Nick's Fishmarket, Maui

Nick's Fishmarket is billed as one of Maui's premier seafood restaurants.  After visiting it's not hard to see why.  Located in the Fairmont Kealani, along the Wailea coast, the restaurant brings the romance of the Mediterranean to every detail.  Nothing is missed, from the overhead trellis of stephanotis blossoms, to the restaurant's decor; you're are in for a treat!

Mr. T and I had decided to splurge to make one night of our honeymoon extra special.  We are happy to say that we made the right choice by selecting Nick's Fishmarket!  It was amazing from beginning to end.

As recommended, we made our reservation for 6:30 p.m., so that we could enjoy the sunset from the outdoor dining area.  We were seated just before the ceremonial torch lighting (don't miss it if you can help it!).

The service was impeccable from the time we were seated through desert, till we walked out, happy and full.  Every need was met, and every request was fulfilled effortlessly.  Be prepared to feel pampered.

Now, to make you hungry!  The food was incredible.  Mr. T and I have had some good meals over the past few years, but this was, by far, the best meal we've ever had.  I started with "Chef's Sashimi", with wasabi, pickled ginger and house brewed soy sauce,  and Mr. T started with "Just a Salad" (which was anything but!), with baby garden greens, cherry tomatoes, Lilko vinaigrette, which was phenomenal!  I had the "Catch of the Day," which melted in my mouth, and Mr. T had the "14oz Prim New York Steak", with the loaded bake potato, local root vegetables, and fresh porcini mushroom sauce; he said it was the best steak he'd ever had.  I don't know how we did it, but we even managed desert; "Bananas Foster."

We took our time, enjoying our surroundings, the food and each other.  I can say with all honesty that we will be back, as Nick's Fishmarket is not to be missed!

For Reservations:
Visit: Nick's Fishmarket
Phone: (808) 879-7224 
Hours: 5:30pm - 9:45pm
Lounge: 5pm - 9:45pm 

Ulalena Theater Show - An Evening to Remember

Simply put, you will be swept away, through the beat of the drums, original songs, and the stories told through dance and performance.  This award winning show is not to be missed!

Prepare to be amazed, and entranced by characters including Pele, the Volcano Goddess, Hina, the Moon Goddess, MO'O, the Lizard God, and Maui, the Trickster God, as they take you through the ancient stories of the creation of Maui.

From the moment the drumming began, we were transported to an artistic world, where myth and legend unfolded before us through amazing acrobatics, dance and song.  This show was truly the unique experience we were looking for; we truly enjoyed every moment! 

It is one of Maui's "must sees!"  You will never look at the stories of the creation of Hawaii in the same way.

For reservations:
Visit: Ulalena Theater Show
Toll Free: 877-688-4800

Romance On The Beach

The ultimate romantic activity for couples is to have dinner for two prepared by your own personal private chef, listening to the waves while overlooking the beach at sunset.

Just after 6:00 p.m. we were seated at a beautiful table on a grassy overlook, and prepared to enjoy the view over a wonderful four course meal.

Upon booking couples are invited to make their course selections from an incredible menu, including your choice of appetizers, salads, entrees, and deserts.  All ingredients are fresh and local, with choices including chicken, beef, vegetarian, and of course, locally caught fish.

We selected the Stuffed Chantrel Mushrooms With Brie Cheese and Champagne Sauce, and the Shrimp Cocktail With Passion Fruit Sauce to start.  We dined the Maui Greens, and Caesar Salads, followed by our main entrees, Grilled Filet Mignon, and the Fresh Catch of the Day.  For desert we chose Chocolate Pudding With Oreo Cookies, and Lava Flow Cake With Strawberries and Whipped Cream.  Each course was more delicious than the last.

While enjoying each other and the wonderful meal, we knew that we could not have had a more perfect evening!

To find out more about booking a Romantic Dinner For Two contact Hawaii Fun Planner.

Reservations: 877-661-1188

Alii Nui: Highest of Royalty!

On our first full day on Maui we had the distinct pleasure of sailing on the Alii Nui. On recommendation we had chosen their snorkel sail to Turtle Point. We were excited to start off our honeymoon in such a fun way!

You start your adventure when you are picked-up by your complimentary transportation (by arrangement), a comfortable van, driven by one of the friendly crew members. Our driver Sarah was both personable and knowledgeable; it was great to learn more about the area and what was in store for us. As we pulled up to Slip 56 at the Maalaea Harbor we knew immediately that we are in for a treat!

The Alii Nui is impressive. Custom built, the luxury catamaran has an 78’ mast, and measures 65’ from stem to stern and 36’ port to starboard. As you step onto the boat and slip off your shoes, you are invited to join the crew in the spacious cabin below for a fantastic breakfast including assorted muffins and pastries, fresh island fruit, yogurt, juice and coffee. The fresh pineapple was a great complement to the croissants smothered in jelly.

