Lunch at Kimo's

Saturday was awesome!

First we woke up and got to go pick up Uncle Calvin from the airport. Calvin came to visit us from the Big Island. It's always fun to see Calvin but this trip is especially fun because its the first time Em and Calvin have seen each other since Em's baby blessing in 2010 when Em was three months old.

After we picked Calvin up, we drove to Lahaina to walk around.

There are a bunch of wooden statues scattered about and for some reason Em became very fond of them. She ran up to them and started talking to them introducing herself and telling them about herself.

When it was lunch time, we decided to go to Kimo's. Definitely not our first time dining at this oceanfront eatery but it was our first time for lunch.

It was delicious.

Whitney and I had lava flows (again) and this time Em got to try. We got Em a fun drink which came with an umbrella. Em loved it.

Calvin and I each had burgers. I had the Paniolo (cowboy) burger. Essentially a Bacon and Bleu burger but it has an island inspired barbecue sauce.

Calvin had the Aloha burger. A normal burger with a slice of pineapple and teriyaki sauce.

Whitney had a coconut crusted fish (can't remember which fish but tasted like Mahi-Mahi) with a peanut sauce on top.

Em had a Keiki hot dog which was grilled perfectly. Not that hot dogs are difficult but this one was really done well.

After lunch we stopped by ABC Store to grab a grass skirt for Em. A "Hula Dress" was the one thing Em requested before we came on the trip.

When we got back to the condo we spent the rest of the day hanging out at the beach.

A little later we were discussing where we wanted to go to dinner when one of the other guests at the condo told us that there was a "Steak and Cake" dinner.

Apparently every year at the same time a couple guys get together and buy steaks and grill them for everyone. The spread was awesome. Perfectly grilled steak, baked potatoes, baked beans to die for, and sheet cakes.

Em dressed up in her new grass skirt and lei and danced the hula for everyone as the sun went down.

We went to bed completely stuffed and satisfied.

Humuhumunukunukuapua'a

It's a mouthful. It's the Hawaii state fish. It's also a delicious restaurant at the Grand Wailea on Maui.

While it'll be a long time before we can afford the $650 a night price to actually stay at the hotel, we rubbed our nickels together and treated ourselves to a delicious Valentine's Day dinner.

On the way to the restaurant we spotted a great place on the side of the road where we got to see a beautiful Maui sunset.

When we got to the Grand Wailea, we enjoyed a lovely stroll around the lush, rolling grounds. It took a while to find the restaurant but it was plenty fun just being together walking around.

Once we found the restaurant we were given a little tour by the hostess. The restaurant itself is suspended over a million-gallon saltwater lagoon stocked with tropical fish. It's perched on a small bluff overlooking the ocean.

One great option on the menu is a fresh Maui lobster. They keep them in an old wooden lobster trap right there in the saltwater lagoon. They pull the lobster trap up and you pick which one you want.

We started off with virgin Lava Flows. Lava Flows are a delicious concoction consisting of strawberry purée and blended banana, pineapple juice and coconut syrup.

The drinks came out accompanied by complementary warm Taro Rolls.

For the appetizer we enjoyed Seared Day Boat Scallops on a Crispy Parsnip Potato Cake with Citrus Segments and Basil Flowers.

We split the Kula Lau'ai. A Kula Butter Lettuce salad with Cabot White Cheddar Cheese, Asian Pears, Candied Macadamia Nuts and Whole Grain Mustard Vinaigrette.

For our entrée, we had the Macadamia Nut Crusted Mahi Mahi with Purple Sweet Potato Puree, Shitake Mushrooms, Bok Choy and a Ginger Vinaigrette.

To finish off, we shared the Hawaiian Chocolate Hazelnut Torte. Its a torte with a Chocolate Coconut Pineapple Macaroon base and Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse filling. Also on the plate was a Roasted Banana Dehydrated Mousse Ice Cream Sandwich and Candied Fresh Banana Slices with Chocolate Sauce.

All in all, we had a great time. Not just because we had dinner together, but its a great restaurant with great atmosphere. We'll definitely be back next trip.

http://www.wailearesortdining.com/humuhumu

Maui Ocean Center

Today we got to go to the Maui Ocean Center. Kind of like the Monterey Bay Aquarium but smaller. What it lacks in size it makes up for in its uniqueness. It focuses solely on Hawaiian species, specifically those in the oceans around Maui.

Most exhibits let you see the the animals from above, then you can walk down some stairs and see the tank from the side through the huge glass window.

Toward the end is the huge tank with sharks, jacks and rays. After watching them swim around through the huge glass window there is a plexiglass tunnel where you can watch the sharks and rays swim over, under and around you.

In the green sea turtle habitat Em found the turtle marked with the "E" and said, "That's 'E' for Emerson!"

Definitely worth it if you come to Maui.

http://www.mauioceancenter.com/