One word to describe Maui - EXOTIC. I had the opportunity to spend six days in Maui with my family and was able to really explore the best of the best on the island. From the magical black sand beach, the surreal pink sunsets, to the yummiest shaved ice we were in tropical heaven!

Below is a full break down of my Maui Must See's:

Where to Stay:
The Four Seasons Resort Maui Wailea is my fav especially if traveling with the littles. The new aesthetic honors the nature and beauty of the island while still maintaining a modern feel. The staff was amazing and personable. We stayed in one of their luxury suites with a beautiful garden and ocean view. With a spacious living and dining room, bathroom, bedroom and two large balconies, it provided the space we needed for the kids and really gave you the feel of being in your own private luxury apartment.

Some other highlights of the resort:
Spa: We did a Mommy & Me (couples massage) which was a great experience with my daughter. I recommend the Mahalo Massage which is a traditional Hawaiian massage where they use their forearm for a deep tissue technique. Sooo good.

Beach & Pools:

We alternated between the beach and the other two family pools. Cabanas are complimentary at the Four Seasons. There is also a secluded adults-only “Serenity Pool” with luxury cabanas. Snorkeling is a must in Maui, and one of the highlights of our stay. The coral reefs, fish and turtles are a must see. The hotel provided complimentary snorkel gear.

Breakfast was our fav meal of the day! Pancakes were the best I’ve ever had. My daughter loved the Açaí bowls and my son loved the fresh squeezed pineapple juice. The buffet offered the most delicious spread of fresh fruit, made to order omelettes, pancakes and pastries.

Maui Recommendations:

Rent a Jeep at the airport to get around.

Drive to Hana  
Buy a map from a gas station. Visit the seven sacred pools, black sand beach and various other exotic rain forest locations, seven sacred pools, twin falls, bamboo forest stop at Aunty Sandy’s for banana bread on the way so good. You can have a late lunch at the Hana Hotel. Amazing food.

Waiabapanapa Black Sand Beach was so exotic...it’s a must! The sand was magical. I grounded in it and let mother nature recharge my soul.

Haleakala  (Volcano) a bit far but worth it every minute.

Halemale General Store (Amazing Restaurant) https://hgsmaui.com . You can eat there when you go to the volcano because it is on the way.

Paia
A cool surfer area with boutiques and restaurants. Maui Girl has the cutest swimwear. Also, they do windsurfing competitions there, maybe you can catch one. Very cool to see. While in Paia eat at Mama’s Fish House. Make a reservation. Great high end Hawaiian restaurant. I had their signature crab stuffed Mahi Mahi...ahmazing.  Eat and go see the sea turtles after on the beach. 

Makawao
It is a small town on the mountain with cool hipster boutiques.  Nice to buy cool, non touristy arts and crafts from local artists there.

Makena
Amazing area that at the end of the drive you can see all volcanic rock that expands to the beach from the last eruption last century.

Visit the beach strand in Ka’anapali. The best beach in Maui and casual restaurants and shops to chill with the kids in the afternoon. Ka’anapali is my favorite.

Try an energy healing session at 808 Wellness.

Go to a good Luau. I like the one called the Old Lahanai Luau.  A great cultural and culinary experience for the whole family. The one at the Marriott is good as well.