After motoring out of the harbor, guests are treated to the remarkable sight of the captain and crew all working together to raise the sails. It was an extremely impressive site to see!

Sails Up!

As you sail away from the harbor, towards Turtle Point, you can continue to enjoy breakfast below, or, stroll up onto the deck. On deck guests are invited to lounge in the hammock-like trampolines, or relax and enjoy the view of the coastline going by while sitting on one of the long benches that line the outside of the cabin. We picked out a spot on the benches and relaxed into each other, enjoying the sea breeze and the gorgeous sights.

Just before reaching your destination, the captain and crew will go over all of the options passengers have while visiting Turtle Point. For beginners there are life vests and kickboards with viewing masks. For the casual snorkeler there are foam tubes to assist with floating, and for the advance SCUBA is available. The Alii Nui team truly has thought of everything! We were fitted for flippers, handed our snorkel gear and we slipped into the water.

As we began our snorkel, we were immediately amazed at the underwater world beneath us. You are truly immersed in the amazing experience of being surrounded by turtles and fish that are swimming all around.

Sea Turtle

Don’t forget to document your experience on the Alii Nui! The crew offers underwater camera rentals, and both a photography package and a video of your tour are available. It was tons of fun to be able to capture the reef life; we were able to get some great shots. What a great way to remember our time on Maui (if only we could find the disk!).

After you have had your fill of crystal clear water, sea life, and floating away your cares, climb back onto the Alii Nui, and wash off with one of the four heated, fresh water showers. On the way back to the harbor enjoy a delicious lunch including teriyaki chicken, pulled pork (best we had on our trip!), classic Caesar salad, pasta and potato salad, fresh fruit, and much more! Enjoy your lunch with a glass of red or white wine, champagne, beer, soda, juice or filtered water. What a great way to end our sail: red wine in hand, wind in our hair, treated like royalty!

Simply put, the snorkel sail to Turtle Point is a must, and in this bride’s opinion, the best, and only way to visit is on the Alii Nui!

To book reservations:
Visit: Alii Nui
Toll Free: 800-542-3483
Local: 1-808-875-0333

Honeymoon: Destination Maui!

Now that we're back to "real-life"  I can't wait to give everyone my full reviews of everything we did!

Here's a brief reminder of our original itinerary:

• Day1: Arrive in Maui! Check Into The Grand Wailea Resort
• Day 2: Morning, Alii Nui Sailing, Snorkel Sail; Evening, Hawaii Fun Planner's Dinner on the Beach
• Day 3: Morning and Afternoon Free; Dinner Followed By the Ulalena Theater Show at the Maui Theatere
• Day 4: Morning and Afternoon Free; Dinner at Nick's Fishmarket
• Day 5: Morning and Afternoon Free; Dinner, Drums of the Pacific Luau at the Hyatt Regency
• Day 6: Valley Isle Excursions: Hana Highway Tour
• Day 7: Check Out of the Grand Wailea and into Ho'oilo House; Alii Nui Sailing, Sunset Sail
• Day 8: Breakfast at  the Ho'oilo House; Fly Home

Stay tuned for full articles on each of our activities, as well as where we stayed, and travel tips for Honeymooning in Maui!

Thank You!

Thank you all for the well wishes!  The day was a dream :-)

I will be back to posting in full force when we return from our honeymoon in about a week and a half!

All the best,

The Mrs. T!

Hula Hula!

30 days to go till our big day and our honeymoon is completely finalized!

I will do full write-ups when we get back; for now, here's our itinerary!

• Day1: Arrive in Maui! Check Into The Grand Wailea Resort
• Day 2: Morning, Alii Nui Sailing, Snorkel Sail; Evening, Hawaii Fun Planner's Dinner on the Beach
• Day 3: Morning and Afternoon Free; Dinner Followed By the Ulalena Theater Show at the Maui Theatere
• Day 4: Morning and Afternoon Free; Dinner at Nick's Fishmarket
• Day 5: Morning and Afternoon Free; Dinner, Drums of the Pacific Luau at the Hyatt Regency
• Day 6: Valley Isle Excursions: Hana Highway Tour
• Day 7: Check Out of the Grand Wailea and into Ho'oilo House; Alii Nui Sailing, Sunset Sail
• Day 8: Breakfast at  the Ho'oilo House; Fly Home

Do you have your honeymoon all planned out?

Destination: Maui Excursions

So you've decided where you want to go on your honeymoon, what do you want to do when you get there?

Luckily for us, there are great deals to be had, and plenty of people with the experience to guide us!  Here are just a few excursions available for us to choose from on our honeymoon in Maui:

• Helicopter Tour of the Island
• Romantic Dinner for Two on the Beach
• Sunset Dinner Cruise 
• Luau
• Road to Hana Tour
• Sail/Snorkel Tour
• Ulalena at Maui Theater
• Atlantis Submarine Tour
• Dolphin and Whale Watching
• Scuba Diving

I know we won't be able to do it all, but I can't wait to give you my full reviews of each excursion we experience!

