I am currently sitting outside on my front porch, sipping on guava juice while staring at the endless ocean. A sea turtle has just popped its head out for a breath of fresh air. My hair is rapidly drying after a snorkeling and pool day, with my skin sun-kissed after spending much needed time outside. I have returned to the heavenly island of Maui.
For the past year, I have been working full time all while pursuing my Master's Degree from The University of Southern California - fight on! ✌️Two days after completing a highly intensive and accelerated graduate program, I have taken 20 days off to fully relax, recharge, and celebrate this milestone achievement.
Maui has a different aura from the last time I visited. With the administration of the COVID-19 vaccine, the tourists have eagerly returned to the tropical destination. The guidelines for traveling to the Hawaiian Islands are more clear.
Here's what you need to travel to Maui today:
First, we got our Digital COVID-19 Vaccine Record from the state of California, essentially providing a QR code that contains your vaccination status. We uploaded that to the Clear mobile app which integrates perfectly with the State of Hawaii travel website for verifying your vaccination status.
Credit to the Hawaiian government for the streamlined system and the visibility into the verification process.
Trevor and I boarded our flight from SFO → OGG in the very early morning of August 18th. We flew with Hawaiian Airlines and it was a seamless process. Because we had done all the pre-verification online, we got wristbands that allowed us to skip the COVID checkpoints upon arrival.
Mode of Transportation
Due to the extremely high demand and low supply of rental cars, the prices have more than tripled from what we had come to expect. However, a car is non-negotiable for getting around the island. We booked and paid for our reservation in advance through Dollar Car Rental. However, we were surprised we still owed nearly $400 in taxes and fees when checking in. We selected a grey Kia from a row of other options and called it ours for the next several weeks.
The Airbnb
I cannot recommend the place we are calling home enough! We are staying at the stunning Napili Point. Our condominium is located oceanfront, with access to the best snorkeling I have ever experienced just steps away from our place. If you decide to book here, I highly recommend staying in the A block, which has an astounding water view. You will be lulled to sleep every night with the sound of the ocean waves gently hitting the rocky shore. There are several swimming pools and BBQs to grill if desired.
To book the paradise oasis, use this Airbnb website link below:
The Itinerary
Napili Point
Our home turf has provided us with everything a visitor seeks in Hawaii. Turquoise and dark blue water with views of neighboring islands, palm trees, and catamarans sailing the sea. We spotted several herds of dolphins making their way through the waves, leaping in the air and providing a memorable show. Around the corner is Napili Bay, which offers a white sand beach for casual ocean swimming and shore relaxing.
Honokeana Cove
Right outside of condominium A8, which is our current home, is a slight slope leading you down a path to enter the ocean for snorkeling. If you are not booking this location but wish to visit, it is called Honokeana Cove. Note that there is no sand at this location. You will have to enter and exit the ocean through the rocks, so make sure you wear water shoes and proceed with caution as the currents by the edges can take you by surprise. Photographed below is the exact location we got in and out of the cove. The water is calm as it's barricaded and there are large rocks that act as steps for easier access.
If you are looking to snorkel in calm waters surrounded by multiple sea turtles, vibrant coral reefs, and a diverse population of fish, then this is the exact spot to take a swim. Bring your own snorkel gear so you are prepared to see the enchanting wildlife. We purchased high-quality masks from a nearby store in Napili called 808 Boards for $30 a piece. Have a charged GoPro to capture the beauty below!
Although you can get close to the sea turtles, it is illegal to touch the protected species and is punishable by law. Remain respectful and observe with due diligence in their natural habitat. Here's an up-close photo of the cutie!
Maui Tacos
The first meal of our trip was at Trevor's favorite taco spot. Maui Tacos offers a hefty range of deliciously flavored tacos with an island spin. Make sure to get a side of the complimentary pineapple salsa. It was delicious!
Cafe O'lei Kihei
My brother Danny and his girlfriend Marissa were on the island with us for the first five days of our trip. We had reservations to eat sushi at Three's Bar and Grill, an award-winning restaurant visited by the one and only Guy Fieri.
