Maui Travel Guide

I’m so excited to finally share part 2 of our Hawaii Travel Guide with you guys. Our first instalment covered all things Oahu and today’s post is all about Maui! We stayed for a total of 7 days in Maui and to be honest, it didn’t feel long enough. I do think for our next visit I would stay for a minimum of 9 nights to take full advantage of the island. That being said, we were busy busy busy trying to get to all of the spots we read about online and from some great recommendations from all of you!

Where to Stay

Arriving at the Fairmont Kea Lani

Long time fans of the Fairmont brand, we were over the moon when we were invited to stay at the Fairmont Kea Lani property in Wailea, Maui. Situated on Wailea Beach, jaw-dropping feels like an understatement to explain the feeling you get when you pull up to the open air foyer of the property. An immediate welcome with a lei for me and a beaded necklace for Adam, we knew we were in good hands.

Opening the door to our stay for the week!

We had the pleasure of staying in one of the ocean-facing one-bedroom suites of the property. I don’t know if it was the design or the views, but we honestly felt like we had arrived home rather than have the feeling of being in a hotel. The sweeping balcony was the most perfect spot for our happy hour cocktails, the bathroom had a spacious his and her sink set up with a massive soaker tub in the all-marble bathroom (winning!) and the separate living room space was that extra oomph to the room to make it feel like you could separate your living area from the bedroom. With a recent renovation to the property, luxury finishing’s in each room like granite countertops; new carpet, tropical interior influencers and more truly inject a fresh take on the property.

I don’t know if you’ve ever slept in a Fairmont bed but oh-em-gee. I don’t think I made it through one TV show or email in bed without passing out – it’s that good! Another personal touch I love from Fairmont properties is that they use Le Labo toiletry products in the bathroom so there’s no need to bring your own shampoo, conditioner, body wash (guilty!) as their products are amazing!

Le Labo products at the Fairmont!

The warmest welcome from the Fairmont Staff

Sunset walk along Wailea Beach at the Fairmont Kea Lani

The view of the beach from the lobby

As if we weren’t blown away from our room, our walk downstairs was about to turn our smiles to full-blown grins. The Fairmont Kea Lani boasts a private adults-only pool equipped with cabanas and full service while a winding pool for families features a water slide and yes – you must take a ride (I don’t care how old you are!). Our personal favourite spot to hang out was cozying up on the beach where we sipped Daiquiris and waved back at the Humpback whales swimming by. I mean – does it get any better?!?! With on-site snorkelling equipment and paddleboard rentals, we knew everything we’d need was right here.

Dressed up for dinner!

Dress | Clutch | Sunglasses | Sandals

Knowing we’d be 5 days into our trip by the time we had arrived in Maui, we knew there was no longer an excuse to avoid a trip to the gym to burn off our some of those malasadas or Mai-Tai’s. But like every good intention, we left out a crucial element – our gym clothes! Thankfully, the Fairmont Fit program – a President’s Club benefit – is a great service where you can borrow Reebok workout gear (everything from shirts to sneakers and a yoga mat) and it’s all delivered to your door. Now we had no excuse! A 1 on 1 session with TyRoberts – the esteemed in-house fitness expert – was just what I needed to kick my butt into shape and we did it under 20 minutes so I could be out the door and poolside in no time!

The best beach cocktails!

As much as the property had to offer, there was no denying how great the location was of the hotel as well. Just minutes to the Shops at Wailea (did someone say Gucci or Louis Vuitton), nearby restaurants, golf and local coffee shops – everything you needed was in a close proximity. We had rented a car but loved that the Fairmont also offered a car service where you could be chauffeured to amenities in the local area and with a simple text, could be picked up when you needed to get back.

Pool bound at the Fairmont Kea Lani

Hat | Coverup {old, love this} | Bag | Sandals

Local coffee shop in Paia

Where to Eat
I’ll be the first to admit I was completely blown away by the food scene in Maui. I had always been under the impression you went for the sights and sounds and not particularly the food. I’m thrilled to report we were happily proved wrong!

