Hawaiian Adventures Part 1: Maui
I had previously promised to share my stories and experiences from Hawaii, and now that I’ve been back at home in Texas for nearly 6 weeks, I think I’m ready to do just that. Any sooner would have been too painful for me. You see, my brief time (just under three weeks) spent in Hawaii opened up a new realm of self to me. I got to ooh and ahh over breathtaking scenery and experience deep gratitude and appreciation for this earth and everything God has put in it unlike I ever have before. I got to revel in my surroundings and listen to my inner thoughts. All the while sipping a mai tai of course. It was exactly the vacation that I needed- plenty of solitude and relaxation mixed with gluttony and adventure.
My Hawaiian vacation consisted of two legs: a week spent in Maui and a week (which “accidentally” turned into 11 days- we’ll get to that later) on the Big Island. I’m lucky enough to have a grandmother who lives in Wailuku, Maui, but unlucky enough to have only been to visit her once when I was 16. I decided that I was indeed due for a visit. She graciously showed me around her beautiful island and introduced me to my favorite town in Maui- Paia, which is a charming surfer’s village with this hippie-esque vibe that I found completely groovy. I spent a few days wandering around Kihei, Lahaina and Kaanapali Beach lounging, sunbathing, reading, eating, people watching. I like the down time every now and then where I can just sit and absorb what’s going on around me. However, I like the thrill of adventure just as much. And I feel like my time is better spent sharing the details of that part of my trip as compared to talking about how many times I flipped from my stomach to my back trying to maintain an even tan.
Letters to the Editor – The Maui News
Store in Paia deserves loyalty
I remember the day Mana Food in Paia opened. It was a tiny, dark, two-room store of small size and few products. In fact, on many days afterward, the owner didn’t have money to stack many of the shelves.
Since then, the store has grown, spread out, diversified and prospered. It has also served the community with respect to wholesome, organic food at reasonable prices. It also brought people to Paia, which helped the other shops.
Since Whole Foods opened, traffic at Mana has slowed. Obviously, with the price of gas being what it is and the lack of parking in Paia, one would expect that people from the central valley and South Maui would change their habits and shop in Kahului. There is also something to be said for novelty. But there is more to be said for loyalty.
If you compare prices and if you search your conscience, I think you will agree: Mana is an old friend that deserves our support.
Raphael O’Suna
Haiku
Letters to the Editor – Mauinews.com | News, Sports, Jobs, Visitor’s Information – The Maui News