MAUI on my mind
Maui. Maui. Maui. I wish I was on Maui. I always wish I was on Maui - it’s especially fierce when I have just returned home to Los Angeles. I miss the wind and the sunsets. I miss the way my heart expands and fills with forgiveness and acceptance and so much LOVE and a desire to be of service to others. I miss the way I feel like I am walking in the flow. I miss pearl shopping and practicing being rather than achieving. I miss the stars and the plumeria. I am practicing Living Maui in LA.
I first went to Maui for a man and I thought I was in love with the man - I was, but I didn’t realize how in love I was with Maui. My aunt had just died and then my grandfather and I was experiencing the ferocity of grief for the first time. That island healed me, but the man broke me and I got them confused. At 30 years old I got on an airplane and I swore I would never return.
At 40 years old, after the death of my mother I was fortunate enough to take a break from my work and travel. I said to the universe - Okay. I will go anywhere that you tell me to go, in the whole wide world and I heard Maui and I said No F’n way - but I knew I had to listen and exactly a decade later I landed back on Maui and she saved me, healed my broken heart, refracted shard by refracted shard.
And on occasion she challenges me to walk right into my shadow work and tosses the muck of my fears and defenses in my face, and this is also out of love.
Someone told me recently that Maui was the island of healing mother wounds, the island of the heart chakra; water for a broken heart.
I am just a tourist to this beautiful place. I do my absolute best to be respectful to the culture that created this magic; of this land. I do my best to always be kind and considerate and I continue to learn and learn and learn about the magic and heartbreak of these lands.
So… here are some of my favorite things MAUI edition; somewhere between everyday life and a straight up American tourist.
STAY
When I first pulled into the drive way of Lumeria Maui a few years back, filled with nerves on my first voyage back to Maui, I said allowed to myself, “Oh you did a good job Jenny,” and then a feather fell from the sky, just right in front of my face, fell from the sky. Thank you. I feel recharged just thinking about it. It’s my Upcountry Maui dream escape. Wake up to an hour of guided movement and meditation. Watch the sun rise and listen to the roosters crow over your first cup of strong coffee; I think that this is a really sacred time for me to let out any postponed tears. Sometimes as the body and heart relax feelings arise and then I sit with them (sometimes I run around like crazy to avoid sitting with them! You can do this too!) and they pass - just as we are designed to do. Emotion = To move. Thank god we have roosters that crow most mornings down the hill from our house in LA; it transports me every morning! Take a yoga class. Do Qi Gong. Smell the pink plumeria. Go on a guided soul journey with Sheridan. Walk the Labyrinth. Or do none of it and stare at the clouds. This is my all time favorite place to stay!! Ever. Ever. Ever.
HEAL
The Palo Santo Energy Massage at The Spa at Lumeria Maui. Magical.
This is probably my favorite spa. The moment I turn onto Piiholo Rd and begin driving up toward the sky I start to relax. My go to treatment is a Coconut Awa bath followed by a deep tissue Lomi Lomi massage with Illa, but everyone is great. It’s pure heaven. (I have forsaken the bath for the time being because Maui is experiencing a drought and I want to save the water usage for the local community, but that’s your choice. It’s a nice nice bath! Rain Please!) The first time I walked into the bath house with it’s giant marble tubs I almost lost my shit - to put it in spa talk! I always stock up on Ti Rose, Sandlewood and Lemongrass Herbal Mists, Kukui Nut Butter and Lemongrass Body Polish, so that I can transport my spirit. All products are organic and locally made. Thankfully I can order when I run out. I would go here every day if I could.
Do a Mana Card Reading!! They sell them at Ho’omana! Decks are also sometimes available to buy at Biasa Rose in Paia. This is one of the most magical decks I’ve ever held. I absolutley love mine. Get yourself a cup of Rose tea, gather any fallen plumeria, and be prepared to learn about Hawaiian wisdom, culture and your self. At least that’s my experience.
