Honolulu: myRomanticGetaway
Where: Honolulu
Why It's Romantic: It has the most beautiful view of the beach for 5 miles. Every room is decorated to recreate a beautiful beach scenery, it makes it feel like you are right there on the beach.
My Favorite Part of Honolulu: The clear waters, the amazing views, the overall relaxing feel of the whole place.
What I'd Like Other Romantic Travelers to Know: Go when it's warm, because you will want every second of your time to be spent on the beach.
--contributed by Marqelle, Grants Pass, Oregon, United StatesLabels: February09 Contest, Hawaii, myRomantic Getaway
Paia, Maui, Hawaii: A Fresh New Alternative to a week in Wailea or Kaanapali, or Kapalua
Paia, Maui. The North Shore. Getaway for Willie Nelson, world class windsurfers and kite boarders, surfers, artists, and hippies, Yes, actual hippies, some from California's counter culture of the 60ís and 70ís, others younger but spiritually attuned to the lifestyle and its ways. All authentic organically fed and real reminders of when all we asked of each other was to "Give Peace a Chance." The Zen and spirituality of the area is supported by a number of Yoga studios and spiritual shrines like The Great Paia Peace Stupa, recently blessed by the Dalai Lama in a 2007 visit.
Paia is also the home to eye popping surf including famous Ho'okipa Beach, inspiring surfers and boarders from locals to world class daredevils to pursue their adolescent fancies, to defy the sea's wind driven fury, to remain youthful and to "Catch the Perfect Wave." There is a balance to life here from the raging surf and tropical landscapes to the gentlest
namaste. Take a few deep cleansing breathes; you can feel it in the air.
The Paia Inn, a beach town boutique hotel right in the center of Maui's North Shore, is the perfect destination to tie these elements together into the most fabulous finish to your visit on Maui. 2 or 3 nights here on Maui's spiritual North Shore seems just right before returning to the mainland. The Paia Inn is the child and love of Michael Baskin, son of a successful hotelier. He has converted an old main street Plantation style building into a boutique hotel so enchanting that it exceeds any measure you can place on a small hotel . The design and planning of the 5 small but extremely comfortable rooms includes upgraded baths with marble showers, refrigerators, specially designed beds and furniture to allow for needed storage of luggage and active gear, and flat screened TVs. The guest rooms located on the upper floor also have 2 additional common but private restrooms (what a great idea), a large open common area to read; sitting on comfortable upholstered leather arm chairs and a computer station to print your return tickets or surf the Web. Attention to details is evident everywhere and always with their guests comfort in mind. In addition to the hotel rooms there are 2 larger 2 and 3 bedroom cottages on an immediately adjoining property.
The art displayed throughout the Inn is original, fabulous, colorful and locally available in a nearby gallery. The featured artist is Avi Kiriaty, a "Painter of Polynesia" whose works are inspired by Gauguin's impressionism. Go to
www.avikiriaty.com to view more of his works and request his DVD.
Enter the Inn thru the gated garden patio; note the native wood carvings over the door and archway. At check in you will receive a tour of the grounds. The private path to your beach is just a few steps away and beach chairs are provided free of charge, as is everything but the mini bar. Note the outdoor covered ping pong table too. The beach is breathtaking by the way. Paia's little nude beach is a beach walk away if you'd like.
The Inn features all the elements to make your stay comfortable. Outside patios highlighted by a waterfall and tables to enjoy your morning coffee and scones from Anthony's, a famous in town coffee stop for most, but a morning staple for you. In the evening, enjoy a glass of wine and some music. At the Inn the music is played based on your individual likes and requests. This is a great gathering spot just prior to dinner hour. Everyone freely exchanging information about their day's fun or dinner plans. Maybe a review from last night or a suggested stop along the "Road to Hana."
