Grand Princess Roundtrip San Pedro 16-Night to Hawaii
March 6, 2025, Maui, Hawaii
Our last port in Hawaii on this cruise was Maui. We did not have far to go to get our rental car but we still wanted to get out early so we were not going to be in a long line waiting to be served. I did book a rental car from Budget which is again at the airport, but later found out that there is an Enterprise just across the street from the cruise terminal. Naturally, we canceled and booked with Enterprise so we won't have to deal with the shuttles or Uber between the airport and cruise terminal.
Heading out from the cruise terminal.
From the cruise terminal, it's a long walk to get to the main street.
We just had to follow everybody along the chain link fences to get out of the port area.
Did I say it was a long walk?
After we reached the main street, we just had to cross the street to the other side where the Maui Mall Village is with a Whole Foods Market and markets and some stores like Long's Drugs etc. and a little further was the Enterprise office around the corner. Very convenient.
We picked up our car and then drove to the older part of town to the "Four Sisters Bakery" which is famous for their butter rolls. It was difficult to find parking here and we had to drive around a bit while a couple of us went and got the yummy pastries. The butter rolls was absolutely delicious. Soft and buttery melts in your mouth goodness! We were so into these rolls and totally forgot to take pictures! Four Sisters Bakery was on the way to Ion Valley State Monument, so it was perfect as Ion Valley was our first destination for the day.
Ion Valley State Monument
For entry to the Monument, we had to get online to pay for the entrance fee and parking, which was a little annoying even when they had a couple of people there at the gate. I have no idea why they won't take the money right there but asked us to go online. Again, it was $10 for parking and then $5 per person to enter the park.
We were early enough so there were plenty of parking spaces available. From there we started our climb up to see the 'Needle'.
Chickens/roosters running around in the parking lot.
Looking down at the river from the parking lot.
The Needle.
Imagine the river of blood when this was the battle field.
The battle that united Hawaii Islands.
Looking down to the parking lot as we continued our climb up.
The shelter is the highest we could get to.
After getting down from the top, we went to the river bank and walked around a little before leaving the park.
Maui Tropical Plantation
We came here the last time we were in Maui and I was very impressed by the atmosphere. I thought it would be a good idea to come back for more. We did not take the tram tour, and just walking around the grounds is free. I will just let the pictures do the talking and you will understand why I like this place.
We did purchase some souvenirs and fresh fruits from this farm market.
We had lunch here on our last visit but after checking out the menu this time around, we did not find anything we liked, so we skipped having lunch here. Instead, we went to...
Cupies, a local favorite that serves Hawaiian style plate lunch.
Roast pork
yummy, with crispy skin
I believe this was a beef plate. It was also delicious.
After lunch, we decided we had enough sight seeing for the day. We were tired after four straight days in port. As seniors, we needed our afternoon naps which we couldn't have when the ship is in port. We then went to Costco nearby to fill up the gas tank, did some souvenir shopping there, and then returned the rental car before 2:00.
It was most welcomed to be back on the cruise ship and enjoy a relaxing afternoon. What else should we ask for with a wonderful dinner served after a long day!?
We will have four sea days before reaching Ensenada, our last port on this trip.
For video on this day, please click here.
"Let the righteous rejoice in the Lord and take refuge in him; let all the upright in heart praise him."
Psalm 64:10
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