Remember when I said the Fairmont staff were second to none? I owe a huge thank you to Glen from Ko Restaurant at the Fairmont for a decent amount of entries on this list. We got to chatting one night at dinner and after hearing some options we had planned for our stay in Maui, he was quick to point the must do’s and the options we could pass on. Every single restaurant, meal and drink recommendation from Glen was top notch. I don’t think I’ve ever met a food enthusiast like him. Fingers crossed we get a food blogger on our hand folks ;)

Brunch at Kea Lani Restaurant

Coverup | Sunglasses

Breakfast, Brunch and Café’s
Kea Lani Restaurant: After recently going dairy and wheat free, breakfast spots can be a pain point when it comes to eating out. I don’t often set the bar high in terms of expectations but the Kea Lani Restaurant certainly changed that. From gluten free toast to vegan butter and freshly squeezed juice, there was honestly a plethora of options to feast on. I actually looked forward to breakfast rather than dread what modifications I’d have to make.

Kihei Caffé: A cute and local breakfast spot. Try the cinnamon buns!

The Gazebo: An American breakfast spot with tasty macadamia nut pancakes. Keep an eye out for the sea turtles!

Smoothie time at Olowalu Juice Stand!

Headband | Coverup | Swimsuit | Sunnies

Sweet Treats
Island Cream Co.: A must visit after you dine at Star Noodle for a tasty dessert!

Aloha Wow Wow Lemonade: I mentioned this spot in our Oahu post and we were sure to track down their Maui spot when we arrived. We loved the Frozen Lime-aid and their Acai Bowls for breakfast.

Ululani’s Shaved Ice: A fun pit stop for a shaved ice treat. We suggest trying the pickled mango flavor J

Olowalu Juice Stand: You’ve probably seen this juice stand on every blogger’s Instagram feed that’s visited Maui – and for good reason. The fresh roadside fruit market and tasty smoothies make it a pit stop that you can’t miss.

Lunch
Cow Pig Bun: Trying to find this restaurant could be a tad tricky given it’s in an industrial area but trust me – the drive is worth it. These guys are taking non-traditional twists on burgers that are out of this world. Highly recommend and try the side of pork rinds!

Coconut’s Fish Café: Touted as the BEST fish tacos on the island – you know we had to pay them a visit. We opted for the fish and chicken tacos and were definitely impressed. The mango salsa is the perfect finishing touch. A must do!

Paia Fish Market: I can’t lie; this may have been our favourite spot on the island. The fish tacos were simple in nature but the fish was so fresh and tasty – you wouldn’t have wanted it buried in different flavors. Highly, highly recommend!

Da Kitchen Café: We hit this spot up right after we landed from the airport. We didn’t know if we planned to be in the area again and heard great things. Expect a long line up (we waited to get in before it even opened!) Adam dares anyone to take on the notorious Moco challenge (you have to finish your plate)!

JAWZ Taco Truck: Another tasty lunch on the cheap that we loved!

Dinner
Luana: This is more of a hot spot for cocktails and snack fare but the views of the sunset from this view, are unlike any other. I had some amazing cocktails here during our stay and the mixologists are really into putting unique twists on old favourites.

Ko: This restaurant was actually located within the Fairmont Kea Lani and we’d heard from a few friends, it was not to be missed. The menu is made up of traditional Hawaiian recipes passed down from generations. Each course was superb and the staff was the friendliest in town. Searing your own tuna at the table on a hot rock? Count me in! And be sure to ask what fresh batch of ice cream they’ve made for the day – there’s a limited quantity made and it’s never published on the menu!

The Restaurant at Hotel Wailea: This was certainly a splurge meal for us. Touted as one of the most romantic restaurants in America, we figured it was worth a visit. The views definitely didn’t disappoint but the food wasn’t as good as we had hoped. I’d suggest coming here for sunset cocktails and apps – the views are incomparable!

The Mill House : Another recommendation from Glen, we loved the dining experience here. Located on a tropical plantation, the farm to table concept brings fresh takes on classic favourites. The menu changes daily so we couldn’t pass along our recommendations but we’ll definitely be back for our next visit.

