Just Back From | Maui, Hawaii

Our Art Director, Kristina, journeyed to Maui, Hawaii, for a vacation with her family during the peak of whale-watching season. Her trip included stops at two Harper-recommended properties: a relaxing three-night stay at Travaasa Hana and a meal at the newly renovated Four Seasons Resort Lana'i at Manele Bay. Kristina shares a handful of her favorite experiences, tips and photos, below.

Overall impressions: Hana is a very special place where you get a true sense of Hawaii and its past without feeling like tourism has corroded it.

Insider’s Tip: Ask about a hike to a secluded red sand beach. It is not publicized due to dangers but is not that risky unless it is raining or someone slips on the trail into the rocky coastline!

Favorite moment: Playing in the warm surf with the whole family while the sun set.

You can't stop thinking about: How I wish I could still be sitting in the hot tub at Travaasa Hana and looking down over the coast while whales jump out of the water.

Favorite meal: The lunch at the Four Seasons Manele Bay golf clubhouse with great ocean views and the scrumptious slow-cooked short ribs appetizer.

Favorite sightseeing: The highlight of the trip is when we were on a snorkeling excursion and two male humpbacks courting a female with a baby breached at least seven times near our small boat.

What to eat and drink: Hawaiian cocktails and fish tacos. Could have them every night.

Neighborhood to explore: Lahaina had some great shopping.

Daytrip suggestion: Hana is a definite must while on Maui. There is a winery in the middle of Maui that has surprisingly good sparkling pineapple wine and also a nice Viognier.

Surprising tidbit: On the south side of Maui is the "back way" to Hana. It is a bit faster but is not covered by rental car contracts and most people will advise you not to drive to Hana this way. It was not that bad but it would be dangerous had it been raining. There is about five miles where it has hairpin one-way turns on alongside large cliff side drops into the ocean that you have to honk before going around a corner. There are lots of historic sites including Charles Lindbergh's grave and churches dating back to the 1800s. Of course, I say it was not that scary but when we checked in to Travaasa Hana following the drive, I asked if they offered marital counseling!

Brought back/souvenir: Macadamia nuts, tons of them! And a flip-flop (they call them slippers) necklace to replace the one my daughter lost when she got hit by a big wave.

What to pack: Not much. Never even needed a sweater or pants. Dress is casual everywhere.

Stay up to date with all of our globetrotting travel advisors and staff. Check back each week for another trip report, in our Just Back From series on The Harper Way.