Family Travel | Maui
Hawaii has long been a famed destination for Americans, our own paradise with no passport needed. It was the place everyone would say they wanted to go when I was growing up. The classic island getaway that is on everyones’s bucket list. From golden and black beaches to dreamy waterfalls and deserted islands, It’s worth the long journey to check it off your list.
Wanderlust Hotels
Four Seasons Maui at Wailea - Arrive and enter into the open air lobby that outlooks the Pacific ocean. The Four Seasons stretches 15 acres on the south end of Maui giving you many instagrammable moments. With multiple family pools, a private adults only pool and a beautiful beach there are many places to relax. They offer 4 restaurants on site with many social events to compliment. They also are one of the only resorts that doesn’t charge a report fee. We choose this resort as our stay and I would recommend it to you.
Ritz Carlton Kapalua - Located on the far west end of Maui, this Ritz gives you a secluded mountain vibe with the topography full of lush trees and wind. It is not your typical Maui coast but it offers some breathtaking views. Choose this resort for a true secluded Hawaii hideaway.
Andaz Maui at Wailea - Being one of the more modern and hip resorts in Maui, this makes my list. The Andaz welcomes you with an open air lobby with leveled pools that will guide you down to the beach. This resort offers 6 dining options which includes the popular Morimoto Maui.
Wanderlust Experiences
Road to Hana - This is my favorite and best recommendation while in Maui. Buckle up because it is a full day of adventure but it’s worth every minute. This tour takes you along the famous Road to Hana which offers many one of a kind stops along the way. See waterfalls, the black beach, local vendors, eucalyptus trees, and much more along the scenic route. I linked the tour company we used down in the itinerary section of this blog.
Professional Photo Session - Maui is the perfect backdrop for any type of photo yo could desire. Family, engagement, baby, lifestyle. I highly recommend taking advantage of some of the wonderful photographers on the island. We used Love and Water Maui and these pictures have become apart of our home decor because they turned out so stunning!
Spearfishing - This is a one of a kind experience and Maui is a perfect place to try it. I booked this for my husband and his friend. Be sure you’re a great swimmer before signing up though, you’ll definetly be challenged in learning this new skill.
Surf Lessons - This is the classic Maui master class for learning to surf. With Pacific waves crashing all day this is a great experience for couples, friends and families. Whether beginner or not, it’s a great Maui adventure.
Helicopter Tour - Totally a must! Seeing the beautiful islands with waterfalls from above was a breathtaking experience. We used Platinum Tours company here as well.
Black Sand Beach - If you opt to not take the Road to Hana tour due to timing, Be sure to visit the famous black sand beaches. This little beach inlet offers a beautiful setting with caves and cliffs surrounding. You can hang out all day or just pop in to catch the perfect instagram worthy photo.
Ho’Okipa Beach - This was an unexpected surprise stop and I’m so glad we made it here. I have never seen such majestic sea turtles up so close. They were all resting on the beach in their safe resting place which is roped off but you can still see them so clearly at a safe distance. Aside from this the water here is a dark clear turquoise, its a perfect spot to jump in. We visited in the late afternoon around 3 or 4 pm and the turtles were aplenty.
Wanderlust Cuisine
Duo Four Seasons - A poolside steakhouse located in the Four Seasons. One of the better steakhouses on the island and if you aren’t staying here its a great opportunity to visit the resort while sitting poolside sipping on your evening cocktail.
Ka’Anna - This restaurant will serve you some family style hawaiian flare. You can’t visit Maui without indulging inn the local cuisine. Ka’Anna offers contemporary atmosphere with an open kitchen to provide a little dining entertainment as you dine.
Morimoto - We know the famous chef from Nobu and now we can experience his own restaurants throughout the world. Maui is a newest location addition for his Japanese Fusion restaurant. It isolated in the new modern Andaz. Take a seat poolside and enjoy!
Luau - The Luau, that’s what we’re here for! A lot of resorts with offer a Laua or if yours doesn’t there isn’t one too far away. We stayed at the Four Seasons, which does not offer one but we were able to go a few resorts down to the Marriott and enjoy a very entertaining Laua complete with a full spread of Hawaiian food, entertainment, flame dancers and live music. The views of the pacific was a perfect backdrop to watch the sunset as we feasted.
Mama’s Fish House - This restaurant was one of the ones that kept coming up in my research of places to eat in Maui. This place offers fish seafood in a lively and eclectic atmosphere overlooking the ocean. It’s a popular place so you need to make sure you make reservations as soon as you pick your dates.
Ululani’s Shaved Ice - You cannot visit Hawaii and not get an original Hawaiian Shaved Ice! We visited this cute spot in town and enjoyed the treat while walking around and exploring downtown Maui.
Wanderlust Luggage
Wanderlust Itinerary
Thursday
12:15PM: Arrive Maui
2:00PM: Arrive at Four Seasons
Settle in, enjoy Hotel Pool/Beach
8:15PM: Dinner at Duo (Four Seasons)
Friday
5:45AM: Morrison Family Photos (Love and Water Maui)
8:00AM: Breakfast at Hotel
Enjoy Hotel Pool/Beach
7:30PM: Dinner at Ka’Anna Kitchen
Saturday
All Day Hotel Pool/Beach/Activities
5:00PM: Champagne & Oysters (Four Seasons Event)
8:15PM: Dinner at Morimoto Maui
Sunday
6:00AM-5:30PM: Road to Hana Tour with Platinum Tours
http://www.platinumtoursmaui.com/road-to-hana/
7:00pm-Casual dinner at hotel
Monday
7:15AM: Spearfishing for Guys
8:00AM: Breakfast
10-3:00PM: Hotel Pool/Beach/Activities
4:30PM: Dinner at Marriott Luau
Tuesday
All Day Hotel Pool/Beach/Activities
8:00PM: Dinner at Ferraros (Four Seasons)
Wednesday
8:45AM: Depart Hotel
10:00AM: Helicopter tour
12:45PM: Lunch at Mama’s Fish
2:30-6:00PM: Hotel Pool/Beach/Activities
7:45PM: Dinner at Spago (Four Seasons)
Thursday
Hotel Pool/Beach/Activities
6:00PM: Depart for OGG
As you can see from these photos, Maui is a beautiful and lush place full of adventures to pack your itinerary with. I can tell you my photos don’t even come close to doing justice for the real thing. I hope this blog has inspired you to visit the beautiful island of Maui. As always, feel free to email me with questions about this destination.
Stay Wandering!
