Our adventures today took us to Makawao. We always make at least one visit to this part of the island because Komoda Store and Bakery is a MUST stop. Typically we try to be there by 7am because we hear everything sells out fast, but because everything there is amazing, we moved at a slower pace, knowing that whatever was left was still going to be a yummy treat. We got there around 10:30am and all of our favorites were still available, yay! We got two glazed doughnuts on a stick [my favorite], rainbow sprinkle doughnut on a stick [for Ayla], a vanilla malasada, a guava malasada, and a cinnamon roll.
We enjoyed our treats in a lush tropical little alleyway across the street. Ayla ate all her sprinkles first then the doughnut, it was very cute. We then walked to Sherri Reeve Gallery & Gifts to look for artwork. We stopped there last year and purchased a couple pieces and wanted to look for more options for both at home and at the studio. We found some great pieces! The artist was there and even signed a couple of the pieces, and customized two for Ayla by writing a message to her. It was a very special experience; I highly recommend checking them out.
Next, we wanted to give Ayla a chance to burn off some of that sugar so we headed to Kalakupua Playground in Haiku. The pictures online looked like a nice playground, but actually being there, the playground is AMAZING, kids of all age ranges will find it entertaining. It was pretty busy, so it gave Ayla a chance to play with other kids. We played there for about 90 minutes then Ayla asked for a picnic so we had a little snack in the grass.
Next we drove to one of my favorite scenic viewpoints, Ho’okipa Beach Park. The Aloha Classic Windsurfing Competition just finished but a lot of the competitors are still on island, so it was a treat to be able to watch so many windsurfers taking advantage of the swell. We also saw at least 20 turtles on the beach laying in the sun and a few smaller ones in the water. Ayla was in love with watching the turtles. They were so big they looked like boulders on the beach rather than turtles. As we were getting ready to leave, surfers started showing up, so we ended up staying there for almost 2 hours watching everyone.
Our next stop was Lāhainā Brewing Co. (formally Mahalo Aleworks) in Upcountry. We love stopping here, not only for the beer, but also their second floor lanai views – you are able to enjoy a view of both North and South shore. They also have a food truck style venue inside the brewery area, Upcountry sausage Co. that has a 4.9 star rating on Google. So naturally while we were there we needed to try their food. We ordered the Italian Stallion and Chicken Tacos. Both were excellent, I agree with the 4.9 stars. I am a taco person, so I preferred the tacos, but the Italian Stallion was HUGE and I kept going back for more bites. If I went back, I would probably try the Ze German because I love sauerkraut.
Next stop was to Droplets in Wailea. We like to visit this store to get a new Hawaii dress for Ayla with each island visit. Their clothes are so soft and high quality. Ayla will outgrow them before they start to have wear and tear on them.
Our final destination for this busy day was the Shops at Wailea. We went to Pint & Cork for happy hour. I enjoyed a very refreshing Sea Spray Spritz, AJ had a margarita on the rocks and the food is always a winner. Every Tuesday and Thursday the Shops also host a free Polynesian Show in the courtyard. This is an entertaining experience, especially with how excited Ayla gets with the dancing. After the show, it was back to the condo and off to bed!
AJ has his first diving planned tomorrow, so check back for some of his pictures in the next blog post! You won’t believe what bucket list creature he saw in the ocean!
Aloha Classic Windsurfing Competition
