New Year's Eve/Maui - - anyone know (the new) Ted and Adam: The Place in Ma’alaea?
Dec 28th, 2005, 05:49 PM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 13,194
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
New Year's Eve/Maui - - anyone know (the new) Ted and Adam: The Place in Ma’alaea?
We arrive (Maui) at 4 pm New Year's Eve itself (nonstop Biz Class Elite from Atlanta, so we should not be TOO beat-up by the flight, though it is 9 hours), and we have been reluctant to make plans - - not knowing if we will be up for trying any place for a luau... whether we will want to sleep and try to come to life again, closer to midnight, or just go to dinner.
We are staying at the "boutique" hotel Aloha Pualani, and I just got off the phone with Sherry, the innkeeper there. Came up with a recommendation of Ted and Adam: The Place in Ma’alaea, newly opened this fall, and thus, perhaps less likely to be a mob scene.
But will it be special enough? Anyone been there? - - it doesn't seem to really have made the reviews yet.
From Gayot - - http://www.gayot.com/restaurants/hawaiinews.html
Openings
Spago’s former executive chef Adam Condon and bar manager Ted Woody will open Ted and Adam: The Place in Ma’alaea, serving “eclectic” cuisine with Mediterranean and European influences, along with rotisserie items and hand-tossed pizza. Ted and Adam: The Place in Ma’alaea, 300 Ma’alaea Rd., Ma’alaea, 808-243-2206.
They are closing at 9:30 pm on NYE and we were able to book a table at 8:15 - - good sign, bad sign, or no sign? For now, we will go with our proprietor's advice, but as always, I would appreviate the verification from any knowledgeable Fodorites.
Or alternative suggestions (including how to spend New Year's Day (we leave Jan 2, for the big island). Snorkel? Parasail? Luau in the evening?
Thanks in advance for any replies...
Best wishes,
Rex
(from the Europe forum)
We are staying at the "boutique" hotel Aloha Pualani, and I just got off the phone with Sherry, the innkeeper there. Came up with a recommendation of Ted and Adam: The Place in Ma’alaea, newly opened this fall, and thus, perhaps less likely to be a mob scene.
But will it be special enough? Anyone been there? - - it doesn't seem to really have made the reviews yet.
From Gayot - - http://www.gayot.com/restaurants/hawaiinews.html
Openings
Spago’s former executive chef Adam Condon and bar manager Ted Woody will open Ted and Adam: The Place in Ma’alaea, serving “eclectic” cuisine with Mediterranean and European influences, along with rotisserie items and hand-tossed pizza. Ted and Adam: The Place in Ma’alaea, 300 Ma’alaea Rd., Ma’alaea, 808-243-2206.
They are closing at 9:30 pm on NYE and we were able to book a table at 8:15 - - good sign, bad sign, or no sign? For now, we will go with our proprietor's advice, but as always, I would appreviate the verification from any knowledgeable Fodorites.
Or alternative suggestions (including how to spend New Year's Day (we leave Jan 2, for the big island). Snorkel? Parasail? Luau in the evening?
Thanks in advance for any replies...
Best wishes,
Rex
(from the Europe forum)
Dec 28th, 2005, 06:42 PM
#2
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 386
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If it has a Spago chef, the restaurant might be closing for a private party NYE because they have Academy Screenings on Maui prior to the end of the year for various film academy members (and residents/visitors on a first come first serve basis).
There are mostly film industry people and could be some actors you may know. I'd call the restaurant and ask if they are closing for a private party. If you act like a tropical wallflower maybe they'll let you stay for the party!
Here are some links about Firstlight Maui/
http://www.mauifilmfestival.com/ccc/ccc_schedule.php
http://www.mauifilmfestival.com/newsletter/index.htm
http://www.mauifilmfestival.com/firs...ex.htm#tickets
There are mostly film industry people and could be some actors you may know. I'd call the restaurant and ask if they are closing for a private party. If you act like a tropical wallflower maybe they'll let you stay for the party!
Here are some links about Firstlight Maui/
http://www.mauifilmfestival.com/ccc/ccc_schedule.php
http://www.mauifilmfestival.com/newsletter/index.htm
http://www.mauifilmfestival.com/firs...ex.htm#tickets
Dec 28th, 2005, 07:23 PM
#3
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 386
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Whales are in! Find a vantage point and start looking!
