EVERYTHING I WORE AND DID IN MAUI, HAWAII
We just got back home from spending the week in Maui, Hawaii for my brother’s wedding! The last time we were in Maui was for our honeymoon which you can read about here. It was so great to be back on this beautiful island that we love so much. My brother’s wedding turned out so amazing and it was such a special time with our family. But, I got so many DM’s about everything I wore and did in Maui, HI and it sounds like many of you are planning a trip there as well! So, I wanted to make sure I rounded up everything I wore and did in Maui, Hawaii for anyone else traveling there soon!
what TO EAT, STAY, and do IN MAUI
One of my favorite things about Maui is that there is something to offer every type of vacationer. No matter the type of getaway experience you’re looking for! You’re bound to have fun and find everything you need for a perfect Hawaiian vacation! From amazing food, relaxing at the beach and enjoying some shopping, taking in some adventure, and so much more. There are so many things to enjoy here, but below are some ideas to get you started and everything we did during our visit!
WHERE TO STAY IN MAUI
- The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua (West Maui) – This is where we had the pleasure of staying for our honeymoon and I can’t say enough good things! From the stunning grounds, to amazing service and hospitality, we had the most wonderful stay here. Kapalua is tucked away on the northwest shore of Maui so you have a beautiful scenic drive to and from the resort with beautiful, beach-front access and plenty of eating and activity options nearby. Can be a little rainy (doesn’t last long) but I highly recommend!
- The Whaler’s Village/Ka’anapali Area (West Maui) – Home to a variety of shops and restaurants, Whalers Village is located on beautiful Ka’anapali Beach (about 15 minutes from Kapalua and 5-10 minutes from Lahaina) with many great places to stay around the area – all of which are pretty much within walking distance of each other, like the Westin, Hyatt, Marriott, The Whaler, etc. This time we stayed at The Whaler and had a great time. It was so fun to walk everywhere and be so close to everything.
- Wailea Area (South Maui) – This part of Maui is about 40-45 minutes from Kapalua (where we stayed), but is full of places to eat or shop with a mix of luxury hotels like The Four Seasons, The Fairmont, Waldorf, Andaz, etc. Justin and I both said we would love to stay on this side of Maui next time we visit! The atmosphere in Wailea is a little bit quieter and the beaches and waves are unlike anything we have ever seen!
WHERE TO EAT IN MAUI
Y’all know we love to find the best places to eat whenever I travel to a different city. Below are some of the best places to eat in Maui that you should definitely try during your visit!
- Mama’s Fish House – One of the most popular and most recommended restaurants in Maui and now we know why. They have the best view on the island and fresh, amazing food and seafood. Most of their menu changes daily (depending on what’s caught by their fishermen that day!) and Justin LOVED their famous stuffed fish. I don’t usually eat fish, but I even thought it was good! I got the short ribs, which were so tender and yummy. This is another great dinner spot or place to celebrate a special occasion like a honeymoon, anniversary, or birthday.
- Merriman’s – Where my brother hosted his reception. All of the food was so amazing! And you can’t beat the views here.
- Taverna – Yummy Italian food located in Kapula by The Ritz.
- Waicoco – A part of Westin in Ka’anapali. The food here was so great!
- Frida’s Beach House in Lahaina – You wouldn’t think to eat Mexican food while in Hawaii, but you have to try Frida’s! Amazing view, selection of food, and yummy drinks. Great lunch or dinner spot. Don’t forget to try their margarita’s!
- Monkeypod Kitchen – Located in Whaler’s Village in Ka’anapali, this is a great spot for happy hour, lunch or dinner.
- Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop – Great spot for lunch with yummy sandwiches and Hawaii’s signature banana bread or key lime pie! Right next to Oluwalu Juice Stand where I’d recommend grabbing a fresh fruit smoothie at some point too!
- Hula Grill – Whatever you do, don’t leave Hawaii without trying a Hula Pie from Hula Grill! Located in Whaler’s Village overlooking the water, Justin and I enjoyed dessert here with live music and beautiful views.
- The Gazebo in Napili – Great breakfast spot! They are LEGENDARY for their 1hr+ long wait just to get in and be seated, but we got a great tip from someone at our resort and it worked like a charm! Skip the long line, go around the corner to a little stand and order your food to-go and enjoy down at the beach or back at your resort. They open at 7:30am and start taking to-go orders at 8am, it takes 10-15 minutes and your food is ready. This was my FAVORITE breakfast! I got french toast topped with nutella, bananas, whipped cream, and macadamia nuts…. it was heaven.
- Flatbread Company in Paia – Great lunch/dinner spot for after Road to Hana or if you’re in the Paia area! Yummy pizza and salads.
- Down the Hatch – A fun happy hour spot with live music and great food! I still dream about the tacos we had here!
WHAT TO DO IN MAUI
One of the many reasons we love Maui, Hawaii is that it is full of things to do! Whether you like to take it easy, soak up some sun and R&R, or you like adventure and activities, the island has something for every type of vacationer. So besides kicking it poolside on your resort, here are a few things we would recommend doing on your Maui, Hawaii vacation.
- Snorkeling is a must in Maui! I had so much fun!
- Go ziplining (this was so fun!)
- Take surf lessons
- Shopping in Wailea
- Road to Hana
- Go to a signature Maui Luau
- Helicopter tour of the island
- Island hop to O’ahu, Honolulu, The Big Island, etc.
- See the Nakalele blowhole
- Visit other beaches/parts of the island like Makena Beach, Wailea Beach, etc.
- Whale watching (depending on what month you’re visiting! Whale season is around Dec-March)
- Haleakala hike or biking
MORE FROM OUR TRIP TO MAUI
EVERYTHING I DID AND WORE IN MAUI, HAWAII
So, will you be making your way to Maui, Hawaii to visit soon? I highly recommend it and be sure to bookmark Everything I Did and Wore in Maui to make packing and exploring a breeze! Xo
About Madison
I'm Madison - a northern gal planting roots down south. Musings by Madison is your guide to classic style, beauty, home decor & more. Rooted in passion for encouraging others to curate a closet, home, and life they’re proud of and inspired by each day.
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