For those that have followed my blog for awhile, you know my son, Richie’s, quest to run a marathon in every state.  Well, this is IT!  The BIG 50!!!  The BIG Kahuna!!!  I won’t keep anyone in suspense. I’m posting “The Grand Finale”  of this adventure first!  Richie ran his first marathon (26.2 miles) in October of 2004.  Not quite 20 years later he had run at least one marathon in each of the 50 U.S. States.  The Maui (Hawaii) Ocean Front Marathon, on January 14, 2024 completed the Big 50!  Congrats Richie!


Plans had been in the making for a while for Hawaii to be his 50th State …. Close to a year in advance  Richie had registered for  The Maui Oceanfront Marathon (the marathon max’s out at 500 runners).   The family started planning and making reservations to be there to cheer Richie on.  In early August 2023, a series of wildfires broke out in Hawaii, predominantly on the Island of Maui.  The damage was devastating.  Our hearts went out to the people affected.  We didn’t cancel our plans, we waited, we watched and listened to reasons why we should or shouldn’t go.  The marathon wasn’t cancelled.  Most reports were tourism was encouraged and welcomed.  We went and were glad we did.
Most of the family was planning on going for a week.  I thought … hmmmm…. If I’m going to fly all the way from New England to Hawaii I’m going to do it BIG!  Collette Travel offered a 10 day, 9 night, three Island Tour that started in Honolulu, Hawaii on January 4, 2024 and ended on January 13 in Maui.  Three nights on Oahu, Three on Hawaii (The Big Island) and Three nights on Maui … Perfect!  I booked 4 additional nights on my own closer to where the family was staying and the Marathon start in Kihei.

Day 1 “FLY DAY”!  Leaving on a jet plan, American Airlines 6:01 a.m. (can anyone tell me the reason for the “01”?).     First flight 3 1/2 hours to Dallas Texas … was it really 3 1/2 or 2 1/2, because of the time change?  Two and 1/2 hour layover and then … 7 1/2 hours to Honolulu.  I’m not good enough at math to calculate what hours are real and what aren’t.  Arrive at 3:40p.m.  “Who Really Knows What Time It Is?”  All I know is it took a loooooooot of time to get there.

In an effort to be frugal with my spending.  I had booked my own flights and hotel transfer (Robert Hawaii Airport Shuttle).  I give 5 stars to the Robert’s attendant who made sure I got to the Shuttle Bus, without a glitch.  I’m a grandmother of 7 and this lady could have been my grandmother.  She never stopped smiling, offered to help with my bags,  put on her crossing guard hat and didn’t let me out of her sight until I was safely on the shuttle.  I nominate her for Hawaiian Travel Ambassador of the day!
I’m safely delivered to The Prince Waikiki Hotel (3 nights Honolulu, HI 855-622-7558).  I’m only giving the Prince Waikiki 4 stars, because it is not on the beach.  IMO … If you want 5 stars in Honolulu,  beach access is a must.  I did have nice views from my room, but still not 5 star worthy.

My Colette Tour Guide, Julie was waiting for me outside.  I’m trying to be tired and cranky and she is making me smile and feeling glad to be here. Travel  Ambassador Nominee number two, Julie!
I am in bed and asleep by 7:00 p.m. Hawaii time.  I’m wide awake 3:00 a.m. Hawaii time.  Ouch!  I have the alarm set for 6:30.  Something is off with my internal clock!  If you haven’t guessed this is my first experience with jet lag.

Day 2  … 6:45 a.m. I’m at the Breakfast buffet (included at the hotel restaurant, 100 Sails).  8:30 Collette Tour Welcome Orientation.  Julie racks up a few more Travel Ambassador points.  9:15 a.m. We meet Garfield, our Driver/Guide for the day.  Today had a somber “theme”,  visits to The National Cemetery of the Pacific and Pearl Harbor.  Well, Garfield is now another nominee for Travel Ambassador!  Gar, as he likes to be called,  is a wonderful storyteller.  He was able to be respectful in his narrative,  but interjected enough humor to lighten up the day.  On Gar’s recommendation I rented a “Self Guided Narrated Audio Tour” for $9.  Well worth it!

One of the highlights for me was traveling by Naval launch to view the white marble-clad USS Arizona Memorial.

 

Quick stop at King Kamehameha’s statue.  Garfield very graciously made sure we were all aware that the Kings Cloak wasn’t real gold!

Back to 100 Sails (dinner buffet included) for dinner and then a wonderful treat to end the day.  Fireworks!

