This is going to be a quick (or maybe not so quick) blog post about our trip to Maui, Hawaii for the 50th anniversary of the Taco Johns franchise and their conference. A huge THANK YOU to Mike Sartwell and Preferred Restaurant Group for inviting their office staff and spouses to come along on this amazing adventure. We love our TJs family!
This sign welcomed us the night of our ocean-side meet-n-greet.
There was an open-air shopping mall next to our resort and we walked to it several times. I got my photo taken by the big pineapple. Photo bomb courtesy of Billy Sartwell Haha! He then took a photo of Shannan and me together.
The grounds of the hotel are beautiful, with many different kinds of plants, and trees. I enjoyed seeing birds, parrots, Koi fish and the waterfalls. It's amazing to think that someone designed all of the landscaping. Good job, whoever you are!
There were many fresh water ponds that I think were somehow connected because one morning (the morning of the Taco Johns vendor show) the Koi fish all gathered at the pond next to the show. Maybe they wanted to see the latest in food temp software, seating packages, or the new Hockenbergs catalog. But no, they were there for food. We were at the right place, at the right time, and I was able to help feed the Koi! I know it was a "kids' activity" but I didn't care. (It's the simple things in life, people).
Their food looked like cat food, and the bits of corn were for the swan.
There were three birds in large cages that you could talk to and study. A blue and gold macaw, and a rainbow macaw, who wouldn't let you touch them, and a Cockatoo who seemed to really like Shannan. He would let Shannan scratch the back of his neck.
We took a short bus ride to the small town of Lahaina for some shopping. We spotted this Bubba Gump Shrimp restaurant right on the ocean! We never pass up a chance to eat at Bubba Gump and weren't disappointed. Our waitress seated us right along the water, and the food was delicious as always.
This is a large tree that grows in Lahaina. They have turned the area into a park. The tree grows up through the ground in many places (it's hard to explain), the roots come up and form new trees. It's HUGE!
One of my goals this trip was to have a Pina Colada while lounging next to the pool. It was so yummy and I'd like to learn to make them at home so I can have one on the deck every once in awhile. I didn't know if it was proper to eat the pineapple but I gobbled mine up!
We attended the awards banquet where our Taco Johns team took home some fancy hardware. Good job managers and teams!
The tables were elegantly set with floral centerpieces, fancy drinking glasses and three forks. Three! We enjoyed chicken, asparagus, and a fancy dessert.
No, I didn't eat the flower, but I did munch the chocolate straw.
Every morning, Shannan would walk along the boardwalk (to get his steps in) and I would stroll along the shoreline hunting for shells. I found many pieces of coral but very few shells, and the shells I did find were very small. But I was happy just looking. I caught this rainbow on one of the mornings.
There were Hibiscus flowers along some sidewalks. A pretty sight for us to see in the middle of winter.
Shannan and I on the beach.
The final event was an evening Luau with a buffet supper that was delicious. I especially enjoyed the coconut cake for dessert and MUST learn to make it at home. Apparently I have a fondness for coconut.
Hawaiian shave ice was delicious! I had one made with Cherry, Pineapple, and of course, Coconut.
Here are some photos of the grounds.
And finally, here is a photo of me enjoying the beach!
Hope you enjoyed this quick little post of Hawaii. One of these days, when I have a few minutes to spare, I'll photograph my beach finds and the shells that I bought.
Until another time, have a happy vintage day!
