Maui

Maui is where you go if you’re an active adventure seeker and morning person. You naturally wake up between 6:30 to 8:30 because you also went to bed incredibly early since there is no night life. You are here to explore, relax and eat delicious fresh food (fish). 

I have been fortunate to travel to Maui twice, once staying in Wailea, and more recently in Kaanapali. Wailea is better suited for an expensive romantic getaway or honeymoon - the Four Seasons is beautiful. Wailea is quite secluded in comparison to Kaanapali, which is a little more lively. We stayed at the Westin Hotel, situated next to Whalers Village and about a 5-minute drive away from the town, Lahaina, and not too far from Pa’ai. 

You will need to rent a car because a lot of your time will be spent driving to different towns and areas. 

Want a great teaser into the beauty of Hawaii:  https://www.huffpost.com/entry/magical-spots-hawaii_n_5195792

Depending on the time of year you are visiting, you will need to make reservations in advance. When we went in December, it was a must; whereas when we went in January it did not matter as much and we booked everything upon arrival. 

What should you do:

Road to Hana

• You will need a GPS, music, bathing suits, change of clothes, towels, running shoes, sandals, sunscreen, sunglasses, hair brush, snacks, money, umbrella, phone chargers, cameras….. barf bags, gravol, ginger pills and water bottles. This is a lonnnnng drive - about 3 hours each way on a winding narrow road. 

• Depending on the time of day, you may want to eat at your hotel or you may want to stop in Pa’ai, stop around their boutiques and eat at the Fish Market Restaurant or Mama’s Fish House. When you leave Pa’ai, you will pass a windsurfing mecca - definitely pull over to watch them and take in the view. 

• Other stops on this long journey will include: stopping in Haiku to see the banana patches, cane grass and guava trees; the twin falls; hidden huelo; koolau forest reserve; kaaiee bridge and Maui Wine, which is made out of pineapples. 

• If you can handle a long drive, this road trip is awesome. If you already foresee getting sick, refer to my next note RE: Bamboo forest.

Bamboo Forest

• When you start the drive past Pa’ai, drive until you see the mile marker 7. Stop just before it and park your car. At this point you are not far from the Twin Falls and can sneak into the hidden forest of waving bamboos, which typically is one of the last stops on the Road to Hana. Warning it is a mix of a walk and a hike, so be prepared. Also bring your bathing suit! 

Other Drives

• West Maui Loop: Take the Kahekili highway around West Maui, which allows you to see Maui’s spectacular views and villages. Stop at Nakalele Blowhole to see the heart shaped rock, Olivine pools and the Honolua Bay as you get closer to Kapalua. 

• Upcountry: Take Haleakala highway to Ulupalakua, which is where Maui’s winery is located. On the drive you can stop at Ali’i Lavender Farm and take Kekaulike road towards Makawao town and Pa’ai town for shopping and local food. 

• North Shore: Buy two beach chairs, a cooler and drive around the coast to visit different beaches along the way. 

Helicopter Tours - The Sunshine Helicopters Maui takes you over the Honokohau Falls

Haleakala Crater - Drive to the Haleakala Crater to watch the sunrise. Make sure to bring warm clothes because it gets super chilly!

Luau - Attend a traditional Luau! I recommend the Old Lahaina Luau. 

Sunset Boat Cruises - I would recommend looking into Gemini Charters or Paragon. We did the Gemini Whale Watch at sunset and loved it! 

Sailing - Maui Sailing Canoe allows you to sail, snorkel, swim and whale watch. Whale season is typically mid-December to mid-May. 

Hiking - There are tons of trials you can read more about here: https://www.prideofmaui.com/blog/activities/top-10-hikes-in-maui. We did the Akala Falls, which was quite beautiful. 

What else? Ziplining, The Seven Sacred Pools, Merriman’s Kapaulua and Red Sand Beach Kaihalulu Bay.