My husband and I shared a romantic and swoon-worthy Valentine’s Day week in Maui. We’ve been longing to return to this tropical paradise ever since we exchanged our vows there last year, but with all the wedding preparations and time spent with family and friends, we never quite found the opportunity to fully explore the island. So, we finally decided to take a trip and make the most of everything Maui has to offer.

During our stay, we celebrated Valentine’s Day and had an extended wedding celebration just for the two of us. We lounged by the pool, sunbathed on the beach, tried new restaurants, and visited some of the attractions we had wanted to see. It was all the more special because we stayed at the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua, the same place where we said our vows, and had a magical photo shoot with J. Anthony Alexander.

Maui holds a special place in our hearts, and we’re excited to share with you our gorgeous photos from the shoot, as well as some of our favorite romantic spots on the island. Instead of sharing an extensive list, we’re sharing the places we love the most. Come along on our journey and let us inspire you to create your own unforgettable memories in this tropical paradise.

My Favorite Places in Maui

Merriman’s Kapalua

Merriman’s Restaurant in Kapalua, Maui, is one of our all-time favorites. The combination of mouthwatering cuisine, unmatched ocean views, and sunset is breathtaking. Words cannot describe the beauty of the sunset vistas, especially from the Kapalua side of the island.

Peter Merriman, the talented Chef and visionary behind this culinary masterpiece, brought his unique Hawaii Regional Cuisine style to Maui. He’s a true pioneer in the “Farm to Table” movement, insisting on serving only the freshest ingredients, with at least 90% locally grown or caught, and always using sustainable methods. Every dish is infused with love and creativity, resulting in a truly unforgettable dining experience.

If you want to experience the magic of Merriman’s Kapalua, book your table in advance. Reservations are typically released a month beforehand, so plan ahead. And if you really want to impress your significant other, book an early time slot to secure a table with an ocean view. Trust us, it’s worth it. We recommend starting your dinner around 4:00-4:30 pm to fully savor the experience.

Kapalua Coastal Trail

As a big fan of coastal hikes, one of our favorite activities in Maui is the Kapalua Coastal Trail. This easy 1.76-mile hike, or about three and a half miles round trip, is an absolute must-visit. The Kapalua Coastal Trail is one of the most beautiful hikes I’ve ever experienced. It takes you through lava fields and wilderness, wooden walkways alongside the ocean, and even on a tour of the Kapalua resort. Best of all, admission is free, and it’s open from sunrise to sunset.

Ritz-Carlton Maui Kapalua

During our past few visits to Maui, we have stayed at the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua, which is located on the tranquil Kapalua side of the island. This hotel holds a special place in our hearts, as we even had our wedding here. We absolutely love that the resort is situated away from the crowds, making for a more peaceful and relaxing experience.

The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua also boasts some exceptional dining options, including the Banyan Tree and Ulana Terrace Cafe, both of which we highly recommend. During our most recent visit, we had the privilege of gaining access to the Club Lounge, which provided us with a range of snacks, drinks, and light meals throughout the day. It was a fantastic addition to our stay.

Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice – Kihei

No visit to Maui is complete without trying Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice. This famous shaved ice spot has multiple locations across the island and offers a variety of unique and delicious flavors, including the popular “Haleakala” which was my favorite and features coconut, leche, and a snow cap.

Foodland

Looking for the best poke in Maui? Locals will tell you that you can find it at the grocery stores, and Foodland is a must-visit. Whenever we’re on the island, we never leave without grabbing some authentic Maui Poke from Foodland. Our favorites are the Shoyu Ahi Poke and Fresh Spicy Ahi Poke.

Maui holds a special place in our hearts. If you love this tropical paradise as much as we do, share your favorite tip from this guide with us.

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