Maui, and the rest of Hawai'i, is often considered one of the most beautiful places in the world, but sometimes, you visit somewhere on Maui that is entirely out of this world. These seven places on Maui will have you wondering when you left Earth for a striking alien planet or fantasy oasis.

Haleakala

Haleakala, Maui's famous dormant volcano that sits 10,023 feet above sea level, is more than just a breathtaking sunrise destination. Within the fertile crater lies a hiking path that resembles something out of this world. Deep red sand, plants native to the crater alone, views of Maui's skyline, and rock gardens are only some fantastic sights to see inside the Haleakala crater. This is a place where you can, quite literally, have your

We've given you our take on the best spam musubis, best cocktails, and best food trucks...but we think it's time for a sweeter take on some of the best foods on Maui. Living on Maui, it's always time to share something sweet, whether for a special celebration, potluck with ohana and friends, or a treat on the way home from the beach. 

Just in time to get our summer bodies ready for the beach, we're sharing our five favorite donut shops on Maui! From local flavors like calamansi to delectable artisan donuts and malasadas, there is something for everyone. 

The Bakery Lahaina 

Maui's European Bakery 

808-667-9062

www.bakerylahaina.com

Instagram: @bakerylahaina

There are donuts…and then there are fresh Lilikoi Donuts from The

Living in Hawai'i, we know more than anyone how meaningful ohana or family is. Whether it's heading to the beach, getting together for "no reason" potlucks, or gathering around the bonfire to talk story, there's always time to celebrate the beauty of ohana. We especially love taking the time to honor all the fathers, father figures, and soon-to-be fathers on our island who help create those special moments and are there to be the guiding light on the sea. So this father's day, we've gathered our favorite ways to celebrate, either with Maui-made gifts or our favorite island activities. 

Maui Brewing Co 

Maui brewed craft beer. Need we say more? 

If Maui Brewing Co's handcrafted beer is not enough to steal dad's heart away this

Maui is a fantastic vacation destination with stunning waters, white sand beaches, cascading waterfalls, volcanoes, and more. The island provides a quiet haven unrivaled on the mainland. Upon arriving, the fresh aroma of salty air hangs, and calming Hawaiian music travels through the airport on the soft, coastal wind. The time spent on Maui always seems to slip by, the lifestyle and ease of each day leaving people in awe. 

When living or visiting Maui, there is always so much to do and little time. So once you're done daydreaming of these ten stunning pictures of Maui, book your ticket ASAP and start planning your Maui itinerary! 

Black Sand Beach

Black Sand Beach is a scenic and stunning cove unlike any other. The sea beyond the

Mother’s Day is around the corner, and we know a few of us are waiting until the last minute for our gift-giving ideas to soar! So we have made it easy for you this year by rounding up our top five gift ideas from local Maui businesses. Bonus for the ones owned and operated by women and mothers themselves. So keep reading for our favorite ideas on how to honor your mama and give the local economy a boost.

1. Simple and Sweet Like Her

Bring the perfect Mother's Day gift home with Kuia Maui Chocolate. Crafted on Maui, it's delicious, but it's also a way for her to give back by shopping through their Chocolate Laulima program, where Kuia donates 40% of the retail sales. Or check out their Ku'ia Club subscription, the gift that keeps on giving

When we think about living "off-the-grid," we might envision an unruly person stashed away in an RV or tent, hunting and foraging their supplies. We doubt any of us would picture anything remotely close to "luxury" or "comfortable" when we think about this type of lifestyle. Some may consider off-grid living a rugged lifestyle; however, the property at 796 Awalau Road will undoubtedly change that opinion. 

The property spans over 16 acres and features never-ending ocean vistas, grassy knolls with grazing horses, breathtaking views of Haleakala, the Milky Way with minimum if any, light pollution, and stunning views of Haleakala.

"The sellers bought the raw land from Linda years ago. One of the sellers is an architect and essentially created

Growing up in Hawaii makes for a magical and colorful childhood spent going to the beach with the ohana, learning about the culture, and making every day an adventure. 

Almost as good as living it, we love experiencing this life through authors who use imagination and creativity to bring these stories to life. These stories are meticulously written and delivered in traditional Hawaiian children's books, ranging from well-known mythology across the Pacific Islands to different cultural practices. Here are five of our favorite books that can inspire everyone. 

If you're looking for Hawaiian books to read to your children or if you want to teach your children about Hawaiian culture, this list is for you!

Gabrielle Ahulii's Hawaiian Legends

In honor of National Women’s History Month, here are 4 inspirational mana wāhine (strong women) who have helped to shape Hawaii and continuously lead the way in women and native Hawaiian rights throughout their time. 

Lydia Lili‘u Loloku Walania Wewehi Kamaka‘eha

Lydia Lili‘u Loloku Walania Wewehi Kamaka‘eha was born on September 2, 1838, and went on to become the queen of the Kingdom of Hawaii, as well as a scholar, philanthropist, prolific and brilliant composer. 

Lili'u was named successor to the throne on April 11, 1877, and was sworn in on January 29, 1891, following the death of her brother, King Kalākaua.

She is revered and remembered across the Hawaiian Islands for her knowledge, grace, and devotion towards Hawaii's people. “E

Lydia Lili‘u Loloku Walania Wewehi Kamaka‘eha was born on September 2, 1838, and went on to become the queen of the Kingdom of Hawai'i, as well as a scholar, philanthropist, prolific and brilliant composer. 

Lili'u was named successor to the throne on April 11, 1877, and was sworn in on January 29, 1891, following the death of her brother, King Kalākaua.

She is revered and remembered across the Hawaiian Islands for her knowledge, grace, and devotion towards Hawaii's people. “E ʻonipaʻa i ka ʻimi naʻauao," was Liliuokalani's credo (Be steadfast in the seeking of knowledge). It is commonly abbreviated to “Onipaʻa,” which means "to stand firm”. 

At the age of 40, she wrote and recorded what would come to be arguably her most famous song, ‘Aloha

Just up the road from Paia, Haiku keeps visitors and locals coming back with its country appeal, delicious restaurants, and natural beauty.

On the surface, Haiku may seem like any other adorably quaint Maui town, with its open dirt roads occupied by rusted pickup trucks packed with surfboards, and its family-run farms and roadside produce stands. A stone’s throw away from Paia and Hookipa Beach on the north shore, Haiku surprises travelers with more than just its country charm.

Haiku Mill

It’s as if you’re stepping into a whole other world when you visit the famous Haiku Mill. Surrounded by Maui’s plethora of fresh flora and fauna, yet coupled with touches of European flavor, this iconic venue drips with magic. Book a tour via their website