Aloha from Maui! I was meant to be flying back to New York as this post went live, but instead I’m still entrenched happily in Hawaii. Some opportunities have come up, Hawaiian Airlines has a stomach-able change fee, the East Coast is too cold, and I’m having too much fun… so that’s why I’m staying put for now.

This morning I went for a run and I had the ocean on one side of me, and beautiful mountains on the other. I’ve never really believed in this whole “runner’s high” nonsense but I admit that I had a feeling pretty close to pure joy wash over me. I feel so grateful for the flexibility and spontaneity my lifestyle allows, for the beautiful things I’ve seen and done here in Hawaii, and for the wonderful friends I have here, new and old. I’m in a great place — literally and metaphorically.

I feel like I’ve been inundating you with photo choices lately, but Maui has been a more relaxed experience thus far, meaning less photos for me to narrow down and for you to eventually choose from!

Photo A

One exception from the whole “laid back in Maui” vibe I have going on was the 12 mile hike I did into and out of Haleakalā Crater. It was fairly brutal towards the end and I was sore for a few days, but the beautiful sunset that evening from the summit was worth every step. Sunset photos can be fairly stale and monotonous, but I love this different perspective.

Photo B

A huge part of my love for Maui has to do with Banana Bungalow Hostel, where I stayed for five days before going to stay with my aunt and uncle in Lahaina for another five, and where I’m heading back to today. You’ll be hearing a lot more about this place!

Photo C

My friend Kyle has lived in Maui his whole life and is currently writing a guidebook on the island! So when he took me diving on Lanai with his employer Trilogy Excursions, I knew it was going to be good. It was better — I saw a frogfish, swam through a lava tube and saw the most pristine beach I’ve laid eyes on in Hawaii.

Hopefully this week it’s easier to choose with more narrowed down options! Which photo is your favorite?

Pssst! Check out my newest post at Eagle Creek on the Top Five Adventure Activities in Southeast Asia!