Looks like a high surf advisory for the weekend but it may be better on the south and east.
http://www.omaui.com/index.php
The OMaui Surf Report for
Wednesday December 28th, 2005
A High Surf Advisory is in effect until 6 pm Wednesday. My last day of vacation until I waste a whole day on travel tomorrow. Surf on our north facing shores will drop into the 8-12 foot (faces) range today while the Upper West Side comes in a little smaller, most likely around 5-8 foot (faces). Both the east and south facing shores should only be around 1-3 foot (faces) with exception of those breaks exposed to wrapping swell from the NW. Another giant swell is expected to build on Friday, most likely reaching warning levels through Saturday.
I'd poke around Lahaina Harbor shops if you're into that or do a daytrip up to Haleakala volcano but don't worry about getting there for daybreak (anytime will do). If it wasn't too windy I'd hang out on the Mokapu beach near the Renaissance Maui Wailea. There is also some snorkeling there but the water will probably be too rough for that.
Looks like a high surf advisory for the weekend but it may be better on the south and east.
http://www.omaui.com/index.php
The OMaui Surf Report for
Wednesday December 28th, 2005
A High Surf Advisory is in effect until 6 pm Wednesday. My last day of vacation until I waste a whole day on travel tomorrow. Surf on our north facing shores will drop into the 8-12 foot (faces) range today while the Upper West Side comes in a little smaller, most likely around 5-8 foot (faces). Both the east and south facing shores should only be around 1-3 foot (faces) with exception of those breaks exposed to wrapping swell from the NW. Another giant swell is expected to build on Friday, most likely reaching warning levels through Saturday.
I'd poke around Lahaina Harbor shops if you're into that or do a daytrip up to Haleakala volcano but don't worry about getting there for daybreak (anytime will do). If it wasn't too windy I'd hang out on the Mokapu beach near the Renaissance Maui Wailea. There is also some snorkeling there but the water will probably be too rough for that.
Dec 28th, 2005, 07:23 PM
#4
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 5,871
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Aloha rex!!!
Our dear Scarlett alerted me at the other place that you had a post!
Give my dear Sherry a hug....I'll email you. The people at 4S love Sherry and she loves them. We know Ted. Wolfgang imported him from one of his Cal restaurants. We have dined with him often at the bar at Spagos. You make sure to find him and tell him that you're staying with Sherry and she sent you there instead of 4S, and you'll be taken care of, I'd think!!! I haven't been there.....but I'd take a chance. You can always head to Spago or Nick's Bar later on. No on the nap thing imho. For NYday I'd get up and head to Makena Beach......glorious. Further down the road is an excellent snorkling spot which you'll note by people pulled to the side of the road. Someone has thoughtfully placed a concrete entrance so that people need not disturb the coral....I'd explore, and pick up some fish and enjoy AP's outdoor kitchen for dinner. Lounge by the pool, enjoy the artwork and make your own great meal.
No point in parasailing or luau in my mind. If you're not up for cooking in, you could take a drive to Paia,(20-30min) a windsurfing funky hippie town, and then eat our famous first and last meal at Hailimaile General Store.....Sashimi Napolean......a tower of wonton, smoked salmon, tuna tartar, tuna....If you go there....say hello to our dear barmaid Wendy. We are in her family book as the couple who goes there coming and leaving Maui.
Mahalo to Scarlett for alerting me to your post.
G
Our dear Scarlett alerted me at the other place that you had a post!
Give my dear Sherry a hug....I'll email you. The people at 4S love Sherry and she loves them. We know Ted. Wolfgang imported him from one of his Cal restaurants. We have dined with him often at the bar at Spagos. You make sure to find him and tell him that you're staying with Sherry and she sent you there instead of 4S, and you'll be taken care of, I'd think!!! I haven't been there.....but I'd take a chance. You can always head to Spago or Nick's Bar later on. No on the nap thing imho. For NYday I'd get up and head to Makena Beach......glorious. Further down the road is an excellent snorkling spot which you'll note by people pulled to the side of the road. Someone has thoughtfully placed a concrete entrance so that people need not disturb the coral....I'd explore, and pick up some fish and enjoy AP's outdoor kitchen for dinner. Lounge by the pool, enjoy the artwork and make your own great meal.
No point in parasailing or luau in my mind. If you're not up for cooking in, you could take a drive to Paia,(20-30min) a windsurfing funky hippie town, and then eat our famous first and last meal at Hailimaile General Store.....Sashimi Napolean......a tower of wonton, smoked salmon, tuna tartar, tuna....If you go there....say hello to our dear barmaid Wendy. We are in her family book as the couple who goes there coming and leaving Maui.