After nearly an hour of driving, we excitingly arrived. However, when looking through the menu, there was not a single sushi plate to be seen. This was surprising given what we had seen in the reviews online 😅
We asked our waiter if the delicious cuisine was being served and he let us know the sushi bar was closed for the time being. We were disappointed and frustrated that their website was not updated with the new menu. On a mission to make up for this, Marissa searched for a nearby alternative to fulfill our craving. Cafe O'lei was an impromptu find thanks to the savvy Marissa.
A quick five-minute drive away, we got lucky with a table before closing. Note that the sushi menu is available 4 - 8 pm Tuesday through Saturday. You must order the specialty rolls. The sauces and zesty flavors made this the best sushi I have ever had! 🍣
Road to Hana
With my previous Maui blog recommendations, Danny and Marissa explored the first half of the Road to Hana before Trevor and I arrived. See here for that read 😎 Last time around, Trev and I did not get to the very end of the excursion due to having class in the middle of the day. With no deadlines or live lectures this time around, we were free to spend all of our days without restrictions.
We hit the road at 6:45 am to make the most of our day. The four of us piled into the white Jeep Wrangler while Danny drove us through the windy and narrowing roads (approximately 600 turns and 50 one-lane bridges), descending into the jungles of Hana. Our destination was to see the Seven Sacred Pools at ‘Ohe’o, located in the Haleakala National Park.
Pipiwei Trail
The national park gate entrance required a $30 fee for our vehicle to enter. There were two trails to explore. The first was a 0.5 mile loop that showcased the lower falls.
Next, we began our 4 mile trek of the Pipiwei Trail, which would lead us to the magnificent Waimoku Falls. We made the mistake of not eating a proper meal and failing to bring our water with us on this hike. Warning: bring water and wear proper shoes for this voyage. With the humidity and upward incline, you need to stay hydrated. The hike will take several hours as you stop for photos along the scenic route. The first epic view is a banyan tree, famous on the island of Maui.
I deemed this hike to be advanced, as the pavement is made of jungle roots, rocks, dirt, and uphill stretches. It's a single trail, so you return on the same path you came from. In a way, the descent was more challenging than the climb because your legs become so tired! Plenty of rolled ankles as we made our way back, but we all got back to the car in one piece mostly.
Another unexpected thing to look out for was not on the ground of the trail, but actually above us! There were plump and ripe mangos falling from the trees with large plop sounds every minute or so. Proceed with this hike with extreme caution! Trevor and I were less than an inch from being pelted by the falling fruit. We heard the sound of the mango traveling at 22 miles per hour and felt it whisk right behind us 🥭
As you continue to hike past the banyan tree, you will find yourself on a bridge that leads you into a whimsical bamboo forest. Pay attention to the musical sound the bamboo makes when the wind rustles through the forest. It was a highlight moment walking amongst the luscious greenery.
The most rewarding view was saved for the very end of the hike up. We had to cross a creek with rocks to make it to the final viewpoint of Waimoku Falls, but it was all worth it!
Red Sand Beach
Although I mentioned this hidden gem in my previous Maui blog, it is worth bringing up again. On our way back from the national park, we made a stop to visit my absolute favorite cove, Kaihalulu Beach. Surrounded by red rocks and sand with a swirl of green, blue and white colors, this beach feels like an unearthly experience. Visitors, be warned that the hike to this beach can be dangerous as there are no rails. Wear sturdy shoes and don’t carry much on you.
Sunset at Ka’anapali
Danny and Marissa stayed at the beautiful Sheraton located at the very end of the Ka’anapali strip. Check out their Sand Bar and property grounds. The hotel is located right next to Black Rock, a famous cliff diving location with prime snorkeling.
Japengo
This award-winning Asian fusion restaurant is located at the Hyatt Regency along Ka’anapali. Reservations are required in advance for this dining experience. You must order the lava drink! We all ordered different ones and mine was voted the favorite 🍹we started with a gorgeous platter of sushi, then feasted on fried rice and shrimp for the main course.
S’mores at the Sheraton
Marissa’s boss gifted her with a s’mores making kit, which she kindly shared with us all. On the hotel property, there are fire pits to roast your marshmallows and turn them into a savory dessert. We befriended a stray cat, who Danny named Lava.
Flamingo Feeding at The Westin
Anyone who knows me understands my deep infatuation with flamingos. We made our way through the lobby of The Westin resort to find a staff member handing out cups of food to feed the flamingos. Shocked, excited, and in disbelief I could ever participate in such an activity, I bent down to the level of the pink birds and fed them breakfast straight from my hand. This will be a highlight for the rest of my life! 🦩The breakfast feeding takes place every morning at 9am.
Cool Cat Cafe
In the mood for burgers, we searched for the top-rated spot to fulfill our craving. Cool Cat Cafe is located in downtown Lahaina. We went on a Saturday night, where they had live music and a lively crowd of diners. We ordered an adult milkshake, large enough for two people, as well as a basket of fries/onion rings. They had plenty of dipping sauces to choose from, the best being the honey mustard! Cool Cat had a variety of vegetarian-friendly burgers and a hefty selection of meat patties as well. I ordered the Don Ho, a Maui styled burger with a sweet sauce and grilled pineapple.
Spa Montage Kapalua Bay
Trevor booked us a couples massage at the luxury Spa Montage. The facility felt like a retreat in a private and serene haven wedged between an island of paradise. We were warmly greeted and brought into the locker rooms to change into our robes and were offered spa water. The massage took place in a sheltered cabana, with two therapists who were highly trained. It began to downpour in the middle of the massage. The sounds of the rain, exotic birds chirping, and soothing music created a one-of-a-kind unique experience.
Banyan Tree at The Ritz Carlton
Following our incredibly relaxing spa session, Trevor surprised me with a fine dining reservation at the Banyan Tree restaurant located at the luxury Ritz Carlton. This meal has continued to rank our favorite. I ordered the catch of the day, drizzled in a coconut curry with a pineapple purée and macadamia nut rice.
Although we were stuffed, the dessert menu looked too good to resist. We ordered a chocolate lava cake with fresh strawberries drizzled with a surrounding Carmel sauce. We loved this place so much, we came back a second time on our last evening.
Mama’s Fish House
This restaurant has been visited by celebrities across the nation. We originally had a reservation for this highly sought-after restaurant when Danny and Marissa were with us, but we were unable to make the 2 pm lunch due to our extended time on the Road to Hana. With a gut feeling, Trevor called one morning and they surprisingly had a cancellation that fit perfectly into our schedule. Upon entrance is a white sand beach filled with sky-high palm trees.
We got even luckier and were seated right at the beachfront view. We kicked off our unique dining experience with fruity cocktails and wonton shrimp. For the main entree, I ordered the famous macadamia nut-crusted mahi mahi stuffed with crab and lobster while Trevor ordered the coconut curry catch of the day with jasmine rice. Both dishes were absolutely incredible. Every bite taken was cherished and savored. Mama’s Fish House deserves every ounce of recognition and praise. Although pricey, the views and flavorful dishes were worth it. To ensure you get to dine at this renowned restaurant, make your reservation right when you book your trip to Maui!
Helicopter Tour
After our memorable meal at Mama’s, we made our way to the airport for our reservation. Trevor treated me to a once-in-a-lifetime helicopter experience, booking the best seats on the door-less copter. He did extensive research, ensuring safety first. We traveled through Air Maui, which provided passengers with goggles, protective earmuffs, windbreaker jackets, and lanyards for our phones to take photos in the air.
We were seated right next to the pilot, getting a front-row view of the coastline, canyons, waterfalls, and rainbow we flew right under.
The view from above is indescribable. We flew to the nearby island of Molokai, exploring uninhabited areas by civilians. We flew right into the green mountains, surrounded by dozens of waterfalls.
Having a bird’s eye view of the island made me feel in awe and gratitude for my ability to be here. There was so much natural beauty around us and I felt so lucky to experience it from the seat I had. A piece of advice - if you are prone to motion sickness, I recommend taking a Dramamine before taking off, as there can be some sharp turns while in the air.