Day 3  I’m thinking of calling this the Rise and Shine Tour.  Up and out early again for more sightseeing.  Iolani  Palace…

Lunch and shopping in downtown Honolulu

 

Menehune are little mythological people that are believed to bring good luck when you see one.  They are not mischievous like leprechauns.  They are good natured and work undercover at night for the good of others.  .

Pali Lookout in Oahu’s Rainforest

Our wonderful Tour Ambassador, Julie, treats us all to one of the Hawaiian Islands delicacies, Shave Ice (No S on the end of Shave!)

Now there is time “on my own”  to do something I’ve been waiting to do since I arrived here … Walk Waikiki Beach … the water is beautiful and WARM! The view of Diamond head is classic.

I also have time for a quick walk over to Ala Moana Park to check out the fabulous Banyon Trees.  I won’t get to see the Spectacular Lahaina Banyon Tree, but these are pretty awesome.

The Banyon Tree below is one of, if I remember correctly, 46 or 47 that were planted here in the National Cemetery of the Pacific.  My brain is taking in so much information, that I can’t get all of my facts straight, but they are very commemorative.

Dinner is with some new friends at Harbor Pub and Pizza (1765 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu)  A must try if you are in the area.  This was the BEST Pizza,  I’ve had in a long time.  Five stars for food, service, staff, location and atmosphere.

Day 4 …. The days are “flying” by!

The Prince Waikiki opens for breakfast early for us (6:15 vs 6:30) There are only 18 of us and they are this accommodating.  Maybe I should give them 4 1/2 stars.
We are on our way to Honolulu airport at 7:00 a.m.  It’s going to be a day full of travel and sightseeing.  After a 40 minute flight we land at Hilo Airport.

First stop Rainbow Falls at Waii Uku River State Park.  There are dozens of waterfalls, each spectacular in thier own way.  Remember we are here in the rainy season.

Second stop … Safeway grocery store to pick up some incidentals and a “picnic” lunch.  This was different.  Two of my pet peeves with traveling on a tour is that too much time is spent eating and shopping.   This has not been the case so far.

Third stop ….Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (Kilauea – the worlds most active volcano)  we arrive and it’s pouring.  By the time we get off the bus and walk a short distance to the viewing point, it stops raining and the views are amazing!

Very glad Kilauea wasn’t erupting when we were here!

Fourth and so far my favorite stop …  Punalu’u Black Sand Beach … we are told we may “luck out”  and spot a green sea turtle.  We see FOUR!  ONE swimming

THREE sunning themselves on the beach! They are huge!

It’s  after 6:00 p.m. when we get to our hotel … The  Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa  (Kailua-Kona, HI  808-930-4900) … Our home for the next three nights.  I’m going to give The Outrigger 5 stars.  The beach is not a traditional sand beach, it’s an ocean front  lava rock beach.

 

My balcony overlooked the Outrigger Luau area. I was a Luau eavesdropper!

I break one of my own unwritten rules … never eat at a chain when traveling, that you can go to at home.  Me and a couple of new friends are too travel weary, we just order pizza and salads from Domino Pizza.  No stars, just like at home.

Day 5 … I opt out of “getting back on the bus” for more sightseeing.  The tour is going to the town of Kailua-Kona, a town established by King Kamehameha I before he unified the Kingdom of Hawaii.  Four hours of history, food and shopping.  I need a “little” bus break.    Instead I chose to spend my day taking advantage of all that this Resort has to offer. The amenities here are in a class of their own.  I’ve never scored amenities separately, but I am giving them their own 5 stars.  One of the reasons is because of Ne’Ni, my third nominee for Travel Ambassador .   I opt out on the 8:30 yoga class, because I want to do the 9:00 Kaukulaelae Walking Tour.  I can do Yoga at home.  The tour, guided by Ne’Ni, is a 1 hour cultural and historical walking tour of Keauhou Bay, where the Resort is located.  There are NOT enough stars to describe Ne’Ni.  Her knowledge and storytelling skills are amazing, but her passion for this island is off the charts.  She also has a voice that is so harmonious that you don’t want her to stop talking.

Next  Up! Beginners Hula Lesson at 11:30?  Guess who the teacher is?   Yup! Ne’Ni !!!!!  More Travel Ambassador points for her!   I am soooo glad that I skipped the bus tour.
3:30. Lei making class … and you KNOW who is teaching it!!!  Yup! Ne’Ni !!!!!

