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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!

Convertible, Jeep or Minivan? Selecting Your Rental Car Category

When planning a trip to Maui, many people have visions of themselves driving along the coast with the top of their convertible or Jeep down. While this can be a fun way to explore the island, there are a few things to consider:... Read More

Finding the Best Rates on a Maui Rental Car

Your lodging and air is booked, so what’s next? I recommend you reserve your rental car as soon as possible. Rates most likely will go up, but what if they go down?... Read More

Selecting the Best Seat…When You Have a Choice

If you book far enough in advance, you will be lucky and have your choice of open seats when purchasing your ticket. Depending on if you need more leg room or like to sleep, the aisle and window seats are usually the coveted seats. The front of the airplane is desired for faster exit upon...... Read More

Booking the Flight

I always start a flight search on a favorite travel site like Kayak or Travelocity to see which airlines offer the best flight schedules and best prices. Remember, cheapest round trip isn’t always the best. Consider number of stops and length of layovers. (I prefer 1-2 hours to give a cushion for delayed flights and...... Read More

Flexible on Dates? Read This Before Booking Anything!

If you know you want to go to Maui (or anywhere), but are flexible on dates, there are two steps you should do before booking anything — 1) review ticket prices and 2) lodging availability/pricing during your potential travel timeframe. You might find a cheap last minute condo deal, but flights could be more expensive...... Read More

No Seats Available (or Limited Seats) When Reserving Your Flight?

No Available Seats? No Problem! (2019 Edit: If you booked an Alaska Airlines’ Saver Ticket, the information does not apply. Please read Alaska Airlines’ Saver Ticket — Deal or No Deal?) As I was standing in line for the restroom on my recent flight home from Maui, another woman and I started up a conversation...... Read More

Where

Congratulations!  You’ve decided to travel to Maui. You’ve booked your flights and now need to decide where to stay. South Maui, West Maui, Upcountry…what does that even mean? And the names of the towns all sound the same! Don’t panic, I’m here to help.... Read More

Haole Mai Tai at 30,000 Feet

When I think of relaxing or watching a sunset in Maui, I automatically think of Mai Tais. The Mai Tai is an alcoholic cocktail based on rum, Curaçao liqueur, orgeat syrup, and lime juice. This easy to drink, fruity rum beverage can be found on just about every Hawaiian Happy Hour menu and always makes...... Read More

There is No Bad Time to go to Maui, but When is the Best Time?

You know that you want to go to Maui, but do you know when? If your travel plans aren’t dictated by an event, kids’ school calendar or work schedule, you are in luck — there are deals to be found and empty beaches to be discovered!... Read More

And So It Begins

Today is the first day of a new adventure for the Larsen Ohana. We closed on our one bedroom, 2 bath, ocean view condo in South Kihei, Maui. It doesn’t seem real and we are so thankful for this opportunity. Huge thanks to our Realtors, Jeff Simon (South Maui) and Jeff Onderko (West Maui), with...... Read More