Uh, oh.  Maui may be a new rival for Ocracoke.  That is, I really love both, though they’re very different.

Last week I was in Maui to speak and I fell in love with the island and the people there.  The island is incredibly beautiful, the people are warm and kind.  I was invited to speak to a dental study club and while there I also conducted  some Mystery Patient visits at different locations on the island. 

The dental meeting was held at the Grande Wailea Resort so it was in a spectacular location with great food!  I had to stay at the Grande Wailea Resort and later at the Fairmont Resort in Wailea.  I felt like I’d died and gone to a meeting in heaven.  Other than the humidity which was high, it was just about a perfect trip.  I just love the people there.  They are very down-to-earth and welcomed me so warmly – and I’m talking about my clients and the “regular” people there.  Of course the hospitality industry people are all friendly and well-trained, especially at the 5-star plus facilities where I stayed.

One day I drove from Wailea along the coast to historic Lahaina.  I nearly drove off the road several times … I was by myself and was trying to manage the winding road while taking in the incredibly beautiful views that were jaw-dropping.  On one side there were exotic, wind-swept trees bordering commercial-free beaches and at higher elevations there were cliffs with vistas of turquoise surf crashing against the rocks.  On the other side of the road was the mountain with rocks restrained by immense netting!  Lahaina itself was charming and historic – I loved it.  The drive to Lahaina was awesome.  Someday I want to go back and take the road to Hana.  Not enough time on this trip.

The Aloha Spirit is still wrapped around my head!  In October, 2009 I go to Honolulu to speak at the American Dental Association meeting.  Yes, I look forward to it, but Honolulu is very commercial and I really prefer the more natural environs of Maui.