Maui Hawaii Updates

Santa is officially finished with his annual work load and chilling on Maui.

This is a short video shot a few months back of a few of us surfing a small day in Maui, Hawaii.  We got a few fun barrels, but it was windy, and not too big.  We still had a lot of fun.  We hope you like our video.  

Check out more of our Maui Surfing Videos.

Ulua Beach is just south of Mokapu Beach in Wailea. This little beach is great for when the wind is blowing side-offshore since there are trees on the north side of the beach.

When you arrive, you'll notice loads of scuba divers dropping off their gear. The reefs on the north side of the beach have some excellent shore diving opportunities. If you dive further than the first reef, you'll find a turtle cleaning station. We've seen up to 8 turtles at a time having their shells cleaned by small colorful fish. Once we even saw a huge manta ray feeding on some plankton brought out from the full moon the night before.

If there are large waves (either south or west swell), you'll want to be careful swimming, and snorkeling/diving is Ill-advised.

We just arrived at the Hyatt to stay for 3 days on the west side of Maui in Kaanapali for the Maui Photo Festival. There are some great speakers presenting talks and workshops on various niches of photography.

I'm getting ready to have Jim DiVitale go over some advanced Photoshop techniques with us. But before the workshop, I thought I'd step outside and enjoy this view. Maui no ka oi!

We recently had a baby at Maui Memorial Hospital. We felt it would be helpful for expecting parents on Maui to review our experience.

We arrived at the hospital around 7:30 at night. If you come before 8pm, there's a free valet service on the oposite side of the hospital than the ER. We were required to check in and fill out a little bit of paperwork. (keep in mind that well before the birth, you need to register at the hospital.) This took around 5 minutes, then we were wheeled up to labor and delivery. This is also the time where you can request your own private room for after the birth.

We had our own room (a few of the rooms have been recently remodeled. They initially wanted to put her in an old room, but we knew it, and asked for the better one. It's worth taking the free hospital classes and tour beforehand for familiarization.)

We received regular attention from the friendly, knowledgable nurses. She was placed on the Fetal Heartrate Monitor, which feeds info to the nurses station.

The hospital staff was very understanding of our specific needs and concerns outlined in our birth plan. They allowed us 3 visitors to stay throughout. They also allowed for us to turn most of the lights off, use electric candles, play music, and bring in snacks and drinks. (bring food! It could be a long haul! We also brought coconut juice and Emergenc-E packs for energy.)

It was a little difficult for her to move around with the monitor cords and IV, but she still walked around and got into different positions. Having 3 visitors as her support team was great! We all had our own jobs to do, and we took turns making her comfortable (if that's even possible.) one of our visitors was our hired Doula, Monique Paris. She was amazing!! She deserves an entire post devoted to her. Later...

Though the staff recommended induction, they were supportive of our wanting to go natural. They never rushed us and respected our plan. We asked them to not offer drugs unless requested. This was helpful in keeping on track.

Baby came after many difficult hours of labor. We requested skin to skin contact and immediate breast feeding. The staff followed our plan perfectly. We weren't rushed to postpartum either! Plenty of time to get to know our baby.

Once in Postpartum, we had incredible care. All of the nurses (especially Sue and Michele) were helpful, kind, and knowledgable. They keep you there for 24 hours from when admitted to postpartum. Food, meds, and all care for the mother and baby are handled.

Baby was taken to the nursery where a pediatrician checked baby and administers shots if wanted. Baby also got her first bath and diaper.

Once the mother is admitted to postpartum care, regular visiting hours are put into place. Right now it's 8am to 8pm. We'd requested a private room when we first came to the hospital. It cost an additional $138 per night (beginning from when you first arrive to labor.) in our opinion, it's been worth every penny.

The first few days with a baby can be difficult on an exhausted mother. Our baby was taken away to the nursery between a few feedings when mom was really tired. Thus is a nice perk to being in the hospital. Another perk is having regular attention and initial infant care training.

The only negative thing is that people came a little too regularly with paperwork and interruptions right off the bat. Within a few hours of birth we had people cleaning the bathroom and room with stinky chemicals, people with clipboards needing signatures, etc... My wife needed sleep, and so did I. It was poor timing in my opinion. They need to streamline this process.

A few things to remember closer to the end:

• you can't leave without a proper child seat in your car.
• make sure that your birth certificate and social security will be taken care of. (the're good about this.)
• get health insurance for baby within 30 days of delivery ( if you don't have insurance for yourself, you have 5 days!)
• make an appointment with your pediatrician immediately. They usually want to see mom and baby within 5-6 days.
• you'll have to pay before you leave. Our bill came to less than $500 total! We have the best HMSA policy possible. If we didn't, the bill would've been over $6,000. If she had had a c-section or other complications, the price tag would be closer to $13k!

For those looking for something cheap to do on Maui, try doing sunset. Don't watch it for 5 minutes and go back to your resort. Grab some chairs, pack some food and drink, and go somewhere facing west an hour or so before sun down. Enjoy sone good conversation with friends and simply enjoy the changing views.

Maui is famous for brilliant sunsets. Take advantage. We do!!

Another perfect day in Wailea, Maui. This was taken in the parking lot at the Mana Kai.

These photos were taken a few weeks ago when I decided to get up early and take a walk along the coast of Wailea in south Maui.

There's a path that runs nearly the entire length of Wailea in front of the resorts and next to the beaches. It's an excellent walk and great for those with kids and strollers.

Another amazing wedding on Maui photographed by Natalie Brown.

There are plenty of shuttle services from the Kahului Airport, most of which have car seats for infants.  You can get a shuttle from the airport without reservations, but it's smart to book ahead so that you can be certain you get an infant/Toddler seat.  (Make sure you get the correct sized seat too!  Might want to call them.)

Taxi's are available, but they usually cost more.  You'll have to speak with the individual taxi company to find out whether they can help you with a seat.  Sharing a ride on a shuttle is usually the best way to do it (other than renting a car in Maui.)  Keep in mind that different distances from the airport usually cost different amounts.  Make sure your price is set before booking.  Also, see if you can find out how many other drop-offs there will be.  If you're sharing, and a west side shuttle will be dropping off in Wailea too, it might be worth not sharing.  It could take a long time to get to your hotel.

ALSO, know that the ride from the airport to Kaanapali Beach is not 30 minutes.  You're looking at around an hour.  If your shuttle makes a lot of stops, it could be a lot more.  You should also inquire with your hotel/resort to see if they provide shuttle service.  If they have shuttle service from the airport, it might be worth a few extra bucks to go directly to your hotel.

The following are some shuttles that will furnish car seats.

• Speedi Shuttle
• Maui Shuttle
• TP Transportation

We hope this has been helpful.  Have a great trip to Maui!  ALOHA!!
Maui Information Guide

 

Hi there,

My husband and I and Baby are visiting Maui in August. We are going to Kaanapali beach, and not hiring a car, so wanting to organise transfers or taxis of some sort to our hotel from the airport. Can you give me any info on these options and also do taxis come with baby seats if ordered? We really don't want to hold our baby for a half hour drive.
Any information would be appreciated.
Thanks so much,

Liz