Signature Drinks

To host, or not to host, that is the question. Mr. T and and I will be doing a combination of a hosted and a non-host bar. We are starting off the day with a hosted wine and champagne bar. We are also hosting selected cocktails. We will be finishing off the day with a cash bar.

One thing to consider is having a signature drink. You and your future Mr. will can have fun finding the perfect drink that represents the two of you. Since we're going to Hawaii, we could call our signature drink a "Maui Sunset." What would your signature drink be called?

Costco Does Travel: Car Rentals

I have been using Costco Travel for the past four years.  I can save on everything from hotels and car rentals, to all inclusive resorts.

"What will we be using them for this trip?" you ask.  We will be using their services to rent a car.  I often find rates that are 10% to 30% of regular rates, and this trip is no exception! 

Have you used Costco Travel before?  I highly recommend!

Tropical Wedding Cakes

Can you tell I have Hawaii on the brain now?

I came across these beautiful wedding cakes by Cake Lava, Kailua, Oahu, HI, on  Style Me Pretty's website.  Cake Lava has been featured on TV including TLC and The Food Network, and in numerous magazines.  I can see why!  You can view more of their cakes on their website, www.cakelava.com.

Source

Soaring Over Maui

Can you imagine soaring through the valleys and along the coastline of Hawaii?  Perhaps hovering over a waterfall, all in a helicopter?

Before 2007 I would have told you that you were crazy to even suggest I get into helicopter, for anything, let alone for an aerial tour.  Then I took a cruise to Alaska.  There, I decided to put my fears aside and take an "once in a life time" tour that included flying over grasslands and glaciers.  The flight ultimately landed on a high elevation glacier, where we got to hike around before flying back to Skagway.

What an experience!  The overall experience was not what I was expecting.  It really felt as though we were floating, and then cutting through the air.  It was simply amazing! 

By taking the helicopter flight, I got to see places that I never would seen any other way.  The photos that I took from the air and on the glacier still "wow" me to this day!

We hope that we will get the chance to do a helicopter tour of the island during our honeymoon trip.  What better way to see the entire beauty of the island of Maui than by helicopter?

Hawaii Fun Planner Helicopter Tours

Destination: Maui, Hawaii

As you all now know, we are going to beautiful Maui for our honeymoon.  As we get closer I will share with you some of the activities that we have planned and the fabulous places we are planning to stay. 

To wet your appetite, let me tell you a little bit about Maui as a honeymoon destination.  Maui is the second largest of the Hawaiian Islands.  There is lots to explore and enjoy!  Activities include snorkeling, dinner cruises, golf, whale watching, helicopter tours, luaus, and much, much more.

Don't forget to check out the four and five star resorts on Maui.  If your plans don't involve you staying at one of these luxurious properties, be sure to give yourself the chance to experience "ono" (delicious ) food at one of their great restaurants.

I can't wait to give you a sneak preview of what we have in store, and of course, my full recap, and recommendations when we return!

Aloha!

Wholesale Tropical Flowers

Today I wanted to share another one of my great resources with you: Wholesale Tropical Flowers.

Wholesale Tropical Flowers is located on the Big Island of Hawaii, one of the world's finest tropical flower growing regions. They ship daily to the "mainland" via FedEx, and have a the following satisfaction guarantee, "Your order will be delivered fresh and beautiful and arrive on the day that you have requested."

They offer all types of tropical foliage and flowers, including orchids, leis, birds of paradise, and more.  Their customer service is not to be outdone, and they have amazing pricing to top it off!

If you are looking for an economical way to have over the top tropical decor, this is the vendor for you!

Wholesale Tropical Flowers can be reached online, or by calling 808-982-4555.

Honeymoon Hint

"Where did you decide to go on our honeymoon?" you ask.  Let me give you a couple hints:

That's right!  We're going to Maui!  More on where we will stay and what activities we have planned coming soon!

It's Looking Like Tropical Luxury

It's looking like tropical luxury is in store for us! 

We are both looking forward to a honeymoon destination that is warm, beautiful, luxurious, and fun.  We both love to have a mix of relaxation and planned, fun activities.  We also love eating at great restaurants,  soaking up the local culture and the ocean.

We're close to a decision; don't worry, all will be revealed sooner than you think!

Destination: Tropical

Have you decided where you will go on your honeymoon? Mr. T and I are still weighing our options.

Here are a few of our top choices:

1. Maui: The destination for relaxation and romance. So many options on one island!
2. Caribbean: Warm, relaxing, luxurious!
3. Tahiti: Do we want to stay in the cabana on the beach, or over the water?

Which would you choose?