I was first introduced to Prema Love at a concert at Lumeria in 2018. I bought a CD. I drove around my rented Jeep Wrangler singing away. Prema’s music makes me feel good, and in feeling good I feel more connected. On a trip to Maui last March we had a synchronistic run in that I needed so badly. I was craving the maternal, the divine feminine and Prema holds both of these qualities in spades. We had a private session with singing and reiki and angel cards and sound bowls and I left feeling love and peace and possibility. I look forward to the day our paths meet again. You can read her What I Loved post here and find her music here.
So, Amy is hard to put in one category. I was lucky enough to experience a sound bath that she just performed at Lumeria. You can find out more about their offerings @starlight_portal. She is also a gifted painter! One of my favorite pieces was done by her and has crystals charged and integrated in the paint! AND she makes the most delightfully beautiful products @Alohaheals, that she sells online and at The Wailea Village Farmers Market. She is grounded and expansive all at once and that is a very hard mark to hit. I just adore her!!
The joke has been made that I only like to stay at hotels with Labyrinths; now this makes me sound like a grade A douche, but I LOVE A LABYRINTH! Labyrinths balance the left and right hemispheres of the brain, they are perfect for walking meditations and moving mantras. And they are just fun! My all time favorite one is at Dragon Teeth in Kapalua (which I will mention later!), but here is a list of the labyrinths that I know about so far on Maui.
Lumeria Hotel In Makawao, Scared Garden in Haiku, Dragon Teeth in Kapalua.
Baptism by Ocean! Napili Bay and Baby Beach at Baldwin Park in Paia are my favorites because you can float and float and float. I like to look for hearts and throw them into the ocean to make wishes.
SEE
Visiting the Pegge Hopper paintings at Montage Kapalua!
I LOVE Pegge Hopper!! It wasn’t until I fell in love with her myself that I realized that I’d been sitting with one of her women gazing down at me in therapy for over a decade. I just like that little tidbit because that’s exactly how therapy works; you have to see it on your own before you can actually see.
The Montage is the site of the former Kapalua Bay Hotel. On my first visit to see these paintings at The Montage I was lucky enough to meet Silla. Silla is pictured in the charcoal work below with flowers in her hair. She told me about Hopper painting on the walls, she pulled out 5x7 photographs of the dining room, her work escaping the frame. I loved it. It was a magical moment for me. Every time I’m on the island now I go and see them; I just stand in the lobby and bask in their glow.
I heard a story recently that during one of the transitions from hotel to hotel the contractor had taken the paintings, and not realizing their value (???) put them out by the dumpster to be taken away; a local woman propped them up on her roof and promptly returned them to the site, schooling them on their big big mistake, which is very noble, and I am very grateful!
Here’s a little tip… The Village Gallery in Lahaina often has Pegge Hopper serigraphs hiding in the closet for purchase!! And then run across the street and get cookies at Honolulu Cookie Company, because they are AMAZING!
Visit the statue of Mother Mary at Maria Lanakila Catholic Church In Lahaina. I know some people will balk at this suggestion and that’s great, you don’t have to go, BUT I love me some Mother Mary healing - to me she has nothing to do with religion and power mad rules and keeping posts between me and my god, but about filling with her divine love, light, and kindness. There are a few places in the world where I have experienced this exact feeling of energetic love and this church is one of them. This is a beautiful place to sit in her glow!
Plumeria Everywhere. Plumeria represents birth and love, spring and new beginnings. The five petals of Plumeria - Sincerity, Faith, Devotion, Aspiration, and Surrender.
Also Sometimes rainbows and sometimes whales.
AND STARS!!!
JEWELS
Jewelry is my addiction (and coffee and so many things), they are my talismans, my protectors, my joy bringers, and most of my jewelry comes from Maui.
So many Pearls, Pearls, Pearls. The symbol of wisdom gathered through experience.
