Hawaii part 4 - Maui Magic & Aloha to Hawaii

Hawaii Trip Recap: Part 4 – Maui & Final Thoughts

Our last stop was Maui for three nights. Since we didn’t need a 4x4, we splurged on a convertible, which made for a fun and scenic drive around the island.

Beach day

Our hotel provided beach chairs, so our first day was all about relaxing by the ocean. And what a sight it was! We saw countless whales breaching and swimming in the distance, and even spotted a turtle surfacing for air. I was thrilled that we had brought our snorkel gear because I had read about a nearby beach where turtles are often seen. While my husband stayed on the shore, I mustered up the courage to go snorkeling.

I’m not the most confident in the water, so I had to focus on my breathing and staying calm. Seeing other snorkelers helped guide me to the right spot, and on my way back, I suddenly found myself face-to-face with a massive turtle. I was completely startled! It was an incredible experience, though I did panic a little as I backed up, trying to give it space.

Explored Lahaina and Kaanapali

We also explored Lahaina and Kaanapali—both charming spots. We had dinner at Japengo at the Hyatt, which was delicious, and the hotel itself was fun to visit with all the animals around. It’s easy to see why this area is such a popular place to stay, but it is definitely pricey.

Haleakalā National Park

Since we aren’t morning people, we skipped the famous sunrise at Haleakalā National Park. Many visitors wake up early to make the long, winding drive to the summit in the dark, but we opted to go during the day. The drive up to the 10,000-foot-high peak was exhilarating—lots of twists and turns, with some sections feeling a bit nerve-wracking due to the steep drop-offs. The views were spectacular, and the sun was shining, making it a great experience. Haleakalā, meaning "House of the Sun" in Hawaiian, has a fascinating legend: the demigod Maui is said to have lassoed the sun from atop the volcano to slow its descent and make the day last longer. At the summit, we also saw Hawaii’s first astronomical research observatory.

Road to Hana

The next day, we attempted the famous Road to Hana. We made it about halfway before deciding to turn around. My husband enjoyed the drive, alternating between fast-paced curves and leisurely moments taking in the lush scenery. Why didn’t we go all the way? It felt like we had gotten a good sense of the experience, and since we had a flight back to Vancouver, we didn’t have time to stay overnight in Hana. Would I recommend it? If you’ve already been to Kauai, probably not—it felt somewhat redundant after seeing the incredible landscapes of that island.

Final Thoughts

Hawaii was an adventure-filled trip. My love for volcanoes truly began here, and the joy of spotting turtles—both on the beach and in the water—was unforgettable. We didn’t try surfing, but we saw an ideal beginner-friendly beach in Kauai that would have been perfect for it.

Calm beach in Kauai for surfers

Each island had its own charm, but if I had to choose, I’d recommend Big Island for seeing lava and stargazing and Kauai for its lush greenery, stunning beaches, and incredible hikes. Between Maui and Oahu, we personally preferred the first two islands, but everyone has different expectations. For us, hiking, spotting turtles, and experiencing volcanic landscapes were the highlights.

Hawaii is a place of incredible natural beauty, but it’s also a land where people live with the constant reality of volcanoes reshaping their world. Witnessing that firsthand was both humbling and fascinating.

Aloha, Hawaii—you were amazing!