Star Noodle: I’m honestly drooling still thinking about this spot. My girlfriend, Candace, passed this place along as a must-do and she did not disappoint. What was supposed to be a casual quick bite turned into plate after plate being ordered. Try and eat at the bar if you can – the staff is super friendly and you get to see all the amazing meals coming out of the kitchen. You must order the pork buns, Bacon & Eggs, Brussels sprouts, Garlic noodles and finish off with their malasadas. And those are the only dishes I can remember ordering!

Ono Tacos: A tasty Mexican food truck in Lahaina if you’re looking for a tasty and flavourful dinner on the cheap.

Mama’s Fish House: I don’t think I’ve met anyone who’s been to Maui and hasn’t eaten at this restaurant – and for good reason. Yes, it is pricey (at least when you consider the exchange to the Canadian dollar) but the food, drinks and ambiance was worth it. It was a treat for us on our vacation but certainly well worth it! We opted for a fish and lobster combo that was insanely tasty!

Monkeypod Kitchen: This was a nearby restaurant in the Wailea area. We loved the relaxed vibe, craft beer selection and killer pizza and tacos.

On our list but we couldn’t make it: SouthMaui Fish Company, Flatbread Company, Maui Brewing Co, Ono Gelato, Merriman’sMaui, Duke’s Beach House, Coconut Glen’s Ice Cream, Matteo’s, Tin Roof, and Nuka.

What to Do

Beaches: What would be a Maui guide without beaches? We wished we could have seen more but from what we could get to, these were our favourite spots: Koki Beach (tropical), Big Beach (best for sunsets), Oneuli Beach, Black Rock Beach, Ka’napali Beach (great for whale watching), and Hamoa Beach (ideal for surfing).

Perfect spot on the Road to Hana

Road to Hana: Most people plan to tackle the Road to Hana over the course of a day. Truth be told, we weren’t 100% sure if this was for us so we opted to cover half the territory and would see how we felt about things. Unfortunately, rain set in and we had no choice but to turn back after 3 hours but I would recommend the excursion. We are fans of the Lonely Planet books and their guide to the Road to Hana was awesome. We were able to find a quiet swimming area all to ourselves!

Paia: A bohemian beach town, you must spend a day exploring Paia. From the cute coffee café’s to lunch spots and boutiques, it’s a colourful take on a surf town. I opted for sightseeing but Adam surfed at the nearby Baldwin Beach Park.

Nakalele Blowhole: Otherwise known as the heart rock! So word to the wise, we found this drive from Wailea far more difficult and intense than the Road to Hana. There were more sharp turns, single lane curves and tight squeezes so do plan for this in your drive time. Also, be sure to bring appropriate footwear. I was a goof who brought flip-flops and climbing down the rock mass was one thing, but going back up was another. That being said, the view is definitely worth the climb!

Snorkelling: We tried snorkelling in a few spots and found Ka’nalapli Beach to be one of our favourites for the area. We never made it but heard repeatedly that Molokini Island should be top on our list for our next stay.

Haleakala Crater: Ok so major fail on our end but we could never peel ourselves out of bed early enough to get this checked off our list. We had every intention of driving up to watch the sunrise from this view but the 4AM wakeup call was just too much for us each morning. We slightly regret it now that we’ve left so it will certainly be on our to-do list for next time.

Daydream to Reality

Always at the top of our wish list for a beach vacation, Hawaii always seemed to be one of those places you’d only dream of visiting. Often reserved for that perfect honeymoon destination or a special anniversary that you share with your partner. We found ourselves with neither in the cards for us but knew that Hawaii was a spot we just had to get to in 2017 (we’re blaming social media for this one).

Our first project to tackle was accommodations. Yes, the rumours are true: hotels in Hawaii – particularly in Waikiki – do not come cheap. After some searching we realized that we needed to get creative on how we’d accommodate our 3-night stay in Waikiki on a realistic budget.

Our first thought was to turn to our American Express Canada Platinum Card benefits and see what resources we could leverage. By placing purchases such as our groceries, gas, restaurant meals and more – we had accumulated just enough points to cover the stay at most properties in the area. In addition, the start of a new calendar year meant we could use our annual $200 travel credit towards a booking with the American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts property (a Platinum perk!)

I normally rely on our Platinum Concierge for my bookings but with a crunched time frame and a busy work schedule, I was actually able to complete my entire booking online thanks to American Express Travel Website. My favourite part about it is that you can preview what benefits your American Express Card can earn at each property, such as early check in, unique property credits and more!

I had spotted the infamous Royal Hawaiian Hotel a few years back on a travel Instagram feed I admired but assumed it was a place I’d never get to visit. And yet here we were – getting to stay at a dream property – completely free!

To sum up our stay in one word, I’d have to say: perfection. With an early check in from our flight, we were greeted with the friendliest staff, welcomed to a complimentary room upgrade thanks to our Platinum Card and whisked away to our dreamy suite for the next few days. We also took advantage of our complimentary breakfast for two and $100 Food and Beverage credit (available at specific properties) for some of the best Mai-tai’s in the area, all part of the Fine Hotels and Resorts perks we receive with our Card.

To think we could earn a stay at a dream property I’d only ever seen on social media still blows my mind. It’s soaking up moments like watching a sunset from the perfect balcony spot that makes you realize that all those small purchases really do add up and can amount to the perfect stay in the most perfect beach destination!

This post was sponsored by American Express Canada but all opinions are my own.

Oahu Travel Guide

Hawaii has always been one of those destinations that I assumed I’d never visit until I was celebrating a 20, 30 or 40-year anniversary with Adam. We certainly didn’t have the funds to visit for our honeymoon and the concept of a beach getaway during winter has only really become a reality for us in the past few years. After some back and forth on where we wanted to visit in 2017, it kept coming up in discussions over and over until we finally decided we’d just have to pull the trigger and go!

Living in Toronto, the flight isn’t ideal but it’s certainly manageable. We first flew to San Francisco and then travelled onto Honolulu in Oahu for our first leg of the trip (staty tuned for our Maui guide later). A car rental was a must for our stay as we knew we wanted to visit the North Shore, remote beaches and get to explore the island. I do suggest booking this as far in advance as possible – prices rose steeply as we waited too long unlike other destinations in the US where we find the prices remain quite steady.

Where To Stay

Poolside at the Royal Hawaiian

Welcome Lei :)

Blouse | Jean Shorts | Sandals {also love these} | Sunnies | Bag

Deciding where to stay in Oahu can be tricky. As much as we craved a more quiet, peaceful scenario, we also craved modern conveniences and easy to reach beaches so we opted for Waikiki. We spent our first 3 nights at the Royal Hawaiian (aka the Pink Palace) and were thoroughly impressed.

From there, we moved a few properties down to the Westin Moana Surfrider. A legendary landmark, the Moana Surfrider was actually one of the first resorts to open in Waikiki (since 1901!) and has been a legend ever since. I couldn’t help but get giddy at the first sight of the covered veranda and rocking chairs as you approach the entrance to the hotel – it’s the dreamiest welcome. The sweeping staircase in the entrance evokes a coastal vibe which is super refreshing and so welcoming!

We spent our mornings sipping coffee from the Surfside Café and sitting beachside as the people watching on and off the beach is unlike anything we’d seen before. A true treat for us was afternoon of tea at the Veranda at Beachhouse. Jasmine tea in one hand and champagne in the other – I don’t think anything else really screams vacation quite like that! The sandwiches were delightful, scones super tasty but my favourite part was the fresh fruit bowl served at the end with Greek yogurt. That was definitely worth breaking the dairy free diet for ;) It was honestly the dreamiest setting to soak up the sights – highly, highly recommend you book the experience today.

Afternoon of tea at Veranda on the Beachhouse

How dreamy is this porch at the Westin Moana Surfrider?

Dress | Necklace | Bag

Hat | Blouse | Shorts | Sandals | Tote

If you followed along on Instagram stories, you probably saw that we were lucky enough to stay in one of the Tower Front Ocean suites with a view like no other – Waikiki Beach. The sweeping balcony made for the most incredible people (and surf!) watching. Did I also mention it came with his and her sinks, a living room, two balconies and the comfiest bed?