I first met Natalie in 2007. She was selling her jewelry at The Westin in Kaanapali. She taught me a few things and I would spend my mornings calming my nerves by making bracelets. She is really one of the most generous people that I know. She is also fearless about giving life a go and I love both of these qualities. As I write this she is moving in new directions, but if you go to Maui you HAVE to go check out her collection at The Ritz in Kapalua. Her style is luxurious and elegant and simple and GORGEOUS. I’ve basically bought all of it!!
Sigal <3 <3 <3 I am in love with this woman’s hearts! I have been building a collection of her pieces over the years. I can spend hours with her trying on, touching, gazing at everything. It’s as if Ariel had incredible taste and brought all of her treasures from under the sea and made jewelry and then let me wear it! She has a shop in Hana that I have never made it to. You can find her most Thursday mornings at The Marriott Wailea Beach Resort or online. If it was not clear, she is also a treasure.
I commissioned Pukka Peri to make me one of her puka rings for my birthday last year. The whole process was fun and I love my ring; a puka with a yellow sapphire, water and earth. Her work can be found at The Monarch Collective in Makawao, which also happens to be a beautiful collection of artists. It should also be noted that this is just one design in many stunners. (My ring not pictured)
I just met Fabienne of FaFaloha on my last trip. We had a lively conversation about jewelry and her path to Maui! While all her styles are elegant and casual all at once, I became enamored with her Swarovski crystal and leather bracelets and necklaces. I have never seen anything like them. I went back three times because I kept wanting MORE! I still want more! Her work can be found at Lilikoi in Paia and online!
SHOP
I was born to shop, like I have been very good at it since I was a child. My brain is crazy. I have a lot of chi coursing through me and shopping has always calmed me, laser focused me. I love beauty. I love play and dress up and trying on ideas about who I am and who you are. I am working on moderation, but if you ever need someone to go shopping with call me up. I can help you!
So my favorite shops on Maui in no particular order…
Cabana at The Four Seasons Wailea for all things too expensive and pretty and flowing and like you live in a beach house fantasy. This one actually is my favorite. If you are there swing by the spa shop and get some Shanti Kai Gemstone and Flower Essences. I could go on and on about Shanti Kai. I am a spray addict - I spray myself about 25 times a day with essences, mists, scents. I know I sound crazy, but it is A REALLY NICE EXPERIENCE! I’m gonna let you figure this out on your own.
Pearl Butik in Paia
Aloha Bead Company. I have been going to this bead shop since I first went to Maui in 2007. It is an absolute gem!! It changed locations over the pandemic and I finally found it hiding in Haiku at 575 Haiku Rd, Haiku HI 96708. It is located in The Temple of Peace.
Holiday & Co in Makawao. Makawao has so many lovely shops to wander through, but this one is my favorite. I also love to collect bookmarks at Sherri Reeve Gallery down the street!!
Mick Fleetwood opened a new shop in Paia and it’s filled with fun and colorful things. On my first trip there I stumbled upon his ex wife, Jenny Boyd’s memoir, Jennifer Juniper. I was named after the Donovan song that was written for her, and it made me feel close to my mom. I also loved this book and it makes me feel fondly about the shop!
I can spend way too long in the supplements department at Mana Foods smelling the extensive essential oil collection. I love the Amber from Aloha Therapy, but their collection is endless; Plumeria, Sandlewood, Pikake!!
Acacia in Paia for dresses and swimsuits!
Imrie Industries in Paia. Imrie was started by three sisters and their mom. They are generally surf chic and they make the softest t shirts. They also carry a stunning collection of James Collarusso jewelry for when you win the lottery!
EAT
Okay. This is not my strong suit! While I worked in exceptional restaurants for over a decade, I’m still the girl who would just binge eat fruit roll ups at heart. I usually have about four beverages going at all times, but food, again, not my strong suit. But I do know a good thing, so trust me just a little.
Following is a list of my favorite foods on Maui…
Kula BIstro Beef Tips and Mushroom Pappardelle. Get it with a side of stars so close you can touch them in the Kula night skies.
