Imagine a tropical paradise where warm breezes flow across sandy beaches, where you can bask in the glow of the warm sun or explore the misty jungles and majestic mountains, and you imagine Hawaii. Known for its beautiful beaches, tropical climate, and welcoming people, Hawaii has been the dream travel destination for many.

Although Honolulu, on the island Oahu, is widely known as the state’s most popular tourist attraction, it’s big city atmosphere can feel more like a trip to the big city instead of a tropical beach getaway. Maui on the other hand has the perfect combination of city life and tropical relaxation.

During my recent stay in Maui I stayed at the Grand Wailea all the pleasures of a tropical beach getaway. The rooms at the resort were beautifully decorated and emanated a glow of warmth and comfort in every detail. The staff was also amazing having provided excellent service throughout my whole stay.

Resting on Wailea beach, the Grand Wailea has five excellent eateries and two lounges available right on its premises, and offers a variety of activities for it’s guests to occupy their time. Activities at the resort include shopping, golf, spa treatments, tennis, Camp Grande for the family, and swimming. When it comes to swimming at the Grand Wailea, you have a few choices. The Hibiscus pool features a 630,000 piece Mexican glass tile mosaic of the Hibiscus flower and is available only to guests that are 18 years or older. For family fun, visit the Wailea Canyon Activity Pool, comprised of nine pools across nine levels connected a river that varies from rapid to lazy speeds. These pools include jungle pools, tile slides, whitewater rapids, a Tarzan pool with a rope swing, waterfalls, caves, jacuzzis, and infant pool, swim up bar, and the first water elevator.

Off the resort, Maui offers numerous beaches, outdoor adventures like kayaking, surfing, and hiking, shopping, amazing food, and of course some of the most amazing golf courses. I had a blast snorkeling and seeing the island’s natural aquatic wildlife and kayaking was an amazing experience in the early morning hours. Speaking from experience, the earlier you go kayaking the better, because the sea winds can be a bit too much the later you get into the day.

I enjoyed my stay in Maui and look forward to coming back and exploring more of the what the island has to offer. However, visitors beware, island fever is easy to catch. If you stay in beautiful Hawaii, you just might never come back. I know I almost didn’t. Aloha!