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Maui has a very special place in my heart. It was my first destination to visit with my best friend way back in grade school. We visited on a few family vacations growing up and of course, were married here in 2022. Being the halfway point between Little Rock and Sydney, it was the perfect meeting spot for our loved ones! 

How to get there

Kahului Airport is the primary airport on the island of Maui and receives both overseas and interisland flights. Once there, the easiest thing to do is rent a car. Maui’s roads are pretty straightforward. This way, you’ll have the freedom to see what you want, when you want. 

Where to stay

The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua is about a 45 minute drive from the airport in West Maui. With a three-tired pool, beach access only feet away, six eateries and Club Lounge refreshments, visitors are spoiled for choice. If you’re looking for peace, quiet and privacy, then Kapalua is your spot, and the reviews on Hotels.com agree!

I’ve now had the pleasure of checking in here five times and can only hope to have another five! The truth is, if the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua resort failed to exist, my life would look a lot different. When I first visited here back in 2016 on a press trip, I met a drone pilot – who ended up introducing me to THE drone pilot when I needed my broken drone fixed circa 2018. We all know how that one ended – walking down the aisle at none other than The Ritz Carlton Kapalua in 2022. 

Highlights on-property included the melt-in-your-mouth burgers and shakes enjoyed oceanside for lunch at the Burger Shack (and where we held our rehearsal dinner). While here one day, I had the pleasure of sitting down with local resident and Ritz-Carlton Kapalua Cultural Ambassador, Clifford Na’eole. I wanted to know more from a Hawaiian about his storied past.

“We are proud to be American, but we want our heritage back.”

Way back when during the 1800s, Hawaii was doing just fine on its own. Cut to 1898 when Hawaii became a U.S. territory. Locals say that’s when their monarchy was overthrown, their language was banned, their land had been seized, and it was the end of their culture as they knew it. Since then, tourism has made it nearly impossible for average people to live in Hawaii. Tourism dollars spent on hotels, cuisine and activities push the cost of living so high that the people who actually live in Hawaii can’t afford to live in Hawaii. Many locals are being driven out of their homes to the mainland where it’s more affordable to live.

I asked Clifford how he felt about this. He said, “I’m optimistic, and I don’t get angry. I always tell people, you weren’t here in 1898. If you were, congrats! You look pretty good. Now that you see this and we’ve talked, I expect you to be responsible for what happens. Help us in terms of education or legislation reform.”

So, this is me trying to educate. I fully realize I’m aiding in those tourism dollars by visiting an island that is not my home, but this is why I travel. To meet new people, to experience different cultures, to gain a deeper understanding of the needs and wants of others and then do the most important part – to share it. Knowing these things on a higher level will ultimately make society stronger, better and at peace.

Lahaina Update

Tragically, on August 8, 2023, Maui experienced wildfires that killed more than 100 people and destroyed more than 2200 structures – including significant historical and cultural sites. Tourism to the island has been a long-debated subject, with inhabitants trying to find the most sustainable way to preserve the land while also supporting the economy. The most important things to remember when visiting Maui and its neighboring islands are to educate yourself on the culture, respect the land and its people, and spend your money wisely by supporting local businesses. After being on the island, we recommend supporting the Hawaii Community Foundation’s Maui Strong Fund, Maui Food Bank, and Maui United Way. The best way to help is to share the news that Maui (especially West Maui) is open and welcoming visitors, as many people are still confused and think Maui is closed. There are several businesses opening back up in Lahaina too, which is very encouraging. They all need our support – and the best way to rebuild is to keep people employed by having a strong economy. 

Activities around the island

In Hawai’i, there’s a saying “mauka to makai” – mauka meaning mountain and makai meaning ocean. Therefore, a good way to experience the island is to do things in both mauka and makai. 

Road to Hana – The little 64 mile adventure on the east coast of the island. When I say little, I mean big. When I say big, I mean long. When I say long, I mean ALL DAY. When I say all day AND there’s a baby involved, I mean two days. Yes, we conquered this when Nora was only 3 months old…what a feat! If you are looking for a tour, this Road to Hana tour will pick you up, drop you off and includes a guide as well!

Haleakala National Park at sunrise or sunset –  Home to Maui’s highest peak at 10,000 ft! This is an active shield volcano that forms more than 75% of the Hawaiian Island of Maui. To visit at sunrise is very popular. We had a baby at the time and opted for sunset. Haleakala Summit Sunrise requires a reservation. Here’s a tour that will pick you up and give you breakfast after sunrise!

Air Maui –  I love a good heli ride, and there’s no better place to get stunning aerial views than Hawaii where the waterfalls and jagged cliffs are more prevalent than the weddings and honeymoons happening on the ground. May I suggest the West Maui and Molokai ride? Afterwards, the super popular Mama’s Fish House is nearby alongside the cute town of Pai.

Snorkeling – Head out to the Molokini Crater or go to Kapalua Bay, a very short walk from the Ritz-Carlton property (resort offers free shuttle rides throughout the day) and you’ll see loads of turtles!

Maui Lu’au – The word “lu’au” comes from the ancient Hawaiian word Aha’aina, which means “gathering for a meal.” The Ritz Carlton offers the experience twice a week, and it’s so interactive, informative and fun!

Whale watching cruise –  If it’s winter you can’t leave Maui without hopping aboard a whale-watching boat. No excuses. If it’s not humpback season, give Trilogy
Excursions a call and sign up for their wet and wild sail to Lanaʻi instead.

Maui Pineapple Farm Tour – Great Insight into the history of the pineapple industry in Hawaii.

Hiking – Hike Maui has some great options with their East Maui Waterfalls and Rainforest Hike being their most popular. Some photos have accidentally surfaced below from our family Maui hike back in ’07. Talk about Christmas card gold…

Eat/Drink

Banyan Tree – Hawaiian coastal cuisine at the Ritz Carlton Kapalua.

Burger Shack – Where we had our rehearsal dinner by the beach! The burgers and shakes should NOT be missed.

Merriman’s – Close to Ritz-Carlton Kapalua, this eatery is where you want to be at sunset for drinks or a delicious dinner.

Duke’s on the Beach – Breakfast, lunch, dinner, Barefoot Bar and entertainment on Kaanapali Beach.

Mama’s Fish House – alongside the cute town of Pai, this popular eatery needs a rez!

Tin Roof – a casual lunch shop by Chef Sheldon Simeon in Kahalui, Maui. Dishes include mochiko chicken, poke bowl, and pork belly.

Monkeypod Kitchen – where foodies, beer lovers, and families escape the stresses of their day-to-day lives by enjoying an ice-cold beer and quality food.