Maui, Hawaii
MAUI BABYMOON
Aloha friends! We kicked off 2023 with a bang, with our Babymoon trip to Maui. As you know here at DK, my love for Hawaii runs deep! Our trip to Maui just broadened my infatuation with the rainbow state. Maui is truly paradise! We barely scratched the surface of all there is to see and do in Maui. I’m diving in our trip and sharing tips for a luxe, yet affordable Maui vacation.
Traveling from the East coast to Hawaii is no joke. That’s why the first evening on the island, I plan a low key afternoon that usually involves just dinner. Dinner reservations are a must when planning your Hawaii vacation. Below, I will provide some of my favorite Maui eats, both affordable and splurge-worthy.
ADVENTURE DAY - WHALE WATCHING
Our first activity of the trip was a whale watching tour that left out of Lahaina Harbor. We were so excited to do this tour, being that we had hit peak whale season. A pod of whales gave us a real show very close to our boat, even swimming right under our catamaran. We saw whales breech, and many tail splashes. I highly recommend planning a trip to Maui during peak whale season, which runs from December to May.
LAHAINA, MAUI
Prepare to be transported to one really cute beach and surf town. Lahaina, was one of my favorite places we visited on the island, because it has it all. There’s great restaurants, views, and beach shops that line this ultra casual town. We chowed down on fish tacos at Paia Fish Market, and then ate there again in the town of Paia because it is that good!
Catch up on all there is to do in > Lahaina, Maui
SNORKLE EXCURSION
Day two called for being up before the sun, for a day out on the water. Our snorkel excursion went to Molokini Crater, and it was the most perfect day. I can’t rave enough about this excursion because the service was a 10/10! We saw more whales, and were served breakfast, lunch and cocktails out on the water. Our tour was onboard the Leilani Yacht with Maui Boat Trips.
MAUI EATS
Let’s talk food in Maui. The food here is absolutely to die for, like… hello… fresh seafood every single day! However, the food is not always affordable. In fact, most restaurants are very pricey. Although, while on your luxurious Maui vacation you are going to want to splurge right much, but I have some great options for dinner that are not so hard on the wallet.
We stayed in the town of Wailea, and in just fifteen minutes you can find tons of affordable food options in Kihei. Also, Kihei is right off the beach, so up your lunch or dinner game with an ocean view.
Fav Restaurants in Kihei
Kihei Caffe > Come here for breakfast or lunch, but I certainly suggest breakfast. TikTok did not stray me wrong on the banana & macadamia nut pancakes!
Three’s Bar & Grill > First off, let me say HAPPY HOUR! We enjoyed dinner here one night and I would definitely go back. Their menu has it all.
Lava Rock Bar & Grill > This adorable tiki themed restaurant serves up some great island food. Ask to sit up top during the day to see ocean views!
DUKES BEACH HOUSE
I’m becoming a Dukes connoisseur having ate at the one in Malibu, Honolulu and now Maui. This is a splurge-worthy restaurant and it never disappoints. My husband even said it may have been one of the best meals of his life! Known for the best Mai Tai in all of Hawaii, this stunning waterfront restaurant will leave you planning your next Hawaii vacation before you even leave.
Dukes Beach House Maui > Reservations are a must!
The North Shore of Maui, has killer waves. We couldn’t get over these waves at Ho'okipa Lookout, they were unlike anything we had ever saw. The North Shore of Maui has some insane views, and is where the adorable surfer town; Paia is located. To really get ideal views of Maui’s North Shore, one must drive around and see the island, pulling over and stopping at picturesque spots along the way.
PAIA, MAUI
Known as Maui’s cute little surf town, this tiny beach town is a must stop and stroll place. There’s trendy boutiques and restaurants that make this tourist town a perfect place for a daytime activity. As previously mentioned, Paia is home to the famous Paia Fish Market, definitely check out this OG location.
MAMA’S FISH HOUSE > Located one mile from the town of Paia is the most noteworthy restaurant on all of the island. Look for reservations way in advance to gain a seat at this coveted ocean front restuarant.
MAUI ACCOMODATIONS
Here at DK, I am all about a Marriott vacation. When possible, I always book through Marriott’s Bonvoy app. I love being able to easily compare prices through their app. To me, it’s not a true relaxing vacation unless it’s spent at a Marriott property enjoying all their luxurious amenities. Below, I’m providing a few Marriott properties to look into for your Maui stay.
Wailea Beach Resort > Enjoy the finer things in life at this oceanfront resort. Not to mention you are just walking distance from more stunning resorts such as the Four Seasons and Fairmont.
Residence Inn Wailea > Still catch ocean views at this extremely accommodating yet affordable resort. They even offer a complimentary breakfast that overlooks the ocean.
Marriott’s Maui Ocean Club > Located in Ka’napali, this resort has villa rentals if you are looking for something the whole family can enjoy.
MAUI MUST DO’s
As always, when you leave Hawaii you have such a desire to get back there as soon as possible. Our trip was on the shorter side, and we feel that we already know of a few Maui must do’s we plan to pack in on our future Maui trip.
HELICOPTER TOUR > So many people have recommended this as their best Maui activity.
ROAD TO HANA > Unfortunately, our babymoon trip did not allow for this due to the curvy nature of the road. This is an all day activity so plan accordingly.
HALEAKALA NATIONAL PARK > The hubs and I both wish we had woke up early one morning and made it for sunrise to view Maui’s volcano.
Our Maui babymoon trip was one for the record books. I am so glad we took this time to ourselves to soak up our last trip as a party of two. We enjoyed Maui so much, that we see ourselves bringing Baby C here back for round two.
Maui is truly such a peaceful place! If you’re looking for adventure and an escape from the everyday hustle and bustle, it doesn’t get much better than Maui.
Mahola friends, until next time!