Mahalo to Scarlett for alerting me to your post.
G
Dec 29th, 2005, 10:19 AM
#6
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,803
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
They close at 9:30 because that is the time they close. There are no Academy screening parties, especially not on New Year's Eve.
The Place suffers from its location, as has those who have come before it at that location. The food is fine enough, and the decor is lovely, thank you Adam, but Ma`alaea is a hard place to make a go of it, especially tucked away in the back of the shops as it is. For the sake of those who gave up secure jobs and followed Ted and Adam, we really hope it makes it. Many of the service and back of the house staff came from Roy's. Ted himself has not been in residence any of the several times we have been in there. The menu is not as creative as I had hoped, and several Spago-inspired items have found their way onto it. The Thai Chicken pizza is tasty, but oh, so familiar. Hmm, and the Hearts of Palm salad is a winner, but, again, very similar to the Spago version. But, the prices are better at The Place that at Spago--much better.
No parasailing the next day--it is whale season. As for a lu`au, Old Lahaina Lu`au is booked into Feb, and I'd not waste my limited time on Maui or my money on a hotel lu`au. Any activity you might want to do, I'd suggest you book it now, as this is a very busy time and everything is running at capacity. Waiting until you get here may be too late.
The Place suffers from its location, as has those who have come before it at that location. The food is fine enough, and the decor is lovely, thank you Adam, but Ma`alaea is a hard place to make a go of it, especially tucked away in the back of the shops as it is. For the sake of those who gave up secure jobs and followed Ted and Adam, we really hope it makes it. Many of the service and back of the house staff came from Roy's. Ted himself has not been in residence any of the several times we have been in there. The menu is not as creative as I had hoped, and several Spago-inspired items have found their way onto it. The Thai Chicken pizza is tasty, but oh, so familiar. Hmm, and the Hearts of Palm salad is a winner, but, again, very similar to the Spago version. But, the prices are better at The Place that at Spago--much better.
No parasailing the next day--it is whale season. As for a lu`au, Old Lahaina Lu`au is booked into Feb, and I'd not waste my limited time on Maui or my money on a hotel lu`au. Any activity you might want to do, I'd suggest you book it now, as this is a very busy time and everything is running at capacity. Waiting until you get here may be too late.
Dec 29th, 2005, 10:36 AM
#7
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 386
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
gone2Maui,
Doh! I didn't check the website. I'm back here on the East coast now. I'm remembering now how the sidewalks roll up early in the Islands (even on New Years Eve!)But there are trade-offs for that. : )
Surf is up?
Doh! I didn't check the website. I'm back here on the East coast now. I'm remembering now how the sidewalks roll up early in the Islands (even on New Years Eve!)But there are trade-offs for that. : )
Surf is up?
Dec 29th, 2005, 11:26 AM
#8
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 13,194
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
<< No parasailing the next day--it is whale season.>>
Really? I will call and ask about this further...
From ufoparasail.net
12. What do you do if you see a whale?
As part of our effort to minimize our operations impact on the seasonal whale migration (Jan- March) we actively avoid whale encounters. In the event of a whale initiated close encounter we will follow all protocols provided in the Federal Marine Mammal Protection Act.
<< Doh! I didn't check the website. >>
Do you mean http://www.omaui.com/index.php ? or is this a reference to the http://www.mauifilmfestival.com pages you cited? (I haven't looked at either, yet).
<< The Place suffers from its location, as has those who have come before it at that location. The food is fine enough, and the decor is lovely, thank you Adam, but Ma`alaea is a hard place to make a go of it, especially tucked away in the back of the shops as it is. >>
Does this mean that you would recommend another place?
Thanks for the candid answers, to this point, and to come...
Really? I will call and ask about this further...
From ufoparasail.net
12. What do you do if you see a whale?
As part of our effort to minimize our operations impact on the seasonal whale migration (Jan- March) we actively avoid whale encounters. In the event of a whale initiated close encounter we will follow all protocols provided in the Federal Marine Mammal Protection Act.
<< Doh! I didn't check the website. >>
Do you mean http://www.omaui.com/index.php ? or is this a reference to the http://www.mauifilmfestival.com pages you cited? (I haven't looked at either, yet).
