Aloha Lovebugs! We are back in action, and missing the Maui sunshine oh so much! What an adventure it was to escape with baby London for the first time, to a place that is so special to us. We’ve waited for what seems like forever, to able to do this, and it was everything we had hoped for! From stargazing, to restaurant hopping, hiking, swimming, and eating our way through paradise, we visited our favorite places and spaces, as well as some new finds. It truly feels like our second home. We felt lucky to share this adventure with our baby boy as well as our parents. We stayed in a different hotel than my parents, and therefore we were able to experience the best of both places, which I will share below. If you are making the journey to the rainbow state anytime soon, I’ve listed all of the details for you below. If you will be traveling with an infant, I shared our experience along with our tips, wins, and challenges here. Bon Voyage (and take me with you, please)! Mahalo!
Hotels
Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort
We’ve stayed at the Andaz in Wailea twice and it is pure bliss. The resort feels like a spa. The size of the hotel is smaller, which makes it feel more personal, less crowded and less touristy. The resort is quiet, with picturesque views of the beach. The tiered infinity pools are perfection and I loved spending our days there. The food is absolutely incredible. Our favorites were Morimoto for sushi, and Ka’ Ana Kitchen for brunch. The rooms are simple, airy, and beautiful, with gorgeous ocean views from the balcony. The resort has some fabulous activities as well.
Marriott Wailea Beach Resort
We were able to experience the Wailea Beach Resort this trip, as it was the hotel in which my parents stayed. The walk from the Andaz was quick, and it gave us the opportunity for a new place to explore. The grounds of the hotel were beautiful, and the resort was a much larger in size than the Andaz. The Andaz, in comparison, feels like a boutique hotel (but we love that about it). There was much more foot traffic, hustle and bustle to this hotel. The room was my favorite part. It was absolutely gorgeous, and it overlooked the ocean. You felt like you were right there. The lounging space and restaurants looked wonderful as well.
Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea
We stayed at the Four Seasons for an anniversary celebration a few years ago, and I’ve been swooning over it ever since. This resort is glamorous, but feels tranquil at the same time. With flowing fountains and tiki torches everywhere you look, the place feels like paradise. There are many pools, with an additional adult, infinity pool, overlooking the ocean. My favorite restaurant at the hotel is Ferraro’s a fabulous Italian restaurant that we visit often. The hotel is fairly large, so it does feel grand. The service is impeccable! My favorite memories have been late night, laying on lounge chairs, under the stars, with the tiki torches burning around us. I’ll never forget this dreamy destination.
Ritz Carlton Kapalua
We celebrated our honeymoon at the Ritz in Kapalua, and boy did it feel fancy! It was our first adventure to Maui, and it will always hold a special place in my heart. The resort is stunning. I could not get over the beauty of it all. The trip felt peaceful, romantic, and the resort has a special way of making it feel like the occasion of a lifetime. The room was perfection, and we walked right out to the pool, from where we stayed. I remember a day, where we watched the rain fall all day long from our room, until a rainbow, arched through the sky. It was a moment I’ll never forget. The dining at the resort is divine. We also, ate at a favorite Japanese spot, Sansei, which was close to the resort. There is some great snorkeling in the Kapalua area, however if you watching my instastories from our last trip, you know how much I love that. This luxury resort is definitely one to remember.
Restaurants
Ferraro’s
This Italian spot, located at the Four Seasons Hotel is, hands down, my favorite restaurant that I’ve been to in my life. The food and ambiance are perfection. We celebrate every special occasion here, dining under the stars, listening to live music, and I absolutely love it. My favorite is the mushroom truffle pizza, and I savor every bite. They’ve got a fabulous wine menu, and offer half price bottles after 8pm, although you’ll want to get there early to watch the sunset over the beach.
Spago
Wolfgang Puck’s gem of a restaurant, also located at the Four Seasons Hotel is quite delicious as well. We celebrated an anniversary here, and the traditional Hawaiian inspired cuisine was wonderful. With ocean views, and a signature cocktail in hand, it makes for an evening you won’t forget.
Monkeypod Kitchen
Ok, everyone will tell you to go here…I mean everyone. From the staff at the hotel, to the drivers, they believe that it is the best. This is a fun, little easy spot if you are looking for casual dining. It wasn’t my top restaurant, but there is a good amount of options on the menu, and their french fries are the best. (I live for french fries) They’ve got a great happy hour as well.
