Thinking About Our Timeshares

We are pretty happy we made the leap and sold our Diamond Timeshare. We were not terribly satisfied with the customer service anyway. Now we have a “Mexico” timeshare with many options plus we can always exchange, buy extra weeks at a reasonable price, or bank the points ahead with Villa. This will lend to our over all plan of going to Hawaii on “even” years and Mexico on “odd” years. Banking our time enables us to bring friends or family along when possible.  So we are feeling good about it. Then with Maui there are always extra weeks available IF the calendar is free. We have always been able to work out enjoyable, long term visits of 3-4 weeks with Kamaole Beach Club - Our favorite place to vacation on Maui!

Ka’anapali Beach Club-Day 5 Leaving

We got all packed and ready to go and then at check out we were told we had to pay full price for our room, that we had no reservation! Again? When we checked in the woman told me that but said she was calling Diamond Resorts and it would all be worked out. I asked her to let me know if there was a problem to resolve, she told me it would be fine, and of course I heard nothing. Clearly it is not resolved. Since we paid the 2014 dues last Nov or Dec why would we have closed our account? They had us call Diamond on their phone, but it is still not resolved. We had to leave for the airport so we just had to pay the exorbitant room rate and hope we can figure it out later. Maybe I need to stay home because I don’t feel a lot of compassion for the incompetence we have experienced on a couple of fronts this trip. Our trip to the car return and airport shuttle ride there were uneventful. We ate our sandwich and drank our drink before passing through security. The passing of security went very well, even fast. The flight was almost full and uneventful. No turbulence from the 2 hurricanes heading to Hawaii, the pilot said they were south of us, they couldn’t even see them. We were checking into the Quality Inn in Oakland at 12:02am. Good night!

Ka’anapali Beach Club-Day 4

Today Steven and Saira flew out for the mainland. Their flight was at 2pm. They were packed and ready so we went into Lahaina and dropped them off by the banyan tree for some last minute fun. We had a few things we wanted to look for as well. It was a quick trip to the airport after that. We dropped them off and they texted that they were on the plane just after 1:30pm so I suppose their flight left on time. On the way back we went into Lahaina again as there was one more thing I wanted to look for. That done we were back at the timeshare and ate lunch, then packed up some of our things for our flight out tomorrow. We are now getting weather warnings that the troublesome weather will begin to arrive on Thursday, we will be home by then! S&S made it to San Jose enough to drive home so I hope to hear they are safely home soon…. 

Ka’anapali Beach Club-Day 3

We heard there is a category 4 hurricane heading toward the islands, you can read about Hurricane Iselle here. Looks like we’ll be home before it really arrives in Hawaii.

Steven and Saira were up and out early, picking up the paddle board from the bellman and taking it out for some fun. We were heading out to the beach when they were heading back in to eat something. They went to McDonalds to get something “cheap” but of course that is not the case in Hawaii. Steven has yet to get over sticker shock in Hawaii. We continued on to the gazebo we rented for today, going all out for comfort. I blame it on the fact that John must be taking good care of his foot and it IS helping because when I put on a new bandage today it is looking considerably better. I expect the doctor to be surprised how well it looks when he sees him the day after we are home. Seriously, John burns so easily it helps to have this nice, clean area with no sand etc. to penetrate his bandage and keep him in the shade most of the time. Before S&S returned the board John took a little run out on it. The water was a bit rougher but he really enjoyed it. Before S&S were back from returning the board they began giving out free hotdogs, chips, popcorn, and juice. We just ordered some Kalua pork sliders but we managed to force down a hotdog! Nice touch, I didn’t think anything was really “free” in Hawaii. We enjoyed the pool and headed up to shower and get ready for the 'Ulalena performance tonight at 5pm. We all really enjoyed that, no photos allowed but I am sure I can find some on the internet that will be appropriate to remember the evening. We came back tired but the kids headed out to the beach or something to enjoy their last night here in Maui.  

John in the Gazebo

John wanted to go out on the paddle board

Go John (and Steven)!!!

Kalua Pork Sliders…YUM!

