Hi Reader,
One of the things I love most about Maui is that some of the best experiences don’t require reservations, tour bookings, or expensive excursions.
On our last few visits, we spent several mornings exploring some of Maui’s quieter spots that many visitors drive right past.
One of my favorites is the beachfront path in Kaanapali. The paved walkway stretches along the shoreline and connects several resorts, beaches, restaurants, and ocean viewpoints. It’s an easy walk and a great place to spot sea turtles, watch surfers, or simply enjoy the scenery.
Another hidden gem we discovered was the coastal trail around Kapalua. The area feels very different from busy Kaanapali and Wailea. You’ll find rugged coastline, lava rock formations, tide pools, and incredible ocean views. We often saw far fewer people here than at the more popular beaches.
We also enjoy driving out to the Nakalele Blowhole. While the blowhole itself is impressive, one of our favorite things to do is simply walk around the area and explore the coastline. The dramatic cliffs, crashing waves, and sweeping ocean views make it feel like a completely different side of Maui. Just be sure to stay well back from the water, as rogue waves can be dangerous.
When we want a relaxing afternoon, we often head to Ho’okipa Beach. Most people know it for world-class windsurfing, but it’s also one of the best places on Maui to see sea turtles resting on the beach in the late afternoon.
Sometimes the best Maui memories come from slowing down, taking a walk, and seeing where the path leads.
Travel Must Do Tip: Keep a comfortable pair of walking shoes in your rental car. Some of Maui’s best views are only a short walk away.
Travel Tip of the Week
The One-Way Rental Car Trick That Saved Our Trip
Travel doesn’t always go according to plan.
Earlier this month, thunderstorms caused widespread flight disruptions while we were trying to get home from Dallas. Our original flight to Greensboro was canceled, and we were rebooked through another airport.
Rather than spending the night in an airport waiting for a 7:00 a.m. connection, we took a different approach.
We accepted a flight to an airport less than two hours from home, landed after midnight, rented a car, and drove the rest of the way.
Here’s the trick.
If you live within driving distance of multiple airports, don’t focus only on your home airport when flights start falling apart. Look for flights to nearby airports and rent a one-way car if necessary.
I live between Charlotte and Raleigh, which often gives me more options during travel disruptions.
Here’s a second rental car trick many travelers don’t know.
Most rental companies won’t allow a one-way rental if you search for less than a full day. When searching, I’ll often extend the reservation to three or four days if the shorter rental is unavailable.
Because we typically rent from National, when I return the vehicle within 24 hours, I’m usually charged only for the actual day used.
That simple workaround has helped us secure cars when shorter one-way rentals appeared unavailable online.
Hopefully, you won’t need this tip often, but when weather or cancellations create chaos, it can be one of the fastest ways to get home.
Have you ever used a rental car to rescue a trip? I’d love to hear your story.
Travel Pick of the Week
Portable Power Bank
If you’ve ever been stuck in an airport during delays or cancellations, you know how quickly your phone battery disappears.
Between checking flight updates, texting family, rebooking flights, and monitoring weather alerts, my battery was draining fast during this recent travel disruption.
The problem was that every available outlet was already occupied by other stranded travelers.
That’s when my portable power bank became the MVP of the trip.
I’ve been using this model for the past couple of months and have been really happy with it. It’s compact enough to carry in my personal item but powerful enough to keep my phone running through long travel days.
If you don’t already travel with a portable charger, I highly recommend adding one to your travel kit.
🔗 Portable Power Bank
Free Travel Resource
Want to know the travel apps I use on every trip?
I’ve put together a list of the 10 travel apps I use most often to help with flight tracking, trip planning, transportation, language translation, restaurant discovery, and more.
Grab your copy here.
Until next time,
Melodie
Travel Must Do's
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