Happy Monday traveler!

This week, we’re taking you to Maui, Hawaii. Ready to feel the island breeze, dip your toes into turquoise water, and explore jaw-dropping natural beauty?

🌍️ What’s Going on In the Travel World?

• Suspended flights in the Middle East - our thoughts and prayers for those affected by the what’s going on there now

• Louvre shuts its doors, overwhelmed and understaffed – a warning sign for global overtourism - good to know if you’re headed to Paris anytime soon

• Venice Residents Protest Celebrity's High-Profile Wedding - agree or disagree?

• Capri has two faces – here's the one you've never seen - this seems like exactly the type of inspiring place we need to visit

• Photos of surfing dogs at Huntington Beach - this might be the reason to write an addition about Huntington Beach, CA 🐶 🐶 

Planning an international trip can be overwhelming but it doesn’t have to be.

How?

You just need a plan for your plan.

It’s important to prepare with enough time for things like:

• Visas

• Dining

• Lodging

• Passports

• Excursions

• Travel Arrangements

  If you want a head start planning, we can help you prepare for an amazing trip.

🙌🏼This Week’s Inspiration

Welcome to Maui, one of Hawaii’s most beloved islands…where epic road trips, volcanic sunrises, and world-class beaches await.

We were inspired here because its landscapes felt like a dream brought to life…from the beauty of Haleakalā to waterfalls hidden deep along the Road to Hana.

The island’s deep-rooted Hawaiian culture, warm aloha spirit, and connection to nature gave us the chance to appreciate life's simple beauty. Maui reminds you to slow down and truly be present whether you’re whale watching or walking barefoot on golden sand.

🌺 The Road to Hana: Maui’s Wild, Winding Wonder

This 64-mile coastal drive is legendary for a reason. The Road to Hana features:

• 620 curves and 59 one-lane bridges

• Towering waterfalls, including Wailua Falls and Makapipi Falls

• Black and red sand beaches at Waianapanapa State Park and Kaihalulu Beach

• Lush rainforest trails, lava tubes, and cliffside views you’ll never forget

• Rainbow eucalyptus trees which have stunning, multicolored bark that naturally peels away to reveal vibrant streaks of green, orange, red, and purple

Pro tip:

Start early, drive slow, and stop often because the adventure is in the journey, not the destination. You will need to allow an entire day for this road trip so you can take the time to stop and enjoy the sites along the way.

🌞 Other Must-See Spots Around Maui

🗻 Haleakalā National Park
Standing at over 10,000 feet (3,055 meters) above sea level, the summit of Haleakalā ("House of the Sun") offers breathtaking sunrises above a sea of clouds.

*This experience is very popular. Reservations are required for sunrise access.

🐠 Molokini Crater & Turtle Town
Snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of this crescent-shaped volcanic crater, or swim alongside sea turtles in one of Maui’s most beloved snorkeling spots.

🌊 Kaanapali & Napili Bay
These areas offer gorgeous beaches, luxury resorts, and incredible sunset views along the west coast.

Kaanapali Beach is also great for paddleboarding and beachside dining.

🌆 Historic Lahaina Town
While parts of Lahaina are recovering from the wildfires, the spirit of this town remains strong.

Check local guidance and consider supporting nearby areas or local businesses still operating.

🌴 Iao Valley State Monument
A quick drive from Kahului, this lush valley is home to the famous Iao Needle, a towering green spire surrounded by rainforest. Great for a short, peaceful hike.

🍍 Upcountry Maui
Explore farms, art studios, and panoramic views on the slopes of Haleakalā.

Don’t miss a visit to Surfing Goat Dairy, a working goat dairy, or MauiWine for something truly unique.

📅 Best Time to Go: 

It all depends on what you want.

April–June or September–November for fewer crowds and perfect weather.

Whale watching season takes place between November-May, which is incredible. Humpback whales migrate here for the warmer months.

Boat tours will give you the chance to spot these majestic creatures.

*How to Get to Maui:

The best way to get to Maui is by flying into Kahului Airport (OGG), which is the island’s main airport and receives direct flights from major cities on the U.S. mainland like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Denver, and Phoenix, as well as inter-island flights from Oʻahu, Kauaʻi, and the Big Island.

If you're already in Hawaii, island-hopping flights from Honolulu (HNL) to Maui are quick (about 30–45 minutes) and frequent, making for an easy transfer. Once on Maui, renting a car is highly recommended to explore the island freely, especially for adventures like the Road to Hana or Haleakalā sunrise.

Where to Stay:

Here are some of our recommendations for Maui:

Polo Beach CoralTree Residence - An entire apartment that sleeps 6 people

AEI at Maui Banyan - laundry facilities and easy beach access

Grand Wailea Maui - a resort right on the beach

Modern and Tropical Oceanside Vistas - condo with a full kitchen, sleeps 4 people

Airbnb- entire condo in Kihei

What to Eat:

Poke - Fresh cubes of raw fish (usually ahi tuna) marinated in soy sauce, sesame oil, and spices. Try it from local spots or even grocery stores.

Haupia - a traditional Hawaiian coconut pudding often served as a dessert or as a layer in cakes and pies

Huli Huli Chicken - Grilled chicken marinated in a sweet and savory sauce made with pineapple juice, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Often found at roadside stands and food trucks.

Loco Moco - a hearty local dish that consists of white rice topped with hamburger patty, fried egg, and brown gravy

Banana Bread - especially famous along the Road to Hana, try it warm from roadside stands like Aunty Sandy’s in Ke-anae

Garlic Shrimp - popular on all Hawaiian islands, shrimp sautéed in garlic butter, often served with rice.

Shaved Ice - A refreshing treat made from finely shaved ice, topped with tropical syrups (like lilikoi, guava, or coconut) — don’t forget the scoop of ice cream or sweetened condensed milk on top!

What to Pack:

• Lightweight, breathable clothes – T-shirts, tank tops, shorts, sundresses

• Swimsuits (2–3) – You’ll probably be in the water daily

• Rash guard or swim shirt – For sun protection while snorkeling or swimming

• Cover-up or sarong – For the beach or pool

• Light sweater or jacket – Evenings can be cool, especially in Upcountry or Haleakalā

• Athletic/hiking wear – Moisture-wicking clothes for hikes or the Road to Hana

• Rain jacket or poncho – Occasional showers, especially on the east side of the island

• Flip-flops or sandals – Everyday island wear

• Water shoes – For rocky beaches or waterfalls

• Hiking shoes or trail runners – For Haleakalā or jungle hikes

• Casual shoes – For restaurants or exploring towns

• Reef-safe sunscreen – Hawaii requires it to protect coral reefs

• Aloe vera or after-sun lotion – For sun-soothing

• Insect repellent – Especially for hikes and waterfall areas

• Sunglasses and sun hat or cap – Sun protection is a must

• Refillable water bottle – Stay hydrated while out and about

• Daypack or beach bag – For road trips, hikes, and beach gear

• Reusable shopping bag – Hawaii has banned plastic bags

• Snorkel gear – Optional; rentals are also widely available

• Dry bag – Keeps your phone and valuables safe on water adventures

• Camera or GoPro – To capture those epic views

• Travel guide or offline map – Especially helpful for areas with spotty cell service

• Driver’s license – You’ll likely want to rent a car

• Phone charger and power bank

• Hawaiʻi travel documents or tour confirmations (printed or saved offline)

👋 Have an Inspiring Week

Here are a few things to help you when at Preikestolen.

• Get a surfing lesson in at Maui Lahaina

• Go snorkeling at Kaanapali Beach and enjoy a BBQ lunch and open bar

• Don’t want to drive the Road to Hana on your own? Take a tour and have breakfast & lunch included

• Enjoy a luau with dinner and drinks included.

• Visit Hawaii’s only walk-in butterfly farm 

• These water shoes worked great for Trisha

• These are the water shoes Bob wears

See you next week,

Trisha & Bob