The Valley Isle

MAUI IS A DREAM// If it isn't already on your travel list you need to add it now! It was the most beautiful island, I mean everywhere I looked was a gorgeous view. Not to mention the Hawaiian Roller Coster Ride on the Road to Hana. There are so many beautiful beaches, great camp sites, and countless valleys, mountains, and waterfalls to explore. A true dreamland. 

On the Road To Hana alone there are over 75 waterfalls and each one is SO beautiful. Half the time we would look out our window and see a giant waterfall and just look at each other like is everyone else seeing this?! It is so unreal. During the summer months of April-July you can swim in lots of these 'pools' and waterfalls but during the rest of the year there can be flash flooding and the water is rather muddy. Stay tuned for my Road To Hana post with all the information you need!

Waking up and falling asleep was also magical on Maui because each sunrise and sunset was so beautiful. The clouds would turn vibrant hues of pink and orange and the water would actually sparkle. It was so amazing! We decided to save our money and took to camping two of the three nights on Maui, and I am so glad we did. Even if the rain partly ruined our tent, I was still having the time of my life! After all I was in Maui, looking at this every morning and night. Yup no complaints!

The Road To Hana is the highlight of Maui. It is a drive unlike anything else in the world. Twisting down narrow, sometimes one way, roads through Rainforest, Mountains, and lots of waterfalls! It's full of botanical gardens, tropical swimming pools, and some of the best views you can ask for. It is a must if you are traveling to Maui. There are so many small hikes you can do, and if your adventurous this is right up your alley! You can pull off and stop where ever you want (as long as you are not blocking the road) so it's up to you what you want to explore! 

The people of Maui are such a gem! Just look at this cutie!? And he had two other dogs dressed up as well. But everywhere we went we felt like we came in contact with genuine people, which sadly doesn't always happen here on Oahu. So it was defiantly great to really see the Aloha Spirit in action! Our first shuttle driver told us so many interesting things about Maui I never knew! It was a great way to be introduced to the island. 

This was my favorite waterfall we saw. It was MASSIVE. And it looked like something right out of Jurassic Park. The atmosphere felt like you were deep in the Amazon even though it was literally on the side of the road. It was so freaking cool!

Probably the best thing about all of Hawaii is the Shave ice. I am in love with it. Its completely different than a snow cone too, let me set the record straight! Before going to Maui I researched some of the best shave ice places and found that Ululani's Shave Ice was a popular spot! However we never got to go there one day we stopped into Hawaii Gelato! I got marshmallow gelato topped with Blue Vanilla and Melona shave ice!!! Still dreaming of it...

Besides the drive to Hana, the road out of Hana was just as, if not more spectacular. A lot of people drive the Road to Hana and then turn around and drive back out the same road they drove in. But if you keep driving straight onto the Piilani Highway you will be in for something so special! This road is one straight out of a movie. Miles and miles of nothing but a two lane road along the cost of Maui. You will be so surprised at the different climates and scenery you will drive through. Keep your eye out of more information in my Piilani Highway post, it is not something you want to miss!

The best part of Maui was getting to rent a car, and not only rent a car but as nice of one as this! We rented from All Save Rental Car and they were the best! I called a few days in advance to make sure that me, only 20 years old, could really rent a car! And I only had to pay an extra $11 a day for being underage! It was so worth it because having your own means of transportation can really make your trip! We got FULL use out of this baby, we drove around the entire island! Not to mention when the rain came, she was a great shelter haha! They have all kinds of cars to fit your needs and are super helpful. They even offer a great drop off service! 

We flew Island Air to get from HNL to Maui. They offered the BEST service of student stand by tickets for only $35!! You cannot beat that. All you have to do is show your valid UH Student ID and you qualify! It made our travel super cheep and completely worth it. But their is only 25 days left! They are hopeful of expanding to other islands soon so I am keeping my eyes open! If you are not a student have no fear they still have super great rates! Some tickets start as low as $54! 

Here is a short clip of my Maui trip so you can really see what I am talking about! :) 

What was your favorite part of Maui, or what are you looking forward to most? Comment below!