Hawaii is a destination that needs no introduction. It’s a tropical paradise most people dream of visiting one day. But it is more than just the golden beaches, rich blue waters and lush green mountains, there is the unique beauty of Hawaiian culture. 

I knew I would visit Hawaii one day, especially because it was only a 5-hour flight from Seattle. This dream trip was set when we were invited to our friend’s wedding in Maui. While most people rush through Maui in 3-4 days and combine it with other islands, we decided to stay 9 days to explore the entire island at a relaxed pace. It was the perfect way to immerse myself into the slower pace of Hawaii’s island vibes.

Day 1 – Saturday, November 9, 2019

We landed past midnight and checked into a small hotel, Maui Seaside Hotel near the airport. With minimal sleep, I made Chi drive us to the summit of Haleakala to enjoy the sunrise. The sun rose with brisk temperatures and a huge crowd of admirers. We explored the national park and the crater before making our way down and taking a well-needed nap. 

We enjoyed our first Hawaiian meal at Da Kitchen. This restaurant served massive portions and offered lots of options. We ate their signature Kalbi ribs and deep-fried spam musubi. But I loved their dole whip the most –pineapple soft serve ice cream in sweet pineapple juice and whipped cream. 

We checked into our resort stay of this trip, Kaanapali Beach Hotel. It was tiki and Hawaiian style –a natural theme for Hawaii. We walked along the beachfront boardwalk to Whaler’s Village outdoor shopping area. It was touristy but lively and fun. We ate dinner at Joey’s Kitchen and shopped around. Everyone was on vacation and it reminded me of the Vegas strip or Downtown Disney in Orlando.

Day 2 – Sunday, November 10, 2019

We had breakfast at Down the Hatch in Lahaina and it was delicious. Chi couldn’t stop raving about the chicken and waffles and I enjoyed a lighter breakfast, the banana bread french toast. We walked around Lahaina Front Street, a cute street lined with gift or surf branded clothing shops. 

It was time to hit our first beach. The Kaanapali beach in front of our hotel was not suited for swimming so we visited a nearby beach, Baby Beach. This beach was okay but my least favorite —it wasn’t scenic, was crowded and the sand or water wasn’t the best. We had lunch at Monkeypod Kitchen. I had to order the Hawaiian Pizza in Hawaii, but this version was topped with kalua pork instead of ham. Not bad. 

That evening to celebrate Chi’s birthday, we attended the Old Lahaina Luau dressed in our Hawaiian-best. The environment was beautiful —outdoor dining along a waterfront paired with a vivid sunset. The traditional buffet feast was good but seeing the hula dance was what I came for. It was a fun night, just like attending a Hawaiian themed party.

Day 3 – Monday, November 11, 2019

We went to Down the Hatch for breakfast again because there weren’t many other breakfast options around. I was glad I did because this time I got a lava shrimp omelet. Filled with juicy deep-fried shrimp and a mild spicy mayo, it was one of the best omelette I’ve ever had. 

We went to Kapalua Beach next and this was a beautiful bay to snorkel. We even saw our first turtle swimming near the beach! It was huge compared to the one we saw in Seychelles; about 2 feet long.  

We beach-hopped to Kahekili Beach Park. This was a long stretch of golden sand and blue waters. The waves were quite strong so we didn’t swim much. 

In the afternoon, we returned to the hotel to get ready for Yuliya and Adam’s wedding at Olowalu Plantation House. It was a beautiful night and venue to celebrate their special day.  

Day 4 – Tuesday, November 12, 2019

Breakfast was disappointing at the highly-rated and popular 808 Grindz Cafe. It was good value but nothing special nor worth the wait. After we ate, we stopped at the Nakealele Blowhole and this was much cooler than expected. It was a bit mesmerizing to watch water shoot out of this blowhole. We stopped at Olivine Pools nearby but we were tired and hungry so we decided to move on to Kihei, our next area of interest. 

We had lunch at one of the best food trucks on Maui, South Fish Company. I got very good fish tacos, where the entire taco was 95% fish! We checked into the Days Inn and hit the Keawakapu beach out front. Again, the waves were pretty strong so we didn’t swim much. 

That evening, I tried my first shaved ice at Ululani’s, the acclaimed best in Maui. Oh, and it was the best!!! The finely shaved ice melts in your mouth, the natural fruit syrups and condensed milk mixture add sweet flavoring and the bottom layer of coconut ice cream makes it creamy just like how I love desserts. It was the most impressive, refreshing and delicious thing I had on this trip.  

Day 5 – Wednesday, November 13, 2019

Early morning, I dragged Chi out to get a cinnamon bun from the Cinnamon Roll Place. As recommended by a friend, I could never refuse a good cinnamon bun. The bun was soft and covered in a gooey caramel glaze. A perfect start to my day.  

Today was our Molokini Crater snorkel tour with Seafire Charters. Our first stop was inside the crater and the waters were the clearest I’ve ever seen. It was filled with healthy coral and abundant tropical fish. 

Our second stop was outside of the crater. While there was less fish here, I had never seen a wall of coral-like this. You can also stare into the depths of the ocean. It was eerie but also stunning. 

Our third and final stop was the turtle cleaning area. While the waters were not as clear as the crater, it was filled with Hawaiian green sea turtles! They are such adorable and majestic creatures. 

This snorkel excursion was without a doubt, the highlight of our trip and one of the best snorkel experiences I’ve had throughout all my travels. Seafire Charters was the perfect tour company for us; a smaller boat departing in Kihei and the best value around. 

We had lunch at Coconut Fish Cafe but it was nothing to rave about. We headed to Maluaka beach. The beach wasn’t too busy and the waters were clear and calm. It was a perfect beach to swim in and the best one in this entire Maui trip.

That evening, we picked up another Ululani’s shaved ice and moved onto Paia town, about an hour away. This accommodation, Nalu Kai Lodge Hotel was my favorite place to stay. It was a small but cozy and cute lodge in the middle of the surf town. We ended the night with dinner at the popular Paia Fish Market. It was fantastic quick casual seafood. 

Day 6 – Thursday, November 14, 2019

Our lodge was looking cuter than ever and I started the day with an acai smoothie bowl from Paia Bowls. It was the perfect surfer life breakfast.

Then we headed to Maui Sunriders Bike Company for a self-guided tour down Haleakala summit. It was a thrilling scenic ride where I’d have to brake and slow down around many switchbacks.

We rode by a ranch and small-town called Makawao. We stopped to explore the quaint town and got donuts at Komodo Bakery. They were soft and fluffy… just the way I like my donuts. 

We spent the afternoon at Paia Bay. It was too wavy to swim so I just relaxed and watched the surfers play in the waves. 

For dinner, we headed to Mama’s Fish House. This restaurant was highly recommended and reviewed on travel blogs and websites. I was skeptical but it lived up to its reputation and was truly the best seafood restaurant I’ve ever had. First, the restaurant was situated on a gorgeous beach-front with palm trees. The atmosphere was Polynesian and tiki decorated with impressive tropical flower bouquets.

The fantastic complimentary bread and tomato soup teased us wanting more. Then our appetizer, crab cakes kicked us off with melt-in-your-mouth crab goodness. My main dish, Mama’s stuffed fish was phenomenal. I still dream about the soft flaky fish covered in the roasted crunchy macadamia nuts stuffed with rich lobster and crab meat. The service was also friendly and fantastic. I’ll eat here anytime I visit Maui.