So Maui is AMAZING!! As I’m sure most of you already know who have gone there.
But I still wanted to share some of the wonderful things the island offered while there for a week with younger children.
I know the flights from the bay area are not cheap but it’s worth the price for the relaxation, weather and fun!! I used to think who needs Hawaii when you have crystal blue waters of Croatia (absolutely nothing against Croatia – still love you). And then I made my first visit. WOW! I changed my mind in an instant. The flight is shorter. No passports needed. Paradise! Palm trees, toes in sand, drink in hand. Not to mention our kids actually LOVE Hawaii even more than Disneyland!! (OK REALLY??)
We stayed at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort And Spa. It’s in Kaanapali, a resort area in west Maui just a few miles north of Lahaina. We really enjoyed this hotel for several reasons. You have stunning views pretty much wherever you walk. It’s right on the beach (we loved being able to go back and forth from the beach to the pool) and the pool has two great kid slides that did a pretty good job tuckering them out.
*One of my favorite restaurants is on the premises – Japengo.
*There’s a koi pond, penguins, ducks, as well as exotic birds throughout the grounds and the grounds are manicured to perfection. Our girls never got bored seeing these amazing creatures and exploring each and every day.
*The hotel was booked to capacity when we were there but we never felt like we needed to get away from the crowds.
*And it has one of the best luaus on that side of the island. (Other hotels actually send their guest to attend.)
*The beach is connected to a long walking path (and jogging if you can actually get yourself to exercise on vacation – lol) that takes you all the way to the black rock area of the island.
*The downtown area is not far either. If you don’t feel like driving you can always take the shuttle from the hotel.
This year we did venture to the other side of the island and met up with some friends. We checked out the scenery and a couple of hotels; beautiful for sure but we still love Lahaina.
A quick mention of some great places to eat that we enjoyed (some are off the beaten path).
Miso Phat Sushi – We loved this place but didn’t much like the wait because our girls were starving! So we decided to order to go. And while waiting for the food we let the girls have the miso soup while sitting out on the curb as there was no room inside (They thought that was so cool). I have to say we loved taking it back to the hotel and sitting out overlooking the sunset. And more importantly, the sushi is AMAZING!!
Another place that is REALLY off the beaten path is Noodle Star – It was pretty good. I never would have found it if I was just driving around. But I looked it up on yelp. When we got there the hostess at the front were SUPER helpful –they had really good service.
Island Cream Co. – a dessert place that was recommended by a friend. It was in between our hotel and downtown. So glad we went. The ice cream was yummy and I kept thinking about it the rest of the time we were on the island. A perfect after dinner treat.
Japengo – hands down one of my most favorite places to eat. And we didn’t have to go very far as it was in our hotel. We love the sushi and the Korean pancake was one of the very best we’ve ever had.
My Husband and older daughter really wanted to go kayak/snorkeling tour the 3rd day we were there. I was a little skeptical. I kept thinking they might come across a shark!! (April time frame is when the great whites are supposed to migrate the Hawaiian Island’s.) So my husband booked it through the hotel and kept saying we’ll be FINE!! WELL, they did come across a shark while snorkeling! It was a five foot white tip reef shark. My daughter was a bit freaked out for a short while but the guide kept telling her how brave she was and she kept on snorkeling; and seeing sea turtles, octopus, eals, starfish, and fish, fish and more fish. They had a blast. Here’s some of their fun adventure mixed into a video.
After jotting down these memories I can’t stop thinking about when we get to go back. Aloha!! ☺
Just about the bottom line on me: I love my faith, family, film, fashion and travel. And oh YES, a little obsessed with shoes!
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