I never knew anyone with as much energy as me until I met Jonathan. Good thing we are travel (and life) partners for life! Last week wrapped up our second trip to Maui. Here is what we enjoyed the most.

 

 

What to Do

Take in beautiful coastal views along the Road to Hana. Although the Gypsy Guide app makes it possible to drive without a guide, add Sandy Cheeks Tours to your phone STAT! Kyle will customize your tour to meet your road trip needs and desires. Not to mention he stocks the car with snacks and cold beverages.

The Haleakalā National Park sunrise tour and bike ride is impressive and worth the early wake up call. Consult your hotel concierge for specific guide recommendations.

Surfing is apart of the Hawaiian culture and lifestyle. Do as the locals do and take a surf lesson with Aloha Ocean Adventures Ikaika and Keoki run an awesome business and I cannot recommend this “surf school” enough! If Ikaika can get me and Jonathan to tandem surf on the first try, he can get anyone to stand up and ride the waves! Proof is in the pudding.

Whether you’re surfing, snorkeling, or swimming, chances are high you are accompanied by the sea turtles. These creatures are very sizable and it is fascinating to observe them in their natural habitat. Make a sunset trip to Tavares Beach for a turtle showcase!

 

 

Where to Eat

Y’all already know I looooove to EAT and there is no shortage of good food in Maui. Monkeypod Kitchen is known for its frothy Mai Tais, and they do NOT disappoint. The setting is electric and the menu is fairly diverse. I’m not a big fish eater (I never acquired the taste) but I was pleasantly surprised to find delicious fish-free food offerings. I mean Hawaii is the place to eat fresh fish! Believe it or not, the ramen noodles were divine. Full service is available at the bar, but make a reservation to spare yourself the hassle.

Mateo’s Osteria is home to delicious Italian cuisine. Sometimes there’s nothing more satisfying than a big bowl of pasta or PIZZA. Did the pizza life chose you? I’m definitely one of the chosen ones! Anyway, we snacked on a flatbread and filled up on pasta.

Longhi’s is located in the outdoor mall and has a little something for everyone. I suggest lunching here during your shopping charades. Consider a Greek salad if you’re a light mid-day eater.

Ka’Ana Kitchen was our favorite meal by a long shot…and it’s on-site at the Andaz! Whoa, whoa, WHOA!!!! This farm to table concept restaurant takes all of your favorite flavors and concocts then into mouthwatering dishes. I’m talking watermelon “steak” drizzled in balsamic vinegar topped with creamy feta and Hawaiian sea salt. OH EM GEE. I could have lived off of this stuff. Fried chicken…who doesn’t love fried chicken?! Yeah no one…well, the master chefs served up chicken and waffles on a decadent syrup infused pancake instead and topped it with jalapeño sauce. Never mind the lemon butter cream sauce…drooling. We went back for seconds. But if red meat suits your fancy, indulge in the skirt steak (pictured here) and wash it down with a “creamy” moscow mule. The cocktails are inventive too – who knew coconut cream would be the perfect addition to a traditional moscow mule?!

P.S. Locals and tourists alike rave about Mama’s Fish House. Lesson learned: BOOK A RESERVATION SEVERAL DAYS IN ADVANCE!

 

 

Where to stay

This was our second trip to Maui, and specifically to the Wailea Area. We enjoyed our stay the first time around, but we really appreciated how easy everything was at Andaz. To name a few…the car service, 24 hour market, on-site Enterprise Rent-A-Car, and abundance of pools. Whether you’re going out to eat or hitting up the shops at Wailea, the complimentary car service will shuttle you to and fro in luxurious SUVs. The 24 hour market is simply genius and frankly every hotel property should have one. It was like a pimped out gift shop with all the beach wares, an ice cream stand, fresh pastries, beer and wine, as well as a plethora of hot food items. The breakfast burrito was a hot commodity.

Resort fees are a doozy, but they hurt less at Andaz. High speed wifi, paddle board rentals, guided canoe tours, snorkel equipment, GoPro rentals, etc.,  are covered. In a nutshell, stuff you actually want to take advantage of!

Now I could go on and on about the lush landscapes, sunsets, and private beach, but pictures speak louder than words! Mahalo for reading.

 

 

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