Laid-back luxury, unforgettable landscapes, and just the right amount of adventure—Maui delivers it all. I recently visited this beautiful Hawaiian island, and I can confidently say it’s the perfect destination for honeymooners, couples, small families, and anyone looking to slow down and soak in natural beauty while still having plenty to do.

Whether you’re watching sea turtles from your resort lawn, catching a jaw-dropping sunset on the beach, or winding your way along the iconic Road to Hana, Maui is a destination where unforgettable memories are made.

Where I Stayed: Wailea Beach Resort – Marriott, Maui

I stayed in the Wailea resort area at the Wailea Beach Resort – Marriott, and it was everything I hoped for and more. Located oceanfront in one of Maui’s most scenic and convenient areas, it’s a great home base—especially with many activities in Lahaina and Kaanapali currently limited due to the wildfires.

We stayed in a Deluxe Ocean View Room with two queen beds and a balcony overlooking the ocean and pool. The room was spacious, beautifully designed, and ideal for relaxing after long days exploring.

The resort vibe was a perfect mix of relaxed luxury and family-friendly fun. Open-air walkways, lush tropical gardens, and an oceanfront lawn made it feel like a true island escape. With six pools, multiple waterslides, a splash pad, and two adults-only pools, everyone—from couples to kids—can find their version of paradise.

Note: This resort is oceanfront but does not have a swimmable beach directly in front. However, two beaches are within a 5-minute walk, and a scenic oceanfront path connects the area’s resorts, beaches, and dining.

Beaches & Scenery

Wailea Beach and Ulua Beach—just steps from our resort—were calm, family-friendly, and perfect for snorkeling and swimming. If you want to swim with sea turtles, head to Turtle Town (Maluaka Beach) or take a snorkeling tour to Molokini Crater paired with a stop at Turtle Town.

For sunsets, the Wailea Beach Path is breathtaking. The path hugs the coast and offers volcano views, swaying palms, and glowing skies at golden hour.

Haleakalā National Park is also a must-see. While most travelers flock there at sunrise (which requires a reservation between 3–7 AM), we loved visiting in the late afternoon—no crowds, peaceful vibes, and sweeping crater views.

And yes, we drove the legendary Road to Hana. It's a wild, winding ride through lush rainforests, waterfalls, and black sand beaches.

Pro tip: download an audio GPS guide, leave by 6–7 AM, and pack Dramamine if you’re prone to motion sickness. Cell service is nonexistent on the route, so prepare offline. Stop at Haleakalā’s Kipahulu Visitor Center near the Seven Sacred Pools for a fun surprise: “I Survived the Road to Hana” certificates!

Excursions & Adventures

Some of the best excursions in Maui include:

Snorkeling tours to Molokini Crater & Turtle Town
Hiking in Haleakalā National Park
Surf lessons in Kihei or Lahaina
Sunset catamaran sails
Whale watching (seasonal)

We opted for more laid-back exploring, but I highly recommend building at least one guided adventure into your trip.

Dining & Local Eats

We tried a mix of resort dining, casual bites, and roadside gems:

Favorites included:

Nalu’s South Shore Grille – Affordable, casual dining with delicious food and a fantastic happy hour
Zippy’s – A beloved Hawaiian chain with local favorites like loco moco, chicken katsu, and saimin
Old Lahaina Luau – An unforgettable cultural experience with a sit-down meal and storytelling through hula

On the Road to Hana:

Nahiku Marketplace – Food trucks with standout huli huli chicken and ribs
Coconut Glen’s – Vegan ice cream that will blow your mind. Try the Kona chocolate and coconut!

On-site eats:

Roy Yamaguchi’s Pizza Truck at Wailea Beach Resort served up personal-sized pizzas and salads—perfect for a quick, delicious lunch by the ocean.

Final Thoughts

Four days was not enough time. I’d return in a heartbeat—and next time, I’d consider a split stay between Wailea and Lahaina (once fully recovered) to experience both resort areas.

Maui is perfect for travelers who want the beauty of nature, the luxury of top-tier resorts, and just enough adventure to keep every day exciting. Whether you’re snorkeling with sea turtles, exploring waterfalls, or simply enjoying shave ice in the sun, Maui has something magical waiting for you.

Whether you’re planning a honeymoon, romantic escape, or unforgettable family vacation, let’s start customizing your ideal Hawaii trip. Reach out to your Travel Advisor today, or submit your quote request below. Maui’s magic is waiting—let’s make it yours.

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