Aloha from Maui! I could not be more blissed about my return to my second favorite state (don’t worry New York, you’ll always fill the top slot) or more fired up about all the new exploring I’m going to do while I’m here. As many of you know, Hawaii has been a healing place for me in the past, and I’ve been looking forward to this trip as almost a pilgrimage in a time when I feel life has been throwing me a few more fast balls than I can juggle. I’m here for ten days — five high-pace days of adventure with the Maui Visitor’s Bureau followed by five days of true vacation visiting friends.

I’m pretty busy running around the island (this dispatch is coming to you pre-sunrise from my balcony) so forgive this brief post, but I wanted to share some of my excitement in real time! What’s keeping me on the move? Here’s just a few of things I’m getting up to over the next few days — feel free to follow along on my Instagram or Facebook with the hashtag #seeMaui.

• Paragliding over East Maui
• Scuba diving around Molokini Crater
• Farm hopping in Upcountry
• Trying a traditional lomi lomi Hawaiian spa treatment
• A helicopter ride over Haleakala

South Mauimy last trip to Maui!

I wanted to announce this trip by sending one of you a little piece of it in the form of some goodies from the Aloha State — we haven’t done a giveaway in a while! Here’s what’s inside.

Moon Maui Guidebook / $15
Volcano Island Honey / $18
Sun Bum PRO Face Stick / $14
Sun Bum SPF 30 Lip Balm / $6

Hawaii Giveaway

My friend and true Maui expert Kyle Ellison (who helped put together my itinerary for this trip!) recently released his first edition of the Moon Maui Guidebook, and future tourists to Maui are all the luckier for it. Kyle was raised right here on Maui — in the adorable town of Makawao — and knows pretty much everything there is to know about this little piece of paradise. Though I spend two and a half weeks on Maui last year I was amazed how much I learned about not just which beaches or restaurants to hit, but also local culture and customs while reading through this book.

Last time I visited, Kyle took me scuba diving in Lana’i and hiking through the bamboo forest, and I felt like I got the VIP experience doing both — now anyone who picks up a copy can have the same insider access. And, ahem, not to brag or anything here, but I’M IN THE BOOK. Yes, I considered hiring private security for this visit when I realized the fans I’d be inundated with based on my scuba diving glamour shot (from our dive together on Lana’i) 0n page 25! But Kyle has assured me that Maui residents know how to keep cool around guidebook celebrities.

The Moon Guidebook for Maui

The Moon Guidebook for MauiCan you find me?

The Moon Guidebook for Maui

The Moon Guidebook for Maui

Also in the box of summery goodness? A new blend of honey from one of my favorite Hawaiian farms, Rare Island Honey. I fell bees over nectar for this stuff on my last trip, and squealed with happiness when I opened my own new jar. A banana, some peanut butter, a splash of milk and a dollop of this honey in the blender has become my latest indulgence.

And while Sun Bum products aren’t manufactured in Hawaii, it’s where I discovered them — so in my heart they’ll always be associated. Cruelty free, eco-friendly and delicious smelling — anyone who’s ever read any of my packing posts knows I’m nuts for the stuff!

Volcano Island Honey

Sun Bum Sunscreen

Alright guys, have at it! Note: I love my international readers too and therefore I will ship this box of goodies anywhere! However, you may have to pay duty depending on your country of residence.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Update: Travel Blog Success was merged with Superstar Blogging by Nomadic Matt. It’s an equally impressive course that I plan to take and review eventually — click here to take it yourself! 

40% Off Sale Alert! The always rockin’ Travel Blog Success course is having a sale this week — right before the price of memberships increase! This is the online course that helped me make Alex in Wanderland what it is today, and the first thing I recommend to those who write to me for advice. It changed the way I looked at travel blogging and helped me move it from a hobby to a business. The secret member’s group gives me daily inspiration, feedback, and assistance (and a heavy dose of humor!) This is truly the warmest community in travel blogging, and all memberships are on sale now.

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94 Comments...
  • I’ve been wanting to try the Sun Bum stuff! My parents spend a couple weeks in Hawaii and rave about it, would love to go. future honeymoon spot… maybe!? haha

    • Alex
      May 24 2014

      It’s certainly a popular choice for honeymooners 🙂 Convince your parents to take you next time!

  • Maddy
    May 21 2014

    OMG, your Insta pics of your trip have been so lovely! Would love to see more in the guidebook. Will try not to fan out too much. 😉

    • Alex
      May 24 2014

      Ha, glad you’ve been enjoying! I’m sure it’s nice to see pics of something other than my dog again…

  • Daisy Wong
    May 21 2014

    I love that you are sending us info in real time. The guidebook looks lovely. I love Maui, enjoy!!

