If you have been following me for a bit then you know Hawaii is one of our favorite places to visit. I have been going almost every single year (sometimes twice a year) since I first started dating John.  There is so much beauty to see and I never get sick of exploring it! The last trip we took was to the island of Maui and I got so many questions as far as what to see, where to eat and what to do. I can’t believe I haven’t written a Maui Travel Guide yet!  Keep on reading to see all my recommends for Maui, Hawaii.

Where to Eat:

• Monkeypod: Love the pizza at this spot and the food is always simple and fresh. It’s the only place on the islands I know of that has fernet and has legitimate cocktails and all the weird, obscure types of alcohol my husband likes.
• Star Noodle This best house-made noodles (all the way from ramen to pad thai). This place is really yummy and especially delicious on a rainy day. Locals go here too, so you know it’s legit. Make sure to make a reservation ahead of time!
• Leilanis on the Beach : Best unpretentious lunch. This is a super touristy spot, but if you are looking for the best simple Mai Tai this place has what you need.
• Lahaina Grill : This place is pricey and most suitable for a special occasion, but it’s absolutely delicious!! The sommelier at this restaurant happens to be a friend of our family and is excellent! If you are into a good wine paired dinner this place is it. Tell him the Smith family sent you 😉
• Flatbread Company : Yummy Yummy flatbread! This place is awesome after wandering around town shopping or just stopping by on the road back from Hana. They have a wood-fired stone oven so you can sit back, sip wine and watch them make your pizza.
• Maui Brewing Co. If you are a beer lover definitely stop by this spot. They have great choices and there’s simple (but yummy) food to keep your stomach full while you are drinking those ice cold beers.
• Merrimans : This place is located in the upscale and insanely green Kapalua Golf Resort. This is another pricey place so I would recommend going during Happy hour because you may not want to spend on the dinner menu ($$$$!). This place is meant to be enjoyed during sunset as it has the most beautiful view. Make sure to sit on the patio to enjoy the view to the fullest.
• Olowalu General Store + The Fruit Stand: I really love stopping here every time I’m in Maui! It’s a great pit stop before a road trip around the island or just after a day at the beach! The general store has yummy spam masubi, teriyaki chicken and rice and other snacks. The fruit stand right next to it has smoothies, fresh fruit and it’s also an adorable photo opp!

What to Do:

• Watch the sunset from Haleakala National Park. – This place is a long drive up the mountain but once you make it, the view is really something! If you make it all the way to the top you even find yourself right above the clouds. The whole drive up has beautiful views so you can stop along the way and take breaks.
•  Road to Hana: Twin Falls,  bamboo forest, Wailua Falls, the fruit stands. The Road to Hana has SO MUCH to offer I don’t know where to start, but these are some of the places I have visited. I have only ever made it halfway as it’s a long road but even that has been amazing. Make sure to do your research before going! There is so much information out there and a lot you need to know. You can do the road however you please! You can get off and just see the easy to access sites (like twin falls) or park and do a long trail to a hidden waterfall or bamboo forest. 
• Visit all the beaches: Big Beach is one of my favorite beaches. It’s just like the name says: BIG! It’s undeveloped and beautiful. Nothing but white sands and good waves for body surfing (FYI it used to be a nude beach!). Wailea Beach is such a beautiful, secluded beach that is right in front of the Four Seasons Resort. It has a beautiful view and never feels crowded. Black Rock is at the end of Kaanapali Beach and is great for snorkeling and cliff jumping into the ocean. Always a fun day here!
• Sunset at Lahaina Harbour: This area of town is definitely a tourist trap but if you find yourself going to dinner here, make sure to catch the sunset. It’s especially beautiful and peaceful from this part of town. 
• Any Water Sport: Snorkle, Cliff Dive, Swim, Paddleboard, float around on your floatie. Do whatever your heart desires but there is so much to do! Paddle Boarding is my personal favorite on this island.

Where to stay:

• Hyatt Regency: John and I stayed here when we got married and it was an absolute dream! Their pools are really cool (complete with a suspended bridge, waterfalls and an underground grotto). Oh also, they have penguins!! Love this hotel so much.
• Kaanapali Beach Hotel: This hotel is an older hotel that is more reasonably priced than a lot of other ones on this beachfront strip of Kaanapali. It doesn’t have 6 pools and penguins (like the Hyatt), but it is right on the beach! My family stays here a lot and its become kind of a nostalgic feel for me every time I stay there.
• Kaanapali Royal: If you have more people staying with you, renting a condo may be a better option! Sometimes we stay here. It is just across the golf course from Kaanapali beach. You do have a longer walk to the beach every single day, but it’s nice if you want to have your own kitchen, a living room, and more space.

Know Before Visiting

• Best times to visit are April through May and September through November
• Tradewinds are almost always stronger in the afternoon! Make sure to head to the beach earlier (especially to do any water sports) so that you have the best conditions. It can get pretty windy in the afternoon during certain times of the year.
• Flash floods are a thing! If you are going to a waterfall or any hikes, make sure to check the weather before you go. There have been lots of accidents with tourists not being aware of this situation.
• Rent a car. Maui is best when you have a car. We love to explore the island, head to more secluded beaches for some days and also like to go hiking. Having a car to get from one side of the island to the next is so helpful! Note: Maui does have uber, but they don’t have a lot of them.

Hope you guys liked my guide!! If I left anything out please feel free to share below!! Thanks for reading.

xx Francesca