<< The Place suffers from its location, as has those who have come before it at that location. The food is fine enough, and the decor is lovely, thank you Adam, but Ma`alaea is a hard place to make a go of it, especially tucked away in the back of the shops as it is. >>
Does this mean that you would recommend another place?
Thanks for the candid answers, to this point, and to come...
Dec 29th, 2005, 12:08 PM
#10
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 386
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Rex,
I hadn't checked the Ted and Adam website to see what time it closed usually. Gone2maui says it closes at 9:30PM usually and that seemingly early closing time is not related to potential NYE parties at all. It's just their regular time to close.
Re: Parasailing and whales - I'll let gone2maui exlain that. I imagine she means that the parasail tow boats/parasail clients may encounter whales.
If there is a big swell coming this weekend it may be rough for any kind of small boat or related water activity but surfing. I once was out in 15 foot seas in a zodiac for several hours and it was hair-raising to say the least.
Re: Luaus. They are one of those things that everyone goes to because it is part of the mystique of Hawaii. If you could be invited to a family luau on a beach at night and that family had some very good cooks and brought along their talented family musicians and dancers and gallons of cocktails then you would be transported to nirvana.
A hotel luau is a pale interpretation of that scenario but people go to them anyway just to get a feel for what it might be like. I've been to a hotel luau and would never go back. A lamish kind of song and dance show with a pulled pork buffet and a dollop of poi. I wouldn't want to put you off trying it once.
I would recommend fireworks on New Years Eve however wherever you can find them.
I hadn't checked the Ted and Adam website to see what time it closed usually. Gone2maui says it closes at 9:30PM usually and that seemingly early closing time is not related to potential NYE parties at all. It's just their regular time to close.
Re: Parasailing and whales - I'll let gone2maui exlain that. I imagine she means that the parasail tow boats/parasail clients may encounter whales.
If there is a big swell coming this weekend it may be rough for any kind of small boat or related water activity but surfing. I once was out in 15 foot seas in a zodiac for several hours and it was hair-raising to say the least.
Re: Luaus. They are one of those things that everyone goes to because it is part of the mystique of Hawaii. If you could be invited to a family luau on a beach at night and that family had some very good cooks and brought along their talented family musicians and dancers and gallons of cocktails then you would be transported to nirvana.
A hotel luau is a pale interpretation of that scenario but people go to them anyway just to get a feel for what it might be like. I've been to a hotel luau and would never go back. A lamish kind of song and dance show with a pulled pork buffet and a dollop of poi. I wouldn't want to put you off trying it once.
I would recommend fireworks on New Years Eve however wherever you can find them.
Dec 29th, 2005, 12:43 PM
#11
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,803
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
“Between December 15 and May 15 of each year, no person shall operate a thrill craft, or engage in parasailing, water sledding, or commercial high speed boating, or operate a motor vessel towing a person engaged in water sledding or parasailing on the west and south shore of Maui...”
This legislation was challenged by UFO Parasail in 2004, was briefly overturned by a US District judge and then reinstated by a higher ruling. UFO Parasail has been a bit of a spoiled bart over the whole thing, thinking their parasailing business should take precedence of the breeding and birthing of whales near Maui. They do, however legally operate parasailing off opf the Big Island during whale season, where the whales are less prevalent and no state thrillcraft ban is in effect.
As for The Place, no, by all means eat here. When I say they suffer from the location I mean the location is not the best for business. I've been there on several occasions and always hope to find it busier. Several of our very good friends are invloved in thisd venture, from the front to the back of the house, and I really want to see it succeed. I just worry that the location could be so much better. It is hard in that location because is is very much out of the way and has little foot traffic--none at night.
Feast at lele is very good, but I don't think of it when I think of lu`au since it is more of a dinner show. But, I fear that they may be quite booked as well for next week.
This legislation was challenged by UFO Parasail in 2004, was briefly overturned by a US District judge and then reinstated by a higher ruling. UFO Parasail has been a bit of a spoiled bart over the whole thing, thinking their parasailing business should take precedence of the breeding and birthing of whales near Maui. They do, however legally operate parasailing off opf the Big Island during whale season, where the whales are less prevalent and no state thrillcraft ban is in effect.
As for The Place, no, by all means eat here. When I say they suffer from the location I mean the location is not the best for business. I've been there on several occasions and always hope to find it busier. Several of our very good friends are invloved in thisd venture, from the front to the back of the house, and I really want to see it succeed. I just worry that the location could be so much better. It is hard in that location because is is very much out of the way and has little foot traffic--none at night.
