Travel: Maui, Hawaii, CA. USA April 3-12/2026
- Apr 13
- 15 min read
A week after returning from the Disney Cruise with our Grandchildren (here) we celebrated a lovely Seder on Passover first holiday's eve. with dear friends from the neighborhood, Although uplifting some how the gathering didn't seem realty a "liberating" experience, this year, while the Roaring Lion/ Epic Fury has been, still raging and "imprisoning" all involved, in the atrocious war lock-down.
Trump's furious ultimatum to Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz by the deadline of April 7th as to achieve a cease fire deal , was accompanied by threats to launch a massive attack targeting Iran's bridges and power plants , “A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again,” threatened trump
Yet, the threats were met by Iran"s abstinence, rejecting any proposal, until right prior to the dead-line
And then the news reported on Tuesday midday that the US and Iran agreed to a 2 weeks ceasefire which included the demand to immediately reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine outlined "3 distinct military objectives which according to the US were attained
+destroy Iran's ballistic missile and drone capabilities,
+destroy Iranian's navy, and
+ destroy Iran's defense industrial base to ensure that Iran cannot reconstitute the ability to project power outside their borders
Yet, the fragile 2-week ceasefire plan (more likely shorter) had allowed both Iran and Oman to charge fees on ships transiting through the Strait of Hormuz,
(2 M per a ship). The "protection" fee extortion if continues, will assure Iran's oil "milking cash cow " fast recovery and rearmament of. its survived regime. .
The big question is why the US/Israel didn't take over the Hormuz strait early?
It is now revealed, that error in assessing the timing and the method of Iranian takeover of the Hormuz Strait, was made. and prevented the completion the five war strategic stages. Israel and the US estimated that Iran's take over of the strait would only happen at a later stage miscalculating the possibility that Iran would block the Strait at such an early stage.
This colossal misjudgement and lack of common sense are not excusable!
The early takeover of the Strait changed the picture of the war and prevented the forces from reaching the most advanced stages, primarily the uranium extraction stage.
While US failed to attain control over Iran's Hormuz strait , its oil and its nuclear material, Israel which completely transformed into US vassal, abdicating its independent national security interests, had gamboled during this 40 days of the second war's round with the blood and life of its heroic soldiers (11) its citizens (26) and its wounded (11 IDF soldiers and over 2,200 citizens)
Exposing the country to 850 Iranian ballistic missile, to the trauma of its imprisoned citizens in unsafe shelters, to economic disaster and to collateral damages are only a fraction of the price which has been paid of this adventure. Furthermore the likelihood that the ceasefire will hold or that a peace deal benefiting Israel's national interests would be attained, are slim.
Israels' shell-murdered
Much more disturbing is the fact that Israel failed to attain any of the war
goals it galloped fast into: :
+Iran's nuclear material has not been eradicated,
+Iran's Ballistic Threat still exists,
+Iranian fanatic regime has survived,
+Hamas stile rules in Gaza , and
+Hezbollah has not been disarmed.
Despite of what was afflicted on Iran, its intentions remain unchanged meaning that the long war is most probably set to continue. Iran remains an aggressive and dangerous power, with the ambition of expelling the U.S. from the region, dominating the Gulf states, and destroying Israel
Thus the U.S., Israel, and the Gulf states remain determined to resist Iranian ambitions. without a clear strategy on how to bring the conflict to a successful strategic conclusion with toppling the Tehran regime
To justify the failures of attaining the goals of this war of attrition, Brig.-Gen. (res.) Danny Van Buren former Chief IDF Reserve Officer, is a research fellow at the Israel Center for Grand Strategy., came up with new theory. stating that the "modern meaning of "victory" cannot rely on past paradigms - such as a formal surrender or the total destruction of the defeated side.
The parameters for defining victory must be assessed over time, based not solely on whether the enemy retains the ability to cause harm. but should rest on the 3 following components:
+changes in the regional and geopolitical reality created by the war, military success,
+a favorable political and strategic shift, and
+ cognitive change that replaces an existing narrative with a new one.
Well, non of the protagonists of this war nor our generation would live on as to asses the successful outcome of this war, based on those premises. Nor all the impacted players will ever gain a peace of mind, to believe this conflict is over and done with...
Mehdi Parpanchi - the executive editor at Iran International TV, predicts some consoling prophecy, stating that "political systems do not always collapse during war."
Often, they collapse in the aftermath, when military failure gives way to elite fracture and a society no longer willing to live as before. Thus the Islamic Republic may survive the war but not peace time. May his prophecy come true and in our times!
In the mean time while Israel and Hezbollah continued .their mutual bombardment.
Iranian and US delegations arrived in Islamabad Pakistan -the unexpected rising negotiator, (and Taliban supporter) for high-stakes negotiations aimed at ending the conflict; without Israel's representation.
On the backdrops of those explosive global affairs, over which I have absolutely no control nor ability to impact, escaping to Maui seemed a sane temporary respite
Landing in Maui Hawaii
Hawaii's Islands Kaanapali's Resorts Maui Island
The history of Hawaii began with the discovery and settlement of the Hawaiian Islands by Polynesian people between 940 and 1200 AD.. Arriving from the Marquesas Islands, (see my post ) they brought their culture and established a thriving society. marked by the 1810 unification of the Kingdom of Hawaii (1810–1893) by Kamehameha I -
conqueror and first ruler of Hawaii
Significant Western contact beginning with Captain Cook in 1778, the 1893 overthrow of the monarchy, and its strategic role in World War II followed by Pearl Harbor attack..
The 19th-c sugar and pineapple boom brought large-scale immigration from Japan, China, and the Philippines, creating a diverse population.
In the 20th c the economy shifted from agriculture to a heavy focus on tourism.
Our family took off to Maui- Hawaii., a destination we have not returned to since our grown-up daughters were in middle school, about 3 decades ago,
I was curious to return to Maui's Kaanapali Beach, at the west side of the island, were we also stayed in the past. and which is considered a popular tourist destinations, and way overpriced
Known as "The Valley Isle," Maui is Hawaii's second-largest island, in the Central Pacific. It is part of the Hawaiian archipelago.with a 2026 population that remains relatively small despite its popularity.
Its key areas include Haleakalā National Park, the scenic Road to Hāna, and popular coastal spots of Kaanapali and Wailea
The lush Maui island. offers mix of luxury resorts, stunning beaches, and volcanic landscapes, It is dominated by 2 volcanic features: Haleakalā in the southeast, and the West Maui Mountains in the northwest. The two are connected by an isthmus about six miles wide that gives the island its nickname, the Valley Isle.
Polynesians from Tahiti were Maui's original inhabitants. Explorer James Cook became in 1778 the first European to see Maui. but never set foot on the island, Europeans followed: traders, whalers, loggers (e.g., of sandalwood) and missionaries.
In 2020, Maui had a population of 168,307, the third-highest of the Hawaiian Islands
and nearly 40% of Maui County's economy is tourism-related
Haleakala National Park encompasses the island’s highest peak over 10,000 feet, the volcanic Haleakala, as well as pools and waterfalls of Ohe’o Gulch, accessed via scenic,
Winding Hana Highway is a renowned, winding 64-mile drive featuring waterfalls, rain forests, and dramatic coastlines.
Maui's last eruption (originating in Haleakalā's Southwest Rift Zone) likely occurred between 1480 and 1600
2605 Kaanapali Pkwy, Lahaina, HI 96761. (808) 661-0031
The huge spacious oceanfront oasis is situated on the shores of beautiful most prime Kaanapali Beach, where Pu‘u Keka‘a -Black Rock- meets the Pacific.
The Hotels outdoors landscape and beach setting are wonderful and beautifully maintained. Sea turtles swim mingling next to the curious tourists at the beach edge. And a beach walking trail, meanders between the several hotel's resorts
The rooms are a bit outdated and some others public in-doors areas are not maintained well, The hotels offers 3 pools and many social activities. Currently if one declines the hotel's over priced puffett breastfed, the line-up at the Hotel's Starback service are ridiculously long, and no other eating services offers a la-cart Coffee/morning food on the hotel's ground.
Breakfast place
820 Olowalu Village Rd, Lahaina, HI 96761 808) 662-3600
Casual family-style dining Counter-serve cafe featuring farm-fresh American eats & handmade baked goods in a quaint setting.
(about 25 minutes drive away from the Sheraton)
Dinner Places on the Beach
Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman's Restaurant group
2435 Kaanapali Pkwy Bldg I-1, Lahaina, HI 96761 (808) 878-6763
Walk in until 8:00pm and reservations can be made only from 9:00pm
The restaurant is only 5 minutes walk away from the hotel on the beach path,
right by the entry to the popular Whaler Village Square
Good food and friendly ambiance.
We kept coming back there.
Located in Whalers Shopping village is Leilani's on the Beach is beautiful large trendy open terrace place, overlooking the beach, offering very good food
It is as mobbed every night as all other restaurants at the village , so reservations are recommended , or showing at least an hour wait before intending to dine.
Whaler Village Square on Kaanapali Beach. 2435 Kaanapali Pkwy, Lahaina
The outdoors premier oceanfront retail 2 floors mall which features few upscale boutiques, restaurants, Cafes and Ice cream stores, is swarmed by volume of tourists all day long. The visitors either window shop, frequent the eateries, join hula lessons or engage in eyeballing others..
Lahaina
The historic West Maui town and former Hawaiian capital (1820–1845), was known for its rich whaling history and charm, once a bustling center for nightlife and shopping
Currently the town is in a major recovery phase following the devastating August 2023 wildfires.
While many areas remain closed, parts of West Maui are reopening, allowing for respectful, tourism-supporting visits to local businesses.
Next to the huge Safeway supermarket, the mall consisting of variety of shops selling from stylish tees to high-end treasures, is located in Lahaina, and is an one-of-a-kind indoor air-conditioned Dining Lot complex It offers delicious ethnic food variety sold off several elegant stationed food trucks. The mall which opened 1987 has more than 50 boutiques, restaurants and specialty shops.
West Maui's roots in the historic pineapple industry began in 1912, when Scottish ranch manager David T. Fleming began growing pineapple at Honolua Ranch, which became Baldwin Packers in 1924. The company grew pineapple at the Ranch, and then canned it less than a mile from Lahaina harbor.
Tons of the exotic, succulent fruit were processed and canned at the historic Baldwin Packers pineapple cannery. in 1962 the Baldwin Packers pineapple cannery in west Maui was closed and in the beginning in the mid-1980s, plans were established for a shopping center on the site of the old cannery.
When the mall was built in 1987, it was designed to look like a pineapple cannery
Whale Watching
If you don't want to pay the hotels' inflated fees for Whale Watching tour with 200 or more people sailing on a Catamaran, and rather prefer a decent deal with only 15-20 people , sailing on a Zodiac boat , like we joined one early beautiful weather morning, you may consider booking the
"Ultimate Whale Watch and Snorkle" , company.. Highly recommended.
The classic 2 hours boat tour departs from "Mala Wharf" (by the back of the Safeway in Lahaina) ,only 10 minutes car ride away from the Sheraton hotel.
1229 Front St, Lahaina
info@ultimatewhalewatch.com. 808-667-5678
Whale Watching season runs from November to March, while summer offers calmer waters for snorkeling
Yet, we were lucky to see at the season's end, at least 10 Humpback Whales swimming, spouting and bridging in the shallow water between the shores of Lahaina and Lana'i Island, known as the "Pineapple Isle" (past plantation) the Lana'i is the smallest publicly accessible inhabited island and is largely (98%) owned by Larry Ellison. co-founder and chairman of Oracle Corporation
The area is a popular destination for day trips, snorkeling, and whale watching
Mala Historic Wharf - Lahaina
Mala Wharf Lahaina
The historic pier since 1922 in Lahaina, which was neglected by strong currents eventually fall into disrepair, with the damage being aggravated by Hurricane Iniki in 1992. Much of the debris that has fallen onto the seafloor has accumulated and become a coral reef, leading to it becoming a popular location, an hub for allegedly "unforgettable ocean experiences"
Famous for being Maui’s best scuba diving/snorkeling site and whale watching to sunset sails and private charters the wharf attracts many adventurers
Unfortunately our kids who insisted snorkeling by the pier area, disappointingly complained that hardly anything could be seen by the pier., nor was the beach next to it, attractive.
Island's Rain Storm
On the 5th day of our stay the island's beautiful sunny weather changed on April 8 into an heavy cloudy showery weather. Thunderstorms with heavy rain-fall dampened the entire afternoon and chased us out off the beach. The windy cloudy bad weather continued also the next 2 day (9th and 10th) which made it unpleasant to stay at the beach.
Our hyperactive family who is bad at just sitting idly around.. planed instead a driving excursion of the island. Heading North East on the Road to Hana (Hwy 360) toward "Tween Falls" site we passed through quint Paia Town and its dare-devil surfers beach.
The Road to Hana (Hana Highway) in Maui is a breathtaking 64-mile,1-2 day, and 3-hour (without stops) journey featuring 600+ curves and 50+ one-lane bridges through lush rain-forests, waterfalls, and coastal cliffs.
Key stops include Twin Falls, Waiʻānapanapa State Park's black sand beach, and Hana Town - a remote, charming coastal town on East Maui, famous as the destination of the scenic, winding "Road to Hana".
Paia
Just four miles into the drive toward Hāna (from Kahului where the airport is located) the historic town of Paia a community of about 3000 inhabitants, i set. It was was once a booming plantation town during the heyday of Maui's sugar cane industry.
Today the town of old-west style building facades painted in a patchwork of pastel colorful, rustic storefronts is filled with local art galleries, shopping boutiques and restaurants,
Paia is best known for featuring Hoʻokipa Beach, the windsurfing capital of the world.
During the winter, the big north shore waves make Hoʻokipa Beach a dare-devil magnet for pro windsurfers and kite surfers,
Ho'okipa Beach Park a rugged destination, also hosts a large colony of basking Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu).
The Lookout offers dramatic, panoramic views of the ocean, surf, and turtles
Near the town the H.A. Baldwin Beach Park, features a baby beach with a lagoon.
Further on the road to Hana , a visit to the Tween Falls -a string of waterfalls and pools, is alluring, but not always deliver on the promise...
Is an an accessible, family-friendly rain-forest waterfall hiking spot located at Mile Marker #2 on the Hana Highway
Forming part of the privately owned Wailele Farm, .the falls are open daily, usually from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with $10 paid parking available on-site.
The trail is generally easy, featuring several waterfalls and swimming holes, with the hike to the furthest, main falls taking about 20–30 minutes.
However as the furthest, main fall was not accessible on our visit day, and swimming was not aloud, we passed on entering the site and instead enjoyed other beach spots.
Also, bad weather warnings and mud slides possibility, further on the road to Hana, curbed our enthusiasm to continue driving for anther 2 risky hours on this scenic route, Thus when reaching Pe"ahi, (another community on the road) and just before the steep road meandering starts, we turned around and drove back to the hotel before shits of rain pour started.
Volcano Haleakalā
Despite the fact that the weather on the following day (the 10th) continued being windy cloudy and rainy, not conducive for beach spread, we ventured for a volcano site-seeing experience..
The meandering elevation leading to the summit is beautiful and featuring lush green vegetation, Jacaranda trees and views of the valley and the ocean below.
At the Park's Visitor Center
Haleakalā is the only active volcano on East Maui, covering over 75% of the island and rising to 10,023 feet in Haleakalā National Park. Its top is accessible via driving through the Park.
Considered a dormant shield volcano, it last erupted 400–600 years ago.
The summit is a premier viewing spot. Reservations are required for sunrise (3:00 a.m. – 7:00 a.m.). It is famous for sunrise views, hiking, and stargazing, with a "crater" (eroded valley) featuring unique cinder cones.
As it was madly pouring at the top, we u-turned and headed back to the hotel
On the last day of the stay (April 11th) the strong winds subsided, the clouds slowly dispersed throughout the day, and the sun finally was obliged to show its smiley face again, Thus we all returned to beach bumming, swimming and first time sand sensing (by baby Salo)
Sharing the Beach with all kind of beach Loving Creatures
Additional Eating Places Sampled on the Island
Sansai Seafood & Sushi Bar - Kapalua
2000 Village Road in Kapalua Resort, 808) 669-6286 ( 15 minutes car ride)
A popular trendy contemporary Japanese eatery featuring Japanese-Pacific Rim fare, creative sushi rolls, new wave Asian inspired dishes. lively atmosphere& weekend karaoke
Chef/Owner D.K.Kodama is known throughout the islands for his imaginative creations and innovative cuisine
Kapalua Golf - The Plantation Course 2000 Plantation Club Dr, Lahina
A member of the Cohn family Restaurants Group
Hawaiian elegant eatery on the Plantation Golf Course in the Kapalua (once Pine Apple plantation) with breathtaking sunset views overlooking the ocean and the famous Plantation Golf Course,
The Plantation House land in Maui Kapalua dates back to 1836, when Dr. Dwight Baldwin received royal grants for farming and grazing, later forming the 24,000-acre Honolua Ranch.
