the most peaceful island On hawaii
Living in California offers many advantages, one big perk is having the islands of Hawaii right nearby. And by right nearby, I mean a quick 6 hour non-stop flight. My first introduction to Hawaii was about 3 years ago and now I can’t stop dreaming about it. Ever since my husband and I moved back to the east coast, I made him promise me that we would go back to the west coast at least once a year and Hawaii was a must!
So far, we have made it to two islands - Maui and Oahu. My personal preference is Maui - the most chill, beautiful and peaceful island. Oahu was great to see, but it is a lot more touristy and a lot busier than Maui. If you’re looking for a relaxing trip, I highly recommend Maui.
I went this summer and I am already ready to go back. You know, since my luggage is pretty much still in tact from the trip.
Here is a round-up of all the best things to do and places to eat.
Let’s start first with the west side of Maui - the areas called Kaanapali and Lahaina. You’ll find oceanfront dining, soft sandy beaches, calmer waves, and the most picturesque and stunning sunsets of your life.
maui, THE WEST SIDE
Restaurants
GAZEBO
This is a great local breakfast spot. Warning - you will wait on line to be seated anywhere between 45 minutes to an hour. In the blistering sun, it could be brutal. But the restaurant does offer up umbrellas for you to use while waiting to protect yourself from the sun. Something I learned after, that is a hidden trick here, you may be better off calling for pick-up and skipping the wait. The views from the restaurant are quite beautiful tho if you don’t mind waiting.
MACA DANG DANG
This is one of the newer restaurants on the island. When you walk in you feel as if you have been transported to a modern farmhouse garden. The decor is so adorable, but the real experience here is all about the cuisine. It truly was a culinary experience - everything from the drinks to the food to the service.
HONU OCEANSIDE (front street)
A beautiful oceanfront dining restaurant on Front Street. It is a bit pricey, but if you make it here for sunset you deifnitely won’t regret it. The fish was so fresh, the views were unreal, and the ambiance was just perfect.
HULA GRILL in LAHAINA WHALER’S VILLAGE
Another oceanfront restaurant located in the popular Whaler’s Village. It’s a beautiful location with some evenings you’ll even have the pleasure of hearing live music. Definitely a great spot to eat at for daytime lunch or a nice dinner out.
STAR NOODLE (front street)
Nothing fancy here, but another great local spot where you can find delicious noodles.
THINGS TO DO AND PLACES TO SEE
If you drive north from Kaanapali and follow the road along, you will see many beautiful sights.
Honolua Bay Lookout
Stunning views of a snorkel beach. You’ll find some boats docked here for the snorkeling and swimming.
Honolua Bay trail - short hike to rocky beach great for snorkeling
Roosters and chickens line the path here, but it is a beautiful walk among stunning tall trees. Make sure to bring water shoes here because the beach is all rocks and no sand.
Honokohau Lookout -
Another lookout you can find from the highway. Just pull over to the side and take in the views.
Nakelele
Nakalele Blowhole
A natural blowhole that you can see from the top. If you’re feeling adventurous, there is a path to get closer but be careful it is windy and rocky here.
Lahaina Whaler’s Village
A shopping village lined with boutique shops, luxury retailers, and restuarants. A great spot to come to for a little retail therapy, dinner, followed by some yummy gelato.
Front Street
This is a fun street to roam around. Another one filled with lots of retailers and restaurants. You will find more dive bars here and more affordable dining.
Kaanapali Beach
This is the beach we have frequented the most as it seems to be the one with the calmest waves. Hawaii beaches can be a little dangerous when the rip tide and currents are high, so always read the signs and look for the flags before jumping in. If the waves are too high, I would caution you to maybe just dip the feet in and leave the swimming to the poolside.
hana (the east side)
things you must see
Last waterfall of the highway - 80 ft - stop at the little spot by the road and walk back to see its full effect.
Black Sand Beach
A must-see. We stopped here on our previous trip so we decided to skip it this time around. But It is really cool to see black sand on this beach. The black sand comes from the lava rock.
Red Sand Beach - steep (yet short) hike but so worth it
If you are scared of heights, narrow paths, and steep climbing you may want to avoid this one. But if you are feeling adventurous, this is a MUST. The colors of the rocks that surround this beach, the beautiful red sand, it is quite a see.
Hamoa Beach - crowded since it’s a public beach, but ofcourse it is beautiful.
Kopi Beach
Haleakala National Park;
Pipiwai Trail to Waimoku Falls
Kulocu Trail to Seven Sacred Pools
places to eat
HULI HULI CHICKEN
HANA RANCH
POKE BOB’S
AUNTIE SANDY’S for the BANANA BREAD!
