Maui's Magical Moments

“I went to Maui to stay a week and remained five. I never spent so pleasant a month before, or bade any place goodbye so regretfully. I have not once thought of business, or care or human toil or trouble or sorrow or weariness, and the memory of it will remain with me always.”  ~Mark Twain

Oh, how I wish I could have added four weeks to my week-long vacation in Maui last summer! Mark Twain wrote that in 1866, and nearly 150 years later, every word rings true.  My sister Maggie is ten years younger than I am, and we were lucky to spend a full week exploring every corner of Maui that we could--from the stunning views and scenery to meals where we were stuffed like turkeys and loved every minute of it.

My favorite moments from this island of a million magazine-cover worthy scenes happened every day and often. Sometimes, I had to put the camera down so I could be fully present and not think about which photo to tweet or Facebook.  And a good time to reflect on a Hawaii vacation is the middle of January, when our weather in New York is fluctuating from biting cold to springtime sunshine daily.

I couldn't stop taking pictures on the Road to Hana.  Don't listen to anyone who tells you otherwise-the Road to Hana is a national treasure, and my favorite spot on Maui just might be the Black Sand Beach. 

The Road to Hana: Twists and Turns and views like this

The Black Sand Beach-my favorite spot in MauiPlan on dragging yourself out of bed at 2 a.m. on one of your Maui days (and catch up on sleep at the beach later).  You absolutely have to see the sunrise on Haleakala and it requires an early wake-up call to drive the two hours to the top.  I recommend bike riding down with 360 degree views of Maui on the way down. We stopped and stared at this rainbow for a good five minutes.

On another planet: Watching the sunrise on Haleakala, an active volcano

A full rainbow welcoming us to the day as we bike ride down HaleakalaAlthough I was in Maui last August, I still compare every piece of bread I've had since to the one I had at Spago.  The Maui Onion Foccacia Bread is divine bites of sweet caramelized Kula onions enveloped in warm, chewy bread. Sigh.

The best bread I've ever eaten: Maui Onion Foccacia Bread at SpagoThis will forever be one of my favorite photos of my sister, enjoying the view

Possibly the most beautiful infinity pool in the worldThe perfect Hawaiian beach=Wailea

This is what you dream about when you think of HawaiiI loved spending a good part of each day in the warm Maui waters.  While scuba diving with Maui Undersea Adventures, we met lots of new friends like this guy.

If it's your first time on Maui, like it was for us, the Old Lahaina Luau is a fun way to spend an early evening, followed by wandering Lahaina's main street.  While we started one day with sunrise on Haleakala, we ended it with this sunset at the luau. Classic, perfect Maui.

This post was sponsored by The Hawaiian Islands, featuring the Island of Maui, one of six distinctive islands you can explore. Continue your journey at Living in the moment on the Island of Maui.