Shut your eyes. Now think about your self sipping a piña colada on the seaside because the waves crash and fall again. Crash, and fall proper again. It’s the proper day with the solar shining, and as you rush into the water, you may’t assist however notice it’s a surreal shade of vibrant blue—one thing the Atlantic Ocean might by no means ship. You, my buddy, are in Hawaii. Whereas every of its islands has one thing to supply, should you’re on the lookout for a stability of pure serenity combined with actions, in addition to a spot that additionally counts Oprah as a resident, we’ve received to speak Maui. In any case, the second largest of the islands is most well-known for its immaculate seashores, caves, and coves that supply alternatives to discover at each flip. Whether or not you’re on the lookout for a romantic getaway or are hoping to have a kid-friendly trip, Maui is the reply. Beneath, right here’s the whole lot to see and do on the most-treasured island.
What to See
Bike Haleakala
Calling all daredevils! Allow us to paint an image: It’s 6 A.M., and also you’ve been dropped off on the 10,000-plus-foot-high Haleakalā summit to observe the sundown from the crater’s edge. From there, you’ll bike down one other 20ish miles to base, the place you’re once more greeted by a sea breeze. Not for the faint of coronary heart, that is the final word expedition to see Maui’s pure magnificence and wonders, with a little bit of a problem. You may lease bikes from Bike Maui and go for a self-guided or group tour (shout-out to Cruiser Phil!). Carry layers of garments, closed-toe footwear, water, snacks, alertness, and a way of journey.
Highway to Hana
If biking isn’t your factor, however you continue to need to see the true Maui, might we propose the street to Hana? It’s finest to go away earlier than the solar is up (sorry about that, once more!) and drive down some very curvy and windy roads with views you may’t fathom are actual. You’ll get breathtaking shoreline vistas, rainforests, lagoons, and bushes so tall the climate will change. The most important draw is the black sand seaside known as Pa’iloa, which presents one of the gorgeous pure wonders that you’re welcome to swim in. Additionally, those that are aware of the Highway to Hana know that it results in the seven sacred swimming pools, that includes lush greenery, waterfalls, and wonders the metaverse can solely dream of. And though the title mentions seven, there are literally many extra swimming pools for climbing and swimming round in throughout your go to. It will take up an entire day, but it surely’s nicely price it.
Ali’i Kula Lavender
Bored of numerous hours on the pool or seaside and craving a change of surroundings? Head to Maui’s countryside. It’s a cottagecore dream: over 50,000 lavender crops that you could stroll aimlessly by means of (or take selfies in!), in addition to small retailers, hen coops, and ocean views galore. Lavender isn’t native to Maui, however due to the island’s local weather, the lavender on the farm blooms year-round within the cool, dry temperatures.
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The place to Eat
Kō Restaurant
It was named Restaurant of the 12 months on the ʻAipono Awards (dedicated to noteworthy Maui eating places) for a cause. Positioned on the Fairmont Kea Lani, this upscale eatery has a produce-driven menu with a contemporary tackle basic Hawaiian fare. Look out for the poolside lighting of the tiki torch.
Huihui
A Hawaii-based restaurant serving probably the most scrumptious and mouth-watering contemporary meals. Every bowl is crafted with native flavors and elements that simply style so rattling good. You’ll additionally expertise native recipes from conventional Hawaiian tradition with a little bit of fusion from meals worldwide.
Star Noodle
Chef Sheldon Simeon received Prime Chef and determined to open up a restaurant in Hawaii. (Dream life?) Although the kitchen is now helmed by Cesar Perez, the Asian fusion restaurant nonetheless serves up the proper garlic noodles, ahi avo, and, sadly, lengthy strains. It’s finest to make a reservation prematurely, however fully well worth the wait should you don’t.
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The place to Drink
South Shore Tiki Lounge
Keep in mind the bar in Forgetting Sarah Marshall? Nicely, it was fictional, however this one is as shut as you’ll get. The tiki vibe contains bamboo partitions and surfboard ceilings; you’ll get mixture of vacationers and locals. Bonus: the drinks are low-cost and the music is loud, so you understand you’re in for time.
Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice
Although technically not a bar, this shaved ice spot is simply as refreshing and mouth-watering. The OG cease of shaved ice in Hawaii, the shop now has seven places throughout the island. Ulalani’s is legendary for its over 55 flavors of syrups that allow you to combine and match to your tastebuds’ needs. BYO booze, we don’t choose.
Maui Brewing Firm
Seize a beer at Hawaii’s largest native craft brewery to get a style of actual Hawaiian nightlife. The placement boasts an array of beers you may solely discover on the grounds of the brewery and likewise a full gastropub should you’ve labored up an urge for food. (Our advice is to order a beer and fries with house-made ketchup and mustard, infused with beer.)
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The place to Keep
Fairmont Kea Lani
Should you’re on the lookout for the total package deal, head to the Fairmont Kea Lani. This luxurious resort comprised of newly renovated suites and villas encompasses a full-service spa, award-winning restaurant, and a White Lotus-esque canoe expertise. Whether or not touring with others or solo, it’s the proper place to recharge and reset with the very best lodging and companies at your fingertips. E book your keep right here.
The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
Should you’re on the lookout for the true Maui expertise, put up up at this basic property, which not too long ago underwent a $100 million renovation, full with lanais, hammocks, solar decks, and hearth pits (no huge deal). Guests are greeted by the attractive Kapalua bay, plus views of the character and mountains of the island’s western tip. The most important draw is the Plantation golf course, dwelling to the PGA Tour’s opening occasion of the 12 months. It additionally has mountain climbing and arguably the very best breakfast buffet we’ve ever seen. Breakfast ramen, anybody?
Wailea Seashore Resort
The Wailea Seashore Resort captures all your favourite components of island dwelling in a single accessible, family-friendly paradise. Located inside strolling distance of two seashores—Ulua to at least one aspect and Wailea to the opposite—this oceanfront property has all of it, and lots of the facilities and actions come included. Select from the kiddie pool full with water slides, the vigorous adults-only pool, and the newly-opened non-public luxurious pool at Olakino. Drop the keikis off for a day of enjoyable cultural actions, and head to Olakino for some relaxation and rejuvenation. Don’t miss the sound therapeutic, snorkel excursions, or Humble Market Kitchin, celeb chef Roy Yamaguchi’s on-site eatery. And in case you have been curious, the water slides are open to adults. Think about them totally ELLE-approved.
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Magnificence Picks
Delicate Companies Consolation Cleanse
Day on the seaside received your pores and skin feeling down? Delicate Companies is right here to assist. This light, soothing bathe gel will reveal your softest and clearest pores and skin.
Trip Basic Spray SPF 30 Sunscreen
The good sunscreen within the recreation—interval. This light-weight, sheer method works wonders whereas wanting very glorious in your seaside bag. Win-win.
Not a magnificence product, however not not a magnificence accent. This lush towel is right for wiping all of the sunscreen residue off your arms earlier than grabbing your telephone for seaside selfies. It’s what Kim Kardashian would need.
Magnificence Director
Chloe Corridor oversees all magnificence protection at ELLE.com. She knew she needed to get into magnificence the second Donna Summer season got here on her display screen and he or she’s been chasing the proper disco shadows ever since. Her candy spot is the intersections of magnificence with present tradition, whether or not it is music, motion pictures, or social media. You will discover her in Brooklyn along with her pug or in Rihanna’s remark part.
Deputy Editor
Claire Stern is the Deputy Editor of ELLE.com. Beforehand, she served as Editor at Bergdorf Goodman. Her pursuits embody style, meals, journey, music, Peloton, and The Hills—not essentially in that order. She used to have a Harriet the Spy pocket book and isn’t ashamed to confess it.
Affiliate Style Commerce Editor
Meg is the Affiliate Style Commerce Editor at ELLE.com the place she researches traits, assessments merchandise, and appears for solutions to all of your burning questions. She additionally co-writes a month-to-month column, Similar Similar However Completely different. Meg has beforehand written for Cosmopolitan and City & Nation. Her passions embody journey, buffalo sauce, and sustainability. She’s going to by no means cease hoping for a One Route reunion tour.