Lahaina Grill
This is a fun, contemporary bistro, if you are dining in Lahaina. While on the pricier side, the menu is delicious with specialty dishes from land and sea.
Ka’ana Kitchen
Ka’ana Kitchen is my favorite brunch spot on the planet. I mean it! If I could dine there everyday I would. My go-to dish was the Acai Bowl, however Grant and I would split their Cinnamon Roll Pancakes which were divine. I think we travel back to Maui, just for the Cinnamon Roll Pancakes. In fact, I think this is the reason for our stay at the Andaz each year. The view is dreamy and their breakfast buffet is worth it! You. Must. Go!
Morimoto
This Japanese restaurant is definitely one of our favorites, by chef, Masaharu Morimoto, located at the Andaz Maui. With a stunning, beachfront view, and delicious sushi, this culinary destination is a treat.
Hali’imaile General Store
We stopped at this fun, little lunch spot, while on one of our road trips and it was Grant’s favorite! They dish up American cuisine, with “eclectic Asian inspired overtones.” Their modern Hawaiian dishes are worth checking out. Grant highly recommends the Sashimi Napoleon, as well as the Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich. I was snoozy, and chose a salad, so I’d go with his recommendations.
Merriman’s
If you’re looking for an epic sunset, there is no better spot! It’s stunning oceanfront setting is unforgettable. The Hawaiian cuisine by Pete Merriman Chef/Restauranteur, has a “farm to table” concept, offering a fresh feel and taste to each plate.
Mama’s Fish House
Located near a secluded beach on on Maui’s north shore, this is my absolute favorite lunch spot on the island! Yes, it’s a bit touristy, but Mama’s Fish House is the best! The Hawaiian decor in the restaurant, bursts with color, and the views of the ocean are unreal. Their Hawaiian fish is caught daily by fishermen, and each plate is unique, and full of flavor. Each time we visit, we spend time capturing photos around the beach, near the restaurant. It’s always makes for an afternoon, which is one of my favorites.
Sansei
We must have dined here at least five times on our first trip! Located quite close to the Ritz in Kapalua, this hot, little Japanese spot was one of our favorites. Are you noticing a trend here? We are sushi addicts, and Sansei does not disappoint.
Uluani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice
Why on earth did we wait so many years before we discovered this heavenly spot?! The thought of missing out on Hawaii’s famous shave ice joint basically brings me to tears. With every flavor under the sun, and toppings as well, our taste buds did one, epic little dance. All I want is more shave ice, and I will hop another flight to Maui in order to get it, if I must. Anyways…go there. Do it!
Manoli’s Pizza Company
This simple, easy pizza joint was truly amazing! I really loved it. I got a Greek salad, as well as a Hawaiian style pizza, and it was oh-so-worth it!
Lappert’s Hawaii
I dream of this place, and count down the days until we return. Lappert’s ice cream is indescribable and irresistible. This is one of our favorite stops when we walk through The Shops at Wailea, and it’s the perfect late night treat!
Cheeseburger Grille & Tap Room
If cheeseburgers are your jam, you’ll be in paradise here…and even if you don’t you’ll find the food tasty! This fab little lunch or dinner spot, located in the Wailea shops, had a variety of American bites as well as some others with were delish. I got the fish tacos and Grant got cheeseburger tacos!
Shopping
The Shops at Wailea
While on a short little stroll, throughout Wailea, we discovered the shops! With every store under the sun, its a fun place to explore. One of my favorite Hawaiian boutiques is called Mahina. There are some great dining options as well.
Paia
A cute little beach town, with fun, little boutiques and restaurants. This is a fab little spot for a daytime or nighttime stroll.
Hikes
Iao Valley State Park
This stunning piece of nature, looked like it was straight out of the movie, Jurassic Park. Full of luscious green, mountains, Iao Valley, felt like an enchanted forest. It was a quick, little picturesque hike, which was well worth the journey.
Sailing Tours
Pride of Maui
In my previous post last week, I shared our first sunset dinner cruise, which we were graciously invited to by the Pride of Maui. With stunning sunset views of the island, it made for quite the memorable first date night out as parents. They do offer snorkeling adventures as well. For additional details, check out my post here.
