All the kids today seem to know what 'Hot Spots' are. When I asked my daughter about hot spot she was quick to answer that 'it was an area where internet was available !' Alas, I was aksing her in terms of geography where hot spots have a different meaning. I do hope I managed to explain what the real 'hot spot' was otherwise she will have at least one wrong answer in her exams.
The age trend of the volcanoes is thought to be due to the way in which the islands are built on the moving sea floor of the North Pacific Ocean: the Pacific Ocean is mostly floored by a single tectonic plate (known as the "Pacific Plate") that is moving over the layer in the Earth known as the Asthenosphere. This movement takes it to the northwest compared to the layers below it at a rate of 5 to 10 cm/yr . As the plate moves over a fixed spot deeper in the Earth where magma (molten lava) forms, a new volcano can punch through this plate and create an island. The Hawaiian Islands are believed to be formed from one such 'hot spot'.
As the plate moves away, the volcano stops erupting and a new one is formed in its place. With time, the volcanoes keep drifting westward and getting older relative to the one active volcano that is over the hot spot. As they age, the crust upon which they sit cools and subsides. Islands are formed and people like me visit them for a holiday.
The flight to the island of Maui was just about 45 minutes from Honolulu. Having a window seat on the flight helped as you could see the brilliant blue pacific ocean and the islands sprawled over. Some islands were lush green while some others were totally barren.
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| Picturesque Maui Airport |
We could have taken a cab to the hotel but decided to take an Airport Shuttle which promised to drop us at the hotel itself. It would have costed us almost the same as the shuttle charged $ 16 per person and taxi was around $ 75.00 and we were 4 of us. But the Airport shuttle was quite comfortable and our lady driver kept telling us about the places as we passed them and gave good suggestions about the tours, shopping etc.
There were some interesting people on the shuttle and while we were a family on a holiday,
a couple was here for their Golden Anniversary while another couple was in Maui for their honeymoon !
The views on the way were spectacular as we drove towards Lahaina area as we had to go to Kaanapali beach. It took around 45 minutes to get to the hotel. As mentioned in my last blog, at Honolulu you felt that you had come to a big town and not to a pristine island in the middle of Pacific. At Maui our wish of staying a few days in a paradise appeared to be coming true as we could see nice beaches, green hills and some lovely houses as we approached our hotel. This is just what we expected from Hawaii.
There were some interesting people on the shuttle and while we were a family on a holiday,
a couple was here for their Golden Anniversary while another couple was in Maui for their honeymoon !
The views on the way were spectacular as we drove towards Lahaina area as we had to go to Kaanapali beach. It took around 45 minutes to get to the hotel. As mentioned in my last blog, at Honolulu you felt that you had come to a big town and not to a pristine island in the middle of Pacific. At Maui our wish of staying a few days in a paradise appeared to be coming true as we could see nice beaches, green hills and some lovely houses as we approached our hotel. This is just what we expected from Hawaii.
The Aston on Whaler at Kaanapali
Our 8th floor apartment at 'The Aston on Whaler at Kaanapali' had spectacular views. On one side there was this vast ocean starting from where the resort swimming pool and beach ended. On the other side were lush green mountains and Golf Courses. We had a huge balcony and I spend several hours sitting on the balcony each day and enjoying the morning tea and the sundowners in the evening. In the evenings the sea breeze would pick up speed and it actually used to become chilly on the balcony.
Kaanapali is the main area where all the good hotels are located. Most of them like Shereton, Marriott holiday club etc were walking distance away.
Hawaii is famous for the Humpback Whales. I was told that several Whales could be seen from our hotel itself during the winter season. The name 'Whaler' in the name of hotel and also the name of the 'Whaler Village' is due to this. During the summer months these Whales migrate all the way- thousands of miles away- to Alaska. That is why we had seen so many whales in Alaska last year in June.
The pictures say it all regarding the spectacular views from our apartment.
The apartment itself was spacious and thankfully it had 2 baths. It was fully equipped and I realised that most people were here in this property as time share owners. The property had no restaurant or coffee shop or the bar. The Whalers Village was adjoining property and it had quite a few restaurants and had grocery shop as well so one didn't actually miss any restaurant in the property except that one needed something near the pool. I mean after a swim you do require a cocktail or a soft drink or a Beer. Well, to compensate for this they provided some very nice lemonade at the poolside !
The sea water was crystal clear and nice and cool. Being lovers of beach, we spent considerable time swimming in the sea though the waves were nothing exciting. Not much surfing was happening here. People were in more relaxing mood.
We spent quite some time at the whalers village next door to our apartment building. They had some fancy restaurants like 'Hula Grill', 'Leilani's on the Beach' and 'Maui Fish and Pasta'. It also had a food court which had Pizzas, Subway etc. The Barefoot Bar outside the Hula Grill was very popular at sunset.
Maui Fish and Pasta was good for us as 2 PM onwards thay had happy hours for drinks and food and this suited us very much. They served some very good fresh beer and some great fish.
The Village had a lot of fancy designer shops and many interesting shops selling souveniers and Hawaiin specials. In the evening they would have some cultural programs to attract crowds. Within the complex was Whalers Museum which presented the history and formation of Hawaiin islands and had interesting artefacts.
A $2 shuttle would take us to Lahaina town which had some good shopping for us as they had outlet stores.
The tourists from India love the outlet stores in USA and we are no exceptions. I think we did our maximum shopping of clothes from the outlet stores during this trip.