(Hawaiian buns, Kalua Pork, Maui onions, pepper jack cheese)

‘Ulalena

Ka’anapali Beach Club-Day 2

What a lovely and relaxing day for us. First we attended a welcome orientation that was really quite boring. If you have never been to Maui it would have been somewhat interesting. The reason to go to this little orientation was to get the free buffet breakfast voucher, which we did. We rented cabanas and we were nicely situated between the beach and the pool. It was very enjoyable. Steven and Saira walked to Boss Frog’s and rented one paddle (surf?) board and snorkeling gear. They enjoyed snorkeling right off the beach, we watched! A lot of people were snorkeling and this one threesome came in from spear fishing with a nice sized fish. I am not sure what kind of fish it is, maybe someone said Ono. By the time S&S came in, Steven was thrilled to see shrimp and artichoke pizza waiting for them. All that swimming works up and appetite. They went back in a couple of times and got some great photos with his new camera. They saw a really scary looking eel too.  The bellman will store the surf board overnight and they will no doubt be out there early in the morning to attempt to paddle on the board, it was too choppy by this afternoon to try it. I will say the water is much calmer and protected here than at Kamaole Beach Park I but it is not as sandy and does not go out on a gentle slope like Kamaole either. They didn’t seem to mind. It is early but we are tired and looking forward to bedtime!

There goes Steven!

Happy Fisherman!

Lunch (Shrimp/artichoke pizza)

Relaxing in the Cabanas

Ka’anapali Beach Club-Day 1

It did rain some last night! It’s always bittersweet to leave Kamaole Beach Club, it feels like home “ohana” there. However, it is time to move along! We were up and all packed and ready to leave by the 10am time.  Check in at Ka’anapali wasn’t exactly “uneventful” since they said we didn’t have a reservation!!! However, I guess they figured it out with our reservation number and my printed reservation in hand. We checked in and went for lunch at the grill, then enjoyed the pool area for the remainder of the day. It’s still warm and very humid but lovely just the same.

Kamaole Beach Club-Day 7

We all slept in somewhat, compared to other days anyway. I was up and made coffee, the other straggled in. S&S eventually decided to rent paddle boards but it was late morning and they guy at Boss Frog’s next door told them they only had about an hour of use left as the water was getting rough. Wholly cow, was it rough. They even had signs with red flags out, which I have never seen on this beach before. Needless to say they didn’t make it in the water. Steven was very disappointed but Saira was apprehensive and for sure I didn’t blame her. Common sense prevailed and Steven didn’t give it a go either. The boards got toted back and a refund was given. If they are up early enough and ready they can try to re-rent them tomorrow morning. We finished off the rest of the lobster raviolis, adding salad and fruit for lunch. I did laundry so when we leave everything will be clean. There is laundry at the next place but not IN the unit so I would rather do it all here where it is handy. I also spent a lot of time posting a special edition to the blog from the Feast at Lele we liked so much last night. Very special, but I still think I might prefer the Old Lahaina Luau for the atmosphere. The food is definitely gourmet at Lele, and the table service is nice, but we don’t mind going to a buffet, etc.

Steven’s BD-Kamaole Beach Club-Day 6

Today Steven is 25 years old! It is a little hard to believe! We had a good night’s sleep and after getting up and dressed we headed to Sarento's on the Beach for breakfast. I had the “Pacific” which is crab eggs Benedict, delicious! Actually Saira had that too, John had traditional eggs Benedict, and Steven had an omelet. I think it was something like a meat lovers omelet and is made with FOUR eggs…Yes, he finished it along with the potatoes that come with it, and the toast! We thought we would eat this big breakfast and then not eat until the Feast at Lele Luau tonight. After breakfast we just came back to the condo because Steven had to do homework and we read. I also changed the bandage on John’s foot, it is slowing healing, thankful for the healing. We left about 4pm for the luau, picked up our tickets at Boss Frog’s (purchased there online), and took the short drive up to Ka'anapali Beach Club where we will move to on Saturday. After a brief walk out to the beach and through the lobby area we headed  back to fine the Feast at Lele and secure parking. We checked in and spent a few minutes walking around the area browsing in shops until it was time to be seated. It is a small area in comparison to other luau’s we have been to. it is a lovely setting with the tables facing the narrow stage, then a few shrubs, the beach, and the ocean. More intimate than most luau’s. As you enter you are greeted with aloha, a fresh flower lei, and a choice of Mai Tai or beer on the way to your table. Reaching your table you find a nice white table cloth with a simple fresh leaf and candle for the décor on the table. Waiting for you are banana, sweet potato, and taro chips with fresh salsa and poi. Immediately our waiter Miguel came to see what we would like to drink. There is quite a menu, which I cannot post at this time but John and I had an Island Tea, Steven had a Corona, and Saira had frothy banana drink to start with. S&S ended up having a Blue Hawaii after that while John had Moscato and I had a glass of Riesling (I’m the self designated driver this evening). Instead of listing each course here, I will make a separate post showing the food and menu items. After each course you are presented entertainment from that specific area your food course is from. At dessert time they brought Steven’s with a candle, very nice and we sang to him with their help. It was a delightful evening ending with a fire dance and the performers passing though the audience to say aloha and pose for photos. The 30 minute drive back to Kihei was uneventful. We were all tried and went to bed. As I said, I will post the menu and photos of the food separately, quite the gourmet feast!

