“Hawaii is paradise. It sounds cheesy to say it, but there is music in the air there.”—Bruno Mars
Cecile and I have been coming to Maui since the late 70s. The magic of this enchanted island has never wavered for us. After almost a week in Wailea, we are now at our home resort at the Maui Marriott Ocean Club, Lahaina Tower.
The Lei garland that welcomes one to the islands are so deeply cherished that each year there is a “Lei Day Holiday,” to celebrate the Aloha spirit which we embrace.
The radiant beauty of sunrise, sunsets, rainbows and misty rainfalls are some of the best in the world. We love the gentle (and sometimes not so gentle) sway of the majestic palm trees and lapis colored ocean that appears outside our 5th floor window and lanai. We are captivated by the esthetic beauty of the orchids, and ever-present hibiscus flowers including the yellow hibiscus, Hawaii’s State flower that represents beauty, unity and peace.
The fresh heavenly fragrance of plumeria, tuberose, and gardenia and the sound of cascading waterfalls and the crashing of waves from the Pacific Ocean fills the air. The colorful large koi in the waterlily filled lagoons and ponds at the Westin converge together just beneath the surface, especially during feeding times.
The elegant white swans float along the water with such grace and beauty, and at times enjoying the spray from the waterfall to cool themselves off on a hot day. They are connected to the sun and symbolize light and all that is good. In some cultures they represent the connection between the material and spiritual world, able to reside in both due to their connection to air and water.
I never tire of visiting the museum quality statutes of neighboring hotels on both sides of the island represent Hawaiian cultures and Southeast Asia.
We find the flickering tiki torches lighting up the paths and entrances of the local restaurants with sounds of the ukulele’s lolling strings peaceful and relaxing. The Zen-like awareness of the here and now overcomes us like no other convergence of sounds and sights around the world. It is the Maui we have come know and love.
Photo of the Bronze Hawaiian dancers and mermaid statues were taken in Wailea