Feast at lele is very good, but I don't think of it when I think of lu`au since it is more of a dinner show. But, I fear that they may be quite booked as well for next week.
Dec 30th, 2005, 08:07 PM
#12
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 5,871
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Just checked back.......so glad heretoday-gtm is still here! Don't visit as often these days, but as I was posting I was thinking of you as the one true source to answer this post. I hope rex has a fabulous time and that this venture for Ted and Adam works.
Dec 31st, 2005, 01:21 PM
#13
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,803
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
hehe I don't drop in here too much lately either. I'm opening a new business and it has sucked all of the time, energy and money right out of me. lol
BUT, yesterday was my 10th wedding anniversary and since Mr. Gone2Maui had to work last night he informed me he was taking me out on Sun to celebrate. Where? Ted and Adams, of course! lol
BUT, yesterday was my 10th wedding anniversary and since Mr. Gone2Maui had to work last night he informed me he was taking me out on Sun to celebrate. Where? Ted and Adams, of course! lol
Jan 8th, 2006, 02:33 PM
#16
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 13,194
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Follow-up... and thanks to all who replied. We liked Ted and Adam's.
Considering that it was New Year's Eve (and we had gotten up 20 hours earlier that same day), it was quite low-key... and just what we wanted/needed as an introduction to Hawai`i.
We had not been entirely satisfied with the trip to get there (warning: I am jaded, and so, you may think these the remarks of a whiner)...
Our flight from Louisville to Atlanta was unremarkable... though I will note that the flight (number, and thus, the aircraft) we originally booked had been changed (and thus, replaced by an Embraer) - - therefore, our "first class" seats didn't actually mean anything. No big deal, we did know this in advance, and we accepted our four-hour layover in Atlanta as a small price to pay for the BizClassElite seats we got as SkyMiles awards (on fairly short notice, and without having to "pay" the more exorbitant 150,000 mile premium level to get them). Besides, we figured that hanging out for a few hours in the Delta Crown room wouldn't be that bad.
Wrong. It's a domestic "first class" award, and that doesn't carry any club lounge privileges with it. Ugg. If we were making a 3 hour flight to Guatemala, we would have qualified - - in contrast to our 4 hour layover for a 9 hour flight. Again, not exactly Delta's fault... I'm sure it's there in the published rules, and I could have known this, in advance. But my reaction would be the same: it's stingy. Stingy, stingy, stingy. Hard to hate an airline that is going out of business by having overpromised, and undersold, generally speaking, for too long a time now. But I reserve the right to grumble, all the same.
Is the BizClassElite "worth it"? (the ever rhetorical question here on TravelTalk) - - well, kinda. Kinda sorta. The 60 inch pitch is incredible, and no doubt, you can get quite comfortable in the 12-way adjustable lumbar support seats.
But the meals are still served with plastic "cutlery"...
... and moreover... for the same reason we were able to get these premium award seats easily (this route was newly announced by Delta in September), the coach class rear of the plan was fully 40% empty. With a little bit of maneuvering, we might easily have gotten a full three-seat middle section (each) to ourselves... if sleep was the only goal. For 30,000 miles apiece instead of 75,000.
Yet, life is not for regretting. We enjoyed it more than enough (and especially on the redeye back home, it really was a worthwhile difference).
Because of substantial head winds, our flight was slightly later than the scheduled arrival time of 4:30. Even so, I figured we would get our first fantastic Hawaiian sunset as we drove south on Kihei Road.
Wrong again. The depot at National Car rental was a chaotic meltdown ("computers all down"?) and other angry renters told us they had already been in line for 45 minutes (and being Emerald Club made no difference). We didn't need this, we decided - - so we decide to worry about the car later... and thus, it was back on the shuttle bus to get to the terminal for a cab... where you have to wait in line, to get a dispatch ticket, and then stand in another (short) line for the cab to actually drive up...
Bottom line: it was 6:08 when we actually drove off the airport grounds. Sun already set into the ocean. Oh well.
Arriving at the Aloha Pualani, we were not disappointed by the reassurances we had received from gyppielou and others (we sent our regards to innkeeper Sherry for you). And knowing that NYE would not be an easy time for a cab, we asked her to help us get one for our 8:15 reservations at Ma'alaea.
Bad news? impossible, she told us... Good news? she would be happy to drive us herself, in her own personal automobile. Now that's Aloha hospitality!
As I said earlier, the restaurant was a bit sedate, and about half full. But immediately welcoming... thanks to the giant open oceanside windows (nearly to the 12 foor ceilings)... and far more importantly, due to the live music of Derrick Sebastian and band. A local favorite, apparently - - and we absolutely loved them. Completely contemporary, with just the right Hawaiian flavor (quite a bit of electric ukulele, for example - - which after all, can pretty much play anythig a guitar can play, right?)
But it's a restaurant, so I am supposed to comment on the food. They offered a $40 NYE tasting menu (included bubbly and dessert), and I couldn't find a la carte choices that sounded any better. An amuse-bouche of a espresso-cupful of a corn chowder was even provided (not part of the menu)... though it seemed oddly duplicative of an identical offering of a rich mushroom soup that WAS...
I agree that the portions of the remaining courses were small... but it was described right up front as a "tasting" menu... so we didn't think a thing about it (moreover, this was our fourth meal of that long, long day... including a steak lunch on the flight over). We were more than full enough that we took home one serving of the raspberry chocolate cheesecake, splitting the other one between us, there at the restaurant.
Knowing that the taxi dilemma would still face us at departure time, we asked the waitstaff to see what help they could render in getting us a cab... beginning at about they time they brought our mahi mahi.
We saw a number of calls being made at the hostess stand... and then less than five minutes later, the general manager came to our table... and announced that he would chauffeur us back to the Aloha Pualani personally in his own car! (I did namedrop our referral from Sherry to Ted upon arrival)... This is a friendly place!
So, how could we possibly complain about the events of our first day in paradise? Our best room of the house at AP made for a fantastic first night's sleep. adjusting effortlessly to our new time zone...
... and ultimately, even the National ordeal worked out with generosity in our favor. The next morning, they telephoned me to ask, pleadingly... would I please take a cab to the airport to get our car? (since they could only find a tow truck to bring it to me at the cost of $180!!) - - while the $25 cab ride (each way) came out of my own pocket... they totally comp'ed the cost of the two day rental, saving us over $100.
The rest of our stay in Hawai`i was similarly fantastic to the best of that first 24 hours. I suppose I ought to put it into an actual trip report, huh?
Or alternatively, I may just sprinkle it across previous posts of advice offered to us, over the various pre-trip threads.
Mahalo to everyone (wish I could tell you that I'm not at least a little bit sorry to be back...)
Considering that it was New Year's Eve (and we had gotten up 20 hours earlier that same day), it was quite low-key... and just what we wanted/needed as an introduction to Hawai`i.
We had not been entirely satisfied with the trip to get there (warning: I am jaded, and so, you may think these the remarks of a whiner)...
Our flight from Louisville to Atlanta was unremarkable... though I will note that the flight (number, and thus, the aircraft) we originally booked had been changed (and thus, replaced by an Embraer) - - therefore, our "first class" seats didn't actually mean anything. No big deal, we did know this in advance, and we accepted our four-hour layover in Atlanta as a small price to pay for the BizClassElite seats we got as SkyMiles awards (on fairly short notice, and without having to "pay" the more exorbitant 150,000 mile premium level to get them). Besides, we figured that hanging out for a few hours in the Delta Crown room wouldn't be that bad.
Wrong. It's a domestic "first class" award, and that doesn't carry any club lounge privileges with it. Ugg. If we were making a 3 hour flight to Guatemala, we would have qualified - - in contrast to our 4 hour layover for a 9 hour flight. Again, not exactly Delta's fault... I'm sure it's there in the published rules, and I could have known this, in advance. But my reaction would be the same: it's stingy. Stingy, stingy, stingy. Hard to hate an airline that is going out of business by having overpromised, and undersold, generally speaking, for too long a time now. But I reserve the right to grumble, all the same.
Is the BizClassElite "worth it"? (the ever rhetorical question here on TravelTalk) - - well, kinda. Kinda sorta. The 60 inch pitch is incredible, and no doubt, you can get quite comfortable in the 12-way adjustable lumbar support seats.
But the meals are still served with plastic "cutlery"...
... and moreover... for the same reason we were able to get these premium award seats easily (this route was newly announced by Delta in September), the coach class rear of the plan was fully 40% empty. With a little bit of maneuvering, we might easily have gotten a full three-seat middle section (each) to ourselves... if sleep was the only goal. For 30,000 miles apiece instead of 75,000.
