Maui, Hawaii

Maui is one of those places where the landscapes genuinely don’t feel real — lush mountains, dramatic coastlines, calm turquoise water, and beaches that all feel completely different from one another. It’s a destination built around outdoor time, slow mornings, and chasing the best views.

Where I Stayed

I stayed in Kahului, which was super convenient because it’s right by the airport and surrounded by grocery stores, shops, and essentials. That said, it’s definitely more industrial and not where you’ll find Maui’s natural beauty.

If I could do it again, I would stay in Wailea or Kihei. They’re far more immersive, naturally beautiful, and closer to the beaches I found myself returning to again and again during the day.

Beaches I Loved

Maui’s beaches are unmatched — each one has its own personality:

  • Napili Bay: Super calm, crystal clear water, and not too crowded. Perfect for swimming and relaxing.

  • Mokapu Beach: Scenic and open with beautiful shoreline views.

  • Kaanapali Beach: Lively, long stretches of sand, and great for a classic Maui beach day.

  • Wailea Beach: Clean, beautiful, and easy to spend hours here.

  • Polo Beach: Very small and more remote — only about 10 parking spots, which keeps crowds down.

  • Makena Beach (Sunrise): Incredible light and a peaceful way to start the day.

  • Secret Cove (near Makena): Stunning at sunrise, but definitely watch the tide.

Road to Hana (Important Notes)

The Road to Hana is undeniably beautiful — waterfalls everywhere, dense greenery, and jaw-dropping scenery — but it’s also intense.

Highlights along the way:

  • Multiple waterfalls (skip Twin Falls — overcrowded and not worth it compared to others).

  • A chocolate farm stop.

  • The famous barbecue stand on a red sand beach — bring cash and get the Huli Huli chicken.

⚠️ Do NOT drive the Kahului Highway. It’s extremely dangerous and honestly terrifying. We witnessed someone having a panic attack, traffic backing up for miles, and overall it was a stressful experience. If you go at all:

  • Do not drive it at night

  • Take your time

  • Stop at the banana bread shack (green and pink — you’ll see it)

It’s stunning, yes — but also an awful drive if you’re not prepared.

Hiking & Nature

  • Waihee Ridge Trail: Absolutely beautiful with views the entire hike. Parking is limited near the trailhead, so go early.

  • After the hike, stop at Maui Macadamia Nut Tours and grab a smoothie bowl from the food truck out front — some of the freshest, brightest fruit you’ll ever have and incredibly refreshing after the climb.

Wildlife & Ocean Experiences

  • See live sea turtles at Kaulahao and Ho‘okipa Beach — unreal and unforgettable.

  • Snorkeling at Honolua Bay: Amazing visibility, colorful fish everywhere, and sea urchins. I really wish I had water shoes because it’s very rocky.

  • Olivine Pools: Extremely dangerous — people have died here. We hiked about halfway down for incredible cliff views but did not go near the pools as waves were crashing hard into them. Admire from a distance.

Best Food on Maui

Maui’s food scene surprised me in the best way:

  • 808 Deli: Do yourself a favor and order the chicken salad sandwich — genuinely the best I’ve ever had.

  • Sparky’s Food Truck: Guava katsu chicken with mac salad — comfort food done right.

  • Papi’s Ohana: The cinnamon roll is insanely soft, sweet, and indulgent.

  • Ono Teppanyaki Seafood Truck: Get the platter — lobster tail, shrimp, rice, and veggies.

  • Foodland Poke Bowls: To die for. We ate these by the water and talked about them for days.

  • Akamai Coffee: Best coffee I had — the Road to Lahaina with macadamia nut flavors was my go-to. I loved the Wailea location for lounging outside and taking a break from the sun.

  • Tin Roof: Mochiko chicken traditional — crispy, sweet-savory chicken paired with comforting sides. Simple and perfect.

  • Paia Fish Market: So healing — tons of seafood prepared different ways, served with fries and coleslaw. A classic.

  • Cinnamon Roll Spot (next to 808 Deli): Absolutely doused in cinnamon glaze and impossible to skip.

  • Acevedo’s Hawaicano Café: Some of the most filling, flavorful Mexican food I’ve ever had. Burritos packed to the brim with an explosion of flavor, plus amazing chips, salsa, and guac. You just have to try it.

The Overall Vibe

Maui is about contrast — adventure and rest, dramatic cliffs and calm beaches, early mornings and long, slow sunsets. It’s a place that rewards exploration, respect for nature, and taking your time.