Christmas in Maui

Last week, I had the chance to spend five days in Maui with a few of the best girlfriends a girl could ask for.Friends that are sweet, kind, encouraging, uplifting and don't bring drama are sometimes the hardest to find, so these gals are rare gems!One of those friends is a travel expert {a former pilot in her past life} and has a real knack for finding and treating those around her to the swankiest of luxuries.  She is an amazing planner, and took care of all of the details.  The first hotel we checked into was the Fairmont Kea Lani in Wailea, Maui.The hotel was decorated for Christmas, and while the weather didn't feel like December, I could probably get used to the idea of holidays in Maui!Some kids on the beach made their own "snow" man!We were able to take a traditional canoe trip one morning, spotting several sea turtles.  Santa did not join us though!Maui beaches are amazing!  I tried my first {and second} fish taco on Maui.  This taco truck just outside of Makenna beach is worth stopping at.The best fish tacos!Probably even worth the trip.There is a fantastic Wailea trail covering four different beaches.It was a walk we took several times daily, mostly to visit the Starbucks at the Marriott hotel.The best deal on the island is the half a pineapple sliced for $4.69 found inside the Starbucks.  But you have to get there early.  They go fast!All of us were really excited about trying stand up paddle boarding, and chose to head down the beach in front of the Four Seasons Resort.  If you book through the tour companies or the hotel, you will typically pay more.  We were able to find a deal directly with the rental guys on the beach, saving us about $15 each!The guys gave us a lesson, and carried the heavy boards into and out of the water.Once we got out of the water, we were able to get a fresh warm towel {thank you Four Seasons} and a bowl full of fresh pineapple.  It's a pretty great beach to learn how to SUP don't you think?!Our hotel offered free bike rental {first come first serve}, so we set out one morning on a ride through Wailea.  About two miles in, one of the bikes got a flat.  Thankfully, the hotel van quickly came to the rescue.  I was able to continue on my ride and thoroughly enjoyed my little 12 mile ride up and down the coastline.We snorkeled in Ahihi Cove {a local favorite}and whale watched {on accident!  We got lucky!}.We finished off our trip with a stay at the Ritz Carlton KapaluaOne of my favorite things about this resort was the Kapalua Coastal trail.I ran the trail in the morning, and then walked it twice later that day.There were lots of nature trails to wander on, rocks and cliffs to explore and beaches to be in awe of.The best part was seeing this little guy up close.While we were reminded that it was indeed Christmas, it was nice to take a break from our gloomy Seattle weather and enjoy some time in the sun.If you have been before, what is your favorite part about Maui?Before I go, I want to say that I couldn't have taken this trip without my amazing husband, who not only continued to work throughout the week, but also took care of all three kids on his own, making home cooked meals at the end of the day, carting the kids to their various activities and when I got home, the house was clean, the laundry was done and put away, and my favorite flowers were on the counter greeting me.  I am so very lucky to have a man who is not only willing to take on that extra responsibility for nearly a week, but who is willing to do it so that I can have a vacation.  I am the luckiest woman alive!  Thank you my love.