This personalized care is all orchestrated by a staff of young managers under the on site direction of the owner. These people are attentive, locally knowledgeable about all things Hawaiian and Paian , and seemingly perpetually happy to be able to assist you in finding a place to eat or a shop that carries particular gifts which you might want to bring back home. The staff's personalized attention to any guest's needs makes this place pop. They provide the fun and the local connection to the fabulous North Shore. Theirs is that specialness that transforms you from a tourist to a visitor. You especially feel at home as the sun sets and the day trippers head back to their resorts and you feel local. Its very cool. Have a cold beer and a few laughs before a restful sleep.
The town has many studios and galleries featuring local and established talent. There are 2 artist co ops in town as well. Even though the airport is just 10 minutes drive, leave your purchases to the shop owners to ship back home for you. You might save the tax and the trouble of taking it through inspection.
Though the dining in this region of Maui is quite reliable and in fact terrific, there are several restaurants that exceeded their internet/ guide book description. Almost all are within close walking distance of the Paia Inn. Those that arenít are a short easy drive away.
Next door to the Inn is Flatbreads. This local pizzeria and meeting spot serves ice cold beers, many local to Maui and Hawaii, and the finest flatbread pizzas anywhere. The locally grown ingredients and their farm source are prominently displayed on a chalkboard next to the special wood fired clay oven which sits stage center, open to all to watch as their thin crusted special pies are crisped to perfection. The crowd is young and fun and families can enjoy the affordability. The bar is hopping on weekends. Cheap and cheerful . Try the Mobley's special with Kalua pork, Maui onions, pineapple and goat cheese. Remember all local!
Across the street from the Inn is the Paia Fish Company. Famous for their fish sandwiches and other assorted fresh seafood treats. Ahi? Mahi? Ono? O My. You stand in line to order then find a seat at one of the many long wooden benches and tables. Make friends with a neighbor till they shout out your number. The orders come up fast so this isnít a place to dally but for lunch its perfect and for dinner its perfect too if judged by the crowds. All the fish served is fresh caught locally. Another cheap fabulous meal in Paia.
Across the intersection from the Inn is Milagros Food Company. This gem of a Mexican eatery serves the freshest ingredients and manages to mix the standard dishes with a local flavor of the Islands to create outstanding somewhat upscale food to compliment the tequilas and cervazas. The large outside patio is always packed due to its prominent intersection location. Prime for people watching. The menu is diverse and very reasonably priced. The blackened Ahi taquitos with mango passion fruit salsa was outstanding.
The last restaurant Iíd mention as particularly special is Hali'Imaile. You need to drive from the Inn about 15 minutes but this is well worth it. Of all the restaurants, this is a bit more money so I'll recommend you go for lunch. The view from the base of Haleakula is panoramic so lunch it is. Served Monday thru Friday. This delightfully bright airy hillside jewel was one of the first to serve Hawaiian Regional Cuisine. The menu is so varied and the tastes so delicious. The food is stylishly presented using very island fresh ingredients; very whimsical and fun. The desserts are epic endings and worth sharing. Our waiter worked in a local theater company and revealed by night he was the fanciful evil witch in Sleeping Beauty, but by day, he was a wonderful server, well versed in all the menus offerings. Reminded me a bit of Ed Begley Jr.
Before leaving Paia it seems appropriate to pass on some local knowledge I learned from the gals at the Paia Inn. Firstly, the cream puffs at the 100 year old T. Komoda Bakery in Makawao are the real deal and worth the 10 minute drive. Maybe try out their glazed "doughnuts on a stick" or a local Malasada pastry . Secondly, if you stop just passed the first one lane bridge beyond the Garden of Eden, on the Road to Hana, hop over the grey cinder block fence used in the shooting of Jurassic Park, and follow the trail to the left past the first waterfalls, you will find a secret second falls, known only to locals, and a swimming pool to privately enjoy. Or possibly share with a group of soapy hippies. Promise me you won't tell anyone else. Enjoy the Maui less traveled. Aloha
Contributed by Kendo, Palm Beach Gardens, FL, USALabels: February09 Contest, Hawaii
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