Maui Family Vacation 2018 (VIDEO)
We just returned from our favorite family vacation spot: MAUI! Are you ready to be slapped with 100 photos? Don’t worry though, once you get through them, there’s a very relaxing video for you at the end :). My husband makes THE BEST family videos!
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It’s amazing to see how much the kiddos have grown from 2011 when our son was just a little guy to 2014 (pre baby), then 2015 with the cutest baby on the beach and 2017 when we did some good eating! We didn’t go on vacation in 2016 and regretted it. 2016 was a roller coaster year with house hunting then building our house and all the stressors that are associated with that, and not living in our own place. We should have rested. Getting away from every day work and resting your mind is so good for your soul and should be done at least annually (GOALS!).
Beach Bums
Here’s my very favorite picture from the trip. I can still feel that happy carefree moment jumping through a wave…
Being on the beach is the very best thing about Maui. It’s free entertainment and seriously therapeutic to dig in the sand, walk the beach, swim in the ocean with your hair down (makeup free!!), jump through the waves and boogie board. The kids just couldn’t get enough of it and we get so much joy watching them have a great time. Joy is contagious!!
Where to Stay in Maui:
Our past 2 trips to Maui, we shared a condo in Wailea Beach Villas with my sister’s family. It was a ritzy and expensive place but we kind of outgrew it and this time, we each stayed in our own condos at the Wailea Ekahi Village.
The beach was really lovely and about 1 mile from last year’s Wailea beach except they didn’t provide umbrella service which was still ok. The condos had easy to carry folding chairs available. The umbrella service was SO NICE when we had a baby along but I didn’t miss it now that our kiddos are older.
The Ekahi units were half the price and the grounds were nicely manicured with lush greens and flowers and a pool close to the beach. The units weren’t as new or modern as the Wailea Beach Villas and the kitchen was not as well stocked but for the price, it was still a good deal. Also, our walk to the beach was much shorter at this place with a unit closer to the water; super convenient with kids in tow.
With kids, we really did have a lot of fun in the pool. It was the perfect spot when the water got too rough in the ocean in the afternoons and swimming with the kids into the sunset was a cool experience.
Go to Costco:
The prices at Costco are pretty reasonable compared to everything else in Maui. Everything is imported into Maui so groceries are considerably more expensive than on the mainland. We always hit Costco right after we grab a rental car.
Cooking in Maui:
While you’re at Costco, buy pineapples (like 4 of them) because they disappear quickly. I saved an Instagram story about why HERE (click on the “Maui” tab). Also, if your kitchen is not well stocked, buy meats that are pre-marinated and ready to bake. There’s no shame in that and cooking on vacation should be easy! We hit up Costco twice to buy the Salmon topped with pesto butter and my kids LOVED every bite!
Another stop for smaller items (say to make soup for the kids), is FoodLand Grocery Store. If you register your phone number at FoodLand, there’s a big savings for doing it.
Most of the condos have a grill either on the individual balconies or in the common area of the resort/community. There’s something so pleasant about grilling on your balcony in Maui with a glimpse of the ocean!
Going out to Eat is:
- Expensive (especially for a family)
- Kids Menu Choices are Limited (i.e. no fruits and veggies)
It’s way better to cook at least some of your meals if you’re traveling with children. It made me feel great knowing they were getting wholesome fruits and vegetables. All of these homemade meals were devoured by our children because they are hungry and way less picky after a solid day of playing on the beach!
LEFT: Asian Salad, Pesto Salmon and Mashed Potatoes (All Costco items)
RIGHT: Toasted Bread, Pesto Salmon and Caesar Salad (All Costco items)
LEFT: My sisters and I came together for dinner (Steak and Caesar salad form Costco, My sister’s cabbage salad, white rice and poke from Food Land grocery store.
RIGHT: Mom’s Meatball Soup (ingredients form Food Land), Toasts with avocado and smoked salmon (All from Costco).
LEFT: Chicken breast with no-marinating time required (because I didn’t have time) and I used up what I had leftover from my other recipes (dill, garlic, clementine juice, butter) It turned out pretty awesome on the grill and on the skillet – yes I made it twice! If you want the recipe, let me know.
RIGHT: Grilled pineapple (I’ve never seen a pineapple disappear so fast!)
Dining Out:
Of course we were on vacation so we went out to a few places. Since we were traveling with such a big group (my sisters and their families were vacationing at the same time), we stuck with our favorites this time.
