Hawaii has always been a favorite family vacation spot, unfortunately we all have different favorite islands. Makes it hard to decide where to go. My favorite is Maui, my husband loves Oahu, and our daughter fell in love with Kauai. Each island is unique in its own way. But, since I am writing this we will start with Maui. There is so much to do in Maui. Flying into Kahului, you’ll definitely want to rent a car. We have never been to Hawaii without a convertible or a jeep. Ever! It’s a big island and you’re going to want to explore. First stop Maui Tacos…it was a long flight and you are hungry.

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We have always stayed on Kaanapali Beach at the Westin Kaanapali Resort. They have waterslides. Need I say more? We love this resort. The location is perfect, right on the beach. We have always travelled in June for birthday month and they have never failed to have cake and balloons waiting in the room. The Westin is next to Lahaina and they have a shuttle that will take you there to do a little shopping or have some dinner. We love Lahaina in the evening for its bars and restaurants, shops, boutiques, and local art. Have dinner at Cool Cats Cafe. It’s at the very end of the strip across from the famous Banyan Tree.

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Favorite Things To Do In Maui

Watch the Sunrise at Haleakala

Haleakala is a dormant volcano in Maui. The first time we scheduled a tour for this. They woke us up at 2:30 AM asking where we were. We told them to leave without us. The next time we were prepared. We did it at the beginning of our trip, when we were still on Texas time and waking up at the crack of dawn. We also went on our own, not on a tour. Let me tell you, this is something you do not want to miss!

Standing above the clouds watching the sunrise is just spectacular. The views are breathtaking. My favorite part is the sign on the way up Haleakala that says “Please turn on lights when driving through the clouds”. Make sure to dress in layers. It is cold up there. Take some coffee or hot cocoa. For more info on reservations see https://www.gohawaii.com/islands/maui/regions/upcountry-maui/haleakala-national-park If you are interested in a tour read about that here.

Drive the Road To Hana

65 miles, 600 turns, 59 bridges, many one lane. Just driving the road is an adventure in itself. For those that get carsick, like myself, I recommend wearing some seabands. Make sure to pack some hiking shoes, as you’ll be making many stops to go chase waterfalls. Towels, sunscreen, change of clothes as well. There are so many beautiful waterfalls, more than you could see in a day. I recommend Twin Falls, Upper Waikani Falls, and Hanawi Falls for sure. Make sure to stop at the local fruit stands and grab a pineapple or coconut. My daughter will no longer eat pineapple here in Texas. Only in Hawaii. She says it doesn’t taste the same and I have to agree.

Stop at Wai’anapanapa State Park and visit Black Sand Beach.

A lot of people choose to turn around and head back but if you keep going past Hana and you’ll find Palapala Ho’omau Church and the burial site of famous aviator Charles Lindbergh. We have continued on to Haleakala National Park to the Seven Sacred Pools. This really is a beautiful trail, know that you will need to pay to get in. We then continue on the loop. This can get scary at times going around the cliff edges. Not for the faint of heart. Eventually you will end up at Maui Winery so its all worth it!

Snorkel Molokini Crater

There is no doubt Hawaii has some of the best snorkeling I have seen. Molokini Crater does not disappoint. 2.5 miles from Maui’s coastline, this crater is what’s left of an eruption over 230 thousand years ago. During WWII it was used for bomb practice by the U.S. Military. Now it is a protected sanctuary for marine and bird life. Learn more about snorkel tours.

Visit the Ali’i Kula Lavender Plantation

This was something I really enjoyed. It was beautiful. You can walk through the lavender fields and have some beautiful photo ops. Entrance fee is only $3. Stop by the shop on your way out for a lavender scone with liliko’i jelly. This is something I loved so much I placed a huge online order twice a year, until I was diagnosed with celiac disease and could no longer eat the scones. Please have one for me!

View the Nakalele Blowhole

Just north of Kapalua, this natural phenomenon, called the Nakalele or Maui Blowhole, is where water trapped in an underwater lava tube is sent exploding into the air. Often 100 feet into the air every few minutes. Please be advised, the area is dangerous. The rocks are sharp and wet. Wear sturdy shoes, not flip flops. Please use caution when viewing. My advice is to view from a distance.

Take a Maui Helicopter Tour

We did this on our first trip to Hawaii. This was something we did on our couples trip and it was so romantic. He took us all over the island. The most magical part was when we flew through a rainbow. The actual rainbow. It was magical! We chose Blue Hawaiian for our tour. For more info check out their tours here https://www.bluehawaiian.com/en

Relax on the Maui Beaches

Maui has the most amazing beaches. Kaanapali, obviously one of my favorite. There is snorkeling on Kaanapali further down towards Black Rock. Head down the road a few minutes to the calm waters of Kapalua Bay. Rent a paddle board there. Makena Beach is absolutely gorgeous, aka Big Beach/Little Beach. You can relax there or even snorkel. They have food and restrooms there.

Take the Ferry to Lanai

Take the ferry to the Island of Lanai. We do this almost every visit to Maui and just spend the day at Hulopoe Beach. It’s a really great way to see a different island. The ferry departs from Lahaina and takes a little less than an hour. The beach is about a five minute walk from the bay.

Go to a Luau

What Hawaiian vacation would be complete without a Luau? No, I did not eat that.

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I am sure I am forgetting things. Like having a shaved ice in the flavor shark’s blood. Please note I don’t have any celiac friendly recommendations because my last visit was before diagnosis. Hopefully I will be back soon. Until then, follow me on pinterest for more travel ideas, celiac tips, and gluten free recipes. Stay tuned for Kauai and The Big Island. Learn more about Oahu, Hawaii.

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