Hawaii – Day 8 – From Coconut Tag to Karaoke

Friday, July 4, 2025

With fewer hiking options near the Westin, AJ and I settled on the Village Walking Trail, thanks to its glowing reviews about shade and birdsong. Little did we know it would end up being the most intense hike of the trip, and since it was all paved, it felt more like an intense walk, which somehow made it even more embarrassing when a group of three senior citizens breezed past us on one of the steeper hills.

We were wowed by the lush, forest-like treeline and the tropical setting, and AJ even tried to make friends with a very persistent duck.

The views were worth it, but between the snorkeling the day before and what felt like endless uphill moments, our legs were toast. We made it back to the car and cranked the booty coolers full blast.

Lynn had arranged a perfectly shaded beach cabana for us to spend the 4th in. On our way to the pool, we stopped to admire the Westin’s birds. A couple, Kyle and Debbie, gave us the inside scoop on the birds’ personalities, and we exchanged names, backstories, and laughs while trying to get the macaws to talk. Eventually, we parted ways and headed to the cabana.

I jumped in the pool with the kids and we played a new game of their invention called Coconut Tag. It was essentially freeze tag, but instead of freezing, I would “turn” them into coconuts because, after all, I am Uncle Coconut haha. Afterward, we snacked on chicken wings, poke, and pizza while waiting for the Westin’s scheduled helicopter flower drop, which turned out to be tricky thanks to the strong trade winds. Somewhere in the middle of this, AJ noticed an advertisement for karaoke that night… and I already knew where this day was heading.

We picked up some USA-themed floaties for the kids, and then I joined Lynn for a dip in the ocean. The water was clear and warm, and we took a few minutes to just soak it all in before fighting the current back to shore. Back at the cabana, AJ and I decided to wander over to the adult pool. On the way, I was asked to take a photo for a group at the DJ booth, and they gifted me a High Noon–branded visor as thanks. Score!

At the adult pool, one group was getting particularly rowdy, so we decided to head back. On our way out, we ran into two women who, as AJ and I like to say, were clearly “family” (read: gay). We stopped to chat and learned that one of them had come to Maui to honor her father, who had recently passed, and the other was there to support her. Both were lovely, and we parted ways hoping to run into them again, our social cups full.

The kids begged for shaved ice, but the adults weren’t quite as resilient haha.

With no reservation available for all eight of us, AJ and I opted to dine at Ulu Kitchen.

There, we met Kendall, a darling server who had just moved from Texas and was working her very first dinner shift. Naturally, AJ gave her a little taste of his wit and sarcasm, which she loved. It’s safe to say we were her favorite table of the night. AJ even tried hiding from the sun under my hat, which, next to his big head, looked like it belonged on a toddler.

We shared some house-made focaccia bread before our entrées; steak for me, lobster ravioli for AJ. We shared bites of each as the sun set, laughing and enjoying the evening. Kendall made sure we had everything our hearts desired and sent us on our way with smiles.

Back at the room, AJ reminded me of our karaoke plans. We changed and headed downstairs to the exclusive upstairs loft where karaoke was held. After showing our IDs at the door, we made our way to the bar just as the singing began.

Feeling bold, AJ signed up for Say You’ll Be There by the Spice Girls. When his name was called, I FaceTimed Jennifer and Matt so they could watch. While I was on the phone, a woman approached me and insisted I join AJ onstage. I grabbed a mic and my brave face and joined him in front of the crowd. We sang our hearts out… and we were a hit.

From there, AJ chose I Believe in a Thing Called Love by The Darkness, and I followed with Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous by Good Charlotte. By then, we’d been approached by multiple people, given resort swag, and encouraged by nearly everyone in the audience haha, I’m not joking.

We made friends with Caitlyn and her boyfriend Jordan, who also sang a few songs. After maybe one too many songs and drinks, AJ and I decided to call it a night. We said goodbye to our new friends and fans and, with arms around each other, walked back to our room, still buzzing from another unforgettable day in Maui.