:: Maui Trip // Life in Photos ::
I can’t believe it’s already been a month since we left for our getaway to Maui, Hawaii! We had about three months leading up to the trip to prepare and anticipate all the fun we would have. Of course, five nights away flew by so quickly! Now it seems as if it were only a mere dream! I’ve had so much fun looking through our photos and thought that I’d share some favorites with you, but first…
This was a trip for just the two of us! That’s right! {My saint of a mom willingly volunteered to watch our four little ones for the time we were gone! She didn’t just meet their everyday needs, you guys… she continued to homeschool them! We are so blessed by her! Thanks, Mom! You’re seriously –THE BEST!}
So, back to this “Vacation Husby” of mine… he was completely carefree and present! You see, he didn’t have to wake up at 4 a.m. to go to work, make his two-hour commute, run to Trader Joe’s for me on his way home after a 72-hr. shift, fold laundry, cook dinner, or help with the bedtime routine! This guy was STRESS-FREE… and was clearly loving it! It was ah-mazing, if I do say so myself!
In all honesty, it really was a break that we both needed! Since our move last July to the mountains, and the start of our homeschooling journey this school year, I hadn’t been away from the kids {not even for a yoga class}. As much as I love and adore them… I was feeling a bit overwhelmed with life and the day-to-day routine. {I’m sure many of you can relate!}
This trip to Maui was so relaxing! We spent our days bathed in sunscreen and Maui Babe Lotion {the best, by the way}, soaking up the warm sunshine! We snorkeled every day, dipped in the clean turquoise waters, swam with green sea turtles {nature’s therapy at its finest!}, feasted on delicious local cuisine, and snacked on the best shaved ice, ever! We listened to acoustic guitar, watched sunsets, took walks on the beach, explored the island in our cute little rental car, and slept soundly in our heavenly bed! Bliss… I tell you!
We rented snorkel gear for the week, the day after we arrived. It was such a wise decision! We took it with us wherever we went and snorkeled many great spots. We had the best turtle sighting off of Ka’anapali Beach and Black Rock {which was fantastic, since our hotel was on that beach}!
{This picture ^^^ just makes me laugh…} We met up with some wonderful friends of ours {who also happened to be in Maui at the same time}, and took a boat ride on the “Pride of Maui” for a 5-hr. snorkel trip to the Molokini Crater and Turtle Town. Since I’ve grown up sailing and cruising the Caribbean for a couple years of my childhood… being on the water always feels like I’m finally home. We had perfect weather… although there was a tsunami warning that day, after the 8.2 earthquake off the coast of Chili. Fortunately, the seas stayed calm!
Although I had previously been to Oahu and the main island of Hawaii in my younger years {we sailed there from the South Pacific, and spent a month on each island}, I had never been to Maui! Of course, everyone we know and love has been… so our dear friends were great resources for what to do and where to go! {Nicole being one of them… thanks, my friend!}
One of our favorite breakfast spots turned out the be The Gazebo in Napili. If you are visiting the west shores of Maui… it’s a must! The banana macadamia nut pancakes topped with sweet homemade whipped cream and coconut syrup was divine… as was the french toast! {YUM!}
{I have a “thing” for road shots. I find them to be so beautiful and charming.} We pulled off of the road often, snapping picture and taking in the views… {a complete luxury since we didn’t have any kids with us}!
Towards the end of our trip we drove to Makena Beach. It was about an hour away from where we were staying in Ka’anapali. The main beach was breathtaking! For those of you that love to golf and shop… this may be a good place to stay, or at least go to for a day trip!
On our last day, we simply ate at The Gazebo one last time, laid on the sandy beach, and snorkeled. Later that afternoon, we shopped for souvenirs for the kids on Front Street and at Whaler’s Village in Lahaina. We made one last trek to Paia and ate at the most delicious restaurant… the Flatbread Company for dinner! We had the most delectable, fresh, organic salad and homemade vegetarian pizza there! Before long, it was time to take the red eye back to LAX. The trip went by entirely too fast {and we were only slightly depressed to leave}… but we were anxious to get home to love on our four little ones!
Obviously, it is a luxury to get away without the kids for a little vacation. It was a hard decision to make… to leave them, but we knew they were in good hands with their nurturing gramma! Those date nights and overnight stays are so important for a marriage! Both my husby and I came back feeling so energized and refreshed! It allowed us time to connect again on so many levels! I hope that you all have the same opportunity at some point! If so… Maui may be a great vacation spot for you!
{If you are taking a trip to Maui and want some more recommendations on where to stay, things to do, and places to eat… send us an email! We’d be more than happy to help!}
Nicole and I would love to hear your thoughts on getting away without the kids. Have you even done it before? If so, where is your favorite spot for a getaway?
Check out our other vacation spots we’ve been to and LOVE {family getaways included}:
