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Souvenir Shopping in South Maui

 January 19, 2020

Alaska Airlines’ Saver Ticket — Deal or No Deal?

 October 14, 2019

Maui Sacred Garden — My Perfect Paradise

 July 27, 2019
Whaler's Village Yogurtland Playstructure

Whaler’s Village — A Family Tradition

 March 19, 2019
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All posts by: Amy at Secrets of Maui

Amy Larsen is the owner of Secrets of Maui, home of Anthurium House — a one bedroom ocean view vacation rental in South Maui. She also runs a publishing consulting company based out of Sacramento and is a wife and mom to two young boys. Amy considers Maui her second home and has vacationed there more than 15 times (and counting now that she is a homeowner). For the past two decades, Amy has explored the world seeking adventure and relaxation. Her research, travel advice and detailed itineraries have been enjoyed by friends and social media fans for years, and now Secrets of Maui gives her a permanent place to share her tips and tricks. Amy's goal is to make your next vacation to Maui your best vacation!

And The Best All Around Beach in South Maui Goes to…

Ulua Beach is my favorite all-around beach in South Maui. Located on the north end of Wailea, it’s easy to get to from Kihei. Just take South Kihei Road into Wailea. Once you are on Wailea Alanui Drive (the main road that the hotels are off of), look for a small sign pointing to Ulua...... Read More

Lunch (& Happy Hour) with a Beach View

I know I’m on vacation when I am enjoying a cold adult beverage at lunch with a beautiful view on the beach. In Maui, it is illegal to drink alcohol on the beach, so if you aren’t staying at a hotel and want to feel a cold bottle in your hand or drink a fruity...... Read More

Insomnia on Vacation and Things That Go Bump in the Night

I’m writing this post at 4 am in Maui. I’ve been up for an hour even though I’m exhausted. Probably my biggest pet peeve with going to Maui is the lack of sleep I get the first few nights due to the time change. I’m actually lucky that as a Californian, we are only 2...... Read More

Flying with Infants: It’s Not as Bad as You Think

First off…congratulations on the birth of your child and for being brave enough to fly with your baby! I have two sons who have probably been on a plane at least 6 times a year since birth, and we’ve never had any major disasters (knock on wood) so I know it can be done. With...... Read More

Turtles and Surfers and Cows … Oh My!

Ho’okipa Beach on the north shore of Maui alongside the Hana Highway (a few miles past Paia) is perhaps the most renowned windsurfing site in the world, but it has more! It also provides a great vantage point to watch local surfers and kite surfers enjoying the big waves and the beach is usually covered...... Read More

Favorite Maui Snorkel Spot

Ahihi Cove is my all-time favorite snorkeling spot in Maui. The protected cove in South Maui is part of the Ahihi-Kina’u Natural Area Reserve and is home to a huge diversity of fish and marine life. Sea turtles hang out from time to time, but keep your honu expectations low for this snorkel stop and...... Read More

Got Pie?

For the best sweet (banana cream) and savory (pot) pies on the island, stop at Leoda’s on the way to West Maui.... Read More

Eat Like A Local

For affordable, delicious local food be sure to hit up Da Kitchen after you land in Kahului or Da Kitchen Express after a day at the beach in Kihei. The name Da Kitchen translates from Hawaiian slang/pidgin to “The Kitchen”. This casual, walk-up restaurant is very popular and a good way to familiarize yourself with...... Read More

Ever Been Mugged By A Whale? Want To Be?

If you find yourself in Maui during whale season (December through May), I highly recommend that you take a whale watching tour. Watching whales breach and slap their fins just hundreds of yards from you is a once in a lifetime opportunity. It could easily be your favorite memory of Maui.... Read More

Ever Hear a Whale Sing? It’s Easy in Maui.

Winter is whale season in Maui and peak whale watching time is now! Without a doubt, one of the most memorable moments you’ll have in Maui is viewing the humpback whales during their annual winter migration through the North Pacific Ocean to Hawaii to mate and give birth in the warm, sheltered waters. December through...... Read More