if you're in maui and you're looking for a little taste of luxury without breaking the bank, head to the grand wailea resort in kihei.  it's one of the nicest hotels on the island and has breathtaking sculptures, landscaping and views.  plus, there are some great restaurants, bars and shops to check out during your visit.  unfortunately, you can't use any of the amenities if you're not staying at the hotel, but it's a great place to grab lunch or a happy hour drink and take in a little hawaiian luxury. 

explore // the beaches of maui

there's no question that maui has some of the most beautiful beaches on the planet.  and there's also no question that there is no way you would be able to hit every single one of them while you're visiting the island (wouldn't that be nice, though?)  however, there are a few beaches that are on my "must visit" list when i'm in maui and i make sure to get to them at least once every time i visit.

check out big beach in kihei.  it's down past all the grand hotels and is a bit off the beaten path, but still easily accessible.  grab food from a local food truck on the side of the road and find a picnic bench to enjoy a great picnic while exploring kihei or bring a beach towel, find some sun and catch some rays.

head to black rock beach at the sheraton hotel in whalers village.  there's tons of beach space and it has a great sandy bottom for swimming.  if you want to snorkel, swim out to the rocks, it's a great place to see some beautiful fish and maybe a turtle or too!  if you're really feeling adventurous, join the other thrill seekers and jump off the rocks!

looking for more wildlife? head up to napili bay and swim with the turtles! it's a very rocky beach so be prepared, but the snorkeling is definitely some of the best on the island! 

honauma bay is another awesome place to snorkel.  it's tough to access but worth the trek.  the bay is huge and deep, so plenty of bigger fish like to call it home.  if you're not up for the hike, many snorkel excursions visit honauma bay during their outings.

want something that has it all?  head to kapalua beach.  parking can be hard but if you're lucky enough to find a spot or don't mind a bit of a walk, it's well worth it!  the white sandy beach is definitely the most coveted of areas to hang out, but there's grassy areas as well.  the ocean floor is sandy before the reef, which allows for ample swimming space if you're not a snorkeler.  swim out past the sand and take in all the fish and coral!  there's even a place to rent snorkel equipment or paddle boards! kapalua is definitely my favorite beach in maui!

adventure // whale watching in maui

one of my most favorite things we did while in maui was go whale watching.  since we were there in february, it's peak season for the whales traveling back up to colder waters for the summer months.  every where you looked you could see spouts of water popping up all across the water and if you were lucky, you could catch a glimpse of a tail or even a full breach.  our whale watching excursion proved to be very eventful - lots of tail slaps and whale noises! i definitely recommend using maui adventure cruises if your looking for a great whale watching company.  they have awesome captains and knowledgeable guides on every boat!  we have never been disappointed when we've used them!

eat // lahaina, maui

another one of my favorite places in maui is the downtown lahaina area.  yes, it's filled with tourists at pretty much all times of the day but it's definitely a must see when you're on maui.  there are plenty of unique shops and restaurants to check out but there are a few places you must check out when you are there.  

lahaina luna cafe is a great little walk up cafe with some unique local cuisine and flavors.  their pulled pork sandwich is out of this world and their crispy thai chicken bites are to die for! the casual, order at the window and seat yourself atmosphere is a nice escape from the crowded and overpriced restaurants that are popular in lahaina.  lahaina luna is a great place to grab a quick lunch or dinner - and i promise, you'll be glad you did. 

another spot you gotta hit is right next door to lahaina luna.  ululanis shave ice is a maui staple and is the best shave ice on the island.  they shave the ice right in front of you and have a variety of flavors ranging from your typical cherry and lime to unique ones like tamarind and guava.  plus, you can get ice cream in the bottom or sweet and condensed milk poured on top!  their shave ices are works of art and are definitely just as delicious as they are good looking!

you really can't go wrong in lahaina if you keep an open mind and try places that are more local instead of the few chain restaurants.  a few more favorites include kimos for a nice dinner, cheeseburger in paradise for a great breakfast, and lahaina fish co for a great happy hour mai tai ($4!).

travel // paia, maui

back in february my parents and i escaped to maui for a week for a little family getaway. maui is one of my favorite vacation spots. it holds a lot of memories for me and i'm always excited whenever i can get back to the island. this trip we took it a bit more mellow with a lot of beach time and relaxation. but of course we had to fit some of my favorite to-do's and must - see's in throughout the week, as well as a few new things! and you can bet i had my camera with me the entire trip! 

one of my favorite little towns in maui is paia. it's a small hippie town on the north side of the island just a short drive from the airport. paia reflects its heritage as a unique hawaiian plantation village that originated in the latter half of the nineteenth century.  now, paia has become a laid back town with local businesses and a coexistence between longtime residents and those attracted by the area's windsurfing. the unique blend of shops, boutiques, and restaurants that make up paia has become a destination in its own right, nestled along some of maui’s best beaches and still surrounded by sugar cane.

a must do when in paia is to eat at milagros, a great little restaurant in the heart of the town.  their fish tacos are delicious and one of my favorite things to eat on maui.  plus, they have a great selection of local craft beer and some over the top margarita flavors!  after lunch, you gotta head up the road to hookipa beach, a world famous wind surfing beach.  the beach is gorgeous and it's always fun to watch the surfers catch some big waves!  be advised - it gets windy so leave your hat in the car!