7 DAYS IN MAUI | DECEMBER 2018

OPTIMAL TIMES OF YEAR FOR THIS ITINERARY: Year-round Maui is largely the same temperatures with no real rainy season. Of course very popular as a winter getaway to sneak in some sunshine.

This was our honeymoon, so Maui will always have a special place in my heart (just Maui’ed). This itinerary was done with a 30-something couple interested in getting a flavor of a little bit of everything in Maui (surf, sand, food, hikes, scenery). All of the recommendations listed in the text below (and extra bonus ones) are pinned in my interactive google map embedded below.
Dark red = food, Green = outdoor activity (hike, beach, tennis), Yellow = where to stay

What to Eat

So many highlights (see red pins on maps for desscriptions of each. Some of the not-to-miss-out eats are:

Santa Barbara Public Market: Locally sourced food & drink is the focus at this upmarket indoor food hall with a dynamic vibe. I liked Rori’s Artisinal Creamery (within the public market) for a nice cold treat!

Satellite SB: Healthy & hip menu. The “yoga pants salad” is especially delicious (www.satellitesb.com)

D’Angelo Bread & Bakery: Slightly pricey but delicious sit down breakfast or pastries and bread (https://www.dangelobakery.com/). While you’re waiting for your order can also pop next door for good coffee at Santa Barbara Roasting Company (www.sbcoffee.com).

Lily’s Taqueria: Amazing hole in the wall taco place not to miss..also right next door to D’Angelo and Santa Barbara Roasting Company (lillystacos.com)

Barbareño Restaurant: Dinner date night! Make a reservation (www.barbareno.com). Also optional, but we really enjoyed doing a wine tasting & beer tasting at one of the local wineries in downtown beforehand.

What to Do

Too many good day hikes to choose from! Several are pinned on the map. My favorite was the Gaviota Hot Springs hike. If you’re up for an arduous but rewarding hike, take the Gaviota Hot Springs-Trespass Trail ($2 parking fee), which climbs over 1,000 feet through wildflowers and blooming agave plants for a dazzling view. If you go counter-clockwise, you’ll be rewarded by the tucked away “hot springs” — lukewarm, crystal clear, sulphuric-smelling and shaded by a single palm, at the very tail end of the hike (pack a towel!). https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/gaviota-hot-springs-and-trespass-trail

Enjoy long beach walks: The beach is full of walkers, frisbee throwers, and dogs going for a dip! You can snag a bike from the bikeshare and cruise along the boardwalk, or just walk on the miles of sand.

Play tennis! Location: City of Santa Barbara Parks & Rec, 1414 Park Pl, Santa Barbara, CA 93103. These courts were the nicest scenery tennis courts we’d ever played on. Twelve courts are available for drop-in play exclusive of scheduled events. We have three lighted courts open from 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. seven days a week! Main site for all lessons, USTA youth and adult tournaments and leagues; group rentals available.

Where to Stay

Airbnb: We loved our gorgeous 2BR airbnb at 501 Binkerhoff Ave. Anything in downtown that’s walking distance to most things would be perfect.

There are also plenty of hotel / resort options, largely concentrated in Lahaina — which in my opinion is the much less interesting part of the island. With young children that might be preferable, but even with young kids, I think I’d rather have a proper Airbnb with more space and access to my own kitchen.