Maui is one of those places where the scenery takes your breath away and life slows down. The island boasts a natural beauty, offering golden beaches, crystal-clear waters, lush rainforests, and towering volcanic craters to explore. There’s also a cultural richness, whether it’s delicious food like tropical fruits to grilled fish or luaus with traditional music and hula dancing.
But for us, the trip wasn’t just about the stunning places or delicious food — it was about the time we spent together as a family. From toddlers splashing in the waves to great aunties soaking in the views, everyone brought their own energy to the adventure. Each moment felt special — whether we were hiking to waterfalls, snorkeling with sea turtles, checking out art galleries, or just sharing laughs over dinner after a full day of exploring.
Destination Insights
Maui is the second-largest island in Hawaii and is known for its diverse landscapes, rich cultural history, and outdoor adventures. It’s the perfect spot for both adventure and relaxation for all ages.
History
Maui, known as the “Valley Isle,” has a rich history shaped by ancient Hawaiian settlers who cultivated taro, fished, and built fishponds along its coastline. The island’s name comes from Māui, the demigod trickster in Hawaiian mythology, who is said to have created the Hawaiian Islands by fishing them out of the ocean with a giant hook. Maui is home to some of the earliest Hawaiian settlements, with a deep cultural connection to the land that continues today.
Maui’s landscape is defined by two main volcanoes—Haleakalā, the “House of the Sun,” and the West Maui Mountains. Haleakalā is known for its sunrise views and large caldera.
The island is also considered the birthplace of modern surfing, with spots like Ho’okipa Beach drawing surfers from around the world. Whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience, Maui’s waves offer something for everyone.
Wildlife
The ocean is teeming with life, including Hawaiian monk seals, manta rays, green sea turtles, moray eels, and humpback whales during the winter months. If you visit in February, you may even witness humpback whales migrating through the island’s waters. On land, there are many tropical birds like the warbling white-eye and the nene, Hawaii’s state bird.
Weather
Maui enjoys mild, tropical weather year-round. Temperatures range from the mid-70s to mid-80s Fahrenheit (24-29°C). The island experiences a wetter season on the windward side (east) and drier conditions on the leeward side (west). We visited in November and it was a great time to visit as it’s just before the holiday crowds, with pleasant weather and fewer tourists.
Magical Charm
Maui’s natural beauty and peaceful vibe make for a dreamy wedding destination. Famous couples (Beyoncé and Jay-Z, Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban, etc) chose this place to say “I do.” My brother is getting married there next year, making it even more special for our family! Whether you’re looking for a romantic wedding destination, Maui’s stunning views and relaxed atmosphere are the perfect backdrop for making unforgettable memories.
Travel Guide
Day 1
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Morning | • Fly from LGB to OGG: Non-stop flight from the LA area was a breeze! • Pick up a Rental Car: Insider Tip: There’s a 10-minute walk or a quick 3-minute tram ride to the rental car building. |
| Afternoon | • Lunch @ Paia Fish Market Southside: The fish tacos were a must-try—so fresh and flavorful! • Shopping in Paia Town: Stop by Mana Foods for star fruit and Hawaiian chocolate bars. Insider Tip: Swing by Costco to stock up on groceries for the week. |
| Evening | •Roadtrip: Paia to Kaanapali (1 hour). • Check in to Hilton Vacation Club Ka’anapali Beach Maui • Dinner @ Honokowai Okazuya & Deli: Grilled fish takeout was perfect for an easy meal at the hotel |
Day 2
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Morning | • Breakfast @ Hotel: Tea and fresh island fruit to kickstart the day. • Grocery Stop @ Times Supermarket Honokowai: Picked up POG juice (a local favorite!) and sandwiches for a picnic on the trail. |
| Afternoon | • Hike Makamakaole Trail (3 miles): Lush greenery and waterfalls made this hike a favorite. Be safe climbing the rope to the second waterfall. Insider Tip: Don’t leave valuables in your car—this area is a hotspot for break-ins. |
| Evening | • Shopping @ Kathy Art Gallery: Browse unique high-quality art. We loved the art so much we ordered a wedding band for Mitch! • Dinner @ Hotel: Crockpot pulled pork sandwiches hit the spot after an active day. |
Day 3
