After my four month long journey in Maui, I left for NY in early November. Tickets were cheaper for a round trip flight than just a one way so I booked an arbitrary return date of 11/28/12. Turns out from my initial ticket had an original return to NY date of 12/4/12 which meant I had an extra week in Hawai'i if I wanted to return with a paid for ticket. I ended up returning and having one of the most incredible weeks of my entire life. 

I landed on the 28th, had Cindy pick me up with a bernie ready to go. I arrived in the evening and it was a full moon; supposedly was going to be a lunar eclipse. The most beautiful sight to drive down Hana Highway from the airport and see the BOOMING winter waves from the moon's super bright glow. Bethany was off on the mainland with her grandmother and offered to let me stay in her place and left her car. When I got to her place, she had a super thoughtful spread for me. She left half a bottle of rum, fancy hippie incense and a lighter, a puka shell bracelet!, a pair of shell earrings, her car keys and a 2 page note. I had my own place for the week and a car and rum and it was all free! I woke up the next day and went into Pa'ia for lunch at Cafe Des Amies. The mozzarella crepe was just as I remembered and absolutely delicious. 

I went to the beach everyday and met a really interesting man on Baldwin named Ollie Olofson. He is a painter/artist and was visiting from LA. Turns out we both loved the same hippie dippie mermaid part of Baldwin Beach Park. I had the most fantastic time by myself in Maui. Maui is my island and it is one of the first places I started to discover myself. Having the privilege of coming back, expenses paid and with a free lavish crib and car was more than I could have even imagined. It is as if the stars aligned and welcomed me back to the island. The next day I went to hang out with Maddie and Matt. They were house sitting at this dope house and offered to grill out a dinner for me...which I happily accepted! We had steaks, fish, corn on the cob and tons of Bikini Blonde Lager. We ended the night with nude hottubbing and pool jumping in Haiku, overlooking the most GORGEOUS gulch, underneath my first ever moonbow! UNBELIEVABLE. We were some pretty lazy bernies and had some awesome existential hippie talk. Really awesome. So comfortable being naked. It's really the greatest. Anyways...

The waves were booming all week as it was winter and that is when the waves get big. I scaled the entirety of Ho'okipa to get as close to the water as possible and really chilled out with the world and myself. Super serene, super perfect. 

The following night, I went over to Cindy and Jason's place where we got absolutely knocked by the bernie and Jason took incriminating pictures of us passed out with Koa Bear. Kind of adorable. I'm sure when I look back at this I am going to die of laughter. 

The next day, I hung out with Kirsty from Colleen's and went over to the south side of the island. We went to Secret Beach and tanned before going back to her place to kick it in the pool...not too bad for December 1st! After Kirsty's place, I drove over to Nicole and Janus' spot in Maui Meadows. She got a new baby boxer named Meli who is absolutely the most adorable dog ever...besides Indi of course. I ended up spending the night there and we went fishing the next day ,where I helped to catch a fish! It was little, but still we caught it. While we were out there totally relaxed and chillin' out, I saw a splash waaaay out in the ocean (There are no waves in the middle of the ocean, there needs to be a reef to break which causes the waves just an FYI everyone). I excitedly stood up and went "NICOLE! IS THAT A WHALE JUMPING?!". We literally watched for 45 minutes while the ocean waaay in the distance created these little splashes. UNBELIEVABLE. REAL WHALES. IVE SEEN REAL WHALES AND REAL WHALES JUMPING BACK AND FORTH. It was unbelievable! Check. That was something on my list!

