconscious has so many images of Molokai. I basked in the feel of hot sun and cool afternoon breezes on my skin. The sound of slack key guitar was wafting into my room with the evening breeze.  As well as the gentle gurgle and splash of the waves as they hit the beach. The sound of the night wind whispering through the windows. In the distance I heard the hollow sound of hand carved coconut wood chimes ringing melodically. The smell of sea salt air mixed with the tangy scent of mango trees and plumeria while watching the sun dip into the horizon as it fades from gold to hot pink while tiny crabs scuttle along the beach.

If you would like more information about visiting the island of Molokai, please feel free to give me a call at 425-821-4100 or email me.

Mahalo!
-Jill

Click here for a slideshow of Lanai Island, Hawaii

As a travel agent for Totem Travel part of my passion for travelling is that it appeals to my needs to explore and do things I have never done. On my recent vacation to Maui, I decided to visit the Island of Lanai. Lanai – At 18 miles wide and 13 miles long, Lanai is the most secluded island in the Hawaiian island chain. In my opinion, the best way to sample the island of Lanai is by taking a catamaran over with Trilogy Excursions  808-874-5649; http://www.sailtrilogy.com)

When you check in at the harbor, you can see the crew getting the catamaran ready for your adventure. We were greeted by Captain Chuck and invited to start boarding. On board they invited us to stow our bags and head up top for the best views.  Once we were all settled and accounted for we started out for Lanai. The water was a deep azul almost black in some places. Lanai was off in the distance with some low laying fog visible from our seats. The crew on my trip was Nick and his brother Dominic and a wonderful young lady named Alex.  After a few minutes a mouth watering smell of hot cinnamon rolls made its way up from the galley. While the cinnamon rolls were being served, Captain Chuck talked about the island and what the itinerary was for the day. Through out the ride over, the crew served us juice and kept us well fed with fresh fruit and later on delicious wraps.  Along the way we stopped to view the amazing spinner dolphins as they showed off their fins in the water and their fabulous dance moves as they dipped and dived in and out of the water. They were graceful as well as playful as they sped along in front of us.

Once we arrived in Lanai, we had the option of going straight to the beach or doing a local tour that took us into Lanai City. I decided to hop on the city tour. We had a fabulous local guide by the name of Moana who had live on and off Lanai for most of her life. She had fabulous knowledge of the history of the pineapple plantations and the growth of Lanai through the years.

While driving from the harbor to the town of Lanai City, it is hard to believe that you are on the same island. The landscape changes from tropical beach to wild west prairies on the drive to Lanai City.   We went from approximately 95 degrees on the beach to 75 and afternoon showers in town. Images in my head are of hot desert sand under my toes and cool green Cook Island pines (planted to collect moisture) in the fog  because water is scarce on the island.

Lanai’s central town – for a wonderful array of shops, restaurants and local businesses all centered around Dole Park. Depending on what you’re in the mood for, you can grab a cup of coffee from Coffee Works, dine like a local at the Blue Ginger Café, or enjoy other delicious fare at Canoes, Café 565 or Pele’s Other Garden.

After the tour we headed out to the beach to snorkel, snuba or just relax in the sun. Manele bay and Hulopoe Bay (recently named America’s best beach) are simple breath taking. Because they are protected by a reef they are great for snorkeling and swimming. The crew of Trilogy I had the snorkeling equipment set up and ready to go. My first two attempts at snorkeling were not very successful. So as I bravely asked for my size 8 snorkel fins they asked why I was so nervous. I said well I feel like I am suffocating. Alex offered to go out with me on a surf board and help me learn how to breathe using the mask so I could successfully snorkel. I cannot tell you how much I appreciated her patience and encouragement. She was fantastic! You could tell she loves her job. She paddled out with me and slowly walked me through how to fit my mask, how to use the breathing apparatus and gave me little tips like don’t smile under water otherwise water will get into your mask. I couldn’t help but smile! So naturally water got into my mask. She made my first successful experience snorkeling fun and safe! After time on the beach we head back toward the marina where they had a barbeque set up for us. The lunch was sumptuous with BBQ chicken, Chinese stir fry noodles with corn on the cob and a yummy dessert.

After a leisurely lunch, we all head back on board Trilogy I and sailed back to Lahaina with an amazing sunset for a backdrop and rainbows welcoming us in the clouds over Maui.

I loved my experience and I will be back to sail Trilogy again and visit the enticing island of Lanai. If you would like more information about visiting the island of Lanai or would like more information about booking a trip to Maui, please feel free to give me a call at 425-821-4100 or send me an email jill@totemtravel.com.

Mahalo,
-Jill

Click here for a slideshow of Royal Lahaina Resort

As a travel agent for Totem Travel, my specialty is travel to Europe. So where does a European travel specialist go for her vacation? Well – Maui of course! I have been to Maui several times. Who doesn’t like Maui? This time I wanted to do things I had not done before.  I sat down and created a list of the things I have done previously like the road to Hana, Haleakala, Kula Botanical Gardens, Maui Tropical Plantation and the Aquarium. This time I wanted to actually succeed at snorkeling, go sailing, hike to a waterfall, but most importantly I wanted to take the ferry over to explore the islands of Lanai and Molokai.

I have to say that this visit to Maui was by far the most flawless vacation I have ever taken. The nonstop flight on Hawaiian Air was smooth and service was excellent. My car rental from Hertz was seamless and I gave them all my information in advance so I didn’t have to stand in line and wait for an hour to get my vehicle.  My original plans were to stay at the Kaanapali Ocean Inn. However, when I arrived I was upgraded to a deluxe ocean view room at their sister property – the Royal Lahaina.

I was particularly excited to see my room because I had heard that the Royal Lahaina Resort had recently had all the rooms in the Lahaina Kai tower building renovated. When I walked into my room, my jaw dropped. It had certainly changed since the last time I was there.  The room was very spacious with dark wood accents; sepia colored Hawaiian art was on the walls. The bed was an enormous king size platform bed with a beautiful dark wood head board that ran the length of the wall. The room itself had a lot of storage space. My suitcase fit under the bed and my carry on fit nicely in the closet next to the bathroom. There was a mini fridge in the room, which is a nice touch because I bought some local pineapple wine from Tedeschi Vineyards and I could keep it chilled. What I really liked the most was the brushed steel accents used in the bathroom which looks like bamboo.  It was very classy, very Hawaiian.  The bathroom had a nice walk in glass shower.  Right outside my lanai was fabulous Kaanapali beach. It went on for a mile I either direction with emerald waters running up to meet it wherever you looked.

Throughout my stay, I would wander down to the Barefoot Bar or get towel at the Beach shack. My favorite stop was on the way back from walking on the beach or lying in the sun I would make a pit stop at their ice cream shop and have a scoop of the passion fruit sherbet. Amazing and refreshing!  I have to say that everyone from the valet who first greeted me at the hotel to the housekeeping staff was super friendly and delivered outstanding customer service.  They were always smiling! And why shouldn’t they? They live on a beautiful island and work at a fabulous hotel and the scenery just outside the door was incredible.

Maui has always been well known as a honeymoon hot spot, but it is indeed perfect for a family vacation or solo travelers.  The Royal Lahaina also recently renovated all of the cottages that are steps from the beach with enough from for a family of six.  They also have one and two bedroom beautiful suites on the top floors of the tower that can comfortably sleep four people.  The standard rooms in the Lahaina Kai tower come with either two double beds or one king with varies view from terrace all the way up to ocean front.

If you would like more information about vacation packages to this beautiful resort in Maui or information on other Hawaiian islands, feel free to give me a call at 425-821-4100 or email me.

Mahalo,
-Jill

Click here for a slideshow of Aston Maui Hill

Maui Hill is a beautiful property in the Kihei area of Maui. As you can derive from the name, it sits on a hill overlooking the ocean. While it is not on the beach, it is just a short walk to Kamaole Beach.

Quote from a recent honeymoon couple:

Aston Maui Hill was perfect! We really enjoyed staying in Kihei also! We had a wonderful time in Maui. We can’t wait to go back! Thanks again for all your help!
-Sara and Patrick

Most units give you a view of the ocean, some more than others. The gardens are beautiful, so whether you book an ocean view or garden view room, your lanai will afford you a lovely view. We thoroughly enjoyed this feature for our breakfast! Fresh pineapple and papaya, with Kona Coffee on the lanai in Maui, what could be better!

