After six incredible days on Oahu, it was time to discover Maui, which revealed its own unique beauty and charm. On the island, I stayed at Aloha Surf Hostel in Paia, a laid-back historic town near renowned surf spots like Ho‘okipa and Kanaha Beach. It was the perfect base to explore, whether by joining the hostel’s free daily tours or simply relaxing at nearby beaches.

While I spent a fair amount of time exploring the island and some of its best beaches such as Makena Beach and Wailea-Makena, I also enjoyed hours sunbathing and watching surfers at Paia Bay. And there, I even spotted a few turtles lounging on the sand. On a tour to Maui’s west coast, I visited more pristine beaches like D.T. Flemings Beach and impressive spots such as the famous blowhole at Nakelele Point and Dragon’s Teeth in Kapalua. There was even time to explore Maui’s underwater world while snorkeling at Honolua Bay. Before heading back to Paia, we stopped in Lahaina for the evening – a lively hotspot and former whaling village that’s home to the largest banyan tree in the United States.

Evenings on Maui had their own magic. After full days of exploring, I’d often unwind on the hostel patio with a drink in hand, enjoying the laid-back atmosphere, or head down to the beach for some peaceful stargazing with fellow travellers. Yet, for a change of scenery, on my last day, I joined another tour for a hike at Iao Valley State Park. I was amazed by the lush landscapes, scenic lookouts over the valley, and even picked fresh guavas straight from the trees along the way. With a few hours to spare before catching my flight back to the West Coast, I spent my final moments in Maui simply soaking up the sun at the beach in Paia.

Although I covered a lot of ground, there’s still one adventure that remains at the top of my list: driving the Road to Hana, often called one of the most beautiful but also most dangerous drives in the world, with its 617 turns and 56 one-lane bridges. But honestly, I’m sure there are countless more reasons to return to this island paradise someday. For example, a visit to Surfing Goat Dairy, a farm in Kula producing award-winning Maui goat cheeses, where I’d love to learn more about their story and taste the cheese, of course.

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