Views from the Moana Lani Spa

Another must-do while visiting the property? A visit to the Moana Lani Spa! We were treated to a couples massage and after a day of surfing – it couldn’t have come at a better time. What blew us away was the open concept of the spa with large windows open to the beach. I’ll take the sound of waves crashing onto the beach any over some of the mediation tracks you have to listen to! As for services, I opted for the Heavenly Spa SignatureMassage and judging by the fact that I was snoring at the end of the service – Adam can assure it was certainly worth it ;) With a great location, stunning décor, friendly staff and one heck of a spa – we definitely recommend a stay at the Westin Moana Surfrider for your visit to Oahu.

A snap of Waikiki Beach Adam took from our balcony!

The balconies all over the property make for perfect people watching!

Morning coffee on the balcony :)

Romper {also love this and this} | Sunnies

The recognizable blue umbrellas the Westin Moana Surfrider

What to Do

Surfing: There certainly was no shortage of activities to keep us occupied while we were on the island. A bucket list item for myself was to try surfing. We spend an afternoon in lessons and were impressed with how easy and fun it was! We’d recommend finding a spot in Waikiki Beach – we opted for Faith Surf School – where the water isn’t super deep and the waves are easy for beginners.

Snorkelling: A must do in Hawaii! We scoured a few guides prior to visiting and found our favourite spots to be Kahe Beach Park, Makua Beach and Sharks Cove.

North Shore: Since we were situated in Waikiki, we were eager to get out and explore the island. We opted to spend a day in the North Shore area and it was definitely worth the visit. With food trucks, cute shops, shaved ice, people watching and more – it was a great experience. PS keep an eye out for the infamous swing by the water (see below) while in the area!

Coverup | Bracelets

Beach Hopping: I couldn’t imagine visiting Oahu without a car. It seemed like everyday we were hopping in our car to catch a sunset on another part of the island or scoping out a different beach. Some of our favourite sports were Lanikai Point, Waimea Bay Beach Park and Hanauma Bay.

We didn’t get the chance to make it, but we heard watching a sunset from Turtle Bay Resort was worthwhile. A word to the wise: plan on 2+ hours to get from one side of the island to the other when accounting for drive time.

Where to Eat

Lunch & On the Go
Killer Tacos: Our FAV fish tacos on the island – we’re self-dubbed experts now! We loved the fish, chicken and pork options! It’s the perfect spot to hit up for lunch or after a day at the beach near North Shore.

Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck: Everyone will tell you to eat here when they find out you’re visiting the island. It definitely lived up to the hype!

South Shore Grill: Opt for the fish tacos. Not our favourite spot on the island but it’s definitely worth a visit if you’re in Diamond Head.

Surf n’ Turf Tacos: A great joint for a quick bite to eat if you’re strolling the Waikiki Beach area.

Goofy Café: An amazing brunch spot and some solid acai bowls to be had! Expect a wait!

On our list but we never made it: Seven Brothers Burgers, Haleiwa Bowls, Helena’s Hawaiian Food, Kalapawai Deli, Lanikai Juice, Kaimuki Superette and Ono Hawaiian Foods.

Dinner
The Pig & The Lady: A MUST do when visiting the island. We regret not finding it till the end of our trip because we would have been back! Our favourites were the chicken wings, Golden Pig cocktail, brussels sprouts, pho and porchetta.

Mahina and Sun’s: A great meal in a super fun and kitschy property. Definitely make a reservation here as the lineup can be long.

Town: This was a bit of a drive from Waikiki and to be honest, wasn’t totally worth it in the end. Our meals were so-so and service was quite slow.

House Without a Key: We actually only had appetizers and cocktails here for sunset but the view and entertainment completely blew us away! Do book a reservation in advance as it was packed but the dreamy views and live band is worth it!

Cafés, Treats, Etc.

Matsumoto Shaved Ice: Ok maybe there’s something wrong with me but I didn’t quite get the hype. After a 45-minute lineup I was expecting to be blown away but found the treat so so.

Wow Wow Lemonade: I got hooked on their frozen limeade during our trip! It’s super tasty and sweetened with cane sugar. I also loved their acai bowls which were made with almond milk and gluten free granola – woo hoo!

