This island is a special place, and has some incredible history attached to it. From the Road to Hana, and all the beauty of a tropical rain forest, to the panoramic views from Mt. Haleakala! Maui was once two islands, and one final and very large volcanic eruption brought the two islands together! It is also one of the most popular locations in the chain to see the whales up close and personal!
My home away from home on this visit was the stunning Honua Kai Resort! This condo resort is located just north of Ka'anapali, right on a beautiful beach! The one, two, and three bedroom units are beautifully appointed and comfortable. It's easy to feel at home here, and always very hard to leave!
I spent my first full day on Maui traveling on that famous "Road to Hana" to visit the equally as famous "Travaasa", formerly known as the Hotel Hana Maui. Though the weather was not cooperating (lots of rain), the drive was well worth it! This resort is the last thing you would expect, and everything you hope for in an authentic Hawaiian experience. The rooms are very large, nicely appointed, and yet very understated. They pride themselves on offering a relaxing and quiet environment, and that means... no technology! There are no TVs, no radios, no A/C, and they like it that way! Once upon a time, there was also no WiFi! But today's guest sadly seems to demand that connection, and so Hana has now installed a very good tower. Stay connected ~if you must! But many guests embrace the freedom of being "unplugged" after a very short time!
I also spent some time in the Kapalua resort area, north of Ka'anapali. After several years, I really wanted to revisit the Ritz Carlton Kapalua, and was not disappointed! The grounds are perfection, and the rooms are even better than I remembered! They have an amazing beach here, and the pool area is one of the most photographed on Maui! The service is still "stand alone", no comparison, and you will never go wrong in choosing this location for your next vacation!
Also in Kapalua is a very luxurious and beautiful resort known as "Montage". This five star condo resort is truly spectacular. Located on the most perfect bay and beach. These are condos you will never want to leave! The spa here is exceptional, and the very best way to spend a day! One thing I really love; each unit has a private entrance, it makes the experience feel very special and exclusive!
I love my five star resorts, and Maui has lots of them! But I really also want to share a couple of the "activities" I experienced too! Now some people (who have become jaded, or too critical) may not agree with me. But I still love the "idea", and entertainment value of a good luau! There are of course several on island, this year I visited the "Drums of the Pacific" at the Hyatt Regency Maui on Ka'anapali Beach! For those of you who have been before~ go again! The food has always been excellent and still is very good for a large luau. But some folks were complaining about it becoming a bit "cheesy", and I do not disagree. However they have changed the program, and involved a wonderful story that pulls the sets together. It is a truly memorable location with some of the very best sunsets! Now the entertainment is more authentic, and quite enjoyable!
Another very fun and unique evening was spent in downtown Lahaina with "Warren and Annabelle"! This theater was started 19 years ago, and is still sold out~ every single night! Warren (still performing), Chris Blackmore, John Shyrock, and others... are the BEST "slight of hand" artists in the world! As if that was not enough; they are some of the most hilarious guys on the planet, like crying until you think you've lost it~ funny! I have been there before, but not for several years, and I was SO glad I went back! I highly recommend advance reservations, and the "Royal Package"! Contact me... I'd be happy to set it up for you!
Last but certainly not least is something that many of you probably will find unexpected from me! My dear friend Heidi Denecke, who I first met in my crazy industry many, many years ago, is now the owner/operator of the "Maui Animal Farm"! Her beautiful farm is just "up country" from Lahaina Town, and yet feels worlds away! She has given home, sanctuary, and lots of love to a menagerie of critters! From an array of bunnies, three miniature horses, chickens, and much more! But the big attraction for me... the goats! She has big goats, little goats, and every one of them adorable and entertaining! I fell in love that day, and I have never seen my dear friend so happy!
Whether your dream vacation includes beaches, fine dining, rain forests, whales, or even goats! The island of Maui is a great choice. I do strongly advise (especially if you are not working with a travel expert) to be diligent and very thorough in your research. Maui is the #1 Island Destination in the World, and has been for decades. It is really feeling some "growing pains" these days, and that may be a disappointment for some people. It is crowded, and you need to plan for that.
My passion for the Islands of Hawaii only gets stronger every year. I never "tire" of being there, and discover something new and important on every visit! But these days it's more about the experience, and the new adventures to be a part of on each island. It's why I do what I do~ so your time on these islands are as memorable and special as it should be!
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