Hawaii Honeymoon: A Guide to Maui
The Hawaiian legend of Haleakala (“House of the Sun”) tells us the demigod Maui lassoed the sun while standing atop the mountain, slowing its transit to make the day last longer. You’ll feel the same way when you explore this island paradise, from its upcountry farms and lush rainforests to its golden sand beaches and black lava coastline.
By: Donna Heiderstadt
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A recent $12 million renovation of its bungalows and garden suites gave the plantation-style units a contemporary makeover with handcrafted, sustainable materials and authentic touches such as kapa (Hawaiian bark cloth). That spirit-of-aloha extends to the resort’s new restaurant, The Preserve Kitchen + Bar, which sources all ingredients and seafood from the Hana region and Maui first, and then from the other Hawaiian islands. Room rates start at $450 a night.
Photo courtesy of Travaasa Experiential Resorts
Hawaiian Escape
Travaasa Hana is the ultimate Hawaiian escape. This 70-room resort and spa hidden away at the end of a long and winding road overlooks Hana’s dramatic black-sand coastline on the isolated east end of Maui.
Photo courtesy of Travaasa Experiential Resorts
Lunch Date
The ahi tuna, mahi mahi and ono at Mama’s Fish House on the laid-back North Shore couldn’t be any fresher: It’s brought to the restaurant daily by local fishermen — whose names and where they caught the fish are listed on the menu. The setting, overlooking the beach near the tranquil town of Paia, is the perfect spot to spend a few hours tasting the favors of Maui. Yes, it’s a splurge — even at lunch — but both the portions and the view are grand.
Photo Credit: Tony Clifford Novak
Upcountry Bliss
Maui’s verdant Upcountry has simple down to an art form. Head to Makawao, an old-timey town with cowboy roots, to try the sweet cream puffs at T. Komoda Store & Bakery — just get there before 10:00 a.m. or they may be gone. Further up the slopes of Haleakala, you’ll find the heavenly Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm, home to 45 varieties, where you can enjoy a tour or shop for lavender-infused indulgences from honey to soap to lavender lilikoi (passionfruit) jelly. Also in Kula, the Surfing Goat Dairy produces a variety of goat cheese, as well as truffles and soap, from their 100 does. You can even try your hand at milking one of them.
Photo Credit: J. Anthony Martinez
Lahaina Sunset
Being in the right place for Maui’s legendary sunsets is a must. Gorgeous Lahaina in West Maui has multiple beauty spots with views across Lahaina Roads, the channel that separates Maui from Lanai and Molokai.
After the sun goes down, experience a Hawaiian luau at the Feast at Lele, or dine on farm-to-table dishes on the beachfront terrace at Pacific’O.
Photo Credit: HTA/Tor Johnson
