The Road To Paradise In Maui

Mama's Fish House is a gem among the great restaurants of Maui. When you drive into the parking lot, you have no idea what awaits you. Walking along the gecko-inspired pathway lit by tiki torches, you are hit with the crashing waves, the warm breeze and the smell of plumeria. The main restaurant is an open-air tiki hut, low lit with candles and recessed lighting. We ordered cocktails, each of us sampling something different. Mine was a Mama's Fish House Colada. I am not a drinker, but good lord, was that good.

We started with salads at our big table. Mine was tropical and flavorful. I ordered Mahi Mahi stuffed with crab and lobster for my entree. I have never been happier with my choice. It was tender and juicy with subtle hints of spices. My brother and boyfriend both ordered the seared ahi. Jeff, my brother, declared it was the best fish he's ever had. And he doesn't even like fish. We opted for no dessert, but left satisfied and glowing from Mama's. I cannot wait to go back!

They say it's the journey, not the destination. There is only one word to describe Hana...magical. It is what you would imagine, if you imagined a green, ethereal fairyland.

My brother, my boyfriend and I hopped in our rented convertible, and decided to do the road to Hana. We wanted to get away from my parents for a little, and knew that it was something we had to see. We loaded up with snacks, and hit the road.

There are T-shirts that say "I survived the road to Hana" for a reason. Quite treacherous, windy, and long, the Hana Highway is not for the carsick. You can only go about 25 mph the whole time, so set aside about 3 or 4 hours for the whole thing, not counting stops to hike or swim in the abundant pools and waterfalls.

Our first stop was Twin Falls. A short hike/walk led us out to this amazing beach waterfall. We saw fish and what appeared to be a spiny lobster in the pool. Beautiful.

Our second stop was to an unmarked fresh water hole that included a short hike, and some huge boulders to jump from. My boyfriend and brother had a ton of fun. Look this one up in the travel books. It includes a walk past some ancient stone ovens.

Our last stop was the seven sacred pools. The falls were flowing hard, and it was greener than Ireland. Truly magical.

Get a Fodor's or another guidebook, and go. You won't regret it for a second. It's for the patient, athletic, and adventurous!

I don't surf, but my boyfriend does. Rather than concede to be a "surf-widow", I go with him sometimes.

One morning we woke with the sun and birds, hopped in our rented Mustang convertible, and headed out for some surf adventure. Ben is an avid surfer, and it was all he could think about while on the island. He knows that Hanalua Bay holds surf competitions every year, so we went to check that out. It’s about an hour’s drive from our condo.

The bay is crystal blue, and safe from wind. He paddled out, almost alone. There were three other people in the water, a surfer’s dream. I sat at the shore, reading and soaking in the warm Maui sun. It was a beautiful start to another day in paradise.

Golden sand and turqouise waters await you at Makena Beach. This totally secluded and gorgeous spot is a beachcomber's delight. The waves lap softly against the shore, while schools of dolphins play in the surf right off the coast.

We love Makena Beach and often go there first thing in the morning to ensure privacy and quiet. While many people know about this beach, it is much less crowded than most public beaches, and with many less children.

The snorkeling is good, and the wildlife can't be beat. We have seen dolphins, octopus, and a bevy of tropical fish there, not to mention the lizards and tropical birds.

There is plenty of shade and plenty of sun. Grab a towel, some sunscreen, a snack, and your snorkeling gear, because that's all you will need at Makena (well, besides your bathing suit!).