This past week, I popped over to Maui with my boyfriend for a break from the winter weather and some much needed R&R. We stayed at the Ritz-Carlton in Kapalua, and had the best time. We had gorgeous weather, got to explore some of the most beautiful beaches, and had delicious meals. Despite our countless conversations about ways to stay in paradise indefinitely (I think I could open a mean smoothie stand,) we did eventually return to reality…but it was not an easy transition.
In case any of you are planning a trip to Maui, I rounded up a few of my most favorite spots —
TO SWIM
Black Rock Beach: We went here on our first day, and were pleasantly surprised with how empty it was. After sunning and swimming for a bit, we walked over to Whaler’s Village and then took the beach walk to the Hyatt, checking out the little shops and beachfronts along the way.
Olowalu: Friday morning, we went on a snorkeling tour with Sail Trilogy (which I highly recommend!) and they took us out here. The snorkeling was incredible — so, so clear and endless coral to swim through and explore. We also saw more humpback whales than I could keep track of on the trip down, which was a highlight of the day.
Big Beach: This was one of my favorite beaches of the trip. At the southern end of Wailea, it had beautiful sand and shockingly blue water…I could have camped out here all day. On the way out, we stopped at a roadside fruit stand for fresh coconut water, a treat that I’ve been desperately missing since we returned home.
Kapalua Beach: This beach was just a brief walk from our hotel and turned out to be a great snorkeling spot. We walked over on our last day, which was a little windy, but beautiful regardless. I had been on a mission the whole week to spot a sea turtle, and luckily we finally found one here just in time to leave the island.
TO EAT
Sansei Sushi: This spot was just up the road from our hotel, and was so good we walked over for dinner twice. It gets busy, so we had a drink at the bar while waiting for a seat, and then ate right at the sushi bar both nights. You really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, but my favorite cocktail was the Green with Envy and roll the Red Dragon. We also found out that they recently opened a location here in Seattle! So you know I will quickly become a regular here.
The Plantation House: We had dinner here Friday night and enjoyed some of the best seared ahi I’ve ever had. This spot has a spectacular view out over the island, so make a reservation near the window during sunset if you can.
South Maui Fish Company: This is a little food truck off the beach in Wailea where they serve poke caught fresh that morning. We each ordered the spicy poke bowl, and I couldn’t recommend it more. So simple, and yet one of my favorite meals of the trip.
Maui Tacos: A couple we met at our hotel recommended this spot, so we picked up some tacos on our way home from the beach in Lahaina one afternoon. We tried the fish and al pastor tacos, and they hit the spot.
Fat Daddy’s Smokehouse: If you’re in the mood to indulge in some BBQ, this joint won’t disappoint. We got the tasting platter, so we could try a bit of everything, and it was all so delicious. If you try this spot for dinner, I promise, you won’t go home hungry.
If any of you are in fact headed off to the beautiful island of Maui, let us know! We’d love to give any recommendations and, of course, live vicariously through you.
XX,
H
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