We went to Lahaina town twice and enjoying having lunch on the waterfront. The first day we had a delicious lunch at Bubba Gump Shrimp Company and the 2nd day we found this nice restuarant called Kimo's. Sitting next to the sea having beer in great atmosphere is my idea of fun and relaxation. The food was great and service was top class with some good suggestions from our attractive hostess.
Being a Golfer and staying next to so many Golf Courses , it is always tempting to go and play a round. My son is also a Golfer but the price of playing a round is steep as you have to hire equipment etc as well. We decided to forego this luxury on this trip but to me the course across the road looked pretty simple and straight forward. I walked till the tee and simulated a Golf swing. The gushing wind hit me on the face as I postured myself for a swing. I realised then how difficult it must be to control the ball in this stiff sea breeze. This is something that we in Delhi are not used to !
We were given 2 options for sightseeing in Maui. Haleakala Volcano at the Haleakala national park can be seen from anywhere in Maui. The drive takes time and you climb more than 10,000. Adventure lovers go there for hiking and hundreds go early in the morning for the great sunrise. It is spread over 30000 acres and I am told it is a must see while you are in Maui as great views can be got from top.
The other option given was 'Road to Hana' , a tough winding road going through national parks, forests, cliffs, peaks and giving spectacular views. I was told that tour stops at a few great water-falls where you can soak in the water from the waterfalls and swim around them.
Both the tours sounded great but I was more inclined towards the latter. I had heard good things about the tour from my cousins as well and as I was not driving myself, I took all the information from the hotel travel desk. The tour starts at 6 AM and ends late in the evening. Enthusiastically I announced to dear wife and my children that next morning we were to assemble at 5.45 AM for a day 'on road to Hana.' They looked at my face as if I had said something wrong. Their unanimous decision was that I was most welcome to go but they would under no circumstances undertake this torture at 5.45 in the morning ! Needless to say, the idea was shelved.
Devicka and kids said that they wanted to relax and have fun. And we did have loads of fun during the 3 days that we were in Maui. Sometimes relaxing and enjoying days as they come can be more enjoyable than planned ventures.
Kaanapali is the main area where all the good hotels are located. Most of them like Shereton, Marriott holiday club etc were walking distance away.
Hawaii is famous for the Humpback Whales. I was told that several Whales could be seen from our hotel itself during the winter season. The name 'Whaler' in the name of hotel and also the name of the 'Whaler Village' is due to this. During the summer months these Whales migrate all the way- thousands of miles away- to Alaska. That is why we had seen so many whales in Alaska last year in June.
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| You could get a great view of the ocean on the left side |
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| On the right were these lovely cottages on the Golf Course flanked by lush green hills |
The apartment itself was spacious and thankfully it had 2 baths. It was fully equipped and I realised that most people were here in this property as time share owners. The property had no restaurant or coffee shop or the bar. The Whalers Village was adjoining property and it had quite a few restaurants and had grocery shop as well so one didn't actually miss any restaurant in the property except that one needed something near the pool. I mean after a swim you do require a cocktail or a soft drink or a Beer. Well, to compensate for this they provided some very nice lemonade at the poolside !
The sea water was crystal clear and nice and cool. Being lovers of beach, we spent considerable time swimming in the sea though the waves were nothing exciting. Not much surfing was happening here. People were in more relaxing mood.
Whalers Village
Maui Fish and Pasta was good for us as 2 PM onwards thay had happy hours for drinks and food and this suited us very much. They served some very good fresh beer and some great fish.
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| The Barefoot Bar at Hula Grill next to the beach was very poular for sun-downers. |
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| At the Whalers Village |
The tourists from India love the outlet stores in USA and we are no exceptions. I think we did our maximum shopping of clothes from the outlet stores during this trip.
We went to Lahaina town twice and enjoying having lunch on the waterfront. The first day we had a delicious lunch at Bubba Gump Shrimp Company and the 2nd day we found this nice restuarant called Kimo's. Sitting next to the sea having beer in great atmosphere is my idea of fun and relaxation. The food was great and service was top class with some good suggestions from our attractive hostess.
Being a Golfer and staying next to so many Golf Courses , it is always tempting to go and play a round. My son is also a Golfer but the price of playing a round is steep as you have to hire equipment etc as well. We decided to forego this luxury on this trip but to me the course across the road looked pretty simple and straight forward. I walked till the tee and simulated a Golf swing. The gushing wind hit me on the face as I postured myself for a swing. I realised then how difficult it must be to control the ball in this stiff sea breeze. This is something that we in Delhi are not used to !
Sightseeing Anyone ?
The other option given was 'Road to Hana' , a tough winding road going through national parks, forests, cliffs, peaks and giving spectacular views. I was told that tour stops at a few great water-falls where you can soak in the water from the waterfalls and swim around them.
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| A dangerous but spectacular road trip which we missed. |
Both the tours sounded great but I was more inclined towards the latter. I had heard good things about the tour from my cousins as well and as I was not driving myself, I took all the information from the hotel travel desk. The tour starts at 6 AM and ends late in the evening. Enthusiastically I announced to dear wife and my children that next morning we were to assemble at 5.45 AM for a day 'on road to Hana.' They looked at my face as if I had said something wrong. Their unanimous decision was that I was most welcome to go but they would under no circumstances undertake this torture at 5.45 in the morning ! Needless to say, the idea was shelved.
Devicka and kids said that they wanted to relax and have fun. And we did have loads of fun during the 3 days that we were in Maui. Sometimes relaxing and enjoying days as they come can be more enjoyable than planned ventures.
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