Much Aloha in Maui

Corey and I returned late Thursday night from 7 fun-and-sun-filled days in Maui, HI. The main purpose of our trip to the Valley Isle was to celebrate the wedding of our friends, Brian and Katrina. Since we were already planning to be in Maui for their wedding, we thought it would be perfect to extend our trip to include some time to relax in the sun after the long winter we've had in Seattle.

I've included highlights from our trip below, along with some photos. (Sorry for the long post - just trying to recap all the highlights!)

McNeill / Heston Wedding (4/9-4/12) @ the Maui Prince in Wailea

When we arrived in Maui, it was both coolish and rainy, which made us briefly re-think both our car rental (a convertible) and plans for the week (laying out to work on our tans); however after a few un-Hawaii-like days, the weather finally turned around enough for us to enjoy both the car and the sun, while also allowing Brian and Katrina to have the outdoor wedding they'd planned on.

The first night we were in Maui, we headed out for a delicious dinner at Mama's Fish House with Spence and Renata (our friends from D.C. who are getting married later this year in Connecticut). Corey and I hadn't heard of this restaurant during past visits to Maui but upon this trip, multiple people recommended that we try it out and it was amazing!

The next day, Corey and I headed to breakfast at Longhi's (our first of three breakfasts here!) with Brian and Katrina, before heading to Corey's tux fitting (the first of two trips to the tux place since the first time, the pants were at least 6 inches too short) since he was one of Brian's groomsmen. That evening was a meet & greet at Lulu's in Kihei for all the wedding guests. We all had a great time getting to know each other and kicking off two days of wedding festivities.


Renata & I at the meet & greet.

Saturday, April 11, was the big day! After another breakfast at Longhi's, Corey and I were finally able to soak up some sun and grab lunch at The Seawatch (which was the location of our wedding, and was just a short drive down the road from the Maui Prince!).

Corey outside The Seawatch at the Wailea Golf Club. It's almost been a year since our wedding there - can't believe how fast the time flies.

The weather took a turn for the better just in time for the wedding - it was a beautiful evening and the Maui Price provided to be a perfect setting for festivities. We were so excited to be able to celebrate Brian and Katrina's wedding with them - they both looked so happy and in love. We wish them love and happiness always - we love you guys!

A few of shots from the ceremony.

The wedding party, after the ceremony.

My handsome hubby in his tux on our balcony before the ceremony. Surprisingly, I'd never seen him in one!

Renata & Spence at the ceremony. Looking forward to their October wedding in Connecticut!

Corey and I at the ceremony.

The reception was a blast and highlights included a beautiful first dance for the bride and groom just before sunset, yummy food / cake / dessert, shots for the wedding party, Corey and I being able to dance to our wedding song (Somewhere Over the Rainbow by IZ), and lots of laughs with all of guests. It was a perfect day for everyone.

Mr. and Mrs. Brian McNeill!

Spence was having all kinds of fun with the bouquets.

Lahaina (4/12-4/16)

On Sunday, after a final lunch with Spence and Renata before they left for Oahu, Corey and I did some shopping at The Shops at Wailea (one of our many shopping trips there) and packed up to head to the Outrigger Aina Nalu in Lahaina for the rest of our time on the island. We have stayed at here several times and love it. It's peaceful, relaxing and quiet, yet just several blocks from vibrant Front Street, which is full of shops, restaurants and things to do. The Aina Nalu has the best pools and lounge chairs - perfect for relaxing in the sun!

View of Front Street at night. Tons of shops, restaurant and people can be found here.

While in Lahaina, we were able to enjoy some pool time, stimulate the economy by shopping on Front Street, eat at various yummy restaurants (Lahaina Cooler's, Cascades Grill & Sushi Bar, Hula Grill, and Gerard's). While all were delicious, we highly recommend Gerard's for anyone heading to Maui in the near future - it had the best fish I think I'd ever had and it's located within a quaint inn that looks like could be found in the south.

Corey at our table at Lahaina Coolers - one of his favorite casual restaurants in Maui.

Corey and I after our sushi dinner at Cascades.

Myself and Corey at Gerard's for dinner on our last night. It's such a cute restaurant and the food is delicious!

In addition to relaxing at the pool and eating at all these restaurants, we were also able to drive up to Napili and Kapalua. Neither of us had been up that way so it was fun to see another section of the island. While there, we thought we'd scope out Flemming Beach for the afternoon; however, little did we know that it would be a tad too windy to enjoy it. I am STILL finding sand in my hair and ears.

On our drive to Kapalua, we made a quick stop to check out the view from Honolua.

While in Maui, also were able to check out Paia - a cute, little shopping area near Kahului and then we headed to the Surfing Goat Dairy, which Spence and Renata had recommended to us. After yummy cheese tastings, we were able to go on a short tour of the farm and even feed baby goats! We had a blast. They were so adorable and now we both want one of our own. All we need is a backyard...

Paia is super cute area. We'd never been so it was fun to check it out on our way to the Surfing Goat Dairy.

Goats only cost $180 - such a bargain! Corey and I wanted to bring one home with us. If only we had a backyard.

One of our new goat friends. Love this picture!

Apparently I was the Goat Whisperer. Or maybe they just liked the food I had?

Corey's turn making goat friends.

A few more of our 4-week old goat friends.

We had such a blast that we were totally not ready to come home but knowing that we'd get to see Roxy after 9 days away from her made it a little easier to get on the plane and return to reality, cold weather and rain. Now we're just trying to figure out where we're headed next!

Corey and I in a canopy at our hotel on our last night. We were so sad to leave!

All of our photos are located on my Flickr site if you're interested.