Aloha! I hope everyone is having an enjoyable Tuesday. Somehow, I am still dealing with jet-lag. I’m just taking it as a sign of a good trip. My husband and I flew to Maui last week for a wedding. It was insane, actually unreal.
It was my first time visiting Maui and holy cow, there is so much to do. I feel like Hawaii has such a rep for being a laid-back, ocean front stay (which it is), but there are also A MILLION things to see and do if you can’t sit still like me. We were only in Maui for three days, so I still have a page long list to check off.
View from our hotel room.
Where to Stay:
We stayed at the Hyatt Regency in Ka’anapali Beach. Most of the wedding guests were staying here, so we thought it would be a good opportunity to get to meet the friends and family. The view from our room was killer and access to the beach was a whole 10 steps from the pool.
I also think it would be fun to rent an Airbnb on the island, specifically near Pa’ia Town. We stopped in this quaint town briefly before hitting the Road to Hana. Straight out of the movies. Colored buildings, great shopping and lots of shaved ice!
Some other resorts that I would look at in the future are The Westin (right near the Hyatt Regency), The Four Seasons and Ritz-Carlton — now that we are apart of the Ritz Carlton Rewards Program. Woot Woot!
Where to Eat:
Mama’s Fish House: We weren’t able to make reservations for this restaurant (I would 100 percent recommend figuring out your trip with more than 48 hours..oops), but this was recommended to me numerous times. Some of the best seafood on the island!
Leilani’s: A solid go-to spot on the Ka’anapali Beach. If you need to escape your hotel and want breakfast/lunch/dinner on the beach, this is it. Definitely would order a Mai Tai (to keep you hydrated).
Japengo: Located in the Hyatt Regency, this is one of the highest awarded and rated sushi restaurants in Maui. A little skeptical about hotel dining, it definitely impressed my husband & I. Lots of variety, different portion sizes, great service and a fun outdoor space, I definitely recommend!
Shaved Ice: Just do it. It’s like gelato in Italy, when you see a stand, you need to get some.
What to Do:
Road to Hana. Hands down one of the coolest day trips I’ve ever done. We rented a car, a red Mustang convertible to be exact, and hit the road. It is a 65 mile long stretch that brings you to Hana. The roads are winding, steep and become one lane in the most inopportune moments. However, the waterfalls, scenic views, and black sand beaches cannot be topped. The overall trip takes between 7-8 hours.
Rent a Cabana. Or lay by the beach. We rented a cabana for a few hours before the wedding. It was clutch to have a designated spot and shade from the sun. Plus, you never know, the cabana next to us gave us a bottle of champagne (so random!!)
Helicopter Tour. There is a Jurassic Park Helicopter Tour. Enough said. But really, some of the best views of Maui are seen from the sky.
Sunset Catamaran. I think everyone can agree, Maui has insane sunsets. Most catamarans offer a sunset dinner cruise or booze cruise. Pay one price and enjoy apps and drinks while on the water watching the sun set.
You Ought to Know:
Rent a Car. We rented a car for the Road to Hana and we 100 percent wish we rented a car the entire time we were in Maui. Although it’s an island, it’s spread out. Plus it is so much more fun exploring the island at your own pace or stopping at a roadside beach.
Did someone say sunscreen? I am rocking a real sexy farmers tan this week. Put on sunscreen anytime you leave your hotel room. I got my worse sunburn while riding in a car!
Maui Time. Sit back, sip your Mai Tai and enjoy island time.
Have you been to Maui? Any suggestions or recommendations that I did not mention?
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