Maui
A Slow-Paced Paradise: Our Dream Week in Maui
There’s a rhythm to Maui—a kind of tropical heartbeat that slows everything down. For a full week, we gave ourselves permission to match it. With five nights in Hana and two at the Sheraton in Kā‘anapali, we split our time between serene seclusion and vibrant resort living. From hidden bamboo forests to poolside mai tais, it was the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.
Living the Dream in Hana
We stayed at a cozy Airbnb tucked into the jungle just three minutes from our favorite stretch of sand—Hamoa Beach. It’s the kind of beach that looks like it belongs on a postcard: soft gray sand, bright blue waves, and dramatic green cliffs framing both sides. Most days, we had it nearly to ourselves. Just down the road were the Venus Pools, a series of naturally carved swimming holes where we could soak in silence and sunshine.
What makes Hana so magical is its untouched feel. There are no big hotels, no rush, no strip malls. Everything is on island time, and we loved it. Locals waved, chatted, and offered roadside fruit with the kind of warmth that makes you feel instantly at home. Hana is what you dream about when you imagine Hawaii—raw, relaxed, and deeply rooted in nature.
The Road to Hana: Worth the Journey
For many, the Road to Hana is a bucket list drive. It’s 50+ miles of twists, turns, and narrow one-lane bridges that hug the cliffs and snake through dense rainforest. For us—Californians familiar with winding coastal drives—it felt adventurous but never overwhelming.
In the past, we’d done the full trip in one day, but staying in Hana changed everything. Without the time pressure, we could explore at our own pace and dive into places we had to skip before. Waterfalls, beaches, trails—it all felt more open to us this time.
Waterfalls, Beaches & Hidden Bamboo Forests
A highlight was swimming at Pua‘a Ka‘a State Wayside Park—a waterfall-fed swimming hole just off the road. It’s the perfect place to stretch your legs and take a dip, surrounded by jungle. Later, we made our way to Waiʻānapanapa State Park, home of the iconic black sand beach. If you can snag a reservation (they're required), it’s worth it. The contrast of black sand, turquoise surf, and green cliffs is otherworldly—and an hour or two is the perfect amount of time to take it all in.
One of our favorite discoveries was the Bamboo Forest, a hidden gem with no signs or clear entrance—just a small clearing on the roadside. We stepped into a tunnel of bamboo, following narrow trails past swaying stalks and shaded pools surrounded by boulders. It felt mystical and untouched, like a secret known only to locals and the few who slow down enough to notice..
The Banana Bread Trail & Our Favorite Stop: Paia
Of course, no trip to Hana is complete without banana bread, and we sampled it all. Tiny roadside stands sold fresh loaves of banana and coconut bread that were still warm from the oven—honestly some of the best baked goods we’ve ever tasted. Hot tip: always keep cash on hand, because these little gems are cash-only and worth every penny.
We also spent time in Paia, the artsy surf town at the start of the Road to Hana. With its funky shops, juice bars, and relaxed vibe, it’s a must-stop for lunch and boutique shopping. The town has a magnetic charm, like it belongs in a movie.
Kā‘anapali: A Luxurious Finale
To wrap up our trip, we headed west to the Sheraton at Kā‘anapali Beach, where the pace picked back up—in the best way. The beachfront location is unbeatable, especially for snorkeling at Black Rock, a lava outcropping teeming with tropical fish. The ocean was warm and clear, and even just wading in gave us a front-row view of underwater life.
The resort itself was perfect for families: beautiful pools, a winding lazy river, poolside drinks (the mai tai was a standout), and fantastic service. It was the kind of place where the kids could play all day, and we could fully relax with our toes in the sand and a drink in hand.
Next Time in Maui: What’s Still on Our List
Even with a full week, Maui still holds more to discover. Here are a few things we’re saving for our next island escape:
🌺 Luaus & Live Music – While we focused on natural beauty this trip, next time we might explore more of the cultural experiences, like traditional hula, music, and storytelling.
🌋 Haleakalā Sunrise – Watching the sun rise above the clouds from the summit of Haleakalā Volcano is a legendary Maui experience. You’ll need a reservation and an early alarm—but the views are said to be life-changing.
🚁 Helicopter Tour – To see hidden waterfalls, sheer sea cliffs, and parts of Maui you just can’t access by car.
🌴 ʻĪao Valley State Monument – A lush, sacred site with dramatic mountain views and easy hiking trails in central Maui.
🛶 Kayaking or SUP in Makena – The calm waters off the south shore are ideal for paddling alongside sea turtles and reef fish.
🍍 Farm & Plantation Tours – We'd love to visit Surfing Goat Dairy, Maui Wine, or Oʻo Farm to learn more about local agriculture (and taste along the way).
Final Thoughts
From misty bamboo forests to bright coral reefs, our week in Maui gave us the perfect blend of off-the-grid adventure and oceanside luxury. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning like us, we highly recommend slowing down in Hana—staying a few nights there unlocks a side of the island most visitors never get to see. And finishing with some pampering on the west side? It was the perfect way to say aloha to paradise.
