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Tag: Featured Destination

An Incredible One Week Oregon Road Trip
This one-week Oregon road trip explores some of the unique and lesser-known places to see in Oregon State. I wrote this itinerary based on my own road trip leaving from Seattle. Customize as needed to guide you from your home to each of these places to see in Oregon. I think one week is enough time to see each of the features listed on this Oregon road trip itinerary. However, some might complete it in less time, and others might prefer a slower pace. For example, my hubby and I did all of the things listed on this itinerary, except the side trip to Crater Lake, in 4 nights and 5 days of driving.
Oregon Road Trip Summary

Time Needed to Complete: About 1 week
Leaving From: Seattle, WA
Type of Activities: Hiking, Camping, Photography, Drone Photography, Exploring Oregon’s Natural Wonders
Approximate Total Miles (if leaving from Seattle): ~1400 miles
Map of This Oregon Road Trip

Click on the map to get driving directions to each location, feel free to customize according to your start/end points.

Overview of Stops on this Oregon Road Trip
The Alvord Desert
Oregon’s Painted Hills
Smith Rock State Park
Crater Lake
In-N-Out Burger (Yes, this is considered to be an important stop on this road trip.)
The Alvord Desert

This remote section of Oregon State is rugged and beautiful! Enjoy the drive through sagebrush dotted hills, deep canyons, mountain views, and gravel roads leading to the middle of nowhere. Relax in the Alvord Hot Springs, embrace your inner race car driver, and soak in the desert sun. This is a destination for the adventurous! It is a highlight on this Oregon road trip itinerary and is a stop you won’t soon forget! Read my post Exploring Alvord Desert and Hot Springs in Oregon for more tips on planning your adventure here.
The easiest way to navigate to the Alvord Desert is using the Alvord Desert Hot Springs address and then going into the desert from there.
Alvord Desert Hot Springs
36095 E Steens Rd
Princeton, OR 97721
*Optional Add-On: A day spent exploring Steens Mountain. There are beautiful hikes and viewpoints at Steens Mountain which borders the Alvord Desert. If the weather is good, consider spending the day exploring the scenic Steens Mountain Loop Road. However, as with the Alvord Desert, prepare for driving on unpaved gravel roads with rugged terrain and little cell service.

Oregon’s Painted Hills

Oregon’s Painted Hills is just another in this state’s selection of unique destinations. These brightly colored hills located in the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument are the result of ancient volcanic activity. You’ll journey past rolling farmlands and suddenly find yourself surrounded by hills painted in bright reds and yellows. They really are an unusual find amongst the ranches and green pastures. This Oregon road trip stop surprised me as I never realized Oregon had so many fascinating natural features. I was left with a greater appreciation for this beautiful state. Read Visiting Oregon’s Unique Painted Hills for more information on how to get there.
John Day Fossil Beds National Monument- Painted Hills Unit
37375 Bear Creek Rd
Mitchell, OR 97750

Smith Rock State Park

You will love the rugged beauty of Smith Rock State Park. It’s craggy rock cliffs, sweeping vistas, and beautiful river walks winding through the park. If you’re into rock climbing, hiking, or mountain biking, this is the park for you! Smith Rock State Park was a favorite stop of mine along this Oregon road trip. We only spent a few hours here, but I could have spent days photographing its beauty and exploring all the trails. Read more about our hike at Smith Rock State Park: Misery Ridge Loop Trail.
Smith Rock State Park
Terrebone, Oregon 97760

Crater Lake

My hubby and I did not stop at Crater Lake on this latest Oregon road trip due to our time constraints. However, if you’ve got a week to make this road trip and you’ve never visited, then I recommend you include it in your route.
Just a word of warning before you go, the journey to Crater Lake is not for the faint of heart. You drive up the mountain with nail-biting drop-offs. Keep your eyes on the road, and soon you’re rewarded with gorgeous views of this volcanic lake. It is such a unique natural setting that everyone should see it at least once. I visited years ago on another road trip with a friend, and its gorgeous blue waters are a beautiful sight to behold.
Read the Department of Interior’s blog on 12 Things You Didn’t Know About Crater Lake for further inspiration. You can also visit the Crater Lake National Park website for information on road conditions, where to stay, and what’s open.
Crater Lake Observation Station
Rim Drive
Crater Lake, OR 97604

