Laura and Lars Travel: Off To Hawaii

We landed in Honolulu in the bright hours of the morning. We shuttled from one terminal to another to collect our bags. The sweet and smokey smell of a pacific island mixed with the ever alluring scent of adventure and excitement that a U.S state brings us. As the hours became later, the temperature grew hotter. The desire to swim was strong.

The airline to Maui was called Island Air. The loveliest and most chill people to work in an airport. In the departure lounge, there was a cocktail bar. That opened at 11am. Our flight was at 10.50am. So close! Lars and I fell asleep while being back to back, we would have looked hilarious. Now, I don't know about anyone else, but if I board a plane by walking on the Tarmac, I feel like a Celebrity! We had a 40min flight, with every seat a perfect view. First we flew over Honolulu, I was pointing out all the sights that we would visit when we went back. Then out our small aeroplane window was the view of the ocean tenderly caressing the shores of the Hawaiian islands. One island only had two little groups of settlements on either side of the island. When we were coming closer to Maui, we were in between a few volcanoes. Making it a little bit of a bumpy ride. The rattling and strange noises did not install much confidence. We landed safely in one of the coolest airports. It brought the term 'indoor - outdoor flow' to a whole new level.

After we picked up our tiny Maui Car, we headed down the Mokuleke highway. Lars was driving on the right side of the road like a pro! We drive past the last remaining sugar factory in he island, soon to be shut down. Knowing that we had to turn right at some point, we picked an intersection and drove to the right. Right at the end of the street was a colour that was a mixture of emerald green and Aqua marine blue. It seemed to have a magical glow. It was calling to us.

After a big Kerfuffle of trying to check in to our room, we finally stepped through the door of 2301. It was wicker, it was shell themed, it had ceiling fans, it had a deck with a sea view. What more could we have asked for? A secret trail through the fragrance of frangipani trees that led to our Kihei Beach? Well, we had that too.

Unbeknownst to us, Kihei is ranked the best beach in the island. There is no reason to believe otherwise. This beach is truly paradise. In between the conga line of palm trees is a perfect line that divides sand and land. The most luscious green grass, hiding the homes of the friendly geckos. The golden sand has been hand sifted for the comfort of your feet. The rocks frame the beach so perfectly, it is as if they had been painted. The sea is crystal clear, reflecting the movements of the sky. This beach is the dream.

With our tummies rumbling and seeing a sign that promised us the best calamari on the island. We are not ones to back down from a seafood promise. Dressed in our Thursday finest, we sat at the rightly named 'Ohana' restaurant and tucked into Calamari, Pork Spring Rolls, and Honey Roasted Tempura Shrimp. Oh the Shrimp! The juiciest and fattest bites I have ever tried! My mouth waters at only remembering them...

As the sun sets at 6pm, it felt late as soon as it got dark. We awkwardly paid the check (still confused by the American way) and set off to our Maui home. The sound of skating and sticks hitting hockey pucks puzzled us. Is there a beach side ice hockey rink in the bustling town of Kihei? Yes! Kind of. A concrete rink, roller skates, everyone padded up in protective gear. This was not Roller Hockey. It was Beach Ice Hockey. There is a difference. Mesmerised as we were, when the end of game buzzer rang (just like in the movies) we thought it was time to walk home. Ready to see what the morning brings!