The Caesar with Ahi Sashimi at Honu in Lahaina
808 Elixirs!! I just had these for the first time a couple of weeks ago and I’m so sad that I can’t have more!!! The Lime Zinger and The Golden Mylk. STOP! I stumbled upon them at The Wailea Village Farmers Market, but go on the world wide web, work it out!
Leoda’s pie Just little tiny pie’s for days!!
Back in the day I used to frequent Fish Market Maui in Honokawai. Everything is delicious. Get it to go and watch the sunset at Ka’anapali Beach. Honestly nothing beats this, I mean, if you’re into that kinda thing, like insane food and the magic of Mother Nature.
Um.. The Strawberry Hula Pie at Monkey pod is one of the best things I’ve ever had!
Satori Farm to Table Sushi in Makawao!! The Ramen Bowl is the Best Best BEST!!!
Honestly anything with the Turmeric Basmati Golden Rice at Choice Health Bar.
Komoda Bakery in Makawao for DONUTS! This business has been in operation since 1916. The donuts are great but the history is even better!
The Tuna Pasta at Mana Foods!! This sounds so gross to me and yet it’s my favorite favorite food. It is a lucky day when they have it!! LOVE. My apologies!
Espresso Mafia!!! in Makawao. Yes! Yes! Yes! The Rose Matcha, The Rose Latte! Yes! All Day, Yes!
Artisan Ice Cream in Paia. I’m not sure what’s going on here, but the ice cream is very very good and the vegan ice cream is very very good.
And if YOU HAD TO go out for a nice meal… Japengo at The Hyatt in Kaanapali at sunset is sooooo gooooood!
FLOWERS
Flowers are my love language.
Make a Lei at Haku Maui in Makawao! This is such a beautiful establishment!! The owner Britney and her mother Sheryl are so kind and generous with their knowledge. I took a lei workshop with them a few years ago and man did it fill me up!! If you happen to be on Maui for a special occasion hit them up, but in advance because I think they sell out!
Kula Botanical gardens is a sweet little spot off the Kula Highway. It’s not the most ambitious of botanical gardens but its still lovely and does the trick!!
I’ve only ever made it as far as The Garden of Eden on the road to Hana. One day! But if you like flowers and stunning views this place is worth the trip.
LITTLE TEENY TINY ADVENTURES
There are so many adventures you can partake in on Maui; land adventures and sea adventures. I haven’t focused on those because those activities are easy to find. Any local spots are not mine to give away! I also often travel to Maui alone and was taught to never go into the woods alone, so I adventure in different ways!
A piece of my heart is at Dragon Teeth in Kapalua at Makaluapuna Point. I have been going here for years to climb, to meditate, to just bathe in it’s vastness and beauty. I was gifted a mix CD titled after this sacred place. It maybe had A Counting Crows song on there, but let’s forget that part please. The rocks formed by the last lava flow on island look like, you guessed it, dragon teeth, but the energy here is very special. Makaluapuna Point is home to an ancient Hawaiian burial ground known as Honokahua Burial Site. The Prayer Labyrinth is perfect!! (I’m sorry that I used Counting Crows and Scared Site in the same paragraph!)
baby me with subtle rainbow. dragon teeth. 2008
Le Perouse Bay. Lava Fields. Dolphins. The Na Ala Hele trail is a beautiful hike along the ocean. Don’t take any lava rocks - it’s bad luck and I suspect that this is a very powerful place!
Go Whale Watchin’ I caught the tail end of the season in March. It was fun to watch the tourists too. At one point they put a microphone under water and I was BLOWN AWAY by the beauty of the sounds. It was one of the most magical things I’ve ever experienced! EVER! Even a glimpse of one of these creatures lights up my heart!
Go and watch the sunset at Ho’opika Lookout. Ho’okipa is the hospitality of complete giving. This is a perfect way to close out a day; to stand in reverence to our Earth, to the experience of being alive. Feel the wind against your skin and watch the sky light up, what more could you ask for?
Tell me, what do you love?
xoJenny
