My Heart's Home Away From Home: Why Our Family Keeps Coming Back to Maui

Ok you guys, I just got back from one of the most magical trips with my little fam and I'm still just floating on cloud nine. Like, literally still unpacking my suitcase but my heart is still on island time, you know? We spent ten glorious days in Maui, and honestly, if I could go back and tell 2016 me what I know now, about how much magic we'd find here, I would. I really would. Back then, I was probably just dreaming of a tropical getaway, maybe a little stressed about packing for one kid, hahah. Now, with three little girls and Tanner by my side, Maui isn't just a place for us, it's where our family memories are made, where we all just breathe a little deeper and smile a little wider. It's truly our heart's home away from home.

Every time we go, it just feels like coming home. Like, the minute we step off the plane and that warm, humid air hits you, it's like a big hug. And the smell! Oh my gosh, the smell of the flowers and the ocean, it's just instantly calming. I swear, my shoulders drop like three inches the second we land. We've been coming here for years now, and each trip just layers on more memories, more inside jokes, more 'remember when' moments that we'll talk about for years. It's not just a vacation spot for us anymore, it's a part of our story, a place where we get to be our most relaxed, most connected selves. And with three little girls, Stella, Ozzy, and baby Cherry, those moments are just priceless, you know? Like, seeing their little faces light up when they see the ocean, or when they find a cool shell, or just splashing around without a care in the world. That's what it's all about for me. That's why we keep coming back.

Finding Our Maui Rhythm: It's All About Balance

I feel like when you travel with kids, especially little ones, there's always this pressure to do ALL THE THINGS. To see every sight, hit every beach, eat at every famous spot. And don't get me wrong, we love exploring! But over the years, we've really learned that the best trips are the ones where we find a balance. It's okay to have lazy mornings, it's okay to spend a whole day just by the pool, and it's definitely okay to order room service and watch a movie sometimes. Especially with Cherry still being so little, we really try to listen to what everyone needs. Sometimes that means an early night for the littles while Tanner and I sit on the lanai and just talk. Sometimes it means an adventure day where we're out from sun up to sun down. It's all about feeling it out and not forcing anything. I used to be so rigid with schedules, but honestly, motherhood has taught me to just go with the flow, and that applies double when we're traveling. The goal is to make memories, not to check off a list. And sometimes the best memories are the ones you didn't even plan for.

One of our favorite things to do is just drive around and see where the road takes us. We've found some of the most amazing little beaches and food trucks that way. Tanner is usually the driver, and I'm the co-pilot with a million snacks and a playlist ready to go. The girls usually fall asleep in the back after a big morning of swimming, and those quiet drives are some of my favorite moments. Just us, the open road, and the beautiful scenery. It's moments like those where I just feel so grateful for this life, for my family, and for these opportunities to explore the world together. It's not always perfect, ngl. There are meltdowns, there are spilled drinks, there are moments where I question why we ever left the comfort of our own home, hahah. But then I look at their happy faces, or feel Tanner's hand in mine, and I remember. It's worth every single little bump in the road.

Packing Smarter (Not Harder) for Island Life

Okay, let's talk packing. This is always a challenge, especially when you're trying to pack for five people, including a baby who needs approximately 700 diapers a day, hahah. But I've learned a few tricks over the years. First off, less is more. Seriously. I used to overpack like crazy, bringing outfits for every single scenario, and then I'd wear like three things. Now, I try to pack versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched. Think lightweight dresses, swimsuits, shorts, and a few comfy tops. And always, always a light jacket or cardigan for those cooler evenings or air-conditioned restaurants. For the girls, it's mostly swimsuits, rash guards (sun protection is KEY!), and easy-breezy dresses. I also swear by packing cubes. They're a game-changer for keeping everyone's stuff organized, especially when you're trying to find Stella's favorite unicorn swimsuit at 6 AM.

And essentials! Don't forget the essentials. Sunscreen is non-negotiable. We go through so much of it. Bug spray, too, especially if you're planning on being out in the evenings. A good first-aid kit with band-aids, pain relievers, and any prescription meds is always smart. And snacks, you guys. So many snacks. I pack a separate bag just for snacks for the plane and for the first day or two. It saves so much hassle and money. Plus, a hungry kid is a grumpy kid, and nobody wants that on vacation, hahah. I also bring a few small toys or books for the plane and for downtime, but honestly, the best entertainment is usually just being outside and exploring. We've also started bringing our own reusable water bottles and filling them up at the hotel. It's better for the environment and saves us from buying a million plastic bottles. Little things like that make a big difference.

Our Favorite Maui Moments & Must-Dos (for us!)

