This trip almost didn’t happen. Postponed repeatedly due to COVID, it was a victory just to get it on the calendar. But when we finally landed in Maui, the wait proved worthwhile.
January 3, 2021
Our adventure began with a quick stop at Down to Earth Natural Market before settling into the condo. Beach time was our top priority, and friendly staff had chairs and umbrellas ready for us—though the wind had other plans.
Dinner at Manoli’s Pizza Company in Wailea set the tone for a relaxing first evening. We wrapped up the day with a serene night visit to the beach, feeling the sand between our toes and the gentle ocean breeze.
January 4, 2021
Jet lag turned into an unexpected blessing with a 7 a.m. workout. Energized, we “borrowed” some abandoned boogie boards from downstairs—because Hawaii! Breakfast at the popular Kihei Caffe required patience, but the payoff was worth it.
Tom’s snorkel improvisation (goggles and a board) still led to a turtle sighting. Dinner at Maui Thai Bistro was followed by a Safeway run and capped off with a night swim under the stars.
January 5, 2021
After an early morning run to Honolulu Coffee for acai bowls and coffee, it was time for our kayak and snorkel tour from the Wailea Beach Marriott.
Our guide Kruz, a young native Hawaiian who’d just graduated high school, turned out to be amazing. He was also a commercial free-diver and fisherman with a significant Instagram following. Though his Pearl Harbor timeline was a bit off (he thought it was in the 60s!), his ocean knowledge was incredible.
The highlights of our tour:
- Kruz found and helped us hold an octopus – fascinating to feel its sticky suction cups and wiggly arms
- He claimed to spot a 7-foot reef shark in a cave (though none of us could verify this)
- Tom saw a huge moray eel
- We got to handle some safe sea urchins (while carefully avoiding the poisonous ones)
- Finished with some turtle spotting – we saw several near the shore and in caves
Back at the room we had virtual class (ah, Covid times!), showers, and relaxation. The afternoon brought a sushi snack at Morimoto Maui, a visit to Makena Beach (Big Beach), some shopping, and dinner at Lineage.
January 6, 2021
Affter another virtual class in the morning, we boarded a catamaran for a snorkel tour. On the way, whales graced us with spouts and tail flicks.
Snorkeling Highlights:
- Watched two spotted morays in what looked like a dramatic standoff
- Saw plenty of needlefish and other colorful tropical species
- Explored a lava tube along the bottom with lots of caves
- Spotted at least 4 turtles and a spotted eagle ray
- Good gluten-free options for lunch onboard
- More whale sightings on the way back
Post-snorkel, we scouted Kaanapali for future celebrations, indulged in Island Cream Company’s ice cream, and Island Vintage Coffee for – you guessed it – an acai bowl. We walked the length of Kaanapali Beach checking out the Marriott and other hotels.
We considered dinner in Lahaina but ended up back in Wailea at Pita Paradise before catching the end of the Warriors game.
January 7, 2021
After workouts and another virtual class, we headed to The Market for breakfast/lunch sandwiches, then spent some time at the beach.
Tom and S went for a great hike at La Perouse Bay – a 2-mile out and back trail featuring super windy conditions and cool coral “huts.” Later, we tried to get acai bowls at the Sunset Market (weekly farmer’s market), but the breakfast bowl truck wasn’t there. Tom opted for poke instead.
When Honolulu Coffee turned out to be closed, E and S found their acai fix at Beach Street Maui. We ended the day at Ohana Seafood Bar & Grill, where a loud live band had us all singing along to fun covers.
January 8, 2021
Mom and S started early with surfing. Though the waves took some time to build, they had the water almost to themselves and even saw a whale breaching! Meanwhile, E had class, Tom grabbed acai bowls, and D barely made it out of bed three minutes before departure.
Tom, D, and E took a taxi to Makena Landing to meet Bryan for diving. Their 54-minute dive at 30 feet included:
- Multiple turtle sightings including a cave with 4 sleeping turtles
- Exploring Bubble Cave with an air pocket at the top
- Swimming through an arch
- Spotting nudibranchs and a baby moray eel
After showers and leftover lunch, we drove to Paia for exploration. We started with ever-present acai bowls and watched surfers from the beach, then shopped through town where the girls found sweaters and we picked up some items at Mana Foods.
Next stop was Hookipa Beach Park to watch big wave surfers tackle 10-15ft waves. The highlight was spotting 22 nearly motionless turtles lounging on the beach!
Back in Kihei, we checked out some food trucks but weren’t quite hungry, so we headed back to watch the sunset from our deck and help Stephanie book her London flight. Finally hungry, we returned to the food trucks for a feast of BBQ ribs, wings, a Beyond burger, and the piece de resistance – nacho bacon tater tots.
January 9, 2021 – Road to Hana!
We managed an impressive 7am departure after coffee and eggs. The drive to Paia was quiet and quick, though nothing was open for breakfast. Following our tour guide app, we passed Hookipa Beach Park again, still busy with early morning surfers.
Our Road to Hana highlights:
- Skipped Twin Falls due to rain
- Stopped at Keanae Arboretum for a walk among trees and taro fields
- Caught an amazing rainbow at the Keanae Peninsula
- Photo stop at Upper Waikani Falls (Three Bears)
- Refreshments at Nahiku Marketplace – coffee, smoothies, and gifts
- Explored Ka’eleku Caverns (Hana Lava Tubes) – Tom, S, and E ventured through the 1/4 mile tube
- Visited Waianapanapa State Park for the black sand beach, blowhole, and natural arch
- Quick stop in Hana for food truck lunch and groceries
- Detour on Haneoo Road to see fish ponds and Hamoa Beach
- Wailua Falls – beautiful roadside falls where Tom and S enjoyed a refreshing swim
- Pipiwai Trail and Ohe’o Pools (Seven Sacred Pools) – though pools were closed for swimming (are they ever open?)
- Hiked to Waimoku Falls through bamboo forests
The 2-hour Pipiwai Trail hike (1:15-3:15pm) took us past Makahiku Falls, through an incredible bamboo forest, and up to Waimoku Falls. Though signs warned against approaching the falls, everyone ignored them – D got some great photos under the falls despite a bandaid mishap!
After the hike, we returned to Wailua Falls for a much-needed swim to wash off the mud. All but Louisa (who stayed on the bridge for photos) enjoyed swimming under the falls and jumping from the ledge into the pool.
The drive back included:
- Unsuccessful ice cream hunt
- Stop at Coconut Glen’s for interesting ice cream flavors
- Rain-soaked drive through Paia
- Dinner at Milagros Food Company for excellent Mexican food
January 10, 2021 – Heading Home
Our final day began with a workout, a last ocean dip, and a scavenger hunt for souvenirs. With heavy hearts—and lighter wallets—we said goodbye to Maui, carrying home memories of sunsets, turtles, and endless acai bowls.
Where to Stay:
- Wailea area offers easy beach access and great dining options
- Wailea Beach Resort – Marriott provides excellent amenities and beach services
Food Highlights:
- Kihei Caffe – Worth the wait for breakfast
- Lineage – Innovative Hawaiian cuisine
- Milagros Food Company – Great Mexican food
- Various food trucks throughout the island
- Plenty of acai bowl options
Activities:
- Snorkeling and diving at Makena Landing
- Road to Hana – Start early and get the tour guide app
- Surfing and turtle watching at Hookipa Beach Park
- Beach activities at Wailea Beach
Pro Tips:
- Get an early start for Road to Hana
- Download a tour guide app for a better experience
- Check pool/waterfall conditions – they can close due to rain
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen
- Many restaurants have gluten-free options