It transitioned to pineapple production under Maui Land & Pineapple Co. and eventually transformed into a premier resort, golf course, and dining destination by the 1970s–1990s
Appointed Executive Chef of The Plantation House in 2021, Chef Jared Krausen has mastered local, island-cuisine. presenting the highest quality product,
157 Kupuohi St STE J1, Lahaina, (808) 667-7667
An Italian bistro with a changing menu of brick-oven offering artisanal pizzas, house-made pastas & small plates.
After being destroyed in the August 2023 wildfires, it reopened in 2025.
The restaurant is highly regarded for its Calabrese Piccante pizza, fresh pastas, and warm atmosphere
Recommended Eateries we didn't sampled
3481 Lower Honoapiilani Rd b102, Lahaina, 808) 868-2000
Kalama Park Village Shopping Center - 1945 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, (808) 879-2230
130 Kai Malina Pkwy, Lahaina, (808) 662-2900
2525 Kaanapali Pkwy, Lahaina (808) 830-2337
The continued US/ Iran War Saga
Although on our departure day back to SFO (April 12th) "weather peace "was initially restored among the battling nature forces, the wind subsided, the ocean reverted to mirror still and the clouds dispersed onto the horizon, yet, man- made ceasefire miserably collapsed (as expected) only after 21 hours of negotiations trial.
Although we had a great united family gathering during the stay on this enchanting island, the inflated accommodation charges, the capricious weather, the long wait lines at the pricey restaurants, and the background drum noises of the war, dampen
a bit the entire experience .
Like a "Butterfly Effect" the disappointed "regrouping explosive clouds" of the failed ceasefire's negotiations seemed to invoke a heavy "crying spell" rain-showers, later in the afternoon, on the island.. which eased our departure from this enchanting island.
On the night before our departure (April 11th) the news reported that U.S. and Iran Fail to Reach Deal after Marathon Peace Talks , as was obvious would occur, due to the large gaps between the positions of the 2 adversaries. In the mean time the US declared it will "out-blockade Iran's hold over the Strait of Hormuz." and U.S. Forces Start Mine Clearance Mission in Strait of Hormuz , since allegedly Iran is Unable to Find Mines It Planted in the Strait
According to Sagiv Steinberg - CEO of the Jerusalem Center for Security and Foreign Affairs. - the fundamental shift in U.S. military-political doctrine, and rule of power is now being dictated by limited, high-intensity campaign with a defined objective and is focused, on deeply integrated partnerships with allies willing to sacrifice, share intelligence at unprecedented levels, and jjointly build operational capabilities aimed at striking the enemy at its points of maximum vulnerability.
The doctrine rests on three pillars:
+narrowly defined military objectives;
+deep integration with allies that bring substantive capabilities, not merely political endorsement but action; and
+early action in secondary theaters to shape the conditions under which great-power competition unfolds
Since Oct. 7th, realizing that Israel enemies' aspiration are shaped by ideological, religious, even messianic factors that lie outside conventional logic. Israel's doctrine , which previously rested on containment strategy focused on intent, has also shifted to actively preventing the enemy from building capabilities, on all fronts, and especially sabotaging any Iran's recovery, or any enemy's capabilities to grow.
The war's economic shock effects continue to cascade and reverberate through global energy and food systems, also fracturing alliance structures
Qatari crafty duplicate policy which has long been built on maintaining friendly relations with Iran ,and also hosting U.S. military forces while supporting/financing enemy proxies against the US and Israel (Hamas murderous machine), has finally came to bite/bomb it and its its economy. Its production capacity was reduced by by 17%, with recovery expected to take 3-5 years at least - one of the poetic justice of this war
With US further massive mobilization of major naval forces and deployment of aircraft carriers & fighter jets, to the Persian Gulf , to enforce a blockade on all Iranian ports, a third round of altercation is looming over the region, , like dark explosive clouds over the horizon, threatening, unfortunately to shower, not life blessing rain, but death curse of hellish toffet fire.
It also seems that our agitation concerning this war managed to cloud our attentiveness and focus...
When showing up for the departure noon flight at the Hawaiian Air desk, we discovered, that the Alaska Air flight we were actually booked on, was due to depart at midnight...
Since the rental car was returned, and the wait at the airport was too long,
we Ubered to a beach hotel, near-by the airport, where we found a refuge from the rainy showers until returning later at night to the airport, to finally board our flight.
Bye Bye Maui
After a sleepless flying night, we finally landed safely in SFO on early morning of April 13th, Just to return to the airport next day (April 14th) and board again .. Stay Tuned..
THE END ...
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