Unfortunately, we’re back home after 10 days in Hawaii. Our most recent island visit was a week’s stay on Maui. We stayed at the Kahana Village, where our condo unit was the ideal vacation rental situation for 3 adults and 1 little gentleman. We enjoyed an affordable view of the pool & ocean and key amenities like Mai Tai Wednesdays and free Internet access. I did spot a new Mustang GT-H in the parking lot, which was a nice bonus. We were less than 10 minutes from downtown Lahaina and 5 minutes from our favorite beach, just around the corner from the world famous Honolua Bay marine reserve (where there were bountiful fish & sea turtles). We ate most meals at our condo, which included extensive use of the outdoor grills by the pool, but also managed to try a few local spots. Maui Brewing Company in Kahana had an excellent selection of beers and foodstuffs. My fish plate was fantastic, although a bit pricey for what you got. The beer was another story. I started off with a sampler and was surprised to find out the beer truly I wanted was only available in a can. With some hesitation, I ordered the IPA and was amazed at the freshness of the canned beer. To help convince airline passengers (where it is primarily distributed) to sample the microbrew, they remind you on the can itself of the many benefits aluminum has over glass in terms of preserving the taste (zero light) and environment (lighter weight, durable and easy to recycle). Overall, a thumbs up. We did manage to swing by Mama’s Fish House in Paia on the way to the airport. Known as the best seafood restaurant on all of the islands, they specialize in fresh catches by local fishermen (actually named on the menu beside each catch). Celebrities make a habit of stopping by this hardwood-intensive eatery (Owen Wilson’s favorite spot), as the fresh ingredients and preparation make for a culinary adventure. In case you’re wondering, yes, bringing in fresh catches from local fisherman means the prices are adjusted accordingly, so make sure you take a second mortgage out on your house BEFORE you stop by. All in all, it was a relaxing and enjoyable family vacation that I hope to repeat very soon. Check out my Picasa album for more visuals.

[tags]Maui, Hawaii, vacation, resort, Kahana Village, Honolua Bay, Maui Brewing Company, Mama’s Fish House Restaurant, Mustang GT-H[/tags]