I have a 6:00 p.m. reservation to Swim with Manta Rays.  Due to terrible surf conditions, my Sea Quest Hawaii  (78-7138 Kaleioppapa St, Kailua-Kona  808-329-7238) Night Manta Experience is cancelled.  I have never snorkeled at night and never snorkeled with Manta Rays.  The Big Island is the only Island that offers this experience.  This was the only night that I had available.  I guess I’m just going to have to come back.  Note:  Sea Quest was great to work with, a full refund was given with no hesitation.

I’m going to take a minute here to point out, we are in the Hawaiian Islands in the “winter”.  Their windy/rainy season.  Temperatures “only” in  the 70’s and low 80’s.  We were fully aware of this and knew we’d have to be understanding and a little flexible with what we could do and what we might not be able too.  We were for-warned that some activities on the itinerary, like going out on the Naval Launch to the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial  are weather permitting.  We were lucky,  the seas were calm.  I was disappointed that I couldn’t swim with the Manta Rays,  but when  I saw the waves I was glad it was cancelled.    They are still amazing to watch from a lookout.

Below are the waves I was supposed snorkel in with the Manta Rays!  See why I’m glad they cancelled!

Day Six …. We get to sleep in today.  Our “get on the bus  time isn’t until 9:00 a.m..  Wahoo!  We wake to RAIN, lots of RAIN, not a 5 minute downpour, RAIN, RAIN, RAIN!  The Tour must go on!

First stop .. Bay View (coffee bean) Farm . . . “Very Interesting”  just a small 7 or 8 working person business, except when they bring extra people in for picking.  Yup, I was surprised, coffee beans are hand picked.   It was interesting.  I was glad that I am NOT a coffee drinker, when I saw the prices per pound for 100% Kona Coffee, over $55 a pound.

Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historic Park … Once again the National Park Service does not disappoint.  Pu’uhonua means refuge.  Between 1400-1600 kapu (sacred laws) began being enforced.  A few of my favorites … women weren’t allowed to eat bananas or coconuts, men and women were not allowed to eat meals together,  my absolute favorite – women were not allowed to cook for men.  If you broke kapu, you were severally punished.  If you could make it to pu’uhonua  and meet with the Chief you could be forgiven.   This is one of the places that I would come back to in a heart beat.  A pro and a con to traveling in a tour is your time is limited at each stop.  

Next Stop … The Painted Church, built and decorated 1899-1904.  A self taught artist, Father John decorated the interior walls using parishners leftover house paint.

Off the bus for the day, but still more on the agenda.  We  have Floral Hair Clip Making and guess who’s our instructor!  Yup,  Ne’ Ni!

There’s no stopping us!   A short walk from our hotel is a rainforest walk, commemorating the birthplace of Kauikeaouli Kamehameha III.  Me and a couple of new friends venture out on our own.

My second favorite restaurant and best dinner, so far.  I’m loving all the open air seating.

Day Seven …. Checked baggage ready for pick up by 6:30 a.m.  Next Stop Kona International Airport for our inter Island  flight to Maui.

More sightseeing !  2,000 ft Iao Needle natural landform.

Stop for lunch in Kihei at Foodland Farms Shopping Area.

On our way to spend 3 nights at the Sheraton Maui Resort and Spa,  (2605 Kaanapali Pkwy, Lahaina, HI  808-661-0031).  The ride to the Sheraton is through parts of  Lahaina that were hard hit by the wildfires.  Collette Tours hired a Cultural Advisor to ride with us and talk about what has and is happening in the area we are about to see.  It is heartbreaking seeing the devastation, but being made aware of what to expect, public reaction and rebuild efforts helped.
The Sheraton is a Five Star Resort, it has a beautiful oceanfront beach and diving cliffs!
It does NOT have a Ne’Ni.  There would not have been time for me to enjoy Resort amenities anyway, because of another jam packed itinerary. I have a spectacular view from the terrace off my room.

Not much time to enjoy it because we rush off to a Luau.  It had been scheduled for our last night but was rescheduled.

Day 8 … Another early bird morning.   I signed up for the optional, Road to Hana, 12 hour,  cliff-side drive excursion.  (6:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.) Breakfast and Lunch included.

Richie and “the cheer squad” have arrived in Maui and we’re on the Road to Hana the same day.  By chance we meet at Waianapanapa State Park.

