Photography courtesy of Christine & Cody Andrew

Hawaii has always felt like a second home to our family. The air, the people, the rhythm of the days — it all just fits. But this was our first time on Maui, and we were excited to explore a new island together, from the lush rainforests to the beaches that feel like they’re straight out of a postcard. One day, we hiked the Pipiwai Trail through a bamboo forest that ended in a dreamy waterfall and rope swing — it felt like something out of a movie.

We stayed at the Montage Kapalua Bay with Exclusive Resorts, and it was perfect for our crew of six. Every morning, I’d wake before the kids, make a coffee, and sit on the patio listening to the birds and watching the sunrise. After a quick breakfast in the kitchen or a stop at one of our new favorite breakfast spots (A`A Roots, Merriman's Kapalua Restaurant, and Duke's, to name a few!), we’d play pickleball or walk the trails near the property. Then we’d head to the waterfall pools — hands-down our kids’ favorite spot. They couldn’t get enough of the caves, grottoes, and mini waterfalls you could jump into from one pool to the next. Honestly, neither could we.

My boys, from our teenager down to our five-year-old, all inherited Cody’s adventurous streak. Right by the resort, they found cliff jumps and couldn’t stop. After watching them leap off again and again, I realized I should just go for it too. I made the jump and kept doing it every day after. It ended up being one of my favorite memories from the whole trip.

Another unexpected favorite? Cinnamon rolls. We heard about Papi’s Ohana and how people wait hours to get them. We managed to time it just right and skipped the line one morning — and wow, they were worth every bit of the hype. We make cinnamon rolls often at home, so we’re picky. But these? Next level.

Dinner at Sale Pepe was another highlight. Their lasagna was truly the best I’ve ever had — and we eat a lot of Italian. The team had just reopened in a new space after losing everything in the fire, and they still managed to serve an incredible meal with the warmest hospitality. The next night, we hired Chef Jason Raffin to create a six-course meal using ingredients from his garden and local farms, all in the comfort of our Club residence. Every dish was rooted in Hawaiian culture, not in the expected way, but in a way that honored the land and the stories behind each ingredient. One salad in particular was so good, I regret not documenting every step so I could recreate it at home. And the presentation? Gorgeous.

Even our unplanned afternoons turned into adventures. Corn hole competitions, snorkeling in Kapalua Bay (we swam with a sea turtle!), or just unwinding at the pool — it was all so easy and accessible. And the staff at Montage Kapalua Bay was incredible. One afternoon, they showed our kids where the lizards lay their eggs. That turned into a full-on egg-spotting expedition that the boys led with other kids they met on the property.

We’ve traveled far and often with Exclusive Resorts, and by now, they simply get us. From the leis waiting at arrival to the Maui Sunrise drink station (served in carved pineapples, naturally), every detail felt less like a vacation and more like coming home — if home came with flawless planning and a view of the Pacific.

If we had one more day? We’d do a helicopter tour departing from Maverick’s Kahului Heliport. Cody and I did it years ago when visiting a different island, and we still talk about how breathtaking it was. We’d love for the kids to see Maui from the sky next time. Until then, we’ll be dreaming about Hawaiian sunsets, lush waterfalls, and the cinnamon rolls that lived up to their reputation.

Christine and Cody Andrew are content creators who share their family’s adventures, home inspiration, and everyday moments. Follow their journey on Instagram @christineandrew and @codywestonandrew.

.