Sunset in Kaanapali
October 17th, 2002
My first trip since the start of the pandemic. I have to admit, the process of planning it out and finally getting on a plane felt good. Although it feels like things are finally back to normal, I remind myself that things may take a turn in the upcoming months.
As I landed, I found myself thinking that although I was going to be on this vacation for a week, I should have planned a few more days. Vacations have a way of going by quickly and I would be back on a plane headed home before I knew it.
We arrived around noon and went to get our luggage and find our shuttle. Sophon and I found a place to sit, both of us know that it takes forever for the luggage to show up on the carousel. It is as if they are telling you that we are now on island time. We found hour shuttle and headed towards Kaanapali.
The driver pointed out points of interest, talked about how certain areas used to be use for sugar cane but they stopped producing sugar cane in 2016. The driver also warned us that if we didn’t have reservations, we should get our phones out now. Although they had reopened from the pandemic, they seemed to be short handed, restaurant might have sections that are closed, they may close early or may not be open on a particular day. I had tried making reservations the week before, I couldn’t find anything. This wasn’t unique to Hawaii, where did all of the people go?
We arrived at the Westin Kaanapali and our room wasn’t ready. We had a late lunch and by the time we finished, I received a text that the room was ready. As we entered the room, I told Sophon not to unpack anything. I had splurged on an ocean view room and the only view this room had was of the kiddie pool. I know that ocean view does not mean you are facing the ocean and you may have to go out on the lanai to see the ocean but even if stood on a chair on the lanai, you couldn’t see the ocean.
We eventually got it straightened out but it was disappointing that I had to go back to the desk, stand in line again and then be told they are going to move me but the new room wasn’t ready. I had to wonder, was it an honest mistake or were they hoping that I wasn’t going to notice?
We waited for Cindy to arrive. She had a later flight as well as a longer flight. By the time she got herself settled, it was time for dinner. We were too exhausted to go too far, we had dinner at Aunties.
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