Maui Travel Experience

I recently just made my way back from Maui, HI. This was my second time visiting the Hawaiian Islands and my second trip specifically to Maui. While I really want to visit Oahu (where both of my moms parents are from) that will have to wait for another time. This particular trip I was invited by Dad and stepmom to join alongside my cousin who is also my best friend. The trip was originally planned for 2020 but of course with the pandemic that had to be held off. We weren’t even sure if this was going to happen for us this year but after all of us getting vaccinated and seeing how Hawaii was working with traveling we were excited that it was all happening.

There was a lot to do prior to our trip to get ourselves into the state. This included uploading all documents to Maui’s travel.gov website and included the 72 hr COVID test, your vaccine card (if vaccinated) as well as a recent photo of yourself. If you are vaccinated you were able to skip the second COVID test when you arrived at the airport in Maui which we were lucky to skip. The line wasn’t extremely long and probably would have only been a 30 minute wait or so. Another concern was the amount of rental cars being available. There had been news of shortages so definitely make sure your rental is booked as far in advance as possible.

We spent a total of 8 days and 7 nights at the Hyatt Residence Club Maui, Ka’anapali Beach which my dad and step mom had booked out. These are time shares so they include 2 bedrooms and a small living room and kitchen. Previously I had stayed at the Westin that was also on Ka’anapali which is one of the more popular resort areas. The one negative about this area is basically how populated it is (obviously due to the resorts) and you had to drive to any local shopping or restaurants.

Without getting too detailed about the trip which consisted mainly of a few adventures out and about, ocean swimming, laying out and cocktails here are some of my suggestions if you are planning a trip anytime soon!

Things to See

• Downtown Lahaina – shopping, restaurants (make all reservations as far in advance as possible!) and a lot of history.
• Iao Needle – this small park is beautiful and lush. An easy drive in-between the mountains there is a parking lot with a pay station just walk up the staircase for a beautiful view of the Needle and take a short walk down by the creek for some additional beauty.
• Haleakalā – if you want to feel like you are on a different planet take the drive up to the visitors center. While we didn’t’ have time to hike the volcano I highly suggest doing so. The drive is long and winding but make stops along the way at the turnouts for some beautiful green rolling hills.
• Sunset Cocktail Boat Cruise – this was probably one of my favorite things we did. Definitely book one of these if you can. Unlimited drinks and the views and experience was just overall stunning. A few of these go out of Ka’anapali Beach directly or Lahaina harbor.
• Kihei beaches – there are some amazing beaches, restaurants and such down in Kihei. It is a really cute town and wish we could have spent more time down there! Be sure to stop at the Cinnamon Roll Place (you’ll thank me later).

Missed Opportunities

• Road to Hana – I really wanted to do this one but we simply ran out of time. It’s an all day trip but I hear the waterfalls and beaches are breathtaking.
• Paia – I really wish we took some time on the North Shore beaches but again just ran out of time. I’d definitely love to check out Baldwin Beach Park next time I go.
• Nakalele Blowhole – we were hoping to stop by here on Friday but spent a little too much time in the ocean that day to make it up.
• Snorkeling – While we could have rented some snorkels we opted out but the water was so calm out front of our hotel that I kind of regret not having it on hand. Especially because we saw a ton of turtles while we were swimming.

Swimsuit Links:

Blue Floral Bikini – Blackbough Swim

Brown Bikini – Belle The Label

Light Blue Swimsuit – Zulu & Zephyr

White Romper – Buci NYC

Important Things to Note

• Make all dining reservations ASAP – a lot of places were only allowing reservations and no walk ins. Along with that, any walk-in waits seemed to be pretty long. I’d recommend making reservations even if you aren’t sure you will make it. Just be sure to cancel ahead of time if you know you can’t go.
• Get to the airport early – lines for the bag drops both at LAX and Kahului Airport for Hawaiian Airlines was really lengthy. If you are like me and don’t like to feel overly stressed at the airport I’d just arrive at the given 2 hrs prior to departure to ensure everything goes smoothly.
• Be Patient – I think this goes without saying. Traveling while navigating the pandemic is hard and while we seem to be on the tail end of it there are still rules in place. Masks are still being worn indoors and hotels still require them to be worn when indoors.