Toronto, Canada
I first met Charlene, a representative for the Maui in June, but I still had so much to do and see there were no thoughts of Maui when I had so much pig to look forward to in Spain. When I returned to Toronto I couldn’t bear to think about getting on the road again, everyone kept asking me what’s next. I had no idea, I just wanted to stay home.
The wanderlust was gone.
But then this year we started talking and the thought of Maui made me excited to travel again. I was feeling that spark that again, I felt ready to discover and actually enjoy travel.
There was one problem.
Many blog/press trips involve someone going for 5-7 days, cramming a million sights and sounds into those days and then trying to crank out posts that sound like it was a vacation when it often isn’t.
I don’t want that. I’m not a reporter or a journalist. I want this site to be about MY experiences traveling, not the 10 things you should do in a city.
The good news is that these trips are often like this because people have such short vacation time. But I don’t. I’m trying to build a new life where I can do contract work and travel MY WAY in between. I will do shorter trips in the future, maybe even short press trips – but it doesn’t feel right for Maui.
So I explained to Charlene that there are two things I know to be true about Maui:
1) Maui is on everyone’s bucket list but they think if they don’t go on their honeymoon they need to wait until their 50th anniversary. It’s a trip of a lifetime, or at least people think it’s so expensive it has to be that way.
2) Staying in 5-star resorts is wonderful, but I get lonely staying in luxury on my own with other couples. I need to get out beyond resort grounds. I don’t want to be lonely in Maui.
I know the hotels and spas will be wonderful but I want to see and do more. I want to learn about the culture of Maui. One week is not enough. Charlene understood so I have big news.
I’m going to Maui for a month!
For the next four weeks I’m busy researching what I should do, Caanan and Kent loved Maui but I need more ideas. I’d love to hear what you want to know about – within reason because let’s face it, I’m not hiking for more than a few hours at a time. But you can count on me eating a lot, hopefully learning how to make some food and perhaps taking a language or ukelele lesson or two…
So tell me folks, what do you think I should do?
Image (c) gimpbully, mccun934
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I'm Ayngelina and in my mid-thirties. I left an amazing job, boyfriend, apartment and friends to find inspiration in Latin America. I'm creating a new life choosing what I want instead of what other people think I should do.
Damn! That’s a sweet deal! I too would love to spend more time in a place rather than have a short luxury experience when it comes to press trips.
Never thought of just asking them for something different.
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You know now that I am back in Toronto I will want to do a mix. For some reason Maui didn’t feel right with only a week but I’d be open to other places for shorter periods of time. I guess I’ll have to take it case by case but I wanted it to feel right for me and I really think this will work.
Maui is the most beautiful place in the world. Buy a copy of Maui Revealed. It is the BEST travel guide for Maui. You can get accommodations very cheap. If you want to go to some beaches, you need an all terrain vehicle. There are so many waterfalls! I envy you totally. Can’t wait to go back someday.
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Ooh that is a very good tip thank you! Any food gems you want to share?
Just an FYI – the Maui Revealed book IS amazing, however it is not well liked by the locals. Consider a book cover (:
don’t mention “maui revealed” to locals. it spoiled a lot of tiny, previously unknown spots that couldn’t handle the high traffic that soon flooded the east side.
I lived in Maui for 3 years..I love it and it is always on my mind. So much good food (Ono grinds as they say there!) on Maui. you must try Cafe Ole in kihei. It’s awesome. Pick up picnic dinner at Hawaiian Moons in kihei on your way to little beach for sunset/fire dancing. There is no better island than maui! Enjoy!
Thanks for the restaurant tips you know I love my food! Any suggestions on what to do there? Are there things locals love but many tourists don’t know about? For example I heard there is an unofficial nude beach and on Sunday nights there is a bonfire.
We ate at the Paia Fish Market and it was delicious! Here is their site: http://www.paiafishmarket.com/
sunset festival! sunday nights over the rocks on the left side of makena. no bonfire, but some awesome naked fire dancing. plus it’s a perfect body surfing beach, and it seems dolphins like to play there.
Maui is definitely “no ka oi”! I’ve just returned from my 3rd visit. We went the luxury route, staying club level at Four Seasons Wailea . . . Fabulous!
There is so much to be done, and having a month to explore the island, people, cuisine & culture will be fantastic. I’m thrilled for you!
The most inspiring adventure I had on this last visit was a pre-dawn bike ride to Mt Haleakala for sunrise. It took my breath away–Hope you try it! ALOHA.
I will definitely try it if it made that big of an impression on you! Anything else that is on your must-do list?
Wow that is spectacular…Maui is such an incredible island. My one recommendation on what you absolutely have to do is to take a trip over to Maui Brewing. Garrett Marrero runs an incredible brewery with everything done locally. It’s a great experience and the beer’s not bad either!