Breakfast at Sarento’s on the Beach

Pacific Eggs Benedict

Feast at Lele

 

 

The Feast at Lele

Lele is the ancient name for Lahaina, and this is the beach where the royal family of Maui would feast and entertain. Summon your spirit of adventure as we take you on a musical and culinary journey to Hawai`i, Aotearoa, Tahiti and Samoa.

HAWAI’I

We begin right here in our beautiful island home of Hawai’i with our oli (chant), mele (song), and hula (dance) from the islands of Hawai’i, O’ahu, Kauai, and Maui. We honor the ‘aina (land),
Our ali’i (royalty), and the natural beauty surrounding us.

TRADITIONAL POLYNESIAN STAPLES
Banana & sweet potato chips served w/a tropical ginger & ogo seaweed salsa. (Mai tai’s pictured as well!)

POI Made from the root of the taro plant. (sorry, no photo!)

FIRST COURSE

POHOLE FERN, ASPARAGUS & HEART OF PALM SALAD, Tossed in a light vinaigrette dressing.

SEARED I’A w/ MANGO SAUCE Fresh island catch.

IMU ROASTED KALUA PUA’A, Pork seasoned w/Hawaiian salt, cooked traditional style in an underground oven shredded & served on steamed cabbage.

 

NEW ZEALAND

Kia Ora, welcome to Aotearoa – Land of the Long White Cloud. Presently known as New Zealand, it is home to the Maori people.
It is believed that the Maori migrated to Aotearoa from as far as the Marquesas, Cook, and Society Islands. They have an artistic culture, and are well known for their elaborate artwork. Although the Maori people have a unique culture of their own, their culture shares many similarities to that of other Polynesians.

SECOND COURSE

(sadly, I only have a photo of the steak as we eagerly indulged before I recalled I wanted a photo!) 

RAKIRAKI SALAD w/ POHA BERRY VINAIGRETTE Upcountry greens, duck tenderloin,bean sprouts & carrots. HARORE KUMARA  Roasted mushrooms, sweet potato & onion,
sautéed in soy & garlic. MITI HANGI Hangi cooked steak in kiwi fruit, soy & ginger.

The Maori culture is rich in song and dance, intertwined with strong oratory skills. You will notice their facial tattoos or moko. This was used to symbolize ones genealogy and personal identity. Our dancers perform a Haka, a war dance that was used to intimidate their enemies. Then our women perform an exciting dance using poi balls, which are used to imitate the actions and rhythms in nature.

TAHITI

Come along with us to Tahiti, land of intrigue and romance, capturing the imagination. From the verdant majesty of its mountains rising out of the mist to the starling clarity of color
in its coral lagoons, Tahiti is considered by many as the image of Polynesia, and throughout its history, Tahiti has beckoned explorers from around the world.

THIRD COURSE

MOA FAFA Chicken wrapped in taro leaf, steamed in coconut milk, lemongrass & ginger.

E-IAOTA (POISSON CRU) Raw fish marinated in lime juice &
coconut milk w/ tomatoes, carrots, onions, cucumber & cilantro.

BAKED SCALLOPS On Moloka’i sweet potato & spinach
in a lobster cream sauce topped w/ bread crumbs.

(E-iota on the left, Scallops on the right)

Sit back and enjoy the sensual swing of the hips and pulsing rhythm of the ancient drums, which combine to create a titillating dance performance. Oversized headdresses made of grasses and shells balance the exuberant movements of the hip and hand. Experience the romantic lure of Tahiti as called forth in its lusty dances.

SAMOA

Our eveningʻs journey ends at Samoa, “the cradle of Polynesia,” literally the sacred center of its fiery soul. The islands of Samoa reflect their age in a lush jungle-shrouded paradise. Even today,
thatched grass roof fales can be seen dotting the coastlines, where island homes are open to nature,and the island people open their hearts to you.

FOURTH COURSE

GRILLED GUFE’E Grilled squid with upcountry island herbs sauce. PALUSAMI Breadfruit & squash cooked in young taro leaf
and coconut cream. SHRIMP, AVOCADO & FRESH FRUIT Tossed in a lilikoi dressing.

For the Feast at Lele finale, the energetic and vigorous Samoan dance is punctuated by staccato slapping of legs and feet, and rhythmic clapping of hands. Men wear shredded leaf leggings which emphasize their movements, while women don very finely woven leaf skirts to accentuate their gracefulness.The famed fire knife dance is an important component to their culture and fitting end to our show.

FIFTH COURSE-DESSERT

Caramel Macadamia nut tart Topped w/haupia (coconut pudding). Hawaiian Chocolate Truffles and fresh, exotic tropical fruits.

Drinks

(in addition to having this really long list, they make a wine and beer suggestion for each course on the menu)

COCKTAILS
Mai Tai
Pina Colada
Banana Madness
Lava Flow
Island Iced Tea
Blue Hawaiian
Planters Punch

LIQUORS
Smirnoff Vodka
Bacardi Rum
Gordons Gin
Grants Scotch
José Cuervo Tequila
Jim Beam Whiskey
Christian Brothers Brandy

BEERS
Amstel Light
Coors Light
Bikini Blond Lager (Maui)
Big Swell IPA (Maui)
Longboard Lager (Hawaii)
Steinlager (New Zealand)
Vonu (Fiji)
Becks (non-alcohol)

WINES
Sparkling Wine
White Zinfandel
Moscato
Riesling
Sauvignon Blanc
Pinot Grigio
Chardonnay
Pinot Noir
Merlot
Cabernet
Port Wine

Kamaole Beach Club-Day 5

We had a very relaxing day. Steven & Saira were in and out all day, I know they went to the store and also to some beach south of us, other than that I’m not sure. They are having a lot of fun in the ocean. It’s nice that there are boggie boards, chairs, and a couple of umbrellas in the condo for our use. Well, it is actually useless to try using an umbrella in this wind.The wind even picked up more today if possible! I started reading a book that is free to “borrow” if you are a prime member called Maui Widow Waltz it is the first in a series of three (I think). There are several books by this author Joann Bassett to choose from, most based on one of the islands. The next one (Book 2) is free from Amazon right now, Livin Lahaina Loca. Thanks Cheryl for the heads up on that fun read that lead me to the rest! I’m half done with the first book, as I said we had a relaxing day. We introduced S&S to Maui Tacos, they liked it a lot. We were determined to rest so S&S went and got it for us! S&S also made a brief stop at a shrimp truck around the corner, though the food was tasty the price was a lot for what you got. We had a beautiful pink sky after sunset today. My photo doesn’t do it justice. This was the ONE photo I took today. I will post S&S’s photos while in the ocean having fun! Finally someone else is taking photographs!!! Thank you Steven!!!

Steven at the Shrimp Truck

Maui Sky

S&S Having a Blast!

Love this Photograph!

S&S

Steven is in that “wipeout” someplace!

Kamaole Beach Club-Day 4

For me personally I had the best night of sleep so far and woke refreshed at a “normal” Island time! Today I decided to cook a nice breakfast for all of them. Pineapple-Coconut pancakes, scrambled eggs, bacon, pineapple, papaya, and of course coffee! After everyone ate we got ready and headed out to Maui Tropical Plantation. Yes, it is a tourist spot but I like it and wanted Saira to see it plus I doubt Steven remembered it from when he was a teen. The place has changed quite a bit. Maybe even more touristy. They really promote the zip line they have and it is quite expensive in comparison to others we have seen. They still have the tram and they still crack open a coconut and give you some to eat but the route the tram takes is a little shorter. You can still see how most things grown on the island look. This time in addition to the coconut the tram driver/guide gave us each an apple banana. Nice that there were so few of us on this particular tram so we got the whole banana and didn’t have to share! They’ve added an expensive little chocolate shop, a glass blower, and a Tiki wood carver. They are interesting to look at. They also have an app on Guidebooks with corresponding numbers as you walk around the gardens and other areas. I did download it but didn’t really use it. The dreary old restaurant is being refurbished, it is now built over part of the old tram route, with added water features and sculptures. Overall it is a nice improvement to the place. The restaurant looks like it will be very nice when it reopens. We headed back to the condo and decided to stop at Moose McGillycuddy's since were were starving. We had a nice lunch (dinner) and headed back to the condo. After a brief R&R we headed to the beach with S&S. Such energy they have. The wind was really blowing and the water was pretty rough. This is typical for afternoon as the trade winds really pick up, today was especially windy, the sand stung our skin but we had a great time watching them on the boogie boards or are they body boards? Anyway, it was fun. Steven is getting more practice on his GoPro. Another lovely day in PARADISE!

Maui Tropical Plantation

Moose McGillycuddy’s

Steven’s Seafood Platter

Kamaole Beach Park I

Hawaiian Dogs!

Kamaole Beach Club-Day 3

We snorkeled this am with Seafire Snorkeling Adventures. The boat takes off from Kihei Boat Ramp, which is probably less than a mile south of us at Kamaole Beach Club. We have never heard of them before even though they have been in business for years. The morning snorkel to Molokini was $60 pp, most are $100+ now. This is no frills but we liked it. The boat is a “shell” of a Coast Guard boat so very safe, new, and smaller so it is a more intimate group. They serve only soft drinks (wise in my opinion), muffins, and fresh pineapple. They are helpful and very friendly, fitting your gear to your face size, etc. John and I only snorkeled for a little bit but it was really fun watching S&S. Saira has never done it before but she is athletic and caught on quickly, we joke that Steven is a "merman" so he was diving, etc... well, he was diving until his ears started to hurt. They advised him not to free dive when he has a cold, so he stopped after that. He is using his GoPro that we got him for his BD. There is an obvious learning curve, but it is all the latest for young people who are athletic. He did pretty well for his first time using it underwater. At some point I hope to post a video he has edited of his trip. I want to add that we snorkeled the back side of Molokini as well and I hope I will have a lot of Steven’s photos to share, if not today, maybe tomorrow? We came back starved and ate at the condo, BBQ beef sandwiches on purple taro rolls, Hawaiian potato salad, and veggie platter. John and I showered and redressed his foot. It is looking better. He has a few large, special, waterproof bandages the nurse gave him and I do believe it kept the area dry. John and Steven both napped after lunch, soon Saira joined them. The afternoon was restful for us. S&S went to Wal-Mart and perhaps other places, I’m not sure. He was going to buy some GoPro accessories but they were too expensive. They also ate dinner at Eskimo Candy, a little fish restaurant we found on our last trip, and they loved it. Another beautiful sunset and John and I are ready for bed! I did wake up before 5am, still on Pacific time I guess. S&S took towels and snacks and headed to the beach. I love the beach at night but we’re just too tired tonight. We had a LOVELY day!

KBC, Help yourself to local bananas!

Our Ride This Morning, special photo taken by Steven

S&S doin’ it up right!

White Tipped Shark

S&S Arrive-Kamaole Beach Club-Day 2

The kids texted from San Jose waiting for their flight to board. It’s fun to see them so excited about this trip! Today we took a short walk on the beach, even before coffee! It was so lovely and peaceful, the water is so calm this morning, before the trade winds begin. Lots of dogs and their owners walking on the beach, we sure miss Tony.  It was a short walk but had to get my feet wet at least! Back for coffee and fresh pineapple. We are eager for S&S to arrive! Of course their flight was on time and we are happy to see them. We had a nice lunch at Outback Steakhouse and then home to the timeshare where they unpacked and got settled in. Steven is not feeling great and took a short nap while Saira and I booked a snorkel trip out of Kihei for tomorrow. I didn’t even know they had a trip like that out of Kihei but she found it and it was a good price. They ran a few errands, we relaxed, and took another short walk on the beach. Saira wore Steven’s GoPro in the water but it was pretty dark by then and we didn’t see much. Another lovely sunset tonight, with a brief Lana’ i interruption.

Hibiscus

Flowers From Costco

They Arrived!!!

Lunch, livin’ large!

Steven in the Hawai’i spirit!

John-Hang Loose!

The sun slips down behind Lana’i