Maui

There’s something irreplaceable about the feeling you get in a foreign place. An overwhelming sense of curiosity, excitement, and a little uncertainty rushes through your veins. But often times, this wonderfully unique and all encompassing euphoric feeling is followed by the sudden “Well now what?” What do you do? What do you eat? Where do you stay? That’s where I come in. For most, traveling is a leisure, but for me it’s a passion.  So here’s the plan. Each week a brand new brilliantly beautiful location will be featured with the latest and greatest places to stay, dining hotspots, adventures to try and ultimate attractions that can’t be missed. Now let me warn you that I’m not an expert, but I am working on it. So come away with me and we can explore the world together one day at time.

For my first location I thought, what better place than my favorite place—Maui.

Sunset view from Kannapali Beach

Maui is a place I’ve been countless times yet I discover something new with every visit. In Maui, similar to most tropical spots, the place you stay is key. The resort is the essence of your relaxation and truly the crucial part to perfecting your Hawaiian getaway. With so much of your vacation’s success riding on this one critical decision you better make the right choice…But don’t worry, that’s where I come in. So let me lay it out for you plain and simple. Sure there are lots of nice places to stay, but there are only a few that are to die for. The island is split into two main sides…well at least two touristy sides: Wailea and Kaanapali. Wailea is ideal for the traveler who wants a luxurious, quiet, relaxed and rejuvenating vacation. The absolute best places to stay are the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea and the Fairmont Kea Lani. But any travelers venturing to the Wailea side and want a little more fun and excitement, you absolutely have to stay at The Grand Wailea. Famous for its amazing accomodations, the Grad Wailea is equipped with six water slides, swim up bars, a trazan rope swing, lazy rivers, a water elevator, and six waterfalls. Good luck getting your kids to leave the pool.

Head on over to the Kaanapali side and you'll be pleased to find that it is always filled with people and endless amounts of activities. Kannapali beach is the perfect strip of paradise. Lined with resorts, restaurants and shops there is always something to do. And where should you stay? Well if it were up to me I would say the Kaanapali Alii or The Sheraton Maui. Both are perfectly located on the Kaanapali beachfront and provide top-notch 

amenities.

The Four Seasons Maui

So know that you’ve established where you are staying the next most important thing is obviously food. There are tons of delicious restaurants all around the island, but there are a special few that you really can’t miss. Leilanis is an amazing restaurant with an even more amazing view. Located right on the Kannapali strip it is the perfect location for lunch or dinner. But what if you are walking up from the beach, sandy, wet, and starving? No problem. Hula Grill is the equally delicious sister restaurant to Leilanis and it has tables actually in the sand, perfect for a nice bite after the beach. So lets talk about fine dining. The best places to go for the ultimate dining experience are Sarento’s on the Beach, Pacific O, or Honu. Go around 5 pm and you’ll be in for a real treat—dinner and a seaside sunset.

Hula Grill on Kannapali Beach

Now that we got some great spots to eat squared away, lets find some exciting places to go. Don’t get me wrong, lounging on the beach all day is spectacular, but for the days that you get a little restless here are some things you can try.

Snorkeling.

Who doesn’t want to see what its like to be under the sea?

Horseback riding.

Take a ride through the pineapple plantations and see some inactive volcanoes all from a saddle.

Ziplining.

Dare to be, well, daring. Fly through the hills of Maui on ziplines and take in the amazing 360degree views.

Surfing.

The ultimate “picture” of the true Hawaiian experience. Get some lessons from a pro and you’ll be looking like a local in no time.

Parasailing

Warning: for thrill seekers only! Soar up to 1,000 feet above the ocean… and try not to look down.

Now what? Well if you aren’t worn out by all the activities go on some day adventures to some major destination locations.

The Road to Hana—the 68 mile long road is famous for its beautiful landscape, including water falls and the Seven Sacred Pools.

The Banyan Tree—it only gets better with age.

Lahaina—Don’t know where to go on Friday night? Drive on over to Lahaina. Strips of shops and restaurants line the beach and the environment is hip and exciting. Do a little shopping, grab some dinner at Cheeseburger in Paradise, and don’t forget to indulge in a favorite Hawaiian treat—Ululani’s Shave Ice.

Part of Lahaina’s front street

Black Rock. Enveloped by mythical legends, this rock is a popular snorkeling area. But if you want to feel the spirit of the Hawaiin gods you must take a leap from the top, just as they did many years ago.

Black Rock at sunset

Helele’Ike’Oha Falls.

Some of the most beautiful falls on the island. The water is crystal clear and the views are spectacular.

Helele’Ike’Oha Falls

Pictures from:

harrishawaii.menumill.com

tripadvisor.com

Trialx.com

Mauinow.com

2pat.wordpress.com

wellreadhost.com