Maui Hill has 1, 2 and 3 bedroom units. It is one of the few properties on Maui that do have 3 bedrooms, and allow 8 people in a unit. Each of the units is privately owned so actual furnishings vary from room to room. All units have 2 bathrooms (except the 3 bedroom which has 3 bathrooms), 2 televisions, private lanais, kitchens, AND a washer and dryer (a big plus with children!!). They also have free high speed internet access, if you need to keep in touch.

Because Aston Maui Hill has multi-bedroom units at an affordable price it is the perfect family reunion venue, or accommodations for a bridal party.

Kitchens are fully equipped with a refrigerator, range, micro-wave, and dishwasher. Small appliances such as toasters, coffee makers and blenders are also included. All kitchens are fully stocked with pots and pans, dishes and flatware, coffee mugs and drinking glasses. You just supply the food!!

Each bedroom is furnished with a queen bed, and the living room has a sleeper sofa. The 3rd bedroom in the 3 bedroom unit is a loft with an attached bath.

The property itself, offers a swimming pool, jet spa, a putting green, shuffleboard, tennis court, barbecue area and an internet workstation in the lobby. And the property is entirely smoke-free with smoking allowed in designated areas only.

While, Maui Hill does not have a restaurant, there are many within a short drive, as well as several grocery stores.

I thoroughly enjoyed my stay at ResortQuest Maui Hill, and I know that you will too! If it’s time to book your Maui vacation please call, email or book online and Get Personalized help from a travel expert at no extra cost!

sandi@totemtravel.com
425 821-4100

On the Magical date of August 29^th, Oahu, Hawaii officially welcomed Aulani, A Disney Resort and Spa.  Aulani does not mean magical Hawaiian Vacation, but it should.  This brand new, luxury hotel, on the west side of the Oahu, is just that: Magical!!

Amazingly, the Disney Imagineers, have created the Aulani to fully represent the local Hawaiian craftsman, by incorporating many of the Hawaiian fabrics, beautiful flowers, and native Hawaiian woods, with the quality and fantasy that is Disney.  Your children will be searching for Mickey in the pineapple-patterned Hawaiian quilts. Or turning on the living room lamp to see a silhouette of Minnie Mouse hanging ten on her surfboard!  Or find Mickey hiding in the patterned wall coverings.

Disney has tried to celebrate the Hawaiian Culture in every way:  the foods are grown by local farmers, the fish caught fresh daily, and the thousands of fish you see while snorkeling in Rainbow Reef, are native to Hawaii.  Hawaiian dancers entertain on special nights, and of course, no Hawaiian visit would be complete without hearing a few Hawaiian legends.  No one can “Talk Story” like the local Hawaiian storytellers!

When we think of Disney, we think of children, of course.  And Aulani is no exception.  The kids will have a great time visiting Aunty’s Beach House where they can experiment making special goo that really food for the Manta Rays!  (Which they will be able to fee at the Resort’s Conservation pool) Or blast self-made volcanoes on the beach!  Can’t do that at Disneyland!!  But some of the Disney characters on vacation too, so you never know who might show up!!

Teens are going to be thrilled with the idea of their own spa, Painted Sky, and the teens-only parties!  Even guided excursions and surfing lessons are available just for your teens.

What are the adults going to do while the kids are off having all this fun?  So many ideas!  How about customized spa treatments at the Laniwai Spa? Or maybe a romantic dip in the sunset whirlpools?  Of course, guided excursions are available to some pretty amazing places, too!  Golf?  Of course!  It’s only a few steps away.

Have you thought about a honeymoon in Hawaii?  The Aulani has beautiful accommodations, lots of activities, romantic sunsets, and good food!  I always say that a happy marriage is about having fun together!  What could be more fun that Disney!!  And Hawaii!  At the same time!

Aulani is the perfect combination of Hawaiian Culture, Disney fun, water fun and beautiful sunsets!  Please contact Sandi to book the newest Disney destination: Aulani, A Disney Resort and Spa.

sandi@totemtravel.com
425-821-4100
or 800-327-7907