Have you ever swam at a black sand beach? Because this had been sitting on my bucket list for years… and this spring break, it finally happened. 🖤🌊
The black sand beach at Waiʻānapanapa State Park truly does not disappoint. The sand gets its deep black color from cooled lava rock, and the contrast against that unreal turquoise water? Absolutely stunning.
A few things I didn’t expect…
• The sand is softer than you’d think, not sharp at all, but those pebbles on the way in? Your feet will feel them.
• The water can be a little rough, but totally swimmable on a calm day (we got incredibly lucky and it was perfect)
• The whole area is filled with lava tubes, blowholes, and coastal trails that make it feel straight out of a movie
It’s one of those places that feels a little wild, a little magical, and completely unforgettable. Easily one of my favorite stops along the Road to Hana.
✔️ Pro tip: You need a reservation to enter the park, and time slots go fast, so plan ahead! They do not accept same-day reservations.
I have a few more Maui reels and blog content coming soon… I’m still sorting, editing, and realizing I filmed literally everything 😂
And somehow… I’m already on my next trip. I don’t usually book back-to-back travel, but this one just worked out that way, and I’m not even a little mad about it. #waianapanapa #blacksandbeach #mauitravel #roadtohana
Apr 21
If you’re heading to Maui and wondering where to eat, these are the spots we keep going back to and dream about after we leave.
Most of our favorites are on the west side of Maui (our favorite area), but a few are worth the drive.
👉 Save this for your trip, you’re going to want this list later. I also have all this list and a few more favorite spots over on the blog. Link in bio.
Do you have a favorite Maui spot I need to try next time? Tell me below! #mauifood #hawaiifoodfinds #mauitravel #mauieats #hawaiitravel
Apr 20
Waited 2 hours and 20 minutes for a cinnamon roll… and honestly? Worth it!
This might be the best cinnamon roll I’ve ever had.
Papi’s Ohana is on Lower Honoapiilani Rd, just north of Kaanapali Beach. They’re open Mon, Tues, Thurs & Fri starting at 7am… but here’s your warning: once they sell out, they’re DONE. #mauieats #cinnamonrolls #hawaiifoodfinds #mauifood #papisohana
Apr 18
Who else has a knack for finding the local kitty where ever you go?
This one is a real sweetheart. She lives here at the resort and we think she might be pregnant, or just really well fed. 😂 #catsofinstagram #travelcats #mauicat #maui #resortcat
Apr 16
Maui golden hour ✨
I had to sneak in a swimsuit shot before I filled up on one too many cinnamon rolls! 😂
With the way my luck’s been going lately, climbing up on this rusty, washed-up boat probably wasn’t my best idea… but sometimes you just have to do it for the gram, right?
Apparently it washed ashore during the recent Hawaii storms, and honestly, I’m not mad about it. Kinda makes a great photo op. #goldenhour #maui #hawaii #lifeover50
Apr 16
I wanted to give one last update since I finally got the WHOLE story!
How crazy is it that I ran into someone on the same flight getting cinnamon rolls at 7 AM?! 🤯
I also wanted to say that Southwest reached out to apologize and offer travel vouchers to everyone on the flight. I actually thought that was a pretty nice gesture. #airtravel #travelproblems #truestory #update #travelstories
Apr 14
I cannot believe I lost my phone in the ocean… on the first morning of our trip. 😩
I really thought it was gone for good. But somehow, someone actually found it… and it still works?!
Okay, Apple… I’m impressed. 🙌
It was in the water for somewhere between 10–15 minutes 😬
(Also excuse the audio at the beginning… my speaker was still full of ocean + sand 🤦♀️)
Tell me I’m not the only one this has happened to?! And please tell me my luck will get better!
#omg #iphone #lostandfound #truestory #travelstories
Apr 12
I know this is a long reel for instagram, but I wanted to give an update. We are all safe and happy in Maui. Thank goodness! 😅. #traveltroubles #airtravel #sᴛᴏʀʏᴛɪᴍᴇ #southwest #flying
Apr 11
Have I mentioned that I’m a nervous flyer!!???!! OMG! No explanation as to why we were turning around. At one point, I seriously thought, well shit, this is it. 😩😱. Will update soon. #traveltroubles #airtravel #omg #southwest
Apr 9
Is it just me, or does anxiety get worse with age?
Because mine is working overtime this week. We’re supposed to leave for Hawaii on Thursday, and there’s another storm headed that way… so naturally, my brain is spiraling about flying in it, or if it’s even a good idea to go at all.
And if you know me, flying already stresses me out as it is.
Just over here reminding myself to take a breath, because it always works out. Right? It always works out… right?? #momlifebelike #anxiety #travelanxiety
Apr 8
It’s showtime 🖤
We threw on our best stripes and went to see Beetlejuice The Musical… and honestly? 11/10 night.
So fun, so chaotic, and the kind of show that has you laughing the whole time.
If you’re near San Jose, don’t sleep on this. It’s at the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts through April 5th.
Tickets in my bio. 🎟️ @broadwaysanjose_ #beetlejuice #beetlejuicethemusical #bayareafun
Apr 1
Happy 18th birthday to my oldest! I can’t believe I’m officially a mom to an adult.
Every stage of parenthood has gone by way too fast… the blink-and-you-miss-it baby days, the whirlwind childhood years, and now the way-too-fast teenage years. It really does feel like just last year he was becoming a teen.
Excuse me while I go quiet for a bit…I’m having a moment processing all of this 😂
#happybirthday
Mar 30
Never underestimate Sri Lankan hospitality… some of the kindest people I’ve ever met. ❤️
I was craving rice and curry the other day, and it instantly brought me back to this moment from our Sri Lanka road trip.
Each morning of the trip we were given a challenge for the day, and this one felt almost impossible. We needed to get invited into a stranger’s home to learn how to make traditional rice and curry.
I honestly didn’t think it would happen… but wow, was I wrong.
We were welcomed in with so much warmth and kindness, and it ended up being one of those experiences you just can’t plan…the kind that stays with you.
And really, can you imagine this playing out the same way in the U.S.? 😂
If you want to read more about our full tuk tuk road trip it’s all linked in my bio. #srilanka #srilankatravel #tuktuksrilanka #travelstories #amazingexperience
Mar 27
