DISCLAIMER: Prepare yourself for picture overload!
Back in June of 2013, my two girlfriends and I traveled to beautiful island of Maui, which allowed me to cross off the “Go on a ‘Girls Only’ Trip” task on my 30 before 30 challenge.
We were all coming out of interesting times in our lives. Being friends from high school, we all stayed in touch but went on separate paths. I was living in Texas, one of my friends in Louisiana and the other back in our hometown in California. I had just gone through a rough breakup and felt like my whole world had been turned upside down. Similarly, one friend was going through the tough decision to call it quits with her long-term boyfriend and was craving some ladies’ time. The third friend was grappling with whether or not she should leave her clingy, controlling boyfriend but needed some space to think more clearly.
So, what better time for us all to leave the madness behind and go on a tropical getaway together?! We FaceTimed together and set the plan into motion. We saved up and found a decent flight, and were lucky that my parents rented out their condo to us there in Kihei, Maui.
We had nine days packed full of hiking, exploring, swimming, tanning, eating, and relaxing. Here are some of the highlights of our trip:
Hiking and Exploring the Maui Coast:
From making the scary trek on the road to Hana to exploring La Perouse Bay, we took in all of the natural wonders that Maui has to offer. We were EXHAUSTED at the end of some days after hiking to waterfalls and climbing through jungles to get to certain hidden spots navigated by the locals, but we had a blast exploring this island each day and it was so worth it.
Going Surfing in Maui, HI:
Snorkeling and Seeing Sea Turtles!
This was the ONE must-see item on one of my friend’s lists. She desperately wanted to see a real sea turtle, even if not up close. The entire trip we were checking each known spot for these beautiful creatures, but there was none in sight—even in the renowned “Turtle Town!”
Eventually, we told some locals we had become friends with about our dilemma, and they told us a little-known spot that we could snorkel at where the turtles had been frequenting lately. We decided to give it one last try, and not only did we find one swimming, we found another sun bathing! We were able to each quietly and carefully lie with her to really witness how beautiful these creatures are. (Note: if you are looking to find sea turtles on your trip, please do not disturb them! Leave them be and admire them from a distance. Not only is it illegal and a hefty fine can be given to someone disturbing these animals, but it can cause damage to these endangered species.)
Jumping From Cliffs and Waterfalls
This was another one of my bucket list items that I was able to knock out in the same trip! Read more about that here.
Going to a Luau in Wailea, Maui:
A true girls’ Hawaii trip isn’t complete without getting dressed up and going for drinks and delicious food at a local luau! We had a blast taking in the scenery and the show while (of course) enjoying some mai tais and piña coladas!
Watching the Sunrise from Mount Haleakala
I highly, highly recommend this! It might seem undesirable when you consider you have to get up REALLY early to make it to the top of Mount Haleakala to witness the sunrise, but my God is it worth it. It’s amazing to see the light peak out over the cloud cover and light up the entire island. It’s breathtaking—that’s really the only word for it.
Tip: word to the wise—bring a jacket and/or blanket and opt for long pants on your trip to the top of Mount Haleakala! With the raised elevation and the early, before-sun hours, it can be really cold on the observation deck.
Locking Our Keys in Our Car and Getting Locals to Help Break In (I was the clever one who managed to do this):
Eating and Drinking ALL the Hawaiian Goodness!
There’s nothing like a mai tai when you’re physically there in Maui. I’m convinced it just tastes different, and you can’t tell me otherwise. 😉 We ate all the local food we were suggested from loved ones and locals and visited all the watering holes for an island cocktail. It was pure bliss.
This trip was one that I’m SO glad we could all set aside the time and take together. We all live in such different worlds and are in different places in our lives now, but during that time we could meet up and just be laughing, silly gals together exploring a new place. And I mean, you can’t go wrong with Hawaii no matter the occasion!