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Morning | • Breakfast @ Hotel: Made egg sandwiches. • Snorkeling @ Kahekili Beach Park: Perfect for beginners, with lots of marine life like eels, fish, and turtles. |
| Afternoon | • Stroll to Black Rock Beach • Lunch @ Whalers Village: Enjoyed Maui Poke and TeaZenTea Maui. Insider Tip: Make sure to validate parking. |
| Evening | • Dinner @ Honoapiilani Food Truck Park: Fresh poke bowls were a hit! |
Day 4
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Morning | • Breakfast @ Hotel: Oatmeal and fruit. |
| Afternoon | • Snorkeling @ Ahihi-Kinau Natural Reserve: Advanced snorkelers will enjoy the vibrant marine life. Insider Tip: Bring a chair to relax on the rocky beach. |
| Evening | • Dinner from Pizza Paradiso: Hawaiian pizza was delicious! • Lūʻau: Insider Tip: We watched the festivities from our balcony—aloha vibes all around! |
Day 5
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Morning | • Breakfast @ Hotel: Made egg sandwiches. • Pool day @ Hotel: Great to relax and recharge. Insider Tip: Be sure to secure pool chairs by 9am. |
| Afternoon | • Drinks @ Duke’s: Mai Tais with ocean views and live music. • Snorkeling @ Charley Young Beach: Shallow waters with coves for spotting turtles and colorful fish. |
| Evening | • Dinner @ Maui Brewing Co: Craft beers paired with island-inspired bites like pulled pork sliders with guava BBQ glaze. |
Day 6
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Morning | • Breakfast @ Hotel: Kodiak pancakes are always a hit! |
| Afternoon | • Lunch @ Mama’s Fish House: A splurge-worthy meal with unbeatable views. The Mahi-Mahi and macadamia nut pie were scrumptious. Insider Tip: Book a reservation months in advance! • Dive the Road to Hana. Insider Tip: Best to leave early or later in the day to avoid crowds. • Hike @ Eucalyptus Rainbow Trees (0.5 mile): A short walk through a magical, colorful forest. • Hike @ Waikamoi Nature Trail (2 miles): A muddy and challenging trail with limited viewpoints—come prepared! |
| Evening | • View Haipua‘ena Falls: Insider Tip: Limited parking means you might need to enjoy this one from the road. Grilled chicken kabobs. • Dinner @ Hotel: Grilled chicken and vegetable kabobs. |
Day 7
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Morning | • Breakfast @ Hotel: Tea and fresh island fruit to fuel the day. • Snorkeling @ Kapalua Bay Beach: Great for spotting fish and turtles. Insider Tip: Parking lot fills up by 8am so get there early. • Check out of Hilton Vacation Club Ka’anapali Beach Maui |
| Afternoon | • Grocery Stop @ Napili Market: Picked up sushi and sandwiches to enjoy on the flight. • Road Trip: Kaanapali to the airport (45 mins) |
| Evening | • Fly OGG to LGB. Insider Tip: Allow some time to shop for last minute souvenirs. |
Next Time Must Do’s
Friends rave about Star Poke for its delicious food. There’s also the top of Haleakalā to catch breathtaking views, including a sunrise from the summit, and maybe even mountain bike down the volcano. I also plan to surf at some iconic spots and unwind on the black sand beaches.
Wilderness Wisdom
Maui’s volcanoes create some of the coolest microclimates. The volcanoes trap moisture, creating lush rainforests in some areas, while other parts stay dry and rocky, almost desert-like. These changes happen because of the way the mountains shape the weather, with different elevations and winds pulling moisture from the ocean. It’s like walking through different worlds, all in one place, thanks to the power of the volcanoes!
Beachside Ties
On this trip, I read “The Wavewatcher’s Companion” by Gavin Pretor-Pinney. This book dives into how waves form, move, and shape our world. One example that stood out was how Hawaiians from Maui have long used waves to navigate the ocean. By observing the size, direction, and rhythm of swells, seafarers could pinpoint the location of nearby land, predict weather changes, and navigate with a natural “GPS”. This book balances science and wonder, encouraging us to slow down and observe the rhythms of the natural world.
Photo Journal
* Some of the incredible photos featured in this photo journal were taken by our amazing family (Len, Linda, Paul, Amy, Monica, and Craig thank you for capturing the adventure from your unique perspectives!).
Summary
Maui’s natural beauty and peaceful ambiance provided the perfect backdrop for our family to come together and create memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet moment or sharing an adventure with loved ones, it’s the little things that make the biggest impact. So, wherever your journey takes you—whether near or far—make sure to cherish those moments, gather your crew, and capture the memories.