(the hungry children waiting for our table at Cafe O’lei).
Cafe O’lei – we went there twice for dinner and no one was disappointed.
For our family of 4, the two times we went out, our bills were $68 and $112 (we ordered the house special at $35 the second visit), so yes it was spendy but the food was very good.
(in my defense, we were both supposed to be doing silly faces)
Coconuts Fish Cafe – for their famous fish tacos that I recreated here.
Kihei Cafe – for an amazing, reasonably priced, huge portion (cash only) breakfast. It was SO GOOD! Those sure are eggs Benedict over a crab cake and super fluffy yummy pancakes.
Lappert’s was really good for Ice Cream with homemade waffle cones
If you’re looking for some pick-me-up power in the middle of your day, the gluten free paleo smoothie bowls at Choice Health Bar were great (reader recommendation from @itsme.albina on Instagram).
Activities:
We beached most of the time in Maui but did go on a parasailing trip through the UFO company (My first time – also recorded in Instagram stories).
We go to the aquarium every single time (look up the Visa Discount at the Maui Ocean Center to save 15% which you’ll want because tickets are pricey. Show them the discount you find online and then pay with your Visa card and it works in the gift shop).
Maui Sunsets:
We always make a goal of dressing up one evening; hair, makeup and the whole shazam and head to the beach for sunset family photos. The first night we attempted happened to be the only evening it was pouring rain. We tried anyways, trudging down to the beach with our umbrellas. It was a funny moment of everyone huddled under giant umbrellas.
Our last evening we tried again and the sunset was gorgeous.
My sisters families:
MAUI VIDEO:
My husband creates the most amazing videos of our family vacations but he’s never shared them with the world until this year. I did some convincing and told him if we loved it, other’s might be interested to see them as well. Enjoy the video!
P.S. I’d love to hear your feedback in a comment below and if you’d like to see more personal videos and vlogs.
Aloha friends! I hope you liked this post as much as I loved writing it 🙂
Natasha Kravchuk
Hi! I'm Natasha Kravchuk. Here you'll find delicious, trusted recipes with easy step-by-step photos and videos. 
Those were great pictures! Hope you had fun. 🙂 🙂
Thank you, Ileana! We had the best time! So many wonderful memories!
We always stay at the Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort. Great restaurants in that area (from low to high), and a reef not more than 3 feet out complete with turtles, all kinds of fish, rays, and octupi. It’s heaven on earth. I spend most of my time diving so I only see the family at night. LoL. That area of the island is just lovely. Not quite as windy as Wailea. There is a restaurant in Lahaina where the crabs climb up to the deck when it high tide and beg for food. It’s amazing. Try Kaanapali–not quite as expensive as Wailea–with lots to do. In the winter the whales hang out in that large area between the islands. Napili is up the street and Lahaina is down the street. Aloha! (p.s. just checked in to print the chicken mango and cobb salad. LOL)
Sounds like a wonderful place to visit! Thank you for sharing that with us, Valerie.
Hi Natasha,
Saw your Maui trip clips 2 days ago. I was wondering which resort did you book with kitchen included?
HI J, we stayed at the same resort as our 2017 trip.
Thank you and also rentals for kids car seat is also from the same place as 2017?
hey natasha would love to see more of your personal vlogs they are such fun
Hi Jen, thank you! I’m so glad you enjoy them.
Hi Natasha! The Steffy family here we just wanted to say thank you for all of your wonderful recipes. I used to be a terrible cook but after making a good amount of your delicious recipes I have found a new joy in cooking and my husband hasn’t lost any more weight!
Hi there, you are very welcome! That’s so inspiring and I’m glad you are enjoying cooking! I hope you and your family will love the recipes that you will try.
Beautiful family Natasha. I enjoyed watching them. Thank you for sharing.
WOW! I love the pictures and your family. You are so bless to have them. May God continues to bless you with the spirit you have for cooking and the way you share.
You’re so nice! Thank you for that wonderful compliment!
Thanks for sharing your vacation with us. Awesome stuff! And we’re making the crab cakes today!
I hope you love the crab cakes Frank!
You are so cool and beautiful and real love your recipes!
Thank you for that wonderful compliment!
My son just passed his licensing exam as a physical therapist and I decided to treat him with a nice dinner since this COVID is preventing us from going out. I found your broiled lobster recipe and decided to try it. My family loved it. It was so easy to make.