The next day was my last full day on the island and I woke up with a start at 5:30 am from a  NYC area code phone number. I got a job offer with David Monn LLC!!!!!!!!! What an unbelievable start to my last day. I literally screamed and changed right into my bikini, packed my bag and called Shayma to make sure she was ready for the day. I took Armin from Hang Gliding Maui up on the offer to fly to Hana in his private Cessna. That was definitely the first private plane and the smallest plane I have ever been on.  We drove over to Kahului to meet in Starbucks where the ever charming and oh so handsome Armin was waiting to collect us. We drove right into the private jet lot and entered a code where we walked right to the plane and got on. Thank GOODNESS as us bernie's were a little nervous. The Cessna was a 4 seater and Armin let me sit in front with him!! Once he lifted the plane, he let me fly EIGHT minutes until it was time to land. The flight is only 13 minutes so I was legitimately flying the plane. UNBELIEVABLE. The view is absolutely breathtaking. So beautiful. Armin took my phone and started snapping pictures of me flying. So cool. He is such a kind soul. Anyways, we landed in Hana and he gave us the keys to his pick up truck and told us to be back by 4pm. Seriously, the man is a gem. The car was stick shift so Shayma drove. We stopped first at the general store to pick up some beers and snacks for our day. Our first adventure was hiking 2 miles up to the top of Waimouku Falls which is a 400 foot waterfall. SO INCREDIBLE. After that we hiked back down, through the path and bamboo forest where we continued down to 7 sacred pools. There were a ton of tourists and no one really knew that you can jump into the pools if you knew the right spot where the water was deep enough. Shayma showed me and we jumped into the pool with a couple dozen people watching us. So amazing. After that we drove over to Hamoa Beach where I caught the sickest waves body surfing. I'm actually pretty damn good at it. So unreal. The last adventure for us was hiking to Red Sand Beach. That was actually a pretty agressive hike. You have to scale the rocks and lock your feet in the right places so you wont slip. It's a nude beach and most people don't go out of their way to hike over there so we were only among maybe 7-8 people. On each part of our journey we bernie-d out a bit and just took in how amazing our lives were and how incredibly blessed we were to have been experiencing Hana this way. Once we got to Red Sand Beach, we jumped into the water and cleansed ourselves with the magic that is Maui. As corny as that sounds, I promise that was the exact experience. Truly cleansing. Anyways, it was about 4 by that time and we headed back to Hang Gliding Maui to meet up with Armin. Jans (the glider pilot) was flying back with us so Shayma and I were in the back together. I counted over 40 waterfalls. SO AMAZING. Absolutely incredible. When we got back, I went into Pa'ia where  I had fresh Ono at Pa'ia Fish Market and met Cindy at Des Amies for a drink. I went back with Cindy to her spot and finalized our plans for my departure day. Cindy picked me up from Bethany's spot and we headed right to Baldwin Beach. We went to the not so hippie side and it looked like something out of a movie. Cindy made a joke that we were in St Barths! Anyways, that was my day. I almost jumped ship when I landed in Oahu and didn't return but turns out they couldnt accomodate me in Waikiki if I gave my flight up because no one was trying to get on the flight (seriously, I tried). Anyways, turns out from my initial flight from NYC-Maui in August was with the same airflight attendant named Tia. She recognized me and brought over 3 little bottles of rum, a package of nuts, some cheese and crackers and fresh POG. A gem. I promise you I must have done something amazing in my past life to be treated this well. 

WHAT A PERFECT DAY AND PERFECT ENDING TO MY TIME IN MAUI! I can't even believe that is my life. 

With warmest aloha,

MJ

Aloha everyone,

This is my last post. I arrived in New York yesterday morning...flying eleven hours straight is no joke. Anyways before I forget, I had an amazing last morning in Maui. Woke up at Bethany's in Pe'ahi, went to the smoke shop where Scott showed me how he blows glass, saw Perri, had TWO crepes at Des Amies (thanks for getting me addicted Big Bernie), and said farewell to Cindy. Situs, the guy who I rented a car from, drove me to the airport on super last minute notice and introduced me to the most attractive man I've ever met. haha. Seriously, the North Shore hosts the most attractive men in the entire world...especially during Winter when the surf is big I've heard. 

Anyways, I took the quick flight over to Oahu and had crazy culture shock looking at the buildings. I actually had a plan to jump ship in Oahu and stay there for a couple of days. I was hoping that the airlines were overbooked and they would let me stay in Waikiki with a travel voucher. Welp for wishful thinking? I mean I probably could have stayed, but I didn't have a plan really. When I finallly saw NYC, it was early morning but was very dark....super unusual. It was an interesting way to see the city, especially since it is always illuminated with all the buildings and lights. A little freaky honestly. Anyways, Sarah and Derek are world class because they came and picked me up from JFK at 6:30am on a Saturday. I had no idea the gas situation was that serious. Anyways, I'm home...and a little disoriented. I'm neither happy or sad that I'm here in New York or that I left Maui. I crave the beach and the water (mostly the greenery), but my friends just think its "Maui withdrawal". I'm so glad that a couple friends urged me to document this journey. I can't stop looking at all the pictures I took, or re-reading my blog posts. This truly was the trip of a lifetime for me and I feel incredibly blessed that I was able to go. I think I turned a little "hippie dippie" while I was over in Maui. I feel so happy and free! It's such an incredible feeling. I hope everyone I know gets to feel this kind of free. It's amazing. I really cant believe I began to "find" myself and start to change into the woman I'm going to become on this amazing little island in the middle of the Pacific. I'm so happy. SO, so, so happy.

 My goodbye to Ho'okipa. I think I sat on this rock for maybe 30 minutes. What a perfect day. I had such an incredible last week, it was almost like the island wanted to give me a perfect little goodbye.

 Perri and I! Would you believe we had no good pictures? GWSB whaadddupp. Girl, hold my water bottle and make Graham give it to me when I return so we can actually meet. haaaaa.

 A Maui Mermaid and a Maui Goddess. A perfect match...don't tell Jason. ahahha.

 Seriously. SERIOUSLY?! Tell me this isn't the sweetest. 

 I got this as I was waiting in line to go through security. I was so tempted to leave the airport.

I think Bethany is going to convince me to come back. Seriously, she sent me a picture that said "Maui misses you" while I was out last night trying to defeat jet lag. Seriously girl, you're going to make me cry! I'll be back for a reunion bonfire with a pinata and firedancing. 

Sidenote: 4,014 VIEWS IN TWO AND A HALF MONTHS?! CRAZY. Thanks for reading and experiencing my journey with me! Mahalo. I'm pau for now. A hui hoa, Maui. Brian was right, Maui is a true seductress...I'll probably be back in a couple of weeks. Prepare for my [potential] arrival.

With warmest aloha, 

MJ

ps.  Cindy, send me some candles, a puka shell bracelet, a sprig of tuberose, a box of Mauna Loa MacNut chocolates and some POG. Ya girl is in withdrawalllll. See ya soon goddess, aloha.

Alohaaaaa,

This is my last post (I think). I just woke up at Bethany's and I'm going to finish packing before I head off to the airport. 13 hours straight shot. SHEESH. 

Anyways, yesterday I had the most perfect day. It started after waking up at the suite in Lahaina...

After we all decided to leave the hotel, I wanted to make sure that I spent some time over there because I never really go to those beaches since they are pretty far. I had the snorkel gear that Manny and Robin had loaned me and I knew I had to return it so I wanted to do that as well. They live in the Ritz Carlton residences maybe five minutes from the hotel we were in so it worked out perfectly. I showed up somewhat unannounced (I called, but no answer woops) and they were there! They were so kind and hospitable, it really was nice to be with them. First of all their view is spectacular, and their company tops even that! It really has been a full circle trip for me.

Anyways, before I left Manny offered me a massage! Him and Robin are licensed massage therapists and I was so excited. Hello, have you ever had a massage from someone who was visually impaired? Hello, free massage?! I would never in three hundred years turn that down. Anyways, because Manny is visually impaired he has an insane sense of touch and I'm telling you it was the best massage I have ever had. It wasn't even a skimpy massage! I thought he meant maybe just my back and traps but it was my WHOLE body, even my head, face and toes! I had a knot in my butt...but why?! Who even knows. Robin was sitting there, and it was the middle of the day but I literally felt like I was on cloud 100,000. She was reading from this book, Manny had those massage sounds like ocean and whatnots on, and it was amazing. I couldn't even speak afterwards and he gave me a pair of earrings that his daughter made! Seriously, HOW ADORABLE. 

The view. I felt like I was in a spa. This their view!!

 Thank you so much Manny and Robin! You guys are rockstars. I appreciate everything SO much!!!

After the world's greatest, most unexpected massage, I decided for my last full day in Maui I wanted to go to Ka'anapali Beach. I got there and it was the PERFECT day to tan. Seriously: blazing sun, perfect clear water, the sand has a gold shimmer to it and no breeze. I had the best beach day by myself! 

A perfect day. I really messed up which island was which, but the one that is really close and full of craters is Lana'i. I'm positive of that. 

After that, I went to Kihei to give Nicole back a sweatshirt and say goodbye. The sun was beginning to set and I knew it was going to be a pretty spectacular sunset. I've had quite a few while I've been here. It was SO beautiful. Oh my goodness, Maui really was sending me off in style. Nicole and Janus were so great to me while I was here. When I come back (potentially in a few weeks), I'll come bearing cheeses! 

And finally I was on the road back to Haiku. As I got to Pa'ia, Clarissa called me! Seriously, this day really got better! Cherry on top! I miss her already. She was the key that enabled all these friendships and people into my life. Seriously, a spectacular streak of gold intertwined in my whole trip was her. A million thank you's and a million bernies, Big Bernie. I got to Colleen's for a final dinner with Cindy and Jason and had the most delicious pasta. Yum! Crashed at Bethany's again and we watched the Pimp Chronicles before passing out. Originally the plan was to have a going away bonfire with a pinata (guess who's idea the pinata was?) but we were all to tired from Lahaina. 

Anyways, it really is over. I had a blast. Initially my time here was hard and I really am proud of myself that I made it work out for me...huge accomplishment. I learned so much about myself and I was stuck at a beaaautiful wedding venue assisting with some gorgeous weddings. I am so happy I decided to randomly leave and do this. I feel so sad that I'm leaving, but I know I'll be back. I can't just leave this place. I fell in love with fish, outdoor activities, veggies, salads (!) and mostly myself! It has so much of me and I can always remember that Maui was the place where I really started to find myself, by myself. How incredible is that. I am so happy. Anyways, I'll be back!!

....Probably sooner than later.

With warmest aloha, 

MJ

Aloha,

Halloween was insane! Bethany, Jake, Scott, Lydia and I went down to the West side because Lahaina is the place to be during Halloween. Their main street, Front Street, gets crazy packed and people show up in the most ridiculous costumes. Bethany was able to snag us a hotel suite for ridiculously cheap so we decided to stay on that side and take a shuttle which worked out really well for us. 

Anywho, Halloween was intense. It was such a blur. There were so many interesting things going on that I couldn't keep track of all of them. Literally, the only thing that really comes to mind is I saw someone dressed up as bacon and we had a short conversation that ended with him saying, "see you for breakfast". L-O-L. I am dying again. That was so funny. ahahhahahaha. 

Well anyways, Lahaina went all the way OFF. I had a blast. The hotel suite was crazy. 2 pull out beds and a king size bed. No one had to worry about driving so we all had an insane time. They had these little gecko sculpture things on the wall as if they were climbing and I thought it was kind of cute. I was freaked out a little because it would have been a HUGE gecko, but when I realized it was plastered on the wall I thought that the resort was just humourous. I've come so far regarding geckos. Hahah. Anyways, we ended up going back, getting a little more crazy and breaking into the resort pool and hottub. Bethany literally was swan diving into the deep end and I nearly passed out in the hot tub it was so freaking perfect and comfortable there.

 Got there early so I hit the beach. Seriously, this sign was awful. So rude! Hahah, I checked it out and could see it was live but I made sure you couldn't see me!

 Front Street. This was my only picture. I seriously couldn't even make this up.

 BACON. 

I sent my friend Jacq a picture of me and the bacon. Seriously, why is bacon so delicious? I'm obsessed.

 We were all so tall. Bethany was the only person shorter than me and she's like 5'9! It was a tall people parade.

 Jake in the back, Lydia in the front and Bethany to my right. 

 Some guy who said he knew me? LOL. 

Aw. So adorable!

That was my Halloween. Hope you enjoyed yours!

With warm aloha, 

MJ

Alohaaaa,

Sorry about the past two days. My computer battery exploded (not lying) so I had been using the work computer to do my blog posts and since I left the Mill, I'm using Bethany's now. Coming home this week!!! 

That is unless NYC is still underwater and Westchester still doesn't have power and trees down. Then, I will just extend my stay and figure something out. When I booked my trip back home, I decided that I didn't want to just work until my last day but rather have 4 days to really explore the island...and I wanted to be here for Halloween since it is the absolute most epic party Maui has to offer. There's a big chance I will be passed out by 11:30 and that will be a crazy late night for me. We'll see. These four days is my mini vacation, even though as soon as was off of work I manage to be on vacation. This was such an incredible experience for me. Lucky I decided to  stay otherwise I would have been caught in that absolutely devastating hurricane as well. I'm glad to know all my friends are safe! I literally woke up at 4am to 36 texts and pictures. LOVE YOU ALL. 

Anyways, my last two days:

I decided to leave the Mill on Monday and since Haiku is only 38 miles from Hana, I had scheduled an appointment to go HANG GLIDING!!!!!!!! I had no idea what it was and I dont know why I found out about it, but I decided way earlier that I wanted to do it. Impulse executive decision. I just booked the appointment not really sure what it looked like and recently with Cindy saw a picture. Needless to say, I freaked all the way out in person when I saw it. I packed up my car Monday morning, had borrowed Bethany's speakers to attach to my iPod (really, I'm driving a hooptie and how ridiculous is it that I had an iPod and speakers next to me while I was driving ahhaha local style), and was on my way to Hana by myself! I got there and decided to go to Koki Beach to have lunch which was amazing. I've been having these constant "kiss the sky" moments where I put everything in perspective and realize how much I love my life. I mean really. I'm sitting at this beautiful volcanic sand beach, by myself, surrounded by super luscious green, about to go hang gliding and I totally made this all happen. Amazing. This whole Maui experience has changed me for the better. It's so amazing here. I'm so in love with the island. 

 I'm totally going to miss this outdoor shower...

 ...and beaaautiful flowers under a chandelier kitchen table...

and this GIANT mango tree. Seriously, its only one tree. CRAY. Bye bye Haiku Mill!

 I arrived!

Seriously, coming here by myself was one of the best decisions I ever made. It was so peaceful and way nice to be just with myself. Amazing. So beautiful.

 Anyways, after lunch I went to the Hang Gliding place and as I was walking to the shed, I was mouth opened saying "Holy [expletive]". I walked closer and this tall gentlemen yelled out to me, "Hey Molly!". The hang glider is literally a sidecar of a motorcycle with a kite attached. WHAT. Well, its way more than that but thats what I thought I saw. Anyways, it was the most incredible experience I've ever had. I was freaking out the whole time screaming random things into the microphone into Armin's ear and he was cracking up. I can be so animated and enthusiastic sometimes. Point of the story: EVERYONE should go hang gliding. It's otherworldly. I could talk about it for days. I will remember it for the rest of my life and I absolutely loved it. Armin is such a genuinely nice guy, and so professional!  He told me he would fly me to Kahului to Hana and I could even borrow his truck for the day if I decided to come back. Seriously, a gem. WORLD CLASS.

 Freaking out commences ...now.

 I am almost as big as the trike! Was this a joke?!

 I'm driving/steering here!

 Circle rainbow! How cool is that?! I'm in a circle rainbow!!

 Cindy's favorite picture. She loves the different colors of the water so you can see the reef/shore break and the lush. This whole experience was unreal.

 Shaka!

 Just had taken off... I love this picture so much. I didn't realize the camera was taking a picture and I'm holding my mouth in awe. It was so amazing.

 Clutching my heart. Honestly, I understand what it means to fly like a bird now. At this point I think Armin had turned off the motor so it was completely silent in the air. Absolutely incredible.

 Armin goes, "Have you ever felt a cloud?". I swear this man was after my own heart. I literally screamed "NOOO!" and he went wooosh and was all the way up. I had my hands out and felt the clouds running through my fingers. It was a little wet, like condensation on a soda can, and light and somewhat sticky. Oh my goodness, what an incredible experience. I can't even explain how amazing this was. I am so happy even recanting it.

 Landed safe and sound!

Armin and I in our badass outfits. Seriously, even the outfits are cool! 

After that, I had dinner with Cindy (because she was freaking out that I had no service and couldn't reach me lol) and said bye to Brian cause he left for Whistler. 

Yesterday, I went to Baldwin Beach with Cindy for a bit before deciding to do happy hour. Seriously, how can you pass up 1-6? Anytime you are done with the beach you are able to have $3 margaritas! This guy Aaron met up with us and I went to his place upcountry to kick it for a bit. After that, I met up with Bethany and her friends to watch a movie woke up in Pe'ahi. I've never done this cruising around thing so it should be interesting to see how this week goes. Tonight, I'm going with Bethany and her friends into Lahaina for Halloween!!! I just realized its Halloween! HAPPY HALLOWEEN! We're all staying down there in Pukalani and I'm actually going to head out soon so I can hit Ka'anapali for a bit. Not sure the next time I'll get on a computer, but I'll try to have tons of pictures. I'm going to be Cleo-Dite again. I mean, thats all I got anyways.

 True, truuuue.

With warmest aloha,

MJ

Aloha oukou,

MAMA'S. FISH. HOUSE. 

This post is specifically dedicated to the deliciousness that was my dinner last night. Holy goodness. MY PALATE WILL NEVER BE THE SAME. Unbelievable. Unfreakingreal. I don't have the vocabulary to express how delicious it was. 

Mama's is consistently rated the best fish house in the entire state of Hawai'i. Everything is freshly caught, day of and prepared in the most divine way. Oh my goodness. After dinner I literally sat down and looked at the pictures of my food for an hour at Cindy & Jason's. I am so excited to write this post so I can look at the pictures again. Seriously, my life is not real right now.

 What a view...

Cindy knew someone and she was able to secure us the BEST table in the restaurant and they gave us a discount!!!!!!! Are you serious. I am crying tears of joy just typing this out right now. 

 Oh that little vixen. Cindy and her husband, Jason.

 How cute! Also to check in, you have to go to this little hut thing. Unreal.

Blurry beauties.

My drink was something crazy. Some ginger, island-y, delicious-ass martini. 

 They started us with some poppy bread and this soup. THAT SOUP WAS SO GOOD. Why doesn't every restaurant start with a little soup thing with bread? Can they? Please?

Shrimp wonton with Macadamia Nut sauce. I called this sauce every name in the book. It was dolphin tears one minute, rainbows from unicorns another. It was so good I kept it for my dinner. I wasn't letting that sucker out of my view. Holy goodness!!!

 Ono Ceviche served in a Coconut!

Cindy's so funny. She excused herself to the restroom and after a couple of minutes comes back and said, "It doesn't matter if you're at a keg or Mama's...you're still waiting on line". LOLLLLL.

 This was the menu description: 

Uku- Hawai'ian Snapper caught bottom fishing near Lana'i by Layne Nakagawa 

Upcountry style with caramelized Maui onion, Haiku golden tomato and baby bok choy.

First of all, I know the fisherman because they said his name. Secondly, are you drooling? I wish the light was better but holy goodness. I don't know if it is apparent in the way I am typing, but IT WAS SO GOOD. I ate the whole thing!!!

 Lilikoi Creme Brûlée! Jason called it 'pure sex'. I tasted it and said, "It's almost like making out with someone you've wanted to hookup with forever". Seriously, the food put me in a state of delirium. 

 Polynesian Black Pearl dessert. Lilikoi chocolate mousse in a pastry shell. 

 Appearance is everything, eh?

 Some little coconut things they gave us with warm hand towels. 

The steps of service at Mama's were out of this world. Literally as soon as you finished a course, you had someone clear and set and food was instantaneously out. Unbelievable. Bravo!

 The happiest customers in Mama's. Seriously. The HAPPIEST.

I was so full but couldn't stop eating. It was outrageous. Definitely worth the money. I said if I had a last meal, I would want it at Mama's. After that, we went back to their place and there was a Tsunami warning! I freaked out!!! I mean literally we had JUUUST gotten back from eating dinner on the waterfront! Also, they were saying it was going to hit in an hour and a half. Really not that much time. The sirens kept going through town and it was kind of scary.... 7.7 magnitude earthquake off of the islands in Canada and it was coming right for Maui! Well for all of you that are reading (and now obviously know), I am okay. I live 700 feet above sea level. I'm having a slammin' trip though. I have experienced so many things! Wild. Also, I have a feeling that Sylvia wants to take me to Mama's tonight. I am totally game.

 Nothing to be concerned about here. LOL. I didn't end up going (hello, food coma) but sweet text, eh? Also, Perri from GW invited me out! She actually just checked out the Mill maybe an hour or so ago. 

Hi Perri!

Oh and its the national windsurfer competition going on at Ho'okeeps right now. Seriously, beautiful people everywhere. Drooooooooling.

With warmest aloha,

MJ

Is it a shoutout if I just scream from the mountaintops (okay volcano tops, Haleakala) THAAAAANKKKK YOUUUUUUU? I hope not. I'll be doing that tomorrow or something equally as ridiculous.