    • Alex
      May 24 2014

      More to come for Photo of the Week tomorrow 🙂

  • Alexa
    May 21 2014

    I love all your posts about Maui! Thanks so much!

    • Alex
      May 24 2014

      You are so welcome Alexa <3

  • Stef
    May 21 2014

    This guidebook looks great, you’re lucky to know someone who is originally from Maui. Enjoy your trip!

    • Alex
      May 24 2014

      I know, I’m lucky to have friends and fam on several of the islands! Good friends to have 🙂

  • Amazing – it sounds like heaven! Can’t wait to see more pics and hear about your adventures. Have fun 🙂

    • Alex
      May 24 2014

      Thanks Miriam! It’s been a blast!

  • Laryssa
    May 21 2014

    Awesome! Your last trip to Hawaii put it on my destinations list for sure.

    Have a great time, Alex!

    • Alex
      May 24 2014

      Yay, that makes me so happy to hear, Laryssa! Hope this one convinces you to book a ticket 🙂

  • Susan H.
    May 21 2014

    Wonderful–any information about Maui is highly welcomed! Such a beautiful destination. Enjoy.

    • Alex
      May 24 2014

      There’s going to be a ton coming your way soon, Susan 🙂 Enjoy!

  • Mary B
    May 21 2014

    I love Moon Guidebooks! I’m ashamed to say I’ve been on the West Coast for almost 4 years now and still haven’t made a trip out to Hawaii. That needs to change this year.

    • Alex
      May 24 2014

      I agree, it does! 🙂 I’m jealous of the short(er) flight times ya’ll have to get here… you should take advantage of them!

  • Katie
    May 21 2014

    I still haven’t made it to Hawaii…. We were hoping to go there this fall but it’s lookin less likely. Hope it’s as wonderful as you remember!

    • Alex
      May 24 2014

      Hawaii will be waiting for you when you’re ready, Katie! But I hope for your sake it’s sooner rather than later 🙂

  • Catherine
    May 21 2014

    Sounds like you are having an amazing trip! Can’t wait for the recap posts!

    • Alex
      May 24 2014

      Thanks Catherine! Coming at ya as soon as I can catch up 🙂

  • Teresa
    May 21 2014

    Nice nails!

    • Alex
      May 24 2014

      Thanks, Teresa! 🙂 I am all about the glitter polish these days. Much harder to chip!

  • Jen
    May 21 2014

    I’ve loved peeking into your Hawaiian adventures on Twitter! This guidebook looks awesome.

    • Alex
      May 24 2014

      Aw, thanks Jen, I’m glad to hear you’ve enjoyed following along! And yes — I wouldn’t use any other guidebook for Maui!

  • Lindsey
    May 21 2014

    Love Hawaii! Can’t wait to read all about it!

    • Alex
      May 24 2014

      It’s a pretty special place, right? I’m over the moon to be back 🙂

  • Rekha Devarapalli
    May 21 2014

    Hey Alex,

    Look forward to your posts on Maui, especially your adventures there! We are planning a trip to Hawaii this summer. Am really happy to know ur there ahead of us, so I can pick up cues for my trip.

    Cheers,
    Rekha

    • Alex
      May 24 2014

      I will have TONS of activity tips for you when this one is up, Rekha! Stay tuned 🙂

  • Geke
    May 21 2014

    I miss Hawai’i so much.. the beaches, the crazy people.
    Ive visited Maui for a couple of days, but reading this makes me wonder what I missed. Hope I’ll be able to come back one day!

    • Alex
      May 24 2014

      Maybe if you win this giveaway that will be your sign it’s time to come back, Geke 🙂

  • Yasemin
    May 21 2014

    I’m also looking forward to your posts on Hawaii having enjoyed them last time round! Have a great trip!

    • Alex
      May 24 2014

      I can’t believe that was a year and a half ago! It seems like just yesterday. Thanks Yasemin!

  • Rachael Cain
    May 21 2014

    Yay! You always have the greatest giveaways and I trust your advice on the products you use. Crossing my fingers! Thanks Alex, I am really looking forward to more Hawaii posts, they are so interesting to me. Thanks!

    • Alex
      May 24 2014

      Aw, thanks Rachael! I love hearing that and I have some other giveaways coming up as well that I’m excited about. Good luck!

  • Malia
    May 21 2014

    Welcome to Maui! It looks like you have a great itinerary planned! I can’t wait to see how it goes 🙂

    • Alex
      May 24 2014

      Mahalo, Malia! Great to be here.

