A BLONDE VINTAGE

By now, you get it. I looovee to travel. I’m honestly not quite sure if it stemmed from traveling to see my family in Holland as a kid, or rooted as I grew older and realized how big the world was. Whatever the reason, you probably won’t be surprised to find out that during college I moved to Hawaii and lived there for almost a year. Late Sophomore year in school I was a bit depressed, a little down and out, and felt like I needed a change. I ended up applying and being accepted into the National Student Exchange (a program which places students on a national basis exchange rather than an overseas exchange) through the UO. I then decided to attend the University of Hawaii in Hilo (UHH which located on the Big Island Hawaii) and it was during that time in Hawaii that I took my first trip to Maui with three girlfriends from school. Obviously, I’m not going to base this whole travel guide to Maui, Hawaii on that first ever trip to Maui (because I’d be having you hitch hike all over the island!) but it did help establish my footing for all subsequent trips to come! So, whether this will be your first trip or your fifth trip, I hope this guide is helpful!

The Island of Maui is the second largest of the Hawaiian Islands (the first being the Big Island Hawaii) and is home to Haleakala National Park which encompasses the island’s highest peak, volcanic Haleakala. Beach goers will head straight for the sands of Ka’anapali Beach while outdoorsy types will enjoy hiking in the lush Iao Valley, visiting Haleakala National Park (called the House of the Sun) or simply taking a drive along the Road to Hana. Whatever your jam, you’ll find it on Maui.

Stay

Kihei or Ka’anapali? Kihei or Wailea? Lahaina or Wailea? East? West? North? South? Deciding where to stay on Maui can be overwhelming. For an island so “small”, the various areas are surprisingly far apart. Thought, rest assured, there are no bad places to stay on Maui. I always tell people to look at Maui as being divided into three major options and it helps to know what kind of vacation you are looking for to better understand what area is right for you.

Ka’anapali

Ka’anapali has beautiful beaches is great for families and first timers to the island, gets the most sun, is close to excursion starting points, but is also far away from the airport, very touristy and not very close to Hana, Iao Valley or Haleakala. Below are my recommended hotels for the area.

The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas, Ka’anapali – Great for families, each room has either a kitchenette or larger 1 +bedroom units have full kitchens. I love the location of this hotel and the amenities.

Hyatt Regency Maui Resort And Spa – Perfect location, this upscale, beachfront resort is set in 40 acres of tropical gardens and has one of the best pools.

Montage Kapalua Bay – Overlooking Namalu Bay, this sophisticated resort oozes class and elegance. It’s also home to the Cliff House, which if open to the public during your visit, you must experience!

The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua – A 2-minute walk from Kapalua Bay Beach, this property is huge and recently renovated. It has several restaurants onsite, a spa, and golf course. There will truly be no reason to leave.

Kihei

Kihei is more laid back, less touristy and has easy access to Hana, Haleakala Crate, the Iao Valley. It can also be cheaper and more budget friendly. Below are my recommended hotels for the area.

Sugar Beach Resort and Condos – Beachfront condos with full kitchens, perfect for family trips.

Kihei Beach Resort – Unfussy condos with full kitchens and patios with sea views.

Maui Schooner – This low-key condo hotel adjoins oceanfront Waipuilani Park, which you can walk to for recreational facilities and a swimming beach.

Wailea

Wailea is more intimate and private, has higher end resorts and hotels (which tend to be on the more expensive side) and is overall more oriented towards couples. It also has easy access to Hana, Haleakala and the Iao Valley and is close to some beautiful small crescent sand beaches. Below are my recommended hotels for the area.

Wailea Beach Resort– This upscale beach resort is one of my favorites on the entire island. It has a quiet elegance and is perfect place to get away.

Grand Wailea Maui, A Waldorf Astoria Resort – This resort is one of the largest in Wailea and has several pools to choose from as well as restaurants. Upgrade to the Napua Terrace for a real treat during your stay.

Andaz Maui At Wailea Resort – The newest hotel in Wailea, this hotel features high-end rooms, suites and villas and has four  outdoor infinity pools. Also onsite is a Morimoto concept restaurant which is delicious!

Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea – This elegant 5 star property has spacious rooms and one of the best spas on the island. The food at each one of the restaurants is also not to be missed!

Do

Snorkel Molokini – A snorkel at the famous Molokini, a small crescent shaped extinct volcanic crater with crystal clear water that is home to more than 250 fish species, should be on your Maui bucket list. During this tour, breakfast, lunch and beverages are included as is snorkel gear!

Hike Haleakala – On a recent trip to Maui this was by far one of the most amazing sites I’ve ever seen in the world. Haleakala is a dormant volcano measuring 10,000 feet above sea level and is Maui’s highest point. You want to go and see sunrise here. Bring plenty of water, warm blankets and food with you so you can hike afterward. Also, make sure to visit the government site, and make reservations in advance!

*See my video of our view from the top of Haleakala at the end of this post!

Drive the Hana Highway – The Hana Highway is a 64.4-mile-long stretch gorgeous stretch of road, with unparalleled views which connects Kahului to the town of Hana in east Maui. I would highly recommend four wheel drive and driving it from Kahului to Hana so you hug the inside of the roadway and are not cliffside.

Hike the Iao Valley – Iao Valley is one of the rainiest places on the island and has some of the most amazing scenery. It costs $5 to park, and the park closes at 6pm, however plan to arrive early as the parking lot is small!

Visit Lahaina – Lahaina, the former Hawaiian capital, was also the center of the global whaling trade and is a great place to spend the afternoon visiting galleries, grabbing lunch or having dinner.

Visit Maui Ocean Vodka – Even if you do not like vodka, you MUST come here for the views alone. Situated on 80-acres on the slopes of Mount Haleakala, this place  captures panoramic views of both the north and south shores of Maui. You can take the tour, try some vodka and then retire for a picnic at one of their picnic spots to enjoy the view.

Visit Maui Brew Co.  – Good food, good beer, great patio. What more do you need? They also offer tours, call ahead of sign up online at their website! Totally worth a visit!

Have Professional Photos Taken – One of the best parts of our last trip to Maui was hiring Jess Johnson to take professional photos of our family. It was a lovely experience and we have these memories to now cherish forever. Jess was so easy to work with and truly talented. She made the entire process easy and breezy, and from the moment we met we were extremely comfortable working with her. If you’re on Maui, or any other island in the area, consider hiring her to capture your special moments!

Eat

There is SO MUCH good food and SO MANY amazing cocktails in Maui! I’m literally drooling writing this list. So please enjoy for me!

Mama’s Fish House – The prices are high, but the food and views alone make it well worth it! Go for a special occasion, or the last evening of your vacation for a true treat! Just do not forget to make reservations, otherwise you’ll be turned away.

Merriman’s – As you eat, enjoy one of the most stunning ocean views, directly on the point of majestic Kapalua Bay. Merriman’s offers a farm to table concept, with 90% of the menu being sourced directly from the Hawaiian Islands.

Koiso Sushi Bar – This place. If you love fresh fish and sushi, then put this on your list. The wait can get crazy, so make reservations well in advance!

Fleetwood’s on Front St – Great venue for food and live music. I love coming to enjoy the view from their rooftop bar. Oh! And it’s also owned by Drummer Mick Fleetwood. How could I forget?

Hali’imaile General Store – If you live and breath for plate lunch, then this is your spot! It’s more easily accessed after a visit to Maui Wine, or at the end of the Road to Hana. Just do not forget to stop, and maybe plan to take leftovers with you back to your resort!

Honu Seafood and Pizza – Easily one of my favorite restaurants on the entire island, this is consistently my best meal. I tend to sit up at the bar, facing the ocean for the best view in the house. Also, this is a popular hang out for Mick Fleetwood and I’ve had the pleasure of “bumping” into him a few times here!

Monkeypod Kitchen – As soon as you arrive on island, run towards the nearest Monkeypod and have their take on a Man Tai. It has passionfruit foam floating on the top and is absolutely heavenly. You will not be able to have just one! I swear!

Haleakala Sunrise

 

Happy Travels!

XO,

M

I hope you enjoyed this travel guide to Maui! If you’re planning to travel to the Big Island of Hawaii during your trip, consider reading my Big Island Travel Guide!

XO,
M

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