In-N-Out Burger

If you’re from California, you might not understand why an In-N-Out Burger is highlighted as a stop along this Oregon road trip. However, if you’re a Washingtonian like me, who loves In-N-Out, you’ll get it. There are no In-N-Out Burgers in Washington State and it was only recently that we had the option in our neighbor state of Oregon. So, I knew that no road trip to Oregon would be complete without including at least one stop at In-N-Out! If you’ve never had In-N-Out then you’re missing out!
I love their cheeseburger with a strawberry milkshake. Sometimes I ask for it animal style which means they give me a yummy grilled onion relish in place of the raw onion on the regular cheeseburger. One of the things I love about In-N-Out Burger is their consistency. I know no matter which location I stop at I will get a consistently good burger at consistently low prices. Just trust me on this, and give them a try. I’m starting to salivate just thinking about them, so I’d best move on.
This is the address for the location we stopped at on this road trip.
In-N-Out Burger
6280 Keizer Station Blvd
Keizer, OR 97303

Final Thoughts & Tips

Download an offline map of Oregon before your road trip. Since a lot of this road trip passes through Oregon’s remote areas, there is little to no cell service near many of these destinations. Having an offline map is a huge help, especially when navigating places like the Alvord Desert. Also, a printed road atlas is never a bad idea either, but at a minimum, have the offline map.
Pack road trip essentials like extra water, road tunes, snacks, a good spare tire, jumper cables, an emergency kit, and a portable charger for electronic devices. Also, make sure to keep your car fueled up as gas can be few and far between in some of these areas. The Alvord Desert is the most remote of the destinations, so make sure to read my guide for visiting there and my tips for preparing for the trip. You may also want to read AAA’s guide to road trip car maintenance to make sure your car is ready for your trip.
Places to Stay
We camped at Alvord Desert, and then stayed in a hotel in Princeton for our visit to Oregon’s Painted Hills, and also stayed in a hotel in Redmond, Oregon for our visit to Smith Rock State Park. There are two campgrounds at Crater Lake National Park open only in the summer. Check the park’s website ahead of time for the latest information and how to reserve a spot.
Talk to locals if you are unsure about areas that are okay to drive in, or for information about weather conditions, and places to see. Locals know their area and are usually more than happy to share their first-hand knowledge.
This Oregon road trip itinerary really highlights the variety found in this state. Prior to this road trip, most of my visits to Oregon were relegated to the coast, which is beautiful. However, there is so much more to Oregon than just its coastline. I think you will be surprised to discover the natural beauty and unique volcanic features along this Oregon road trip.
Happy Exploring!
February 17, 2021
Hiking the Whimsical Gnomes Trail
**Update** The Gnomes Trail has relocated to 25719 Maple Valley Black Diamond Rd SE, Maple Valley, WA 98038. This is also the parking area for the Maple Valley Farmers Market. Read my updated post on the NEW Gnome Trail here.

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If you’re looking for a fun, family-friendly hike, then look no further than the Gnomes Trail in Maple Valley, WA.
Explore this whimsical trail located within Henry’s Ridge Open Space. Henry’s Ridge Open Space is a network of trails that extend within the Maple Valley and Ravensdale areas.
The Gnomes Trail is an easy 2-mile roundtrip hike suitable for all ages. The trail is mostly flat and has a very mild elevation gain of only about 150 feet. I saw people of all ages and fitness levels hiking this trail. So if you are new to hiking or have younger kids, the Gnomes Trail is a great place to start.

Getting to the Gnomes Trail
There are two starting points for the Gnomes Trail in Maple Valley.
279th Street Park: Maple Ridge Way SE, Maple Valley, WA 98038
Henry’s Ridge Open Space: 253rd PI SE, Maple Valley, WA 98038
I chose to start my hike at the 279th Street Park. However, you can also start the hike from the Henry’s Ridge Open Space trailhead off of SE 281st Way and 253rd Place SE.
Click on the map and see the two trailhead parking areas as well as the mapped trail routes. I recommend downloading the Google Map for offline use before leaving for your hike.
Google Maps will give you walking directions from whichever parking area you choose to start the hike. Google Maps displays the trail and shows you which path to take. You can refer to the map all along the way to make sure you’re on the right track.
Parking for the Gnomes Trail

Whether you choose to start from the 279th Street Park or Henry’s Ridge Open Space, just know that there is only street parking at both trailheads.
I found the 279th Street Park to have less traffic and more parking areas than at the trailhead for Henry’s Ridge Open Space. You can always go to one, and if you can’t find parking, then try the next trailhead. Refer to the above map for directions.

Sharing the Trail

The Henry Ridge Open Space is a multi-use trail system. This means that you are sharing the trails within this natural space with bicyclists, horses, and other hikers. So yield to horses and move over for the bicyclists. I know the sign says bicyclists should yield to both hikers and horses, yet, I find as a hiker it is easiest for me to move out of the way.

Hiking the Gnomes Trail in Maple Valley, WA
I started my hike from the 279th Street Park, but if you choose to start from the Henry Ridge Open Space trailhead, the directions are the same once you reach the Once Upon a Time trail.
It’s important to note that not all of the trails are clearly labeled, so use this guide to help you navigate. Additionally, download an offline map from Google Maps for directions before leaving home.
Route 66 and the Once Upon a Time trail (left). You make a left onto the OUAT trail if coming from Stinger or a sharp right if coming from the 279th Park.
Starting from the Henry Ridge Open Space Trailhead
You’ll access the trailhead next to the road and continue straight (pass the Old Mike trail) until you reach the Stinger trail where you’ll make a right. Follow Stinger until you reach a wide gravel trail, this is Route 66, turn right on to the path. In about 20 feet, you’ll cross the road and make a left onto the Once Upon a Time trail (OUAT). From here the directions are the same as if you were starting from the 279th Street Park.
Starting from the 279th Street Park
Park alongside the 279th Street Park and then cross the road to the trailhead. This gravel path is called Route 66 on the map.
Follow Route 66 for less than a quarter-mile before making a sharp right onto the Once Upon a Time trail (OUAT). You’ll spot your first gnome shortly after starting this trail. I think he’s there to let you know you’re heading the right way.
This is the first gnome to greet you on your hike.
This portion of the hike is a dirt trail with rocks and roots here and there, but ample space to stop on the side to let people pass when needed. Enjoy the forest with its moss-covered trees and stumps left from larger trees that once grew there.
I liked this tree growing over the old stump.
The Derailer Trail and Two Choices
Eventually, you’ll come to a fork in the path, and if you look right, you’ll see a diamond-shaped sign and a sign above it that reads “Derailer.” You can go right or left here.
If you go right on the Derailer trail, you will follow the path as it loops around and links up with the Lorax trail. Make a right onto the Lorax trail. (Skip to the asterisk (*) past the directions for making a left to continue.) (The instructions from that point on are the same whether you make a right or left at the Derailer fork.)
If you go left at the fork where you see the Derailer trail sign, you will continue a short way down the trail before reaching another fork in the path. Make a right here to continue on the OUAT trail (Bad Wolf is to the left). In about 250 feet you’ll make another slight right onto the Lorax trail (I don’t recall seeing a sign). You’ll continue down the Lorax trail and soon pass the fork for the Derailer loop, just stay to the left.
*Continue along the trail, and soon you reach a footbridge made out of a fallen tree. There are two bridges, I stuck with the larger one on the left, but both link you back to the same trail.
Cross the bridge and follow the path as it curves left; shortly up ahead, you’ll see the welcome sign for the Gnomes trail.
The Gnomes Trail
Take the Gnomes trail on the right and stay right to follow the trail’s loop. The Gnomes trail loop is around 0.5 miles.
At the entrance to the Gnomes trail, you’ll find a welcome area and a trailhead sign. Continue up the path enjoying the gnomes scattered everywhere. Make sure to look up in the trees and under shrubs. You could make it a game for the kids to see how many gnomes they can find.
Speaking of games, there is also a geocache hidden not too far from the entrance to the Gnomes trail. If you’ve never been geocaching, it is a lot of fun for kids and adults alike! You can download the app and look up geocaches near you to find more.
Click on the photos below to view a larger image. These are some of the signs that greet you near the entrance of the trail.

The Gnomes trail loop is a series of switchbacks curving right and left and then right and left again as it winds its way up, and then down, and then back up before looping you down and around to the main entrance of the Gnomes trail.
You see a huge variety of gnomes in the first part of the trail, there are even a few fairies, dwarfs, and I also spotted a troll. The gnomes appear to enjoy many of the same activities we do, such as camping, sports, gardening, and so on. You’ll have fun spotting all the unique gnomes along the way.
Here are some of the ones I found during my hike. Make sure to visit and discover your favorites too!

After the first series of switchbacks, you find yourself back near the main entrance, however, the trail curves right here and begins climbing up again. The gnomes will appear less and less as you continue along this portion of the trail.
You’ll pass another trail junction, make sure to stay left, and soon you’ll come to a “T” in the path where you’ll make a left onto what is called the Ogre trail. Soon you’ll see a fork on the right for the Ogre trail but continue straight and don’t turn right where you see the sign that reads “Ogre.”
You’re looping back, so you’ll want to stay left, and soon you will be back at the main entrance to the Gnomes trail. From this point on, you backtrack the way you came to return to your parking spot.
Useful Information to Know
There are no restrooms at either the parking areas/trailheads or anywhere along the trail. So make sure to take a pitstop before you come.
The hike is a little over 2 miles roundtrip, and it took me a little over an hour to hike it. If you have small kids or a large group, plan for it to take 1.5 to 2 hours for the roundtrip hike.
The Gnomes trail is an easy hike with minimal elevation gain, but it is narrow in spots with rocks and roots and overgrown bushes along the way. So wear the appropriate shoes, and if you have any mobility issues, you may want to bring a hiking stick.
The trail is too narrow in most spots to accommodate a stroller, so plan accordingly.
Dogs are allowed, but make sure to pack your poo out as there are no garbages along the trail. This goes for all trash. This trail system is within a neighborhood, and we must be respectful of the community and the trails.
Bring bug spray! The mosquitos were quite bad on the trails, and I sadly forgot to apply bug spray before leaving.
Download an offline map through Google maps of the area, and Google can give you walking directions for the trail. You can also use any favorite maps apps you might have, such as AllTrails or BackCountry Navigator, if you want to track your hike.
The Henry’s Ridge Open Space trails are designed in loops. So don’t panic if you do take a wrong path as it will link up with another one. There are multiple ways to get to the Gnomes Trail. I am only sharing a couple of options.
Recommendations for a Post Hike Treat

If you’d like something refreshing after your hike, why not head to Dairy Queen for a delicious ice cream treat or perhaps go through Gravity Coffee’s drive-through for a little pick-me-up for the ride home. I’ve marked both of these on the map at the beginning of this post. There are a ton of other options for food in the Maple Valley/Four Corners area if you want to grab a bite to eat.
Dairy Queen
23924 SE Kent Kangley Rd, Maple Valley, WA 98038
Gravity Coffee
23912 SE Kent Kangley Rd, Maple Valley, WA 98038
I’d love to hear from you if you have hiked the Gnomes trail and what you thought about it. If you have any questions, please feel free to send me an email or post them in the comments section below.
For more hikes in Washington read the following posts:
6 Stunning Hikes in the Quinault Rainforest
Hiking the Naches Peak Trail at Mt Rainier
Snoqualmie Falls: A Short Walk to a Beautiful View

Happy Trails!
June 26, 2020
Best Maui Beaches for Snorkeling and Swimming

One of the top things to do when vacationing in Maui is to go to the beach! It is the primary reason most people visit Maui and the Hawaiian islands. This article will go over the best Maui beaches for both snorkeling and swimming. There are some incredible beaches in Maui, but just because one is good for snorkeling, doesn’t mean it’s also good for swimming and vice versa. So I am here to share some of my favorite beaches in Maui no matter what you want to do. Most of the beaches in Maui that I list here are located in West Maui. So plan ahead if you are commuting from South Maui.

*How to use this map: Click on the star next to “Best Maui Beaches” and save this to your personal Google maps or click on the icons to pull up more info and driving directions.
Best Maui Beaches for Swimming
D.T. Fleming Park
This park is a great place to spend the day. It has shade trees at the back of the beach, picnic tables, BBQ grills, restrooms and lifeguards on duty. There is also the Burger Shack for food, and if you want, you can walk up to the Ritz-Carlton and eat at The Banyan Tree restaurant. D.T. Fleming Park also connects to the Dragon Tooth Trail which has beautiful views of the ocean and some incredible volcanic rock formations. It is a favorite stop of mine for any Maui itinerary. It has a beautiful stretch of white sand perfect for sunbathing. Make sure to bring your beach gear and enjoy one of the best beaches in Maui!
Address: Lower Honoapiilani Rd, Lahaina, HI 96761
Tip: Check out Maui Babe’s browning lotion and after browning lotion (I use this for sunburns too). It works great! And make sure you always wear sunscreen!
Napili Bay
This is a beautiful stretch of beach! It is on my list of best Maui beaches because of its sandy beach, and mostly rock-free water (in the center, not on the sides). It is located next to my favorite breakfast spot in Maui! The Gazebo restaurant. Just thinking of those piles of hot pineapple macadamia nut pancakes have my mouth watering. Depending on the time of year you visit, the waves can get really big. I mean REALLY big.
It is so much fun to body surf here, but be safe and respect the ocean’s power. When the weather is calm, it is a perfect place to go for a swim. I suggest you grab breakfast at The Gazebo, then drive over to Napili Bay and snag a good spot on the beach. You can relax here while you let your breakfast settle. There is parking for Napili Bay on the street leading down to the beach. The limited parking is probably the one drawback of this beach. However, you can usually find a spot along the road and then it is just a short walk to the end of the road where you’ll find the trail to the beach.
Address: 53 Hui Dr, Lahaina, HI 96761
Napili Bay. Keep your belongings as high up on the beach as possible to avoid getting wet. Even then, it may not be high enough.
Pohaku Park
This small park is sometimes referred to as S-Turns. It is a great place to watch the sunset and sits across from the island of Molokai. It is also a great area to go whale watching in the winter months. And sea turtles are often frequently spotted here. For swimming, I recommend you swim to the right of the park to avoid the rocks. Kahana Beach, which is just to the right of Pohaku, is a great stretch of beach for swimming. You will see the Kahana Beach resort next door to Pohaku Park.
There is a public access trail to Kahana Beach in between the Kahana Beach resort and the Sands of Kahana. This long sandy beach is great for swimming! It gets deep immediately in front of the Kahana Beach resort, but if you have kids or prefer a shallower entry, move a little further down the beach in front of the Sands of Kahana, and you’ll have a shallow entry.
Address: 4085 Lower Honoapiilani Rd, Lahaina, HI 96761 (*Pohaku has a few picnic tables and only a porta-potty for a restroom)
Pohaku Park at sunset.
Best Maui Beaches for Snorkeling
Kapalua Bay
Just a little further north from Napili Bay is Kapalua Bay. I go to this beach every time I visit Maui. It has excellent snorkeling (go in the morning) and such a picturesque setting. There are restrooms as well as an outdoor shower. It has a nice sandy beach with a few shady spots, plus it is alongside the Kapalua Coastal Trail so if you get tired of laying on the beach, you can go for a beautiful “hike” along this trail.
I think this beach is a little too rocky for swimming, but it is a favorite for snorkeling. I’ve seen turtles, eels, and all sorts of colorful fish here. They also rent kayaks and stand up paddleboards.
Address: Kapalua Coastal Trail, Lahaina, HI 96761
Kapalua Beach in the morning before the crowds arrive.
Tip: Snorkel early in the morning between 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. for the calmest and clearest snorkeling conditions.
Honolua Bay
Honolua Bay is an amazing snorkel spot in a marine life conservation area. It’s a bit of a drive to get to this protected bay, but it’s worth the trip! You have a short walk through a “jungle” before reaching the rocky beach. This is not your typical sandy beach either; it is covered in rocks, so be careful as you enter the bay. Its limited facilities and rocky beach make it best suited for snorkeling.
Snorkeling is best on the right side of this protected bay. You have to swim about 600 feet offshore to get to the reefs, so I recommend you wear a life vest if you have any concerns at all about swimming that far. Plus sometimes it is very shallow over the vast reefs, so I like a life vest as it helps me float over the reefs and avoid touching them.
There are portable toilets at the beginning of the trailhead, but no other facilities at the beach. Make sure you’ve got all your essentials packed in a beach bag, including good walking shoes.
Address: Bay Drive, Lahaina, HI 96761
Tip: Purchase a rashguard before coming to Maui. You will be so grateful to have this extra bit of sun protection when you’re out snorkeling for hours at a time.
Olowalu
Olowalu at mile marker 14 is another excellent option for snorkeling. You can book kayak tours here or rent a stand-up paddleboard and paddle out to the reef. The best snorkeling is about 100 feet offshore. So I would recommend bringing a life vest. There is also a blacktip reef shark nursery here; however, I have gone here multiple times and have never seen one. I have, however, seen turtles and plenty of interesting coral and colorful fish. Afterward, get some of the best pie in Maui at Leoda’s Kitchen & Pie Shop. I highly recommend the banana cream pie and coconut cream pie.
Address: Olowalu, look for dirt parking at Mile Marker 14. Leoda’s: 820 Olowalu Village Rd, Lahaina, HI 96761
Lava rocks at Dragon’s Tooth Trail near D.T. Fleming Park. It’s easy to see where the name came from.
Best Maui Beaches for Both Snorkeling and Swimming
Ka’anapali Beach & Black Rock
This is one of the largest and most popular beaches in Maui. This beautiful sandy beach stretches for almost a mile. It is also where the famous Black Rock is located. Get an early start and snag a free parking spot if you can. There are a few public parking areas scattered along Ka’anapali Pkwy. Look for beach access signs near the parking garages to find your way to the beach. Additionally, you can park in the parking garage for Whalers Village, where you can get a 3-hour validation if you purchase something at one of the stores.
There is excellent snorkeling at Black Rock when the conditions are calm. Just be careful as this area can also get some massive waves and currents near the rock. Watch the adventurous people who make the climb up Black Rock to jump off. Be careful if you are snorkeling and keep an eye on those jumping to make sure you don’t get in their way. I have seen eels, shark, turtles, octopus, and lots of fish all around Black Rock. Even if the snorkeling isn’t great during your visit, it is still a spectacular beach for swimming and sunbathing.
Ka’anapali is the perfect beach to spend the day. Sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling, and reading your favorite book are all perfect ways to spend the day here. There are also lots of restaurants and places to eat at Whalers Village, in addition to shopping. So make a day of it!
Address: 2525 Kaanapali Pkwy, Lahaina, HI 96761 (the beach is in front of a row of resorts, look for public parking signs along the Ka’anapali Pkwy)
Black Rock at Ka’anapali Beach. Snorkeling is best near the rock and around the tip. Just be careful of the currents near the rocks.
Kamaole Beach I, II or III
The Kama’ole beaches are a great set of South Maui beaches in Kihei. You will enjoy easy access to good food and shopping in addition to some of the best Maui beaches. Each beach offers its mix of swimming and snorkeling. I think Kama’ole I and Kama’ole II are better for snorkeling than III.
There are lots of unique lava rock formations in the water where you’ll find all sorts of fish, turtles and perhaps even an octopus all curled up. The beaches also have showers, bathrooms, and lifeguards. Depending on the time of year, you may find these beaches better for boogie boarding than snorkeling or swimming. They are worth checking out when in South Maui.
Address: S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI 96753
Tip: Make sure you purchase reef safe sunscreen. In 2021, Hawaii will implement a ban on the sale of sunscreen containing the coral-harming chemicals oxybenzone and octinoxate.
Maui Sunset looking across at the island of Molokai
Funny Beach Experience You May Wish to Avoid
In case you’re as “lucky” as I was, to be on the beach in Maui on the first working day of the month, you may hear a loud siren. Yep, I was in the water snorkeling to my heart’s content at Kama’ole Beach II when I heard this loud siren go off. My first thought was “SHARK!” You have never seen anyone swim so fast to the shore! My husband says I pushed a young boy out of the way in my hurry, I, of course, deny that. Everyone in the water was scrambling for the beach like mad!
By the time I made it to the beach, I had overheard a local Hawaiian telling a visitor that it was “just” a tsunami drill. I am sure they are entertained each month to watch visitors race for the shore each time they test this essential warning system. I appreciate that they have the system in place, and honestly when my heart stopped trying to pound out of my chest, my friends and I all had a good laugh at each other and our moment of panic. It’s funny, but the thought of a tsunami didn’t scare us as much as the thought of a shark did!
What to Bring to the Beach
snorkel gear (rent or pack from home)
sunscreen
bug spray
water bottles (I like to freeze some the night before)
chapstick
snacks
rashguard (the Hawaiian sun can be brutal)
hats
beach umbrella (most condos supply these)
beach mats & towels
underwater cameras
good book
sandcastle building set
beach bag
swimsuit cover-up
flip-flops
sunglasses
picnic lunch (optional)
beach ball
baby shampoo (use this inside your snorkel goggles to keep them from fogging)
Final Thoughts
Maui has many incredible beaches. As always, please make safety your priority. Don’t swim or snorkel alone; it’s always nice to have a buddy. When in doubt, stay out. If the waves look too big, or the situation doesn’t feel right, don’t go in. Ask a local, read weather reports, and take the necessary precautions to give yourself the best possible trip to Maui.
This list of beaches is what I consider to be the best Maui beaches for swimming and snorkeling. However, you should discover for yourself your favorite Maui beach. You’re going to want to return, so why not begin creating your future list of favorite places. If you’re like me, Maui will soon feel like your home away from home.
A hui hou! (Until we meet again!)

July 11, 2019