Maui Moments
A quick glimpse into island life, local favorites, and the
simple moments that make Maui special.
More Maui Moments Coming Soon!
This one's from November 2021, not long after we made the move here permanent. We drove up to the summit of Haleakala, and by the time we reached the top, we were standing above the clouds themselves. I still remember how quiet it was up there, just wind, rock, and an entire ocean of white below us. This photo gets me every time. Standing above the clouds like that puts things in perspective fast. Most of what feels big down here just isn't, from up there.
We don't really get fall here, the temperature barely moves year round. So when Kula Country Farms opens up their pumpkin patch, I go a little overboard proving to myself that autumn exists somewhere on this island. This one's from a visit a couple years back, one leg kicked up, pumpkins as far as you can see, and that view behind me that never gets old. If you're ever here in pumpkin season, it's worth the drive up the mountain.
One of mine and my daughter's favorite spots when she's in town is The Cinnamon Roll Place. They bake them fresh right in front of you, so you smell the cinnamon rolls before you even reach the door. Some visits we split one, some visits we each get our own, no judgment either way, they're that good. And yes, they ship, so you don't have to live on Maui to get your hands on one. Yes, they have gluten free and they are just as delicious as the originals!
This one's from a few months back, we hadn't gone down to catch a sunset like this in a while. My husband likes to joke, "the sun will set again tomorrow," when I try to talk him into going. He's not wrong, but I've decided that's not really the point. Slowing down enough to actually watch it, instead of just knowing it happened, is good for the mind, body, and soul. So, I'm getting back to more sunsets this month. With him or without him.
Some of my favorite moments here do not need a plan, they just need you to look up. These two palm trees frame one of my favorite views on Maui, the ocean, and the windmills doing their slow, quiet spin. Nothing fancy, no special occasion, just Maui doing what Maui does best. A good reminder that beauty is sometimes right in front of you.
This is the photo from the one way flight we took in July 2021 to Maui. The one that kicked off this whole adventure five years ago. Two exhausted, slightly nervous humans, with two dogs somewhere below in cargo, no idea what life on an island would actually look like. If someone had told us back then just how much slower and simpler life was about to get, I think we both would have relaxed a whole lot sooner. So if there is a leap you have been putting off, big or small, maybe this is your sign to take it. You never know what is waiting on the other side.
Okay, this one is technically a Bonaire moment and not a Maui one, but I could not leave it out. This was a girls-only shopping day while the boys went diving. As much as I love being underwater, my husband loves it even more, so a mid-week break to shop, eat, and take some fun pictures was exactly what I needed. Right before we left, I could not resist snapping this one in front of the iconic mural downtown, flamingos and all. Sometimes a photo says more than words. This one says thank you, this trip was everything I needed, and I am walking away with a full cup and ready for whatever is next.
Sending this one from Bonaire. Yes, that is absolutely a frozen drink in my hand at sunset. The dive boats are already lined up for tomorrow morning, the scuba tanks are ready on the dock, and I am sitting here completely still for the first time all day. This is exactly why we do the work. Not to look a certain way, but to be able to show up for the moments that genuinely stop you in your tracks. Bonaire is going to be a good one.
I spotted this painted rock at a local spot here in Maui and it stopped me in my tracks. I love that someone took the time to create this and leave it for a stranger to find. Aloha, and for the record, I absolutely have other plans this week.
One of the best perks of living in Maui is whale season. Humpback whales migrate here every winter to mate and give birth. This breach from our February whale watch was one of the most incredible things I have ever seen. Nobody knows for certain why humpbacks breach, but watching 40 tons of whale launch out of the water right in front of you, I like to think they are just playing.
My daughter took this photo when she was here in February, and I love everything about it. We spent the day doing nothing in particular, just talking, sitting on the beach with that gorgeous Maui backdrop, and soaking it all in. The only thing that would make it better is if she were in it with me!
Maui Moments can be anything, people, places, and of course food. These beauties are malasadas from Sugar Beach Bake Shop right here in Kihei. If you have never had a malasada, think donut without the hole, filled with custard or other delicious things you did not know you needed. That day we had vanilla, chocolate, lilikoi, and ube (the purple one, and yes it is as good as it looks). I rarely start my day with sugary deliciousness, but when I do, it is absolutely a malasada. 🤤
There is definitely something about a Maui sunset. When we first moved here, we would go down and watch the sunset a few times a week. Now, we don't make it quite as much but some evenings Maui just shows off, and I'm always here for it.
Secret Beach isn't much of a secret these days, but it still feels like a hidden gem every time I visit. Between the black lava rock, the changing skies, and the sound of the waves rolling in, it's one of those places that instantly reminds me to slow down, breathe deep, and appreciate where I am.
More Maui Moments Coming Soon!
More Maui Moments Coming Soon!
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