The Road to Hana is one awesome view after another.  The road is treacherous. It is 64 miles long, has 620 curves and 59 bridges that are mostly one lane wide.  It would take days if you stopped at every pull off.  The driver has no chance of enjoying the views, so I was VERY glad we had an experienced tour driver.  Thanks,  Sale, for keeping us safe!

Day 9   January 12, 2024. … I say goodby to my new friends and Tour Director and join my family in Kihei.  Another early morning.  We have planned a 5 hour snorkel trip to
Molokini Crater and South Maui Coast Adventure with Red Line Tours that starts at 7:00 a.m. (6:30 a.m. check in).  The Sheraton is an hour away.  Julie, my Collette tour director,  helped arrange transportation for me.  My driver, Loi, was great.  Picking me up at 5:30 a.m. He had me laughing for the hour ride.

Snorkeling was half a bust.  We did get to go out.  The Sea was rough.   The crew called the trip at half a day.  We got to snorkel some at the Molokini Crater.  We saw a lot of whales and had a boat ride that was comparable to an amusement park ride.  Half of the cost was refunded.  Photos may come later, when I have the camera card from my underwater camera developed.  First time using it!

With a little unexpected down time, three of the “cheer squad”  took surfing lessons at Kalama Park.  The waves weren’t good for snorkeling, but great for surfing.  It was fun to watch.

I’m with my family. Life is good.
I check in for 4 nights  to the Days Inn by Wyndham Oceanfront, (2980 S. Kihei Rd,  Maui, HI  808-879-7741.)  This  is NOT a 5 star resort.  This is an adventure!  I’m going to call it “Hawaii and the Three Bears Hotel”.   My first room has no HOT water.  My second room the  air conditioner is too COLD  My third room is JUST RIGHT!  I am only giving the Days Inn 2 Stars.  One star is for the awesome staff and the other is for the oceanfront.  There are zero stars for the Inn.  The beach is a public beach, so they technically don’t have one.  There are close to zero amenities.  Beach towels are provided but you must sign a waiver that you won’t steal them and a VERY limited continental breakfast (more like a snack) is available.  It’s a must to have a car if you stay here and do t want to Uber or walk 2 miles in either direction for stores and restaurants.

Day 10 January 13, 2024 …  We have reservations to go on a Grand Wailea Swim with the Turtles and Sightseeing Paddle.  Yup! Cancelled because of high seas and murky water.  Again, full refund, but just a little disappointing.  We do a morning trip to The Aquarium of Hawaii Maui Ocean Center. If you think “If you’ve seen one you’ve seen them all.”  You haven’t seen this one.  The 3D whale experience is amazing!

A walk on the 2,200 ft boardwalk at the Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge was on my to do list and the family was very kind to oblige.  It is home to the endangered Hawaiian Stilt and Hawaiian Coot.  I was thrilled to see a couple of Hawaiian Stilts.  Wish I had a better zoom.

Did some snorkeling. There were a few turtle spottings.

Not done yet … we have reservations for a Maui Sunset Luau Dinner Cruise on The Pride of Maui from Maalaea Harbor.  Saw some whales too!  Again, no photos.  No fabulous Zoom and they are too quick. It was more fun to just watch them.  Lots of baby whales.

Day 11 January 14, 2024  It’s  Maui Oceanfront Marathon Day!   We are up and out to the starting line at 4:00 a.m.  Starting time 5:00.It is DARK!  There are tiki torches, a blessing by a Hawaiian Chief, accolades are read, There’s a runner participating in his 500 marathon, another running her 105 1/2 marathon, 27 runners completing their 50th State and on and on …

 

This is a great spectator marathon.  One way, all on the road.  We were able to follow, pass and then get out and cheer for Richie numerous times.  There were awesome musicians at the finish line.

After the race we head to the beach for a little body surfing and snorkeling.

We top off the celebration, on the water again!  Boss Frog’s Dive and Surf put together a special Whale Watch Dinner Cruise for runners and their family’s.  Calypso Charters put out a five star Prime Rib and Mahi Mahi Dinner and at least 50 whales put on an unbelievable, unforgettable show!  I put down my camera and just enjoyed the most wonderful evening with my amazing family.  Many, Many thanks to Richie.  If it wasn’t for him we would not have done this fantastic adventure!

The family all heads home, but I’ve given myself one more day to relax and have a little me time.  It was an amazing adventure.

MAHALO,  to all the wonderful people that made this adventure so fantastic. A  Special MAHALO to Julie from Collette Tours you are truly a  Superb Travel Ambassador, a Menehune in disguise!