The thing I loved about Maui is how easy it is to get around the island. There are only a couple of main roads, so getting lost is nearly impossible. After spending a few blissfully relaxing days at our hotel, we decided to go on an adventure. We rented a car at the hotel, and took a picturesque drive to the north side of the island, heading towards the fishing village of Paia. Our plan involved a late lunch at Mama’s Fish House, as well as some beach time at Baldwin Beach Park.

On our way from the hotel, we noticed signs for a scenic lookout, and decided to make a pit stop. What we found was a breathtaking view of the ocean, with whales splashing in the distance. It was glorious! After enjoying the lookout, we jumped back in the car, and headed to IHOP in Kahului…judge if you must, but our breakfast was deeeeelicious. Afterwards we drove to Baldwin Beach Park to work off those pancakes, relax, and look for sea turtles.

Baldwin Beach Park was an interesting place – a beautiful beach with lifeguards, and all kinds of colourful characters. Hula-hooping hippies, a friendly, if a little crazed-seeming Bible-reciting man, girls handing out free coconuts, nudists…you name it, Baldwin Beach Park has it all! Speaking of free coconuts…I considered declining the kind offer, but the girls were opening them up right next to us, so I figured YOLO, and accepted one. I didn’t share the coconut water with le bf, in case it was laced with something…but it ended up being delicious and not at all poisoned nor roofied. Lesson learned: when life gives you free coconuts, take them and drink the coconut water with abandon.

We spent the rest of the afternoon lounging around and playing in the waves. After a while, we took a stroll down the beach and spotted sea turtles swimming super close to shore. Le bf grabbed the camera and waded into the water, forgetting that his phone was in the pocket of his swim trunks. Cutting our sea turtle adventure short, we drove to Paia to buy some rice to try and save his phone, but apparently the rice trick doesn’t work with ocean water. Before we realized it, it was time for our Mama’s Fish House lunch. Once we arrived at the restaurant, we found immaculate grounds overlooking the ocean, friendly staff, and a dining room with a ton of character. We ordered Macadamia Nut Crab Cakes, Mama’s Stuffed Mahimahi, and Opah, Mahimahi and Ahi fish sautéed in Panang Curry. All seafood at Mama’s is freshly-caught by local fishermen, and everything tasted great. Prices are definitely not cheap (especially with a weak Canadian dollar), but Mama’s is a perfect place for a special occasion dinner while in Maui.

After spending some time in Paia, we jumped back into our rental and drove back to Kaanapali, enjoying all the beautiful sights along the way. Minus the ruined cell phone, it was a pretty magical day…IHOP and all.

More after the jump!
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