It’s rare, but you may one day find yourself on 24 hour layover on The Valley Isle — like me and my family were last week.
In that short time, we enjoyed gorgeous views, fresh upcountry strawberries, a refreshing walk along the stunning Wailea coastline, and some sunset dining to cherish for days.
Here are a few quick tips to enjoy your short but sacred moment on Maui:
Adjust your expectations
People will tell you that 24 hours in Maui is nowhere near enough time to take it all in — and they are correct — but you don’t need to take it all in.
You’re here to enjoy no more than 1 or 2 places or activities will full intention and presence.
Do this and you’ll have more than enough time to experience the true majesty of the island.
Arrive with a strategy
The wise mystic Rumi once said: “What you seek is seeking you.”
With Rumi’s wisdom in mind, consider what’s important to you for this moment:
- Is it to relax on a beach, under the sun?
- Take a contemplative hike through a lush cloud forest?
- Seek divine inspiration from a mountain top at sunrise?
Maui offers all of this and much more.
Our 24 hours: divine
Our personal strategy was to experience the 2 contrasting sides of Maui that most resemble the Big Island: the cool Upcountry highlands, and the warm inviting beachside. And end with a magic Hawaiian sunset, of course.
We started the morning with farm-fresh salads from Fork and Salad, then drove straight to Kula Country Farms. The weather was pristine and views from up there of South and Central Maui and the West Maui Mountains were magnificent.
Shamrock, the tortoise who we met on a previous visit, was still there and we got to feed her fresh-picked hibiscus flowers.
Strawberry picking season was over but we were fortune that some sweet and delicious end-of-season strawberries were still left for purchase.
Unlike the Big Island, Maui’s size is manageable, which made our drive from Kula to Wailea quick and seamless.
Once in Wailea, we checked into our lovely Sunny Maui Vacations property, then immediately headed to the Ulua Beach parking lot to start our walk along the coastal path. This famous pathway will leave your breathless in more ways than one — especially if you decide to power walk or even run.
The scenery here is paradise complete: swaying palm trees, pockets of golden beaches, endless azure ocean, nearby islands of Molokini and Kahoolawe, and even some early season humpback whales breaching right offshore. Our hour and a half walk allowed us to appreciate how truly beautiful the island of Maui is.
Our perfect day winded down at Humble Market Kitchin at the Marriott in Wailea. The sun set in a dramatic splash of pink, purple, and orange hues across the cool December sky. The dining was spectacular, the dessert was just right, and we ended the day filled with yummy food and immense gratitude.
Leaving Maui with a full heart
As our plane took off the following morning from Kahului airport, I couldn’t help but realize that you don’t need a lot of time in a place to truly appreciate its essence.
You just need a simple plan, and the ability to be fully present in every moment. This is how Maui lives!
Image credits: Ethan Robertson,
Need a hand with your next Maui vacation? Please contact the Sunny Maui Vacations team at info@sunnymauivacations.com or call 808-240-1311, ext. 21. We’ll find you the best vacation rental condo or rental home in South Maui and help you with any and all recommendations and activities across Maui.