Cheeseburgers in Paradise
Another burger craving took over us, so we went to downtown Lahaina and ate at the delicious Cheeseburgers in Paradise. This place does not take reservations, so you’ll have to wait for 30 - 60 minutes depending on the date and time you arrive. There is clearly a theme with the burgers I have been ordering. Pineapple is a game changer! 🍍
Plantation House
We got dressed up for this outing. Trevor’s dad treated us to a luxury dinner at the Kapalua-based restaurant. The interior was beautifully designed, with a seaside and golf course view. They had several fun drinks to select from 🍹
Maui Ocean Center
We thoroughly enjoyed our time at the beautifully maintained aquarium. The ocean center focuses on the unique marine life from the tropical region. Every corner turned was full of a colorful variety of fish. It was fun to compare the wildlife we had spotted snorkeling to the ones in the sanctuary. You will need several hours to explore all that the aquarium has to offer.
The aquarium has a delicious restaurant that we stopped to eat at halfway through our self-guided tour. The facility is half indoor and half outdoor. Outside, you will have the chance to pet starfish and get a close-up look at the delightful sea turtles.
The entire facility is stunning. However, the most beautiful part was the last bit. There is a huge tank full of tuna, sharks, and stingrays swimming with rays of light shining through. It was magical to witness so many exotic species in one setting.
Ululani’s Hawaiian Shaved Ice
This dessert spot is ranked as the best-shaved ice and is a global destination. The line can get to be an hour wait at times, but the hype is worth it! The ice is finely shaved and the flavors are a burst of sweetness. I ordered the Hawaiian Rainbow with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Monkeypod
We spent the day exploring in Wailea and stopped at Monkeypod towards the very end of their happy hour, which ended at 5 pm. The happy hour prices were fairly decent so if you’re looking for an early dinner, I highly recommend this restaurant. We ordered their famous mai tais and enjoyed ravioli, margarita pizza, and fish tacos.
Makenna Beach State Park
The state park is broken into Big Beach and Little Beach, with a parking lot that requires a payment fee. Make sure not to dodge the payment- we saw multiple cars with pink tickets on their windshield. We arrived minutes before sunset, an enchanting experience watching the turquoise waves crash against the shore as the sun dwindled.
We watched in awe as the sky turned from blue to orange to pink. Although we did not take a swim, we walked along the shore with the waves crashing at our feet.
The Four Seasons
Following our visit to Makenna, we stopped at the 5-star hotel located several minutes from the state park. A luxurious and grand resort, we walked around the extravagant pools lit up in the night. We ended our eventful day at the Wolfgang Puck restaurant Spago’s for several indulgent desserts.
Kihei Caffe
Recommended by Danny and Marissa, we had a delicious breakfast at the Lahaina cafe. I ordered the 2-2-2 and when asked if I wanted toppings on my French toast, I requested chocolate chips. Trevor ordered the breakfast burrito, a popular item. We loved this spot so much, we came a second time. When ordering the 2-2-2, I was informed they were out of the French toast. However, the staff member suggested the cinnamon roll French toast as a substitute. It was so good. I definitely recommend trying!
Sea House Restaurant
This spot is a favorite, but we only went a single time during our most recent trip. Trevor's Mom made our reservation and treated us with a nice gift card to use too! It's located on the north end of Napili Bay and is the only restaurant on the strip of beach. In the past, we've swum in the ocean and walked up for a quick happy hour of shrimp appetizers and fruity cocktails - this time, we had a lovely dinner at sunset.
Sansei
Recommended by Danny and Marissa, we enjoyed another sushi night in Kapalua Bay. We ordered several speciality rolls, miso soup, and cocktails. Our server named Sunny was superb, as he was highly attentive and very friendly.
Huihui
This restaurant is located on the Kannanapli strip, with a view of the stunning ocean. Huihui gets booked out in advance, so make sure to reserve accordingly! We were able to walk in and get seated at the bar. At sunset, two hula dancers came to perform with a live band.
We ordered wine and the signature blue cocktail and lobster dumplings to start with. For our main entrees, we ordered the half bbq chicken and shrimp pasta.
Maui feels like a second home, always warm and welcoming with the birds chirping and the fresh salty air. This trip was made so special by the wonderful company, thrilling adventures, relaxing spa, and exquisite food. I will forever cherish the amount of time I got to spend in paradise. Hawaii holds a very special place in my heart. Mahalo, and until next time. We’ll be back! 🤙🏼🌺🐢🐠
