Gemini Whale Watch
Available December to May,
8am - 10am.
Departs from
Kaanapali Beach
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This was a mama and baby whale just about 15 feet off the side of the boat. The crew was calling to them and talking to them.
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I have lived here for 20 years and this was one of the best whale watch trips I have been on. Mama and Baby were spy hopping around the boat. They stayed with us for about 30 minutes. Fantastic!
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Here is a photo of Jake and Maya with 2 other friends at the Maui Marriott from 2004!
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Greetings!
I hope you enjoyed reading my first installment of 12 Hotels in 12 Months. I know the kids and I are working hard to stay on track and get to all the hotels on the list. Really, it is hard work! Yes, it is fun too, someone has to do it.
If you enjoy reading these newsletters, please forward it to a friend who may decide to come to Maui. They can click on the link to join the mailing list too. I always appreciate any referrals and will provide them with the same personal service.
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Maui Marriott Ocean Club |
The Maui Marriott is a Timeshare Property in the Kaanapali Beach area. This is the second hotel that I worked at when I first came to Maui. I started as a cocktail waitress in the Makai Bar for 2 years and was honored when I was selected as "Associate of the Year." Then I moved to the concierge desk, where I eventually decided that I could do similar work as a business. So, let's just say that this is the place where my business became a reality.
A friend of mine owns a timeshare unit and she and her husband always seem to have 1 or 2 nights open when they head back home. Mahalo Colleen and Kirk for sharing your island getaway with my family. Now, while this is a timeshare property, they often have some limited availability of units. I would be happy to check to see if they have any units available for your dates.
The kids and I arrived a bit late in the evening. Usually I know someone working in the front area, tonight I didn't know anyone. It has been 15 years since I last worked here. The Bellman helped us to the room, it was fun to play the game of who we both know.
We had a studio unit, this has a King Bed and a sleeper sofa, flat screen TV, Mini fridge with a Microwave. It is probably better suited for 2 people for a longer stay, though for 2 nights it was fine for us. In the morning we woke up to a beautiful ocean and pool view. We were excited as we were heading out on a whale watch on the Gemini. I will touch more on this later, though let's just say it was fantastic for now.
When we returned, the kids couldn't wait to get to the pool. We got some towels and went in search of chairs. It was already 11am, so most of the chairs closest to the pool were taken. We found a couple a few rows back from the pool and set up camp. I actually liked it as it was a relatively quiet area. The kids were off to play. The pool has a couple different elements to it, 2 hot tubs, a kids pool with a pirate ship in the middle, a pool slide, waterfalls, basketball hoop. There are plenty of areas to explore and have a great time.
We had lunch both days at the Beachwalk Cafe on property. They have a grill with burgers, salads, Pizza Hut Kiosk, sandwiches, treats and beverages. Kids meals are about $6 each.
One night we ate at Longboard's. I loved the Hawaiian, surfboard decor. Live music, open air, tiki torches, great ambiance. I had the Beef stir fry and it was really good. Maya had steak and shrimp, what can I say she has expensive taste. Aaliyah had slider's and Jake had chicken Katsu. The food was real good and we were perfectly full. No food left to take back to the room.
A couple of things I really enjoyed about the property, beach front hammocks, free wireless internet everywhere, even by the pool. Not that I want you to work while here, though it was helpful for me. Kids camp and game room, exercise facility has current equipment. Beach was large when we were there, though the waves were pounding due to high surf. We love to walk up and down the beach walk.
Staying at the Maui Marriott brings back fond memories. We still know about 30% of the associates working there and my family is treated like celebrities. Especially Jake, as his Dad worked here years ago too. I wish it was still a hotel property, though it is nice to know we can still book some clients here, it is not as readily available as many other hotels in Kaanapali Beach.
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Jake's Teen Scene
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 The Marriot was a blast. This hotel was better for me. I had some great service with the workers and met some of my mom's working buds. The hotel had a game room with some pretty neat games. Had some alone time by walking to the mall next door.
I had invited a friend and it was awesome. Since the hotel was in between Napili and Lahaina I could invite friends. That made my trip great. The pool is a great place to hang, with a basketball net, slide, and a cave. Plus the pool was big anyways. Went on a whale watch that was fun. Great for me since I slept but saw a couple whales. They are pretty big. I didnt realize that until I saw them up close.
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Maya and Aaliyah's Keiki Corner |
Maya and Aaliyah love the pool here at the Maui Marriott. We have been coming here since they were all babies. They seem to prefer the jacuzzi to the bigger cold pool. Maya is starting to be a bit more independent and wanted to go out and swing on the hammock by herself. Aaliyah stays a bit closer, though I can't keep up with her in the pool. Aaliyah loves the basket of apples at the check in counter, she ate two while I checked in and took one with her to the room. Maya thought the old Woody was a pretty cool car, at Longboards. The $1 shave Ice poolside each day was a big hit! Be sure to check the list of activities for kids throughout each day. Great way to meet other kids by the pool to play with. My girls are very social (just like Mom) and always seem to have a host of kids to play with.
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I have been working on my website, www.mauikay.com and would love to hear your comments. There is a new section for my newsletters and all the previous newsletters will be archived there. Also, if you have traveled to Maui recently, please take a moment to write your own review on Trip Advisor. Please mention that I helped you in booking your vacation if you were happy with my services. And add my website info if you can. You will be amazed how many people read those pages and it will definitely help my business.
Sincerely,
Kay Ryan
Maui Vacation Consultants
www.mauikay.com
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