Our first vacation unrelated to work in what felt like years — and I chose Maui. Don’t get me wrong, Seattle’s summer was lovely, but I had a strong urge to travel and booked this trip the same month we flew out. Google Flights made it easy. Maui is my go-to when I want to escape and daydream about getting away.
Maui felt like the perfect choice: a direct flight from the city, plenty of sun, palm trees, acai bowls — you get the idea. It was Bridger’s and my first time in Hawaii together, and it was unforgettable.
WHERE TO STAY
After dozens of recommendations, we booked the Andaz in Wailea. The area felt just right — tourist-friendly without being overwhelming, tucked among a handful of resorts, and about 35–40 minutes from the airport. The hotel itself was fantastic, especially the dramatic entrance and lobby. The pools and dining were standout features. On vacation I’m happiest lounging poolside or on the beach with good food, and the Andaz delivered. There are three tiers of pools, so it’s worth getting there early (7–9am) to claim the perfect lounge if the hotel is busy. The 24/7 market sells sunscreen, and complimentary Coola sunscreen is provided at every pool and towel station.
Andaz has five restaurants and bars on-site. We loved the breakfast buffet at Ka’ana Kitchen — it’s famous for a reason — and Ka’ana’s farm-to-table dinner was excellent too. Morimoto serves outstanding sushi, and the hotel also hosts a luau that we attended our first night.
The luau, Feast at Mokapu, is a great way to kick off your trip. It’s picturesque with oceanfront seating, long communal farm tables, fun activities like henna and lei-making, an open bar, and complimentary photography. The food options were plentiful and fresh, and the fire show closed the night perfectly.
We also kept our regular morning fitness routine while traveling, waking around 6am for a 40–60 minute workout. The Andaz gym is well-equipped, making it easy to get a solid session in and feel energized for the day.
The hotel caters well to couples — honeymoons, babymoons, anniversaries — with a romantic vibe and on-site spa. While not exclusively adults-only, it felt especially well suited for adults. Complimentary perks included GoPro rentals, paddle boarding, and yoga and fitness classes.
WHAT TO DO
Maui offers endless activities and sights — we barely scratched the surface and are excited to return.
SNORKEL
Ahihi Kinau Nature Area Reserve
Kapalua Bay
La Perouse (also great for stargazing at night)
Moloka‘i & Molokini (consider Kai Kanani for early departure from the south side)
Napili
Olowalu campground
Pride of Maui
Turtle Town
RENT A CAR
Drive to Heart-Shaped Rock and the nearby blowhole
Road to Hana
BEACHES
Big Beach (Makena)
DT Fleming Beach (features a labyrinth)
Kapalua Beach
Napili Bay
Wailea Beach
ACTIVITIES
Bike down Haleakalā (Maui Bombers recommended)
Flyin’ Hawaiian Zipline
Helicopter tours
Sunrise at Haleakalā (reservations required for sunrise); picnic options available from Farmacy Health Bar for daytime visits
Hike Waiheʻe Ridge
Explore ʻĪao Valley (you can swim in spots along the river)
Saturday farmers market in Upcountry Kula (8–11am) for local produce and goods
Hoʻokipa Beach for surfers and turtles
Kapalua Zipline
Maui Goat Yoga (@mauigoatyoga)
Maui Tropical Plantation tours
O’o Farm gourmet food and coffee tours
Shops at Wailea
Trilogy Tours for snorkel and boat trips
West Maui Bikes rentals in Lahaina
ROAD TO HANA
Bamboo forest
Black sand beach
Cliff jumping at Venus Pools
Coconut Glen’s (dairy-free ice cream)
Hamoa Beach
Hana Farms
Maui Wines
Stop for banana bread at local fruit stands — our favorite was just north of Hotel Hana
Pipiwai Trail
Red Sand Beach
Seven Sacred Pools
Twin Falls
Note: bring food and snacks; dining options are limited along the route.
WHERE TO EAT
Beyond the hotel dining, we enjoyed several local spots. Monkeypod Kitchen is famous for its mai tais topped with lilikoi foam; their raw bar and grilled fish tacos were excellent. Make reservations via OpenTable when possible.
Fork and Salad became a favorite for quick, customizable salads and sandwiches — we went three days in a row for lunch. It’s close to the hotel and perfect for a healthy, satisfying meal to fuel your day.
For acai, head to Choice Health Bar in Lahaina (also a location in Paia). Their bowls are exceptional — try the Desert Sunrise with homemade paleo granola. They use unsweetened acai and offer raw treats that are delicious to-go.
At the Andaz, Morimoto Maui offers outstanding sushi and dishes like braised black cod and local market vegetables. Ka’ana Kitchen serves an indulgent breakfast buffet — omelettes, fresh fruit, pastries, mochi waffles, French toast, fresh juice, mimosas — and transitions to farm-to-table dining in the evening. Our final-night dinner there was one of our favorites, featuring seared local fish, king lobster, and grilled octopus salad.
MOST RECOMMENDED SPOTS TO HIT
NORTH ISLAND
A’a Roots (vegan)
Gazebo (Napili) — known for white chocolate macadamia pancakes
Merriman’s Maui — upscale, romantic dining
Sansei — popular sushi spot; go early or during happy hour for shorter waits
LAHAINA
Alchemy Maui (kombucha)
Baya Acai Bowls
Café Café Maui (coffee)
Choice Health Bar (acai bowls, raw treats)
Farmers Market Maui
Fleetwoods (live music)
Mala Ocean Tavern (brunch)
Maui Brewing Co., Star Noodle, Miso Phat Sushi and more
PAIA
Choice Health Bar
Flatbread Pizza Co.
Island Fresh Cafe
Mama’s Fish Market
Mana Natural Foods
Paia Bay Coffee
Paia Bowls
Paia Fish Market
WAILEA / KIHEI
Akamai Coffee
Coconuts Fish Tacos
Eskimo Candy seafood market
Fork and Salad
Grand Wailea (gluten-free coconut pancakes)
Hawaiian Moons Natural Foods (acai)
Kihei Café (breakfast)
Lineage (Wailea mall — great cocktails)
Maui Brewing Co.
Nalu’s South Shore Grill
Paia Fish Market (Kihei location often shorter lines)
Sansei
South Maui Fish Co. (food truck)
Tamura (poke)
WAILUKU AREA
Akamai Coffee
Farmacy Health Bar (organic bowls and smoothies)
The Mill House (farm-to-table views)
If you’d like to see what I packed for the trip, I have a packing guide available on my site.
xx Rachael