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Stephanie Castillo Photography
  • PORTRAITS
    • HEADSHOTS
    • Graduation
    • LIFESTYLE
    • FAMILY
    • MATERNITY, Kids, & BABIES
    • Couples
    • Proposals & Engagements
    • Elopements & Weddings
    • EVENTS
    • Extra Fees
  • Company + Product Work
  • Adventures
    • Freelance Work
  • PORTFOLIO
  • About
    • About The Artist
    • Contact
    • Reward Program
  • SHOP

MAUI IN DECEMBER WAS A GOOD TIME.

I went to Maui this past December in 2018.

I have received many questions when it comes to this stunning island in Hawaii and what to do there. Many of my friends have gone there at least once during their childhood - it has always been a place I have always dream of vacationing. Now that I am 22, I have finally seen it all.

From road tripping to Hana highway, swimming with turtles, seeing beautiful sunsets. ..here are some places that I went to when I traveled there. I hope you can find this useful!


Maui Ocean Center, The Aquarium of Hawaii

192 Maalaea Rd, Wailuku, HI 96793

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I don’t usually spend my money on any place that keeps animals from their natural habitat. After some research, I learned that this place takes oceanic creature that is either hurt / dying, and they staff members will take care of them by giving them the proper resources to heal/ survive.

The oceanic creatures stay about 1/3 of their lives living at this aquarium, then straight back to the ocean. The staff members are wildly friendly and tickets are about $29.95.

They offer presentations during the day and they are completely optional. They will also let you {lightly} pet some starfish (very harmless if you do it right) in one section of their aquarium. There is also a shop where I got my new patch for my suitcase and fun little niffy Hawaii gifts. The aquarium also has a bunch of restaurants to sit down and eat.

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Beach Bums Bar & Grill

This was one of the restaurants I came to inside the aquarium. I ordered a burger and of course, wine. It was a gorgeous sunny day to sit outside!


Nakalele BlowHole

Poelua Bay HI 96793, Wailuku, HI 96793

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Coming here on a sunny day was so fun! There is a little hike that includes grass and rocks, so be prepared. There is a rock with a shape of a heart in the middle of the blowhole area - only if you get the right angle! Also be careful! Getting these shots were a bit scary because strong waves kept hitting these rocks. At the wrong time and place, it can wash you away.

A perfect spot for sunset!


Black Rock Beach

Lahaina, HI 96761

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Out of all the beaches in Maui - this is probably THE best beach to check out. It is very touristy, but there is a lot to do. You can hang out and tan, snorkel and see some beautiful underwater reefs and turtles (turtles if you are lucky!), and jump off the big rock cliff.


Lahaina Beach

Lahaina, HI 96761

This was along the beach docks near the shopping area - it was a nice sit down while watching the sunset happen. Lahaina also offers lots of restaurants that are right on the beach!

This was along the beach docks near the shopping area - it was a nice sit down while watching the sunset happen. Lahaina also offers lots of restaurants that are right on the beach!


Honolua Farms Kitchen

6860 Honoapiilani Hwy, Lahaina, HI 96761

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Smoothie stop at this purple truck! It was a perfect treat to where we were heading next: Honolua Bay!


Kihei Caffe

1945 South Kihei Road, Kihei, HI 96753

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Very popular breakfast spot - CASH ONLY! Sometimes lines an be long, but worth the wait!

You can check out their website here.


Honolua Bay

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Right after getting smoothies, we basically walked in a jungle. The trees were so unique, it was a perfect evening. There was a tree rope where we got to “hang out”….literally. There was a river and a TON of chickens!


Po'olenalena Beach

Kihei, HI 96753

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This beach spot was perfect for tanning and exploring through the rocks! Lots of palm trees.


Paia Bowls

43 Hana Hwy, Paia, HI 96779

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These Acai Blend Bowl are very tasty - there are so many options of what you would like to have in it! This is also a great location to read, hang out with friends, and soak up some sun. Small is $8 and a large is $11. Check out their website here.


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Iao Valley

Iao Valley State Park

This state park is a day full of fun. There are so many hiking trails and so much to explore. Parking can get full and it is $5 to park your car. Bathrooms are accessible here. Lots of bridges, mountains, and view points!


Kapalua Cliff House

1 Bay Dr, Lahaina, HI 96761

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This is a perfect spot to go if you like cliff jumping! There were people jumping from high tops, but be careful - it can be very easy to hurt yourself here if the tides are low OR if the waves are strong. Lots of waves splashing and a beautiful view. There’s also little stairs from the water to the rocks for an easier way to get back on land. The cliff house is reserved ahead of time if you want to use the inside of the house - my friend and I just sat outside on the rocks for free!


Olowalu Juice Stand

737 Honoapiilani Hwy, Lahaina, HI 96761

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Here is a Maui fruit stand that serves drinks straight from a pineapple! I got to bring this around the island and the beach - a perfect way to drench your thirst. Each pineapple drink was about $10-12 depending on the size of the pineapple.


Twin Falls

6300 Hana Hwy, Haiku, HI 96708

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If you’re looking for an adventure, this is a perfect spot for you. It is very touristy - so try and come on a week day during early morning if you want to enjoy this place without tons of human distractions. This spot specifically in the photos that are shown above is a hidden waterfall only locals know about ( I was told to keep it a secret). A hint to finding this place: it’s in the same path as Twin Falls. There is also a truck full of coconuts that you can buy and drink out of during your hike!

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Coconut Glen’s Ice cream Shop

1200 Hana Hwy, Haiku, HI 96708

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This was on the road trip to Hana Highway, it was a perfect stop during a hot sunny day! Their ice cream is also dairy free, vegan, and organic. You can check out their website here.


The Road to Hana- Hana Highway

13710 Hana Hwy, Haiku, HI 96708

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Hana Highway stretches around half of Maui - make sure you to go on a clear day - rainy days can be dangerous. The roads to Hana is not wide, and fast driving around corners can cause accidents. This would definitely be a day trip, bring lots of water, sunglasses, sun hat, and sunscreen if it is hot out. There are tons of stops for view points, waterfalls and hikes, bathrooms, and little local food/treat shops. Halfway to Hana was a stop that offers bathrooms and snacks. Some part of the road trip you will basically be in a jungle and other parts of the trip you will be going through dry grass, cows, and open fields.


Black Sand Beach

Waianapanapa, Hana, HI 96713

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This beach is located at Waianapanapa State Park. There was a smaller cave near by that you can go in and explore in when the tides are low. I got wet a couple times when I explored inside it! This was a fun spot to hang out, there was quite a few tourist in this area when I went around 2 PM on a weekend.


Tante's Island Cuisine

100 W Kaahumanu Ave, Kahului, HI 96732

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Stopped for a drink here!


Jaws Country Store

4320 Hana Hwy, Haiku, HI 96708

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Best smoothies on the island! You can also purchase Acai Blend Bowls here as well. This is a fun little spot to hang out and sit outside. There is also a little shop inside - that is where I bought my ring ( I buy a ring every place I go). Around the corner, there is a line of surf boards - my friends and I had a fun little photo shoot here!


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Paia Bay Coffee & Bar

115 Hana Hwy, Paia, HI 96779

This was a fun spot to sit and do some computer work. It’s perfect if you want some coffee…or if you are like me and want an adult drink. You can also purchase food!

You can check out their website here.


Hamoa Beach

Road to Hana

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This beach was along the way to Road to Hana, parking was along the roads, so be ready to parallel park. There are bathrooms here, as well as little showers!


Aloha Surf Hostel

221 Baldwin Ave, Paia, HI 96779

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If you are looking for a cheap place to stay - this would be my recommendation! Came here for 9 days and it was very cheap - my friend and I shared bunk beds with 4 others. We only stayed there to sleep. We rented a car as well to adventure around. There is a hot tub, a huge kitchen, living room area, and a nice outdoor spot! Staff members were extremely nice. 5 star rating for me!

Tuesday 03.12.19
Posted by Stephanie Castillo
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