TRAVEL SERIES || Escape to Maui
Our vision is to take you on day trips to cities around the world. Featuring the best local hangouts so you can experience life like a local on your adventures. Featuring Savannah Ivy of Live Well And Wander, join us for an Escape to Maui.
Hawaii is the epitome of paradise. Just thinking about this magical place makes me feel instantly happier! Gorgeous coastlines, laid-back locals and an atmosphere that makes you breathe in a little deeper! Pause for a minute and pretend you're there: swinging in a hammock, sipping a Mai Tai and looking out at the aqua blue waters of the Pacific.
Contributor Savannah enjoying her time in Maui
We know “Aloha” means Hello or Goodbye. However, the actual literal translation means, “the presence of breath” or “the breath of life”. The Aloha Spirit is actually a way of life in Hawaii that focuses on treating other with kindness and creating harmony with others.
The island of Maui is nestled in between the Big Island (Hawai'i) and smaller islands of Lanai and Moloka'i. All of the islands have a strikingly diverse landscape and Maui is no exception! Lush green rainforests in the East, flat farmland in the South, and the mountainous West. Maui is also home to the dormant volcano, Haleakala. Hawaii, and especially Maui, will make any traveler content, whether you're an adventurous water sports lover or beach bum (or somewhere gracefully right in between)!
Wailua Falls
Maui offers arguably some of the best beaches in the world and there's no shortage of things to do! In my opinion, it has the most stunning beaches of all the islands. Soft sand, wide beaches and turquoise water. It's one of the few places in the world that also has black and red sand beaches!
HOW MANY NIGHTS?
5-8 nights. If you're traveling from far away, you will want time to really soak in the island! Go for as many as possible, you won't regret it!
WHERE TO STAY
Kapalua on the Northwestern part of the island is a great place to stay if you're looking for that true Hawaiian feel (ok, it's all pretty awesome around the island), but this is by far one of my favorite areas on the island! There are plenty of Air B&B options, condos, and a couple of luxury resorts! We did not stay here, but next time we definitely will!
Kapalua Bay
Wailea is an area that's synonymous with luxury. The pristine beaches and gorgeous views of West Maui make this place very desirable. There are several resorts here, including the prestigious Four Seasons and Hyatt Andaz. The Wailea Beach Resort was the first resort in Wailea and it offers some of the most stunning views of West Maui along with two infinity pools and a shop to rent snorkel gear and paddle boards. The nearby Shops at Wailea , are a very short walk from the resorts and offer everything from high-end shopping to convenience stores.
Wailea Beach Resort
Hana you could also stay here, but there’s not a lot around to do! If it's the ultimate remote vacation you seek, this would be your place!
EXPLORE || Paia Town
A classic surf town. Located on the North Shore, about 15 from the airport, at the start of the Hana Highway. Coffee shops, fun boutiques, and Paia Fish Market. For more information about Paia, click here.
HIKE || Kapalua
Even if you don’t stay here, definitely go check it out to hike on the coastal path (it’s an easy path) or hang out on the beach! You have really great views of Moloka'i in the distance too! Trail info.
DRIVE || Road to Hana
If your heart is set on seeing a black sand beach, this a must. It’s a full day of driving (4 hours one way to Hana), but when you arrive at the beach in Wai'anapanapa State Park, you will see that the trip is well worth it. The drive itself is quite scenic, with beautiful waterfalls and gorgeous lookouts along the way. If you don’t want to tackle the daunting drive, you can opt for a shuttle tour in a van. We opted for the tour and the advantage of doing a tour was someone else navigated the crazy hairpin turns and parking every time we stopped. We were also able to go around the whole island rather than turn around at Hana. The cons were not having as much control over how long we stayed at each point. The photographer in me naturally wanted more time at each place. Make sure not to miss Aunty Sandy's Banana Bread at the halfway point - it's so good!
Once you arrive at the black sand beach in Wai'anapanapa State Park you can easily spend several hours here, lingering over a picnic lunch and just listening to the waves.
EXPLORE || Day Trip to Lanai or Molokini Crater
If you're craving a little more exploration, take a sailing excursion on a catamaran to the island of Lanai. Trilogy Excursions offers an unbeatable half day tour snorkeling at a remote beach in Lanai. You may even spot a pod of spinner dolphins along the way!
You should try these water sports while in Maui: Snorkeling, Paddleboarding, and Surfing. You can see some amazing marine life (hello sea turtles!) all around Maui. Wailea is also a great place for paddle boarding as well as Kapalua.
ACAI BOWLS & SMOOTHIES || Paia Bowls
This is the place to go for something light before a swim or surf session. We recommend the Surf Bowl with Papaya on top!
DINNER || Ka'ana Kitchen
For some swanky dining, this restaurant at the Andaz will not disappoint. Try the Octopus salad or Kauai Shrimp with Risotto to taste the local flavours. If you crave something a little heartier, order the fried chicken - it's a spin on Chicken and Waffles and it's delicious!
Photo Credit: @andazmaui
EXPLORE THE BEST BEACHES
Here's a list of my favorite beaches ranked in order of wow factor:
5. North Shore (Paia)
4. Makena Beach
3. Wailea Beach
2. Kapalua Beach
1. Black Sand Beach at Wai'anapanapa State Park
Black Sand Beach
Hawaii (and Maui) is place that everyone needs to experience at least once in their lifetime, but it’s unlikely that once will be enough! Experiencing the people, the culture and the Aloha Spirit is truly an experience to be cherished!
Wailea Beach
Makena Beach
