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Best Vacation Ever - Maui & the Big Island
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items My best vacation ever was a trip I took with my husband and our 12 & 14 year olds to Hawaii. We flew from Austin, TX to the Big Island on Southwest, where we connected in Vegas. After 4 nights on the Big Island, we flew Southwest to Maui where we...
Sections
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Making plans
Big Island
Maui
Making plans
There's so much information out there, but these two sources are what I found to be most helpful!
Hands down, the BEST Hawaii vacation planning resource we found. I bought several planning guides and was delighted to find them approachable, knowledgeable, and SPOT ON.
The Hawaii Vacation Guide Home - The Hawaii Vacation Guide
This Youtube channel goes hand-in-hand with the vacation guides I recommend. I loved being able to take a deep dive (pun intended) on specific activities.
The Hawaii Vacation Guide
Big Island
We spent the first part of our trip on the Big Island, which was my daughter's favorite.
This resort is gorgeous. We opted for a two bedroom suite to give us space to spread out. I could have lived the rest of my life on our balcony!
Hilton Waikoloa Village | Big Island, Hawaii Resort on the Kona Coast
We did a tour and tasting of Kahi Ola Mau Farm. Not only was the chocolate amazing, but learning about the process to make chocolate was fascinating. This was a hit with the adults AND the children.
Farm & Chocolate
This is a must-do!! I got myself a “ride along” ticket since I don't love snorkling and had a blast watching my people enjoy themselves.
Manta Ray Snorkel Tour in Kailua Kona | Sea Paradise
I highly recommend doing one luau while you're visiting Hawaii. I loved learning about the history, trying a bunch of different foods, and watching the performers! This one was incredible with all of the fire dancing.
Legends of Hawaii Luau
I rented a cabana on our last day at the resort and had the time of my life sipping mimosas, reading my book, and enjoying the perfect weather. HIGHLY recommend.
Swimming Pools & Waterslides | Hilton Waikoloa Village Hawaii Resort
We spent the first part of our vacation on the Big Island, then hopped a quick flight on Southwest to Maui. Easy breezy!
Book a Flight | Southwest Airlines
We booked a morning fishing excursion at the last minute and were SO GLAD that we did. Our guide was friendly and knowledgeable and was happy to take plenty of pictures of our catches.
SHORELINE FISHING ADVENTURE
This fruit stand was my daughter's favorite part of the entire vacation. Not even kidding.
Waipio Fruit Shack
Each bite was more delicious than the last!
Da Poke Shack
Volcanoes National Park is a must do!
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park (U.S. National Park Service)
Y'all, there are TURTLES here! It was wonderful.
Punaluu Black Sand Beach Hawaii | Go Hawaii
The southernmost bakery in the United States! Highly recommend the terayaki burger and malasades.
Punaluʻu Bake Shop
This lookout is breathtaking! You'll drive past my daughter's favorite fruit stand on your way there and back.
Waipio Valley Overlook | Go Hawaii
Maui
We spent the second half of our trip on Maui, which was my favorite.
Mama's is a must do if you go to Maui! Try to time your dinner reservation at sunset - it's stunning and the food is exceptional! My daughter loved the mocktails and desserts the most.
Mama's Fish House Restaurant | North Shore Maui Hawaii
We visited in March - the timing was great for whale watching! This was another highlight of the trip. 🐋
Lahaina Ultimate VIP Whale Watch (2 hours) Max 14 Participants
We stayed at the Westin resory on Maui - stunning, of course! We opted for two connecting guestrooms, which worked out great. Again, the balcony was my favorite place to be while we were at the hotel. We could see whales from the breakfast restaurant...
The Westin Maui Resort & Spa — Ka'anapali Beach Resort Association
The Old Lahaina Luau is an EXPERIENCE! When I made our reservations, we ended up on the waitlist so I booked another luau for the big island. I was pleasantly surprised that seats opened up for us, so I went ahead and booked this luau and I'm so glad...
Old Lāhainā Lūʻau - Old Lāhainā Lū'au
Maui Surf Girls were WONDERFUL! Both kids were up and riding waves in no time! This was one of their favorite things we did.
Maui Surf Lessons, Maui Surf School & Surf Camps
This was another last minute addition to our trip. The food was great, the ship and the weather were gorgeous, and the crew was lovely. Highly recommend!
Captain's Sunset Dinner Sail - Maui's Luxury Dinner Cruise
I had an amazing facial at the hotel spa. There's an open air deck/patio where you can hang out after your treatment. I enjoyed a mimosa and the view.
Heavenly Spa Maui
This was the perfect post-surfing treat.
Leoda's Kitchen & Pie Shop