So, what do we actually do when we're there? Well, like I said, it's a mix of chill and adventure. We always hit up our favorite beaches. Wailea Beach is a staple for us, it's just so beautiful and the water is usually pretty calm for the girls. We love watching the sunset from there, it's just breathtaking. And honestly, the sunsets in Maui are unlike anywhere else. I just sit there with Tanner, watching the sky turn all these incredible colors, and I just feel so full. It's one of those moments where you just want to freeze time. We also love exploring the tide pools, finding little crabs and cool shells. Stella and Ozzy are obsessed with finding treasures, and it's so fun to see their excitement.

Food-wise, we're pretty low-key, but we do have our favorites. We love finding local food trucks for fresh fish tacos or shaved ice. There's this one little spot that makes the best poke bowls, and we straight up eat there like every other day. It's so fresh and delicious. And of course, we always make time for a nice dinner out, usually at one of the resorts. It's fun to get a little dressed up and enjoy a fancy meal, especially when we can get a table with an ocean view. But honestly, some of our favorite meals are just picnics on the beach, or grilling at our rental. It's not about the fancy, it's about the company. And the fresh pineapple, obviously. I could eat my weight in fresh pineapple when we're there.

We also love taking the girls to the Maui Ocean Center. It's such a cool aquarium, and they learn so much about the marine life. Stella is super into animals right now, so she just loves seeing all the different fish and turtles. And Cherry just loved watching all the colors and movement, it was so cute. We've also done some snorkeling when the girls were a little older, and that's always an amazing experience. Seeing all the colorful fish up close, it's like being in a whole different world. But honestly, the best part is just being together. Unplugging from everything, putting our phones away (mostly, hahah), and just being present with each other. Those are the moments I cherish the most.

Why Maui is Our Forever Happy Place

I know I'm probably sounding like a broken record, but Maui just has this pull on our hearts. It's more than just a beautiful island; it's a place where we feel like we can truly unwind and reconnect as a family. Life at home can get so busy, right? With work, school, activities, just the everyday hustle and bustle. It's easy to get caught up in the routine and sometimes feel a little disconnected, even when you're all under the same roof. But when we're in Maui, all of that just melts away. We're on island time, which basically means no schedule, no pressure, just pure, unadulterated family time. We wake up when we want, we eat when we're hungry, we play until we're tired. It's the ultimate reset button for all of us.

Tanner and I always say that these trips are so important for us, not just as parents, but as a couple too. We get to have those late-night talks on the lanai, or sneak in a quiet walk on the beach while the girls are napping. It's a chance to remember why we fell in love, to laugh together, and to just be us, without all the distractions. And seeing him be such an amazing dad to our girls in this setting, just totally relaxed and present, it makes my heart burst. He's such a good sport, always up for whatever adventure the girls dream up, whether it's building a sandcastle empire or chasing waves. I couldn't imagine doing life, or traveling, with anyone else. He's my rock, my hype man, and my favorite travel buddy. ily tanner! ❤

And the girls, oh my goodness. Seeing them experience the world, seeing their joy and wonder, it's truly the greatest gift. Stella, with her adventurous spirit, always wanting to explore every nook and cranny. Ozzy, with her sweet, gentle nature, just soaking up all the beauty. And little Cherry, just experiencing everything for the first time, her eyes wide with curiosity. These are the memories we're building, the stories we'll tell for years to come. These trips are an investment in our family, in our bond, in our happiness. And honestly, there's no better investment than that. So yeah, Maui, you have our hearts. We'll be back. Always. :,)

Tips for Your Own Family Island Escape

• Embrace the Flow: Don't overschedule. Be flexible with your plans, especially with little ones. Some of the best moments are unplanned.
• Sun Protection is Key: Hats, rash guards, and plenty of reef-safe sunscreen are a must. The sun is no joke!
• Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate: Bring reusable water bottles and keep everyone topped up, especially in the heat.
• Snacks Are Your Best Friend: Pack a variety of non-perishable snacks for travel days and quick fixes when hunger strikes.
• Mix It Up: Balance adventurous outings with relaxing pool or beach days. Everyone needs downtime.
• Support Local: Seek out local eateries, markets, and shops. It's a great way to experience the culture and give back to the community.
• Unplug & Connect: Try to put your phones away and be present with your family. Those memories are what you'll truly cherish.
• Pack Light (ish): Focus on versatile pieces. You'll likely live in swimsuits and light dresses anyway!
• First Aid Kit: Always have a small one handy for minor scrapes, bites, or headaches.
• Capture the Moments: Take photos and videos, but don't let it distract you from experiencing the moment itself.