In the wee-hours of the morning, while the children were still tucked cozy in bed, Vernon and I sneaked out of the house.

We had a flight to catch.

To HAWAII!!!!!

Because, when you live a location independent lifestyle and on a divinely-ordained whim your in-laws agree to suffer your Terror Squad for FIVE WHOLE DAYS, you count your blessings one by one and jump at the opportunity!

We are now on the other side of that miraculous #baecation and I am here to share my pics, tell a couple stories and encourage you to go do the same thing. Now!

Maui, Hawaii

My husband has always wanted to visit Hawaii. Ever since he was a child, Hawaii has been a bucketlist destination. When he told me Monday afternoon that we were headed to the islands bright and early Wednesday, I said, Bet. Thanks to the amazing talents of super travel agent Delwyn Namulo at The Globe Trotting Kiwi, just mere hours later we seamlessly hopped a non-stop flight from LAX to OGG with Delta. Shortly thereafter, fully refreshed by a good nap, we were stepping into adventure.

A Few Tips for Enjoying Maui

1. Consider renting a car. We opted to stay on-resort but Maui definitely requires a car. We did rent one for one day to drive the Road to Hana. We got an all-black Mustang convertible because #yolo

   

2. All-inclusive resorts are rare on Maui, so having an apartment-style accommodation is helpful to keep costs down (and for eating healthy and all that jazz too). We adored our one-bedroom ocean view suite at The Honua-Kai Resort and Spa.

   

3. Go in the ocean. It’s clear and there are sea turtles!
4. Drive the Road to Hana and see a waterfall (or seven).

   

5. On the way there/back stop in Pa’ia for lunch and browsing. Such a quaint town.

   

6. Go to a Luau. We didn’t do this but we will when we go back. Because, we ARE going back. The Old Lahaina Luau comes highly recommended.
7. Get a tattoo. We did!

   

8. Eat all the food and enjoy it.

   

9. Take in the sunset and the beautiful colors…they’re surreal!

   

10. Participate in the many on-water adventures. We will also be sure to hit these next time with Banyan Tree Divers as they have tons of great options and also come highly recommended!

Gotta Get Away

Vernon and I have been married for 7.5 years. For 6.5 of those years we’ve also been parents. We have been blessed to have been able to get away for most of our anniversaries for an overnight perhaps two, but we had yet to really travel for an extended period. It’s so important to do this if you can. We had ample time to enjoy one another’s company without schedules, without to-do’s, without being interrupted every five seconds.

It was reinvigorating and it definitely made me appreciate him as a man and a husband so much more. Sometimes you get bogged down in the day to day of parenting and putting the kids first. I strongly encourage every couple to get away for a few days whenever you can and focus on your marriage and your bond. Date nights are great, and this was extraordinary!

Just like The Terminator, “I’ll Be Back!”

Maui, I love you. You’re amazing. I will be back. Honestly, if we ever repatriate, this is where we will be. On our ground transport shuttle, I chatted with the driver about best spots to move with a family so, believe, the research has begun. Cost of living is definitely higher than it is here in Mazatlán though. I guess I’m a beach girl! Born and raised on the lakefront, moved to the West Coast and now living in a Mexican paradise with eyes on the Islands. Ahhh, life is beautiful isn’t it?