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That is a great suggestion John, definitely something I’d be into doing.
Anything else?
OMG I am soo excited for you! I’ve never been to Maui, only a quick trip to Oahu about 10 years ago. But they do like their SPAM over there so being a bacon lover, you’ll have to have some spam sushi.
Ooh Spam sushi that is a really good suggestion, anything else?
Another cheap food option is their plate lunches. They are usually sold out of trucks, and have been going long before food trucks were popular. You can get things like chicken teriyaki w/macaroni salad and rice etc. for about $5-10 (or that was the price when I was there). Ono:)
Eat these things:
Loco moco (rice, fried egg, burger patty, gravy), spam musubi, plate lunch, kalua pig, pineapple, papaya, tripe stew, mahi mahi, ahi, shoyu chicken.
Pricey, but well worth it was Blue Hawaiian helicopter tour of Maui . . . Great overview, narrated by very knowledgeable pilot. The ride was exhilarating & scenery spectacular! Of course, dvd available of your adventure if you wish.
Food–Loco Moco, Ululani’s Shaved Ice & Maui Kitch’n Cook’d Potato Chips (dipped in vanilla ice cream), in a word-YUM! And the Spam musubi is another must try. It’s available in lots of places, but I like the variety at Puk Sup. I encourage you to treat yourself to an evening at Spago (Four Seasons). The verandah setting is lovely (sunset reservation) and the ahi tuna poke & grilled mahimahi w/pineapple divine.
Finally, if you golf . . . Paradise Found! :<)
Helicopter hopping the Hawaiian Islands is on my bucket list. Have fun! I can’t wait to read about all of your adventures. What a great opportunity.
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I hadn’t thought about a helicopter, good tip – anything else on your list?
Ahhh so excited for you! Maui is one of my absolute favorite destinations in the world–my family has a timeshare and we usually go once a year for Thanksgiving or Christmas. You can’t miss eating at Eskimo Candy–there’s no view, but it’s where the locals go to buy fresh fish and the poke is incredible! The fish tacos are also pretty awesome. Go surfing in Lahaina, brave the waves at Big Beach, go snorkeling in Wailea. Have an incredible time–it’s hard not to in Maui
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Apparently a lot of Canadians have timeshares/condos there as well. You must tell me more on what to do – I have a month!
I am heading to Maui in a little over a week…we are planning to do the whale watching tour with the Pacific Whale Foundation, snorkeling with Trilogy, sunrise at the volcano, and of course the road to Hana, plus there is Surfing Goat Dairy and Alii Lavender Farm in Upcountry. Also planning to check out Maui Brewing, as well as some of the coffee roasters too. Hana Cultural Center, Tedeschi Vineyard and Wotting Temple Museum are on the list, along with Charles Lindberg’s grave. We are also looking forward to Guri Guri shaved ice, and Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop…I could go on…I will be there March 14-22, if you happen to be there at the same time, let me know!
Oh no I’m not leaving until the beginning of April – but PLEASE let me know all the best things you’ve done. You already have a list of things that I haven’t heard of yet!
I’ve not been to Maui (only Oahu), but I’m sure there’s plenty of amazing things to see there, as there is on Oahu. You could go surfing, snorkeling, take helicopter tours… and of course eat lots of delicious Hawaiian food!
Is island hopping an option at all?
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It could definitely be a possibility if I want to do it, I’m creating the itinerary. What were your favourites at Oahu?
Oahu is great. Of course there’s the usual Waikiki Beach/Diamond Head if you want to visit the “hotspots.” And there’s Pearl Harbor, which I actually loved (also really liked the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific – it’s beautiful). Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay was great, the Byodo-in Temple is beautiful, and the beaches on the North Shore would be must-sees!
If I were going to island hop in Hawaii, though, I’d want to get over to Volcanos National Park on the Big Island.
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Been dying to get to Hawaii! Have a blast!
Thanks Candice! Do you have any recommendations or things you want to know about?
Sunrise at the top of Haleakala. A sacred event you will never forget!
Wow. I’m so happy for you, hun! I wish I had recommendations to give you but I don’t really know much about the island to be honest. Whatever you do for that month I know it’s going to be incredible and unique though.
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Is there anything you want to know about Maui? I’ll definitely write about the food.
I know nothing about Maui, but it sounds like an amazing trip
Plus, fire poi is awesome, go see some of that 
Even though I’ve been to SEA I’ve never seen it before so I can’t wait.
Never been to Hawaii, I’m afraid. A month in Maui sounds divine. Have fun!
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A month in any place is beautiful. You’ll have time to take your time and savor every experience. I’ve never been to Maui but I’m sure it’ll be a blast. Have fun!