Yet, life is not for regretting. We enjoyed it more than enough (and especially on the redeye back home, it really was a worthwhile difference).
Because of substantial head winds, our flight was slightly later than the scheduled arrival time of 4:30. Even so, I figured we would get our first fantastic Hawaiian sunset as we drove south on Kihei Road.
Wrong again. The depot at National Car rental was a chaotic meltdown ("computers all down"?) and other angry renters told us they had already been in line for 45 minutes (and being Emerald Club made no difference). We didn't need this, we decided - - so we decide to worry about the car later... and thus, it was back on the shuttle bus to get to the terminal for a cab... where you have to wait in line, to get a dispatch ticket, and then stand in another (short) line for the cab to actually drive up...
Bottom line: it was 6:08 when we actually drove off the airport grounds. Sun already set into the ocean. Oh well.
Arriving at the Aloha Pualani, we were not disappointed by the reassurances we had received from gyppielou and others (we sent our regards to innkeeper Sherry for you). And knowing that NYE would not be an easy time for a cab, we asked her to help us get one for our 8:15 reservations at Ma'alaea.
Bad news? impossible, she told us... Good news? she would be happy to drive us herself, in her own personal automobile. Now that's Aloha hospitality!
As I said earlier, the restaurant was a bit sedate, and about half full. But immediately welcoming... thanks to the giant open oceanside windows (nearly to the 12 foor ceilings)... and far more importantly, due to the live music of Derrick Sebastian and band. A local favorite, apparently - - and we absolutely loved them. Completely contemporary, with just the right Hawaiian flavor (quite a bit of electric ukulele, for example - - which after all, can pretty much play anythig a guitar can play, right?)
But it's a restaurant, so I am supposed to comment on the food. They offered a $40 NYE tasting menu (included bubbly and dessert), and I couldn't find a la carte choices that sounded any better. An amuse-bouche of a espresso-cupful of a corn chowder was even provided (not part of the menu)... though it seemed oddly duplicative of an identical offering of a rich mushroom soup that WAS...
I agree that the portions of the remaining courses were small... but it was described right up front as a "tasting" menu... so we didn't think a thing about it (moreover, this was our fourth meal of that long, long day... including a steak lunch on the flight over). We were more than full enough that we took home one serving of the raspberry chocolate cheesecake, splitting the other one between us, there at the restaurant.
Knowing that the taxi dilemma would still face us at departure time, we asked the waitstaff to see what help they could render in getting us a cab... beginning at about they time they brought our mahi mahi.
We saw a number of calls being made at the hostess stand... and then less than five minutes later, the general manager came to our table... and announced that he would chauffeur us back to the Aloha Pualani personally in his own car! (I did namedrop our referral from Sherry to Ted upon arrival)... This is a friendly place!
So, how could we possibly complain about the events of our first day in paradise? Our best room of the house at AP made for a fantastic first night's sleep. adjusting effortlessly to our new time zone...
... and ultimately, even the National ordeal worked out with generosity in our favor. The next morning, they telephoned me to ask, pleadingly... would I please take a cab to the airport to get our car? (since they could only find a tow truck to bring it to me at the cost of $180!!) - - while the $25 cab ride (each way) came out of my own pocket... they totally comp'ed the cost of the two day rental, saving us over $100.
The rest of our stay in Hawai`i was similarly fantastic to the best of that first 24 hours. I suppose I ought to put it into an actual trip report, huh?
Or alternatively, I may just sprinkle it across previous posts of advice offered to us, over the various pre-trip threads.
Mahalo to everyone (wish I could tell you that I'm not at least a little bit sorry to be back...)
Jan 8th, 2006, 07:34 PM
#17
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 45,322
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
A late Happy New Years Rex! Thanks for posting, I wondered how your trip to Hawaii was and if you enjoyed your NYE. Sounds like you got the hospitality that beautiful Hawaii is know for. Hope you will post the remainder of your trip here..it would be great to read it.
Jan 8th, 2006, 08:21 PM
#19
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 13,194
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Jan 10th, 2006, 07:28 AM
#20
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 5,871
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Oh rex, knowing you received true aloha spirit on NYE brings joy to my day! Truth is, I was a little nervous but recommended from the heart and trusted all would work out,,,,,and it did....well almost,,,,,no it truly did now, didn't it!
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Jilla
United States
5
Jan 12th, 2005 09:55 AM