Thanks for sharing this recipe.
Maui is also my family’s go to vacation spot. Our last trip was in 2019. We had a total of 28 people in that trip. All cousins, uncles, aunts, nieces and nephews are present. We all stayed at the Westin Nanea Ocean Villa. You should try this place. Once this COVID has cleared, we are planning to go back.
Congratulations to your son, great job! I am glad you chose this recipe and I’m also happy that you loved it. Wow, that sounds like a fun trip and yes Maui has always been one of our favorite spots!
I may, I might have been that or this LATE in sharing my view; BUT, CERTAINLY am thankful and inspired to HAVE HAD the chance to PEEK at your amazing FAMILY ALBUM…so beautiful and so HAPPY in spirits, esp with the KIDS. WE all used to be young once in our lifetime. FAMILY days OFF are certainly MOST MEMORABLE to boot…to treasure…NOT to erase from hearts.
Totally agree – family first always. Thank you for your kind words and I am also wishing you and your family all the best!
I am so glad I found your page! You are a great chef and have a gorgeous family! Thanks for sharing! Many blessings!
Thank you for that wonderful compliment!
Every recipe of yours that I have made has been great! I end up printing and keeping them all. My husband is always happy with them too and he’s a bit of a picky eater. The night I made the chicken and broccoli stir fry after we ate he asked where I had gotten it. Haha he thought it was from a restaurant. Love watching the videos too. You are blessed to have such a sweet family. Thank you for sharing with us!
That’s just awesome!! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review!
What a fun vacation you all had!!! Love your pictures!!
Your cooking shows are awesome!! You’re a great chef!! Keep up the good work!
Thank you I’m glad you loved it and I appreciate your great feedback too!
Thank-you so much for sharing this with us,loved it very much may Our Lord continue to bless you and your family would very much enjoy seeing more videos, also thank-you for your food blog follow all the time. With love and respect.Trudy
Your pictures showing that you enjoyed your trip. Next time Visit us for a Zipline experience in Maui.
Hi Milton, thank you for stopping by and shearing that with us.
What a lovely, lovely family you have! Enjoyed this video and your tips immensely! Thank you for sharing! I just love all of your recipes. You are such a darling!
You’re so nice! Thank you!
Great fun there!!!
Yes! We sure love it over there!
Those pictures look awesome. It looks like you guys had a lot of fun.
It was so great! Thank you Haley!
Aloha from Hawaii …
Hi Natasha I love all your video your cooking recipes are easy to follow . Yet you are funny and beautiful I tried many of your recipes salmon Tuscan fillet mignon and banana bread and mango cake was my success.
Thank you from sharing
God bless you
Awww that’s the best! Thank you so much for sharing that with me :). I’m all smiles!
I just love the photo of you on tipi feet with your husband. It is a lovely photo. Yes he does make a good video. Was the water cold? Your daughter does not like the water when it splashes in her face and I think you are the same. Did your son learn how to use the board?
Thank you Claudette! The water was warm – like a heated pool warm and very comfortable. Yes I definitely don’t enjoy getting plashed – my little one and I are the same way 🙂 I’m so glad you enjoyed the post and yes he did learn and absolutely loved boogey boarding – it was his favorite thing to do on the vacation 🙂
I’m speechless, these pictures are everything! Going to harass my husband now until he agrees to book our trip to Hawaii. You have a beautiful lovely family. I went down the memory lane with you as well,. and you look now even better (more glowing, almost radiant) than few years back. It’s contagious! Now, tell us a secret – with a career in cooking and busy life how to you stay so healthy looking? Dying to know… So happy you’re sharing a glimpse of your beautiful family life with us. God bless!
You are so nice! Thanks, Nataliya! No secrets here, simply having everything in moderation! I hope you get that vacation soon!
Hi Natasha I’m planning on booking a spring vacation for my family of 4. I cannot decide between Maui & Cancun. Have you ever been to Mexico? What are your thoughts? Thanks.
Hi Ellie, I love both but with children, I personally feel safer going to Maui since it is American soil. Both are great, but Maui feels safer with children.
Hi Natasha,
Love popping over to your website and see what’s new . Found a recipe I will use for a party tomorrow. You have a beautiful family.
I’m so happy you stopped by! Enjoy!
Hi Natasha,
Thank you for sharing your Maui vacation. You all looke like you were having a wonderful time. That’s one of our favorites too!
I woul love it if you could send me th recipe for the chicken twice cooked, that you made.
Thank you,
Christine
Thank you Christine! We sure made some nice memories on this trip. I’m not sure what you mean by “twice cooked chicken”
I think she’s talking about the chicken you cooked twice while on vacation. It looks yummy!
You guys look like you had so much fun! I’d love to visit Maui someday. I love all the dresses you wore and the food looks delicious. Thanks for sharing your vacation with us :-).
My pleasure! You will love it! I highly recommend it!
Thanks for sharing Natasha. You inspired me to book a Maui family vacation. Its going to be our first time. Your tips will be very useful. God bless your family.
Hi Faith! I recommend clicking into the past trip links within this post. We post quite a few tips within these 🙂
Wow, Vadim did a great job. That looks like a professional commercial for vacation in Maui :). The personal vlogs and pictures are fun, I enjoy them as much as the recipes. Glad you had such a good time, you deserve it after all the hard work you do.
You are so nice! Thank you Jenny!!
Looks like such a blast, what a beautiful family you have!!! OMG, your husband did such a good job with the video, definitely make him share more. God bless!
Thank you so much Zhenia! You’re so nice!
What a Beautiful Family… I enjoyed the photos and the video! 🙂
Thank you for watching, Tami!!
Woohoo, you family looks fabulour in the wonderful pictures. I find that the picture of the sunset behind your family seems to be magically manipulated xD
– Natalie
That is a true Hawaiian sunset! They are so magical here, all the time! It looks even better in person!
Aww…., Natasha, these pics are so beautiful. Thank you for sharing your memorable moments with us. I can see you had so much fun. It is well deserved. 🙂
Thank you so much for your sweet comment! 🙂
Beautiful family in a beautiful place! The last picture of you and your husband is STUNNING! It needs to be framed and placed in a perfect place in your home!
You’re so nice! Thank you Tricia!! 🙂
I know you probably hear this all the time, but I’ll add a 71 year old’s take. Enjoy your children and family while you can as they grow and change. It is a fleeting moment in time. Then they are off on their own. Never totally apart, but it can be days or weeks between communes. Then there are those that are oceans apart.
Wonderful photos… Cheers, Dave C.
That is a powerful and very important reminder. I feel like I need to print and read it daily. It’s so true!! Thank you for sharing that with me 🙂
“Actually, don’t look down!” 😂
It was so beautiful but so far down!!
Devoured your holiday pictures, beautiful family, I fet as though I was watching my families pictures sent to me to enjoy. Thank you for sharing and as always love your recipies and Kudoes for the great videos taker wether on holidays or in the kitchen
You never fail to motivate and give me incentive to try something different and new.
Without family one needs to be spurred along..😋👏
Victoria BC. Canada.
I agree Margaret!! Thank you for sharing this with us!
Great memories that you will cherish forever. Thanks for sharing
Yes! So many great memories! Thanks Joe!
What great pics and video! Thanks for sharing.
Aww thanks Dea!
Having lived on Maui for 17 years I must share the darker side of Costco with you. How many times did I see gleeful tourists returning their week-old snorkel sets on their way back to the airport? Folks returning week-old boogie boards, beach towels, coolers, even big screen TV’s.
Oh that’s terrible! There are all kinds of people in the world and those who will take unfair advantage of the system.
Very nice video – thanks for sharing! You have such a beautiful family. I’ve been to Maui once . It’s a gorgeous island! I’ve have been wanting go back ever since! God bless!
Hi Olga! Thank you! That’s how we feel every time!
Loved your pictures. Thank you for sharing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I loved sharing these with you all! Thank you!
I adore your family video. Watching family trips is wonderful to see. Making memories to last a life time. My family is raised and two of my four are married with children. I enjoy watching their videos also. Thank you for sharing the move and new house and your cooking. YOU are a delight to watch. Keep them coming. Hugs to you.
Thank you Melinda! This means so much to us!
Beautiful pictures! Thank you for sharing. We are considering a trip to Maui next year and all the info you posted is very helpful. We have our own beautiful beaches in North Carolina but I am sure Hawaii is an experience of its own.
Hawaii is so beautiful! So far everyone I’ve known that went there has loved it!
Thank you for sharing your family vacation. I was thrilled to see your lovely pictures. And the prepared food. I enjoy all your recipes. When I am entertