After a relaxing week on Kauaʻi, we caught the first Hawaiian Airlines flight to Maui. It was a quick hop, but the change in scenery was striking. Where Kauaʻi was lush and green, Maui’s west side had a totally different feel—more open, sun-soaked, and golden, with rolling hills that felt almost prairie-like.

🚗 Arrival & First Impressions

Driving from the airport to Kāʻanapali, we immediately noticed the shift in landscape. The dry, wide-open terrain led us toward a rugged mountain backdrop under a big, blue sky. The area felt calm and quiet, and as we passed Lahaina, we could see signs of rebuilding—small but hopeful.

🏨 Day-Use Stay: Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa

Though we were only here for a day, we went all in. We booked a day room and oceanfront cabana at the Hyatt Regency Maui—recently renovated and absolutely stunning. The open-air design, breezy elegance, and warm hospitality instantly made us wish we’d stayed longer.

The kids headed straight for the waterslides and the kid-friendly pool, while we grabbed some shave ice and relaxed in the sun. The resort had everything we needed—several restaurants, an on-site luau, a Friday market with local vendors (we picked up a Christmas ornament and a fun hair clip), and it was just a short walk to Whalers Village.

🍴 Lunch Break: Monkeypod, Maui Edition

We couldn’t resist bookending our trip with a final Monkeypod meal—this time at their Kāʻanapali location. The vibe was laid-back, the food fantastic, and it felt like the perfect full-circle moment.

🌊 Afternoon Bliss: Cabana by the Ocean

The rest of the day was spent relaxing before our red-eye flight. We lounged by the ocean, ate cold pineapple, and took in the beautiful coastal views with Lanai in the distance from our cabana.

✨ Maui in a Day: What We Loved

• 🌿 The drier, sun-kissed landscape—such a contrast from Kauaʻi!
• 🏨 The resort vibe at Hyatt Regency Maui: perfect for families but also elevated and peaceful.
• 🌺 Supporting local vendors at the Friday market.
• 🍹 Monkeypod… again. No regrets.
• 🌊 The joy of simply doing nothing but soaking in the beauty.

✈️ Travel Tip: If you’re flying out of Maui after a stay on another island, consider a day room and full resort experience—you won’t regret it. It’s the perfect way to wind down before heading home. But more ideally, book Maui for longer!