  • Laura
    May 21 2014

    Hey Alex, I’ve been reading your old blog posts to help me plan for my trip to hawaii this summer! I’m heading over to stay with Wim and do a little island hopping 🙂

    • Alex
      May 24 2014

      That is awesome Laura, you’re going to love it! Hopefully this round of posts will give you even more ideas… but feel free to email me if you need any help planning!

  • Krista C.
    May 21 2014

    Maui is an amazing place, glad you are getting to visit there again so soon.

    • Alex
      May 24 2014

      I was shocked to realize it had been a year and a half! Time flies… it really feels like I just left yesterday.

  • Kat
    May 21 2014

    Looks lovely – both the destination and the prize!

    • Alex
      May 25 2014

      Thanks Kat — best of luck!

  • Emily
    May 21 2014

    Maui (and Hawaii) has always been one of those dream places for me that I haven’t made to, likely because it was always so close (relatively). I can’t wait to read about your latest adventures there!

    • Alex
      May 25 2014

      Coming from New York, I always had the opposite problem — it’s quite the haul! So grateful though that in this case the exotic has become the familiar.

  • Shaz
    May 21 2014

    Maui is one of my favourite places in the world! I spent 2 months there doing a work exchange on a farm in Makawao – it was rad. Highlights for me go to red sand beach, Venus pool, big beach on a Sunday and the back road to Hana. Oh man, the drive around the west side is awesome as well. Enjoy your stay!

    • Alex
      May 25 2014

      Ah, isn’t Makawao charming?! That’s actually where the author Kyle is from! Sounds like you had a fabulous time… hope you get to return someday!

  • MMMM that honey looks scrumptious! Hawaii reminds me of my childhood…not from going, but because my parents went every year of my life for 13 years…and never brought me!

    • Alex
      May 25 2014

      Well, time for you to ditch them and head Hawaii-side, girl! 🙂 The islands are waiting for you!

  • Joella J in Beijing
    May 21 2014

    Ahh I want to go to Hawaii so much. My husband lived there for a while when he was younger- jealous! Hopefully I will go one day.

    • Alex
      May 25 2014

      It seems like SUCH a great place to grow up, Joella. Which island did he spend time on? I think it’s time for a visit back for sure 🙂

      • Joella J in Beijing
        May 27 2014

        He lived on Oahu. It was the early 90s so not sure how much it’s changed since then but it looks pretty nice in google images to me! Yes, definitely time for a visit back I agree 🙂

  • Amanda
    May 22 2014

    Ahhh!! This has me even more excited for my Maui trip!!
    Cannot wait for your posts about this trip! 🙂

    • Alex
      May 25 2014

      You’re going to love it Amanda! Hope my new posts give you even more Maui ideas 🙂

  • Janice Stringer
    May 22 2014

    Hi Alex,
    I’ve visited Oahu with my family and we all totally fell in love with the island. Hawaii has been top of my list, since my aunty let me wear her Lei when I was a little girl and told me stories about her trip there – and I watched cliff diving and sang along to Elvis Presley songs in Blue Hawaii on my summer school holidays.

    Ahhhhhh…. so many memories this post taps into. I really enjoy your writing and the way in which you reach out to the reader. I will feast on your posts as they come through and wish I was there beside you. Have a fantastic time. I am jealous!! Janice

    • Alex
      May 25 2014

      Those sound like some truly beautiful memories, Janice! Hopefully my posts will bring you right along on this trip with me…

  • Rachael
    May 22 2014

    ALEX! You are amazing! I really enjoy reading all of your posts and following you around the world. Although I would love you to be here with all of us, I love that you get to do what you love!

    • Alex
      May 25 2014

      You are too sweet, Rachael! Thank you so much. You know a piece of my heart is always in Upstate NY. PS: Happy belated birthday 🙂 <3

  • Amy
    May 22 2014

    Hawaii!! I do love that place too. The last time I went there, it was supposed to be for two weeks and ended up being two months.
    I think next time I visit…it might be something like two years.

    Cheers and hope I win that awesome giveaway!

    • Alex
      May 25 2014

      I can relate to that… I ended up extending my trip significantly last time I was in Hawaii and on this trip I called my airline to see if I could change my flight within 24 hours of landing 😛

  • Caty
    May 22 2014

    Yeah you’re back in Hawaii! Loved reading your posts the last time you were there. I’m sure this time is gonna be equally awesome!
    P.S.: I could totally use that sunscreen here in down under! =)

    • Alex
      May 25 2014

      Thanks Caty, feels great to be back! Happy travels in Oz 🙂

  • Emily
    May 22 2014

    Hawaii is a place I have always wanted to visit…so jealous! Have fun!

    • Alex
      May 25 2014

      It is a magical place, Emily! I hope you make it there someday. Maybe this giveaway will spark a trip 🙂

  • Sarah
    May 22 2014

    This could be dangerous…winning the book would surely have me booking a trip to HI.

    • Alex
      May 25 2014

      Well then I’m wishing you luck, Sarah! Because I would love to see the winner putting this book to good use 🙂

  • Wehaf
    May 22 2014

    I am jealous of your plans; mine include things like weeding the garden and going grocery shopping.

    • Alex
      May 25 2014

      Sounds like you need a getaway to Hawaii, Wehaf 🙂 Wishing you luck in the giveaway!

  • Your trip to Hawaii seems awesome! Packed with adventures! So jealous about the paragliding and helicopter ride. I have always wanted to visit Hawaii, hopefully I will some day :). Have a great time in Hawaii Alex, and enjoy every moment!

    • Alex
      May 25 2014

      Unfortunately my helicopter ride was cancelled due to the weather, but the paragliding was fantastic! Can’t wait to share more!

  • Kelsey of Route Words
    May 22 2014

    Oh my gosh, your itinerary looks fantastic! So many fun adventures ahead! I’ll definitely be following along.

    • Alex
      May 25 2014

      Thanks Kelsey! I’ve loved mini-blogging the trip in real time over on Insta and Facebook 🙂

  • Krista Vanore
    May 22 2014

    You have the best giveaways! I can only imagine all the swag you have! Thanks as always, Alex!

    • Alex
      May 25 2014

      You’re so sweet, Krista, glad to hear you love the giveaways! I will try to get more going for the future since so many of you have commented that you love them 🙂

  • Lindsey
    May 22 2014

    I can’t wait to read about your time in Hawaii!

    • Alex
      May 25 2014

      Thanks Lindsey! I can’t wait to write about it!

  • I love Maui! I definitely want to go back there so if I win, I am going to take it as a sign and start planning 🙂

    • Alex
      May 25 2014

      That’s awesome, Katie! I love when the universe sends us signs 🙂

  • Carolsue
    May 23 2014

    It’s been a looooong time since I’ve been to Maui – I’d love to go again!

    • Alex
      May 25 2014

      I’m already planning my own return, and I’m still here! 🙂 It’s a little bit addictive!

  • Kate I.
    May 24 2014

    @Mary B., please don’t be ashamed! I’ve lived on the west coast nearly my entire life and have yet to visit Hawaii, even after the nearby international airport added daily flights. I agree that must change this year! Love seeing Alex’s posts about this wonderful place and look forward to seeing some of the sights in person!

    • Alex
      May 25 2014

      Aw, thanks Kate! Maybe you two need to plan a trip 🙂

  • Kate
    May 25 2014

    I was lucky enough to visit Hawaii once before but we didn’t get a chance to go to maul! Next time Maui is on the itinerary, I’ll have to purchase that book!

    • Alex
      May 25 2014

      Each of the islands has something really special, so I hope you get to return to check out the others, Kate!

  • Heather b
    May 25 2014

    Hey Alex! I stumbled onto your site after looking for travel alternatives to Thailand for the summer. After devouring your Cambodia posts I’m eager to head out to Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and one of the islands off Cambodia. Awesome giveaway too, I’m crossing my fingers!

    • Alex
      May 28 2014

      That’s awesome, Heather, congrats! Sounds like a fabulous trip. I love Cambodia so much!

  • Bianca Rogoveanu
    May 26 2014

    Amazing selection, thanks for the chance !

  • Lulu
    May 27 2014

    Hawaii is my dream and must-see, I hope I’ll visit Hawaii someday! Thank you for being so sweet and doing this giveaway)

    • Alex
      May 28 2014

      You are so very welcome, Lulu! I hope you get there as well!

  • jenny
    May 30 2014

    What a great site, and interesting artcle. Have only just discovered it. Look forward to more updates.

  • Isabel
    February 1 2016

    Hi Alex, the first pic in this post with the great view onto the ocean looks just fantastic. Is this a view from a hotel? We will be travelling to Hawaii from Germany for the first time and I am looking for some great places to stay for several nights during our trip.

    Do you have any recommendations?
    Cheers, Isabel

    • Alex
      February 5 2016

      Hey Isabel! I’m so sorry but I actually don’t know what resort that is. On that trip I was staying in a hostel and I snuck into a resort with a pool for a fruity drink while walking along the beach 🙂 If you check out the rest of my Hawaii coverage you’ll see recommendations for other places I’ve stayed, including the Westin in Kannapali and the Grand Wailea in Wailea. Enjoy!

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