Lahaina Archives - Jen is on a Journey

Maui’s Sugar Cane Train Review

June 30, 2011 by The Mom Jen Leave a Comment

–Written by my Husband…

The Sugar Cane train is a relaxing and scenic diversion from the hustle and bustle of the beaches and resorts of west Maui. After a morning of surf lessons and snorkeling my wife and I took the opportunity to unwind on the nostalgic steam railroad that runs 6 miles from Lahaina Town and the Kaanapali Resort. We got to Lahaina Station early and enjoyed perusing the lovely old station turned gift shop with toys and collectibles that the littlest train lover would enjoy.

Maui's Sugar Cane Train Review, #Maui, #Hawaii

Then the train arrived with all the whistles and gurgles and spurts steam engine enthusiasts and kids love. These relics of the 1800’s are marvelous artifacts of the industrial age and are true inspirations to mechanically inclined.

This particular railroad is a portion of the old narrow gauge line that was used to transport sugar cane from the fields of west Maui to the Pioneer Mill in Lahaina. The old cane fields are now golf courses, residential neighborhoods interspersed with some small farms but the scenic vistas of West Maui Mountain, and the Auau Channel with Molakai and Lanai in the distance are more than enough to look at.

We rode in May but the brochure claims that between December and April it is common to see humpback whales frolicking in the distance. The highlights of the 1 hour and ten minute trip included crossing a 325 foot long curved wooden trestle and the switch yard at Puukolii Station. Train enthusiasts and small kids will thoroughly enjoy this delightful little railroad. Depending on the time of day, some snacks and drinks would be great to have along, especially if you’re traveling with little children.

Tickets are $22.50 round trip for adults, and $15.50 for children 3-12, under 3 are free!
Our tickets were given in exchange for our honest review.

Lahaina, Maui: Ulalena at The Maui Theater

June 23, 2011 by The Mom Jen Leave a Comment

Often when you think about vacationing in Maui, going to a theater production isn’t first on your list of items to experience. “Ulalena, a Story of Hawaii’s People” is a magnificent stage play at The Maui Theater in Lahaina town, once inside you feel like you are on Broadway or even a Las Vegas venue experiencing such a dramatic and amazing show.

There is a wind and rain particular to Maui that rises at twilight. It whispers of other places and other times, both mythic and real. It blows between daylight and night, between times and worlds. It is hopeful and cleansing. The ancient Hawaiian name for this wind is ‘Ulalena. It is also the name of the newest and most amazing stage production to come from Hawai‘i in decades. The power of this production is that it is both universal and intimate. It is born from a mythology populated by beings larger than life representing a natural landscape alive with volcanoes, vast oceans and primeval rainforests. The story begins with the mythical creation of the islands and rolls through successive waves of voyagers who have found their way to these shores. From the first Polynesians to the early European explorers, and finally to us …

Drawing from the history and legend of the Hawaiian Islands the performance includes a unique mixture of hula, modern dance, percussion with fantastic lighting and stage effects. Not to mention the Moon and Lizard Goddesses that spun in the “moon” and weaved in and out of fabric with the most agile acrobatics I’ve ever seen. We have relatively little experience with the performing arts and theater and this show has inspired us to stretch our entertainment horizons. We were awestruck with the beautiful lighting and sets, captivated by the rumble of our seats by the percussion, visible high on the right of the stage.

The theater can hold near 700 guests and each seat is fantastic. The creative art lining the walls just outside the auditorium comes to life when the actors walk up and down the aisles mimicking the swimming fishes. The 9 scene show uses little words, but expresses life, ocean, waterfall, inhabitance, death, monarchy, and forces of nature through the amazing expression, the wonderful lights through the screens, dancing, chants, and sound. It’s honestly so hard to put into words, the experience is one that leaves you amazed.

Women sitting near us were overheard saying, “this is my 6th time seeing the show!” and I hear it is one that can be repeated and enjoyed over and over. Dinner packages are available that also include time with the cast post-show. We were pleasantly fascinated by the experience and recommend it. It is family friendly, but adults, couples, and mature children would benefit most.

We received tickets to attend, all opinions and experiences are our own.

Lahaina, Maui: Goofy Foot Surf School Review

June 16, 2011 by The Mom Jen Leave a Comment

WARNING: a two-hour lesson from the Goofy Foot Surf School in Lahaina Maui will change your life forever. Your new motto will become “no worries,” and you will not want to go home, you will never want to go to work again, you will forever remember the exhilaration of the best ride mother nature has to offer. It is guaranteed that you will stand up and ride at least one wave during your lesson but the hook is that you will never be able to look at the ocean the same way again.

Lahaina, Maui: Goofy Foot Surf School Review

The lesson starts with a quick check in at head quarters where the friendly staff outfits all pupils with reef shoes, rash guard shirts and a soft-top long board. Our group of 3 was off to the beach for a lesson on safety, ocean awareness and surfing fundamentals. The instructor was very knowledgeable and his friendly laid back banter left us confident and itching to get in the water. A quick paddle out to the surf zone and it was time too see what we learned.

With loved ones watching from the breakwater, I practiced wiping out for about a half hour while my long board got used to my clumsiness. With helpful hints from my instructor eventually I was on my feet and learning to make slow turns. I had always wondered why surfers never ride waves all the way into the beach and figured out the hard way during a nice long paddle back to the surf zone.

With about 15-20 chances to stand up and catch a wave I was bound and determined to get on my feet and do this. Realizing that this is the very same Pacific as at home, I know that the 52 degree waters on the central coast of CA will be tempting me but for sure clad in a full body wetsuit. Time was up way too early and I am ready to rent a board and get back in the water at the next chance possible.

I was impressed with the professional instruction (thanks Michael) which stressed the importance of awareness, a sense of balance and allowing yourself to become one with the surroundings. Check out their web-site www.goofyfootsurfschool.com/ for all the details and to see that the $65 fee is nothing compared to the experience, as well as an interesting biography of the CEO Tim Sherer. I’m so proud of my Surf School Certificate I received, I’m thinking of putting it in a frame next to my engineering license on the wall at work. Can’t wait to take the kids, wife, parents, friends or anyone willing to go with me to Goofy Foot Surf School on my next visit to Maui.

Thanks to my husband who had this amazing opportunity to take a lesson and write this post. We received a discounted rate in exchange for review. All experiences are his tried and true experience.

Lahaina, Maui Entertainment: Warren & Annabelle’s Magic Show Review

June 3, 2011 by The Mom Jen Leave a Comment

Maui would not be the Magic Isle without Warren and Annabelle’s. Comedy, magic, a bird! and a delicious meal hosted by none other than an enchanting ghost Annabelle, the 4-Hour Magic & Comedy Show is sure to amaze as well as amuse.

Our evening began with a brief history of the infamous Annabelle who haunts this club nightly while mourning her husband taken by the sea during Lahaina’s whaling days. Upon check in we were ushered into a mysterious chamber in which a riddle must be solved to open the passage. As the door opens, a cozy piano lounge is exposed, I felt like I was in a mystery movie, what will happen next?!

You must indulge in the Royal Flush package ($94.50/person) that includes two premium cocktails (try the Maui Madness, it’s a must), gourmet appetizers (crab cake, coconut shrimp, Polynesian chicken satay, Hawaiian Kalua pork wraps), and dessert (choice of creme brulee, chocolate pots de creme, white chocolate raspberry cheesecake, apple pie, key lime pie, or NY cheesecake) that will leave you full and eager for laughter and magic.

While lounging our ghost/hostess Annabelle delightfully took requests on her piano. Random songs were called out, and the amazing apparition correctly played each one, already getting your mind thinking, ‘how does she/he do that!’

After dinner, and we say dinner because all those appetizers were so deliciously filling, was complete we were led into a posh theater for the show. With only 78 seats, you feel the intimate setting perfect for the show and it’s close-up magic.

First the charming and hilarious John Shryock treated us to an awe inspiring up close display of slight of hand magic. Really, words fail to explain this skillful performer’s knack for casually blowing your mind while making you chuckle with his delightful takes on fatherhood, marriage and the mundane. His charming contant smiling was contagious and just made for a great time.

Dana Daniels and his psychic bird Dwayne (different bird shown in the photo) followed with a one of a kind performance that had the entire audience enthralled. His poker face was just one way that his comedy just really worked. I don’t really know if this was a comedy show or magic show but it does not matter because the audience was falling out of the seats laughing as this Magical Duo executed a unique version of entertainment. Both comedians used the audience to participate and even Dana Daniels chose my husband to “pick on” a bit. What was hilarious is that we got all the trick letters/paper diagrams, balloons ends, and a newspaper as our souvenirs, Mr. Daniels kept throwing them to him, and it made the night just that much more personal and meaningful.

The show is for adults only (21 and older) and it’s something we’d definitely do again with a different set of comedians! Make sure you bring a sweater, though it’s beautiful outside, air conditioning in the theater may catch you off guard! Parking is validated thanks to the show, take a stroll down Front. St. in Lahaina afterwards and enjoy a great night out!

We were hosted with the Royal Flush Package in exchange for it and honest review. All opinions are our true experience.