There’s Something About Maui
Aloha!
As I write this, our time on Maui isn’t quite over, and we’ve already snapped hundreds of pictures. It’s overwhelming to sit here clicking through them all because it’s a reminder of how incomprehensibly magnificent and diverse this island is. Such a small place yet so much to see, do and experience.
For now, we’re going to leave you with a sampling of photos that represent some of our favorite experiences; more posts will come down the road. Thanks to the Magic Island’s Visitors and Convention Bureau, we’ve seen and done a lot. Even better, many of our experiences have allowed us to lean into this month’s wellness focus, so we’re excited to report back on that down the road.
Let’s start with some shots that communicate Hawaiian essentials (at least in our book) – a stunning sunset near a super beach, a lei greeting (isn’t she adorable), a delicious mai tai and a colorful double rainbow.
In our quest to stop using our “thinking” minds, we got ourselves into all sorts of experiments. Throw net fishing, guided meditation and kayaking were among our favorites. We also thought our top notch hotel‘s daily suggestions were a fantastic addition.
In keeping with an NVR Guys travel tradition, we crammed in as many hikes as we could. Favorites took us high up into a bamboo forest and way off the beaten path across lava fields and past alchaline ponds (are we on Maui or in Yellowstone National Park?).
And we know that you know that we would never wrap up a travel post without a little talk of food. Top picks include a farm-to-fork inspired vegan meal, the best sweets on the island, a killer sunset meal on the beach and a Thai fueled work session.
Next up? We get to drive the rightfully famous Road to Hana one more time. Back to the airport, that is.
We’re eager to enjoy every mile and to get through it quickly and safely. Why? We’ve got to get going to our next destination.
Next time you hear from us, we’ll be coming to you from Beijing. We’re curious to see how China does on the wellness meter. Hint: we’re a little worried.
Until then, warmest aloha from about the coolest place on the planet. Mahalo, Maui – we hate to say good-bye.
It looks like you two are having an absolute blast! We love it! Enjoy your time on the islands. We can’t wait to hear all about it whenever you get back to Seattle.
Life is good on Maui – that’s for sure. Look at the pics… how can it not be?
Mmmm, I can practically smell the heady scent of those flowers through the computer screen. And that photo of you two is my favorite ever – you guys glow almost as much as that gorgeous sunset!
Thanks, Christy! Have you been to Maui?
LOVE the photos! Can’t wait to hear more about it. And Beijing next? Seriously?
Yes, more details on Maui to come in the months ahead. For now, we’re zipping around in preparation for China. We’re so relaxed from Maui that things may not come together
Beautiful! Hawaii really is one of the most spectacular places in the world. Throwing a fish net… I’d like to do that too!
I bet you’d like the throw net fishing, Mark. Watch for details in a future post.
All looks fantastic. I never saw a bamboo forest before. Love the title of this post.
The bamboo forest was gorgeous and loud (with all the bamboo clanking) – but in a oddly calming way. And you should have seen the waterfall at the end. Spectacular. More details to come down the road.
Hold up. You’re going to China?!? Guys, get yourselves over to Korea while you’re there! The South that is, not the North…
Also, the farm-to-table meal (the first food pic…I’m assuming that’s what it is) looks amazing. As does the mai tai. Hey, no judgement, it’s the weekend here in Korea now
Oh shoot, Tom. We booked our tickets to NORTH Korea not South Korea. Is that the wrong one
Seriously, though, we want be over there long enough to add in Korea. After talking to some Seattle friends, we really really want to make it over there though.
The meal that we had right on the farm was delicious. Tofu, beets and greens make up the dish you see pictured. It did a nice job offsetting a fraction of the unhealthy stuff we ate – like the sweets pictured just below
Hawaii does seem like the ultimate place for wellness, doesn’t it? I can’t wait to make it there someday. I’d probably want to stay for a month.
Yes, it’s better than being trapped at the Mall of America for 12 hours.
I’m in Hawaii right now too and I just sent you an overexcited email — you will identify it by the excessive use of caps lock. Interneting under the influence over here on Oahu at the moment.
Hawaii does that to people – us included! Enjoy Oahu.
I can understand why you did not want to say goodbye, it looks gorgeous. Never really featured on my travel plans but now feel it should
Hawaii belongs on every bucket list.
OOhhhh…very jealous of your Beijing trip! Enjoy your time in Maui, you’ll need all that wellness by the time you get to China.
I know… we’re sitting here wondering if we’re crazy to go to such opposite places one right after the other.
I LOVE the Travaasa, it is such a wonderful place to disconnect.
Yep… great vibe on that part of the island and at Travaasa. More details to come…
Wow, that double rainbow photo really is gorgeous! Hate that I’ve never been to Hawaii.
Double rainbows are the best. We saw two incredible rainbows this time around – the kind that make you feel as though you’re standing in them.
Looks heavenly!! The shots are crisp and clear, the place endearing. I loved the rainbow
Put Hawaii on your travel list
I have got to get myself to Maui. Great photo of the two of you.
Yes, and Seattle is the perfect stopover.
Did you guys make it to Lahaina? There’s a place just before you get there called Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop. Best food ever!!!! And it was reasonably priced for Maui. They had sweet and savory pies, along with sandwiches and I think some salads. The people there were great and the food was so good we went there twice!
We’ve been to Lahaina but never to Leoda’s. Will check out your review.
Wooooooooooowwwwww. That is all.
Have you not been???
Great photos guys! We miss Maui.
Hard not to miss, isn’t it?
Great pics guys. Maui is indeed a great place to visit. I live on Oahu and have been to all the islands, except Niihau, Lanai, and Kahoolawe. Glad you guys enjoyed Hawaii and have fun in China.
Thanks, Royce!
Looks like you guys had an amazing time… I think I would like it there!
You would – trust us!
What a lovely photo of you two!
PS Is it bad that whenever I think of Maui, I hear Aidan in Sex and the City say ‘Let’s get Mauied?’ to Carrie?
Have never seen it so cannot judge
Looks like such a great trip, love the photos!
Thank you!
I’d love to do that hike. It looks wonderful!
We did a few hikes – all were great. That’s something people don’t expect about Hawaii.
Love the photo of the double rainbow! I’m originally from Hawaii, and am always thrilled to hear when folks had a fantastic stay in my home state. Hope you can make it to the Big Island next time–fantastic hiking, waterfalls, and exploration there as well, from the volcano area to snowy Mauna Kea.
We’ve been and had a great time as well. How could you not?
OMG I would kill to go to Hawaii. These pictures look so alive!
Please, please, please say you have been. Please.
There IS something about Maui! It’s the only place in Hawaii I’ve been to. It is gorgeous and magical.
Next on your to-do list…. Kauai.
I grew up in Hawaii (on Oahu) and I often skip out on Maui because its so catered to tourist. For me, it doesn’t really showcase what I think is truly Hawaii. However, having read your post and looked at the photos, I have to say, I’m intrigued. Perhaps I’ll island hop the next time and give it another try. The mai thais are looking especially yummy.
I think your our new best friend if you love the look of those mai tais!
Now I want to go to Hawaii more than ever!!!!!
Let’s keep trying to make that happen! Deal?
Enough already! Going through these photos, I’m salivating at the thought of going to Maui again. The mai tais looks particularly good. I never order them anywhere outside of Hawaii. Love your clever post title, btw.
Ha! We love the title too – some of our best work
I want to drink whatever you guys are having in that picture! The bamboo forest looks like fun – I recently got to visit one here in Korea.
Mai tais! The drink of champions.
Take me there! Love all these photos, but ESPECIALLY the one of both of you with the sunset and the one of you two kayaking. Would you believe I’ve never been to Maui? Not for lack of desire!
How you have not been to Maui is beyond me. How about Kauai?
That is such a great photo of you guys! This takes me back to some great memories of our time in Maui. Ahh.. the island life.