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This is definitely going to be a great experience, anything about Maui you are curious to know?
It’s funny because I can’t imagine only 1 week anywhere anymore (nevermind the 2-3 day trips). It just is not enough time to dig in and truly explore and discover. Enjoy yourself, I’ve heard it’s paradise.
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I was thinking the same thing. I will slowly get back into vacation-style trips where it’s only a week at a time but Maui seemed to need more than a short trip.
I haven’t been to Maui but would love to go. I’m decided to read about what you will discover being there for a whole month!
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What do you want to know about? I’m prepared to instigate for people – but no day long hikes that you have to find out about elsewhere!
Inquiring minds want to know…how do you score such amazing trips?!!
It’s no secret. I am offered trips from time to time but I only take the ones I’d be interested in if they were free. There are actually a lot of places I have no desire to go to – including Antarctica.
So, life is pretty tough these days, huh?
(yes, I’m jealous)
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It seems that every tough decision I make is rewarded. I wanted to come home but take the risk of working on contracts so I could take advantage of opportunities like these, so far it’s worked out.
That is so awesome… my bf and I are debating whether we will make Hawaii our home for a few years when we get back to the states. I love it there and he has never been. Enjoy your stay-cation. Sounds wonderful!
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I’m interested to see how expensive it really is, if it is only tourist things that are pricey or overall expensive to live there.
I have a friend who has lived on Maui for about 6 years. She says it’s fairly expensive, but not outrageous. You have to visit Paia. I LOVE that place! I could definitely live in Paia for a while.
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It’s now on my list! What should I see there?
I know absolutely nothing about Maui. I imagine the food will be fantastic though. And you need to do at least a couple luxury resort/ spa things… you know, for the rest of us
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As much like the rest of the US, I also know nothing about Maui – I definitely want to check out the resort/spa but want to make sure that isn’t all I learn about.
Ya know, if you’re looking for company it could be arranged!
There is always room for you!
So should I call Veronica?
Go to Lahaina for a couple days (at least). There you will find Cheeseburger in Paradise and other casual restaurants. You have to go for dinner at sunset. Beautiful. While waiting, wander the quaint shops along the main street. Another night you should check out the Warren and Annabelle magic/comedy show. Includes drinks before the show and well worth the trip for fun magic (cards and slight of hand and misdirection) interspersed with comedy and witty banter with the audience. Try to get in the front row where Warren interacts directly with the audience.
Drive around Maui and enjoy the absolutely beautiful scenery. Not much can compare to the Ionia Needle and the Road to Hana for sheer breathtaking beauty. Enjoy your month in Maui.
I love Maui, it’s one of our family’s favorite spots. The supermarkets all sell poke, so I would definitely give that a try. And you can snorkel with sea turtles on Napili Bay, very cool experience. It is super expensive to eat out, but there are some farm stands to get fresh produce.
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Thanks Jeanette, it sounds like you have been there a few times. Any other favourite things that you want to share?
Ooh you are in for a real treat! As others have said, Maui is amazing. I found the snorkeling at Black Rock very good. The Kaanapali area is crowded and busy while the Wailea area is quieter. Loved the sunset cruise on a catamaran! But one of my favorites is happy hour along the beach. I just love the view, the warmth and peace that comes with Hawaii.
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Thanks Debbie, what was your favourite food or restaurant there?
I’m feeling jealous :p but I’m so glad for you!!!!
I don’t know a thing about Maui (honestly, it doesn’t appeal me either) so I’m looking forward to read about your adventures and see if your experience will be able to put it on my list
I have no ideas myself, but I’ll be paying close attention, as I’m hoping to go next winter. Can’t wait for the sun!
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Banana pancakes with coconut syrup. Macadamia nuts!
Holy crap!!! This is AWESOME! I’ve never been to Maui, but looking forward to watching what happens!
Aloha from the Maui Visitors & Convention Bureau!
We thrilled to soon welcome you to our beautiful island, but please know we selfishly want you to experience all three islands of “Maui Nui” (“Big Maui” or Maui County). Thus, you are headed to Moloka’i and Lāna’i as well, if I have my way!
Our three islands of Maui Nui offer very special experiences and are so different from one another. It is difficult to explain in words, but once you visit, you will know precisely what I mean.
I must admit, your readers are very “akamai” (smart, educated, knowledgeable) as they offer FANTASTIC recommendations and sound like true “kama’aina” or locals! In all honesty, the advice they offer is what we would share with our very own ʻohana (family) as well as our friends.
Mahalo to Charlene for getting you here. I cannot wait to meet you, Ayngelina.
ALOHA!
Keliʻi
Ooops…we ARE thrilled!
Incredible opportunity for you Ayngelina. I hope you enjoy every minute of it.
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We had a really nice time in Maui. There’s a sunrise biking trip you can do that’s supposed to have incredible views but we don’t get up that early. A luau with Kahlua pork on the menu will be right up your alley and we also loved this sushi place that I can’t remember the name of at the moment but it’s a bit upscale and everyone knows it – just ask around. Delicious. In fact, I think food was our favourite part of our Maui experience. You can also do a rainforest driving tour with a guide but we get a bit carsick so that wasn’t the most fun for us. Enjoy!
Aaaaack again…meant to say “welcome you.” Geez. Somebody is getting old!
Wow, Ayngelina. It sounds like you found your perfect situation after coming back to Canada. A whole month. Incredibly jealous. I’ll be tuning in for sure! Congratulations!
In addition to visiting Lahaina at sea level, you should drive up to Haleakala and see Maui from above since the chain of Hawaiian islands are really a series of volcanoes. It is over 10,000 feet in elevation from sea level and much higher from the bottom of the ocean. It snows up there and often is 30-40 degrees F lower in temperature than at sea level.
Oh wow, what a trip, you will be able to explore the island in depth!
That’s so awesome that you’re going for an entire month! I’ve never been to Maui, but I’m really looking forward to reading about what you end up doing and seeing there. Have fun!
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We did a zipline with Flyin Hawaiian (great company!), Rented a convertible and drove the Road to Hana and snorkeled with Trilogy Excursions (smaller boat, not as many people crammed on). All were really great adventures – Enjoy your month Maui is a beautiful island! If you have time to make it to Kauai, it is my favorite island!
never been to the place but heard a lot of good stuffs.. surely, i would definitely stay longer to the beautiful place and enjoy like i am living there. will be waiting for your updates. take care..
You definitely need to visit a Volcano! (I think there is one on Maui… haha) and of course go to a luau and dance in a grass skirt! I think now is the perfect time for you to start making videos!
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We were in Maui last year – it’s a very windy place! Haha. If there’s one thing we would recommend, it’s the Polynesian Village Luau in Kihei. This was a great experience for us!
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Amazing, have a blast! Drink some beers at the Maui Brewing Company and check out Halawa Valley on Molokai if you go there…it looks amazing!
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That’s fantastic news! And a whole month will be amazing. I haven’t been to Maui so I’m sorry I have no suggestions, but…yay!
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Oh wow! What an amazing opportunity. I’ve somehow never been to Hawaii, but it’s definitely on my bucket list. Especially since I’m a HUGE Lost fan. I’ve heard that Maui is gorgeous. Can’t wait to read about your time there!
I remember when I was out on the islands about a year ago…it was SOOO nice! lol If you ever get the chance, visit the island of Kauai! It’s quite beautiful and with the unrivaled marvel of Wiamea Canyon & the Na Pali Coastline the perfect get-a-way spot!
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Another spectacular trip you have found! We hitchhiked around Maui for 5 weeks a few years back and it still is my favorite trip. I could write a book here! Barely know where to begin. Hike the bamboo forest. Pick fruit off trees. Swim at the O’heo Gulch Pools. Watch the sunrise at the top of Haleakala. Drive around the “forbidden” side of the island (forbidden by car rental companies!). Take the road to Hana slowly. Eat banana bread. Go to Little Beach on Sunday night for the bonfire and sleep up in the woods. Spend the next day on Little Beach when it becomes the “nude beach” (actually it’s nude 24 hrs a day!) Visit the Lavender Farm. Eat fried Breadfruit! Find the locals – they are there someplace! Definitely spend a few days camping on the island of Lanai and snorkel the waters (it was $5/night — possible working number to make an inquiry: 808-559-0418). Head up to the hotel in your cleanest clothes and take the shuttle for free into town (: Shop the stores – the owners are very cool. Spend time in Lahaina – ferry is there to take you to Lanai. Body surf at Hamoa beach at the end of the Road to Hana. Finally, take it all in — this will be a trip of a lifetime! (: All the best sweet lady. Have fun!
That sounds so great!!! I look forward to read about your experience there… My last press trip was also packed with many things to do in a short time but I loved it but for the future I would also prefer to stay longer and have more “me” time instead of going from one place to the next one…
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Have a great time! We’re heading there in June and can’t wait. It will be our first time in Hawaii. Two weeks for us, our travel schedule is too tight this year for longer, but I agree, I’d love to stay in Hawaii for a longer time. Cheers.
Wow that is awesome! have an amazing time!
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I’m going to Hawaii in May and tossing up whether to go back to Oahu (which I’ve been to a couple times before and like) and Maui (where I’ve never been).
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