Maui is one of my favorite places I’ve visited. So much, that I’ve been there twice in 2016 & 2019. My regret the first time we visited was that we didn’t spend as much time as I would have liked. We did an “Island Hopping” tour: 3 islands in 7 days (Maui, The Big Island, and Oahu). Instead of being a Hawaiian Vacation, it became more like a vacation sampler. Since we spent about a day and a half on each island. It was fun, but it seemed a bit rushed.

Having had a sample of what Maui had to offer, I needed a bigger taste. So, we returned on a family trip in January 2019. This time we stayed nine days without leaving the island. There was talk that we might travel to another island, but I was not interested. Because we were there longer, we got to see some things again – and some things for the first time. One of those things was whale watching, which was an incredible experience! In addition, we traveled the entire Road to Hana (we only did a portion of the drive on the first trip).

Having spent nine days there, I had the opportunity to make some observations:

  1. Chickens don’t like rain 🐓 I didn’t know that, but it started raining and they took shelter under a picnic table.
  2. I don’t need to be on the top of a volcano at 6am, in 36 degree horrible weather, ever again. 🌋
  3. You can find banana bread everywhere in Maui. 🍌
  4. The “Road To Hana” is much more impressive than Hana itself (sorry Hana) 🚘 We drove through Hana, and I wasn’t aware that we did.
  5. Being awake for the better part of 24hrs in a row… sucks! 🛏 The multiple time zone changes were tough.
  6. Hawaiian radio stations play a lot of reggae.. I love that! 🎶 Reggae is island music, no matter what island.
  7. If your in Hawaii, outside and it’s pouring down raining- it’s okay… because well – you’re in Hawaii 🌧
  8. Finding a place in Maui that has been on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives is extremely easy. 🥣
  9. Hawaii really supports my love of tacos. 🌮 Fish Tacos on Maui have set a pretty high bar.
  10. Pineapple juice tastes so much better in Hawaii. Kona coffee tastes great anywhere! ☕️ 🍍