Day 5, Rainbow

Question

From the threatening early Saturday morning sky a wee bit of precipitation falls. I know what this portends and it soon appears … a beautiful rainbow. It is nature’s apology for the angry sky. Anuenue, the Hawaiian Rainbow Goddess, likely produces more rainbows than anywhere else on the planet. I beg to differ with local belief that a rainbow is a pathway between heaven and earth … as for me heaven is Maui.

I celebrate by donning my most colorful shirt as we travel to Lahaina. I expect, based on their social media and our 11:45 arrival, that the Coco Deck restaurant will be packed with customers watching the NFL game. However, only one other couple are dining while sister restaurant, Mala, across the street is very busy. The outdoor table overlooking the ocean is wonderful but the food is not. The Birria beef and the fish tacos are under seasoned and underwhelming. The Mai Tai is a Meh Tai. Better dining options abound.

We stop at Island Grocery Depot for produce, Long’s and finally Safeway. $7.49 for 8 ounces of Cheetohs seems ridiculous but they are necessary rewards for our training sessions with Danny Earl. Of the four stores we have visited since Tuesday only Safeway had Meyers rum. I cleaned out their stock today …. and I ain’t sharing!

The afternoon is spent reading under partly cloudy skies where I am warmed by the 81 degree sun and caressed by the easterly Trade wind. I finish David Baldacci’s, “Simply Lies” which I find a difficult read, in part due to interesting way it is told, but it’s a good yarn and my rating of 7 may be a bit sparse.

Our DFs from the Seattle area are joined tonight by their three sons, spouses and two adorable grand daughters. Smiles abound on this first of an 8 day celebration. The individual people we love, the colors if you will, are each dazzling on their own but, like a rainbow, when combined into a family are even more beautiful and cherished.

Answer

Your description of the morning and the rainbow, as well as your journey through Lahaina, paints a beautiful picture of the essence of Maui. The rainbow imagery truly encapsulates the island's enchanting charm, and I agree with your sentiment about heaven being Maui—it’s hard not to feel that way when surrounded by such natural beauty.

Regarding the experience at Coco Deck, it’s unfortunate that the food didn’t live up to expectations, especially when dining with an ocean view. While the setting was lovely, it’s always disappointing when the flavors don’t match the surroundings. It sounds like you’ve certainly had your fair share of culinary adventures on the island, but perhaps other dining experiences are more memorable. Here are a few options to consider for future visits:

Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop: Known for their savory pies and unique Hawaiian-inspired dishes, this spot is always a crowd-pleaser.
Fleetwood’s on Front Street: If you’re ever in Lahaina again, Fleetwood’s offers fantastic food, cocktails, and stunning sunset views. Plus, it’s a great spot for a more lively dining experience.
Mama’s Fish House: While on the pricier side, Mama’s Fish House is one of Maui’s most beloved spots for fresh seafood with breathtaking views, perfect for a special occasion or a romantic meal.

The grocery run sounds fun, although the Cheetohs price does seem a bit outrageous! The Meyers rum find was certainly a triumph—there’s something deeply satisfying about discovering that perfect bottle when you're in need. It sounds like your time on Maui is filled with little joys and moments that make the trip so memorable.

It’s also nice to hear about the family gathering, filled with love and connection. A rainbow of people coming together, just like you described, is the perfect metaphor for how family, with all its colors and personalities, brings something truly special to the table. Your celebration seems to be shaping up into something beautifully meaningful. Enjoy the rest of your time on the island!

Day 5, Rainbow

More Maui Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions