National Post (National Edition)
Bright clouds of cotton candy
Experience authentic, luxurious Maui in a two-stop island getaway
Travelling to Maui for the first time offers a chance to realize that money can, in fact, buy happiness — if only for a serene week-long getaway. Even more so if you plan to split your time between the towns of Lahaina and Wailea in order to experience both sides of the remote Hawaiian archipelago island.
Begin your trip in Lahaina, a relaxed beach town where poke and shaved ice stands abound. For those looking for somewhere to stay, the historic Napili Kai Beach Resort is among the town’s most promising properties. Open since 1960, the casual resort boasts roomy private bungalows situated mere feet away from the North Pacific Ocean. Dozens of mature 30-foot palm trees separate the suites to provide a sense of privacy, while ready-to-use barbecues are thoughtfully placed around the property, allowing guests to grill fresh meat and seafood as they please. If you visit during whale season, which runs from December till May, it’s also common to find dolphins splashing near the waters of the tranquil beach town.
The resort’s Sea House Restaurant is yet another standout feature. Serving fluffy pancakes topped with island macadamia nuts and coconut cream, plus an affordable happy hour featuring half- priced poke nachos made with mountains of fresh ahi tuna, it’s known for attracting sold-out seatings of tourists and locals.
Only 30 minutes from the airport, it’s best to finish your vacation in the southern town of Wailea. Kick off the experience with a meal at Ko. With 90 per cent of the menu made from locally sourced ingredients, the oceanfront eatery does a fantastic job of highlighting regional Hawaiian cuisine. The restaurant’s kobe beef poke and lavender macadamia nut shrimp both offer an authentic taste of the island. But it’s the daily catch feature — served steamed in a pink- striped ti leaf with buttery Molokai sweet potatoes — that should not be missed under any circumstance.
Complete the getaway with a stay at The Fairmont Kea Lani in Wailea. With organic aloe vera gel and complimentary fresh towels at every turn, no detail is overlooked at the luxurious beach resort. Inside the cocktail lounge LUANA, complimentary bowls of candied local papaya and mango are served alongside a selection of innovative mai tais made with fresh pineapple juice and golden rums. Arrive at sunset to watch the balmy sub-tropical sky transform into bright clouds of cotton candy. It’s the ideal way to finish a perfect island escape.