I had the opportunity to spend five delightful months in Hawai’i, as an Asia Pacific Leadership Program fellow at the East West Centre back in 2012. During my time in Honolulu, a close friend from my undergrad years, who lived in mainland US, made plans to visit me in Hawai’i with her family. She suggested Maui and selected a hotel on the beach.
The highlight was catching up with her and getting to know her twin toddlers better, who were more excited about tent canvases and lamp shades, than the sunset or beach.
We did enjoy short excursions outside the hotel we were staying. Her husband, who was also a batch-mate from undergrad years, had rented a car and we decided to drive along the famous road to Hana. Our stopping points were more dictated by the needs of the toddlers, anticipating whether they needed to run around a bit or get a snack break etc. And, we didn’t go beyond the Garden of Eden, as the kids were quite tired after our walk around the garden.
One of the points we stopped at was the Ho’okipa lookout, where we watched surfers in action.
The Garden of Eden stop was great, because while it was a beautiful garden to explore, it also turned out to be fascinating for the little ones and allowed them to run around as they wished.
Keopuka rock overlook
As we drove back to the hotel, we saw dark clouds on the horizon and anticipated a heavy rain.
However, fortunately for us, back at the hotel, there was hardly any sign of rain clouds and we experienced a beautiful sunset as we had dinner at the restaurant on the beach.
Have you visited this beautiful island? What was your favourite part of your visit or what would you like to explore, if you visit it for the first time?
[Linking this post to The Weekly Postcard and Faraway Files #30]
Perspectives Quilt 
Aww you were so lucky to get the chance to live there for some time! I bet it was amazing! I still miss Lava Flows from Hawaii! Thanks for linking up with #TheWeeklyPostcard!
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Thank you, Lorelei. It was an amazing time.
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I went to Maui as a kid and have great memories. We got up at an ungodly hour to see the sunrise from the top of the dormant volcano. And I also remember the Road to Hana. You are so lucky you got to spend 5 months in Hawaii! Thanks for sharing on #TheWeeklyPostcard.
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Thanks, Anisa. It was truly a privilege to spend some months in beautiful Hawai’i.
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I love Maui and I’ve been there many times. In fact, it was the first of the Hawaiian islands I’ve visited. #TheWeeklyPostcard
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Glad to hear that you also love Maui, Anda.
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I’m visiting Maui for the first time later this year – I can’t wait!
#TheWeeklyPostcard
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How wonderful for you! I am sure you will love your time in Maui this year!
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So beautiful! We’ve never been there but I’m sure the day we go we won’t want to leave! Love all your pictures! #theweeklypostcard
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Thank you for your lovely comment, Edith. I am sure you will love your visit to the beautiful island.
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This is truly a beautiful place and the pictures you provided are breathtaking! Maui here I come.
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I am sure you will enjoy Maui, when you visit.
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Maui is one of our “happy places”! We absolutely love it there, though all of the Hawaiian islands are beautiful. How great that you got to call them home for a while! Thanks for sharing your great pictures on #TheWeeklyPostcard!
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Glad to hear that Maui is one of your ‘happy places’. I’d say Hawai’i as a whole is one of my happy places.
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Lucky you, Ahila, to live there for so long! I spent a few days on Oahu once but have never been to Maui. It looks really gorgeous. Thanks for sharing on #farawayfiles
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It was a very special experience living in Honolulu for several months. And, Maui is beautiful indeed.
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As someone who works with toddlers, I just have so much respect for anyone who can travel with two little toddlers, especially little boys! Major props to your friend!!! 😉
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I agree, Jane. My friend seemed to be able to anticipate very well, when they needed to have space to run around, snacks or nap time, so we didn’t have any tantrums during that weekend.
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I am a sucker for a good sunset, it looks like a lovely place #FarawayFiles
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It is a beautiful island 🙂
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so nice!
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Thank you, Tanja.
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I have not been to Maui since I was 16! Growing up and living on the West Coast, Hawaii is a perfect holiday destination and we visited Kauai, Oahu and the Big Island. I love the vibe of Hawaii and you were lucky to immerse yourself in it for a nice long time! Thanks for sharing lovely Maui with #FarawayFiles, Aloha Ahila!
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I was indeed lucky to have been able to spend some months in Hawai’i. Thanks, Erin.
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Beautiful. Sounds like you had an amazing time!
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I did have a great time. Thank you for stopping by, Abby.
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I’m dying to get to Hawaii and it must have been fabulous to spend 5 months there. In 5 months you have time to really enjoy their way of life and your surrounding. Do you think you will ever go back there?
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Yes, definitely. Some of my friends in my cohort have been planning a reunion back in Hawaii, if we can figure out a year and month that is fine with all of us.
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