Olive & Oliver Café: A must do in Waikiki Beach. This coffee shop is the cutest and the attached boutique has some adorable finds!

Shirt | Sunglasses | Shorts | Bag | Sandals {similar}

Leonard’s Bakery: Malasadas are a must in Hawaii and nobody does it quite like these guys! Expect a line but when each order is made fresh and served toasty in a bright pink box, you know it’s worth it!

Shirt | Sunglasses | Shorts

Hope you guys liked our personal take on Oahu. Stay tuned for our Maui travel guide coming soon!

Summer in Style

Sunglasses: c/o Miu Miu | Dress: Showpo {also love this and this} | Shoes: Loeffler Randal | Clutch: YSL {Designer Dupe} | Necklace: c/o Olive + Piper {old, similar} | Cuffs: c/o Kendra Scott

Immediately after booking our trip to Hawaii, I got to scouring my favourite shops for the perfect summer dresses. I’d actually never shopped Showpo prior to purchasing this (and 2 other) dress. A tad skeptical, the cute designs sidetracked me so I ended up purchasing 3 dresses instead of my intended 1 – classic Krystin. The package showed up on schedule and the quality was better than I had expected. For size reference, this is a 2/XS and I was happy with the fit. In the other styles I had purchased, I did have to shift this number around depending on the style of the dress.

My only complaint is that the fabric tends to wrinkle easily at the back after sitting but the front remained fairly intact despite a night out. Overall, I thought the value was good for what you got the cute designs definitely have me going back to see what new arrivals they’ve got in store ;)

Summer Like Stroll

Hat: Preston & Olivia {Designer Dupe here} | Dress: c/o Red Carter {Find it 25% off here with code GOBIG17} | Cuff: c/o Julie Vos | Shoes: Steve Madden | Sunglasses: Karen Walker {also 25% off!} | Bag: Clare V.

I pre-apologize for the influx of summer dresses you’ve seen on my blog and Instagram feed for the last week. With a blast of warm weather in Hawaii, I figured I’d take full advantage by wearing flowing flocks that remind me of summer. This Red Carter dress might just be one of my favs though! The adjustable bow on the front is just darling and the red eyelets are the perfect feminine touch. I love it styled with a dainty pump as shown or even with these cute sandals for a more relaxed day-dress look.

Dreamy

Dress: c/o Yumi Kim {also here} | Sunglasses: Le Specs | Bag: Clare V. {also here} | Earrings: Baublebar {also loving these and these} | Bracelet: c/o Julie Vos

Another day in paradise calls for another dreamy dress. This brand has been my go-to for flowy, colourful prints that pack a punch. I love the unexpected racerback detail on the back of the dress for a more relaxed look. For cooler nights, I’ve thrown a navy cardigan or light jean jacket over this dress to transition from day to night ;

Aloha

Hat: Lack of Color | Dress: Showpo | Necklace: c/o Julie Vos | Shoes: Target {also loving these} | Sunglasses: Karen Walker | Clutch: c/o Kayu | Watch: MK

A few days into our stay in Hawaii, and we’re officially convinced: we love it! With yummy food, friendly people and stunning sights – it really does live up to the hype. These snaps were shot on site at our hotel, the Moana Surfrider Hotel in Waikiki. With dreamy porches, a spa like no other and a prime location, it had sweeping beach views that were out of this world! Stay tuned for more snaps and a review on the hotel!

Lanikai Love

Dress: c/o Eliza J | Hat: Preston & Olivia {old, similar} | Necklace: c/o Julie Vos | Bag: Clare V. | Sunglasses: Quay | Cuffs: c/o Julie Vos | Lips: Smashbox in Bang Bang

After spending the day touring around Waikiki and getting our fill of the crowds, we decided to opt for something a bit low-key when it came to sunset. We found ourselves on Lanikai Beach in Oahu and the setting did not disappoint. Although the sun didn’t set on this side of the island, the view and mood were unreal. I’ll be the first to admit – this isn’t the best attire for the beach but the setting and the views were too perfect not to pass up as we were on our way to dinner after ;)