Last month, I hopped on a plane (not at LAX… if you know, you know) and flew to Maui to visit two dear friends of mine, Jess and Isaiah.
Earlier this year, on my birthday, I decided I wanted to start taking more trips by myself. There was something about the idea of traveling somewhere new, exploring on my own, and simply giving myself the freedom to go that felt so exciting. So, this trip was the first of what I hope will be many more.
Of course, before I even left for the airport, I checked the forecast. It said that it would rain. Every. Single. Day. I remember thinking, Well, this is going to be interesting. Thankfully, Jess assured me that Maui weather can change from day to day and told me not to worry about it. So I packed my bags, headed to the airport, and decided to trust her.
After a long day of traveling, I finally landed in Maui. Thankfully, I flew Delta, which is my favorite airline, and had a great flight experience. The moment I walked out of the airport, Jess was there waiting for me. We immediately hugged, caught up, and went to grab some delicious rice bowls from Tin Roof before heading back to their house. That first evening was everything I had hoped for. Jess and I caught up while Isaiah made dinner, and Jess gave me a list of all her favorite places on the island, from restaurants and shaved ice to her favorite beach. They even gave me a house key and a key to their 1995 Geo Tracker.
And let me tell you, I felt like I was officially living the island life. The Geo Tracker had no air conditioning, but it had approximately 100 times more character and charm than any newer rental car ever could. I drove that little thing all over Kihei and Wailea with the windows down, taking in the sunshine, palm trees, ocean air, and all the beauty Maui had to offer.
While Jess and Isaiah were at work during the day, I slept in, explored, and made it my personal mission to find the best local coffee on the island. There was just one problem. Jess and Isaiah had already warned me that Maui coffee wasn’t very good. They told me that if I wanted a really good cup of coffee, I should just head back to California. Well, y’all… that simply wouldn’t do. I was determined to prove them wrong. I tried multiple coffee shops and gave each one a fair chance, but unfortunately, they were all a little disappointing. My search for the perfect cup of coffee was beginning to feel hopeless.
Then, in desperation, I hesitantly tried Isaiah’s homemade matcha with earl grey syrup. I say hesitantly because I used to absolutely hate matcha. To me, it tasted like drinking grass water with milk. But friends, I have been humbled. Almost a month after returning home from Hawaii, I have had matcha every. single. day. I can’t get enough of it. Isaiah may have single-handedly converted me into a matcha girl.
And while I was out exploring on my own, I went to the most incredible shaved ice place right by Jess and Isaiah’s house. It was so light and fluffy that it genuinely tasted like a literal cloud. It honestly made me question every shaved ice I’ve ever had back home. Because if this is what shaved ice is supposed to taste like, then what exactly have I been eating in California? Gravel, I guess.
One of my favorite parts of the trip was simply getting to experience everyday life on the island. On the weekend, we drove to upcountry and spent the morning at a local farmers market. I loved seeing all of the businesses, meeting local makers, and seeing the different fruits, vegetables, and flowers grown right there on the island.
Most evenings were much slower. We would come home, make dinner, eat the best gluten and dairy free cookies, and watch a movie together. And by movie, I mean we mostly watched incredibly cringey Hallmark movies and nostalgic Disney Channel favorites. Honestly, it was perfect.
Then, on my last full day in Maui, we decided to drive the first part of the Road to Hana. Hana was on the opposite side of the island from where we were staying, so we made our way through the winding roads and lush landscape until we reached Twin Falls. I truly felt like we had stepped onto the set of Jurassic World. Chris Pratt, where you at? There was so much beauty everywhere I looked. Geckos, chickens, tropical flowers, waterfalls, and so much greenery. Every turn seemed to have something new to see, and I remember thinking how incredible it was that all of this beauty was just… there.
Looking back, I think some of my favorite memories from Maui are the little things. Driving around in the old Geo Tracker with the windows down. Bringing my 35mm film camera everywhere with me. Finding beautiful little spots around the island. Sitting on the couch with Jess and Isaiah, cookies in hand. Laughing at a terrible Hallmark movie. Exploring the island on my own. Driving through the lush landscape on our way to Twin Falls. And, apparently, discovering a lifelong love for matcha. Bonus points that there was zero rain during my trip.
There is something so special about slowing down, being somewhere beautiful, and spending unhurried time with people you love. I loved exploring Maui and seeing a new part of the world, but what made this trip so meaningful was getting to experience it alongside old friends.
This was my first little adventure on my own, and it reminded me just how much beauty there is in saying yes to something new.
Here’s to many more flights, new adventures, unexpected matcha obsessions, and beautiful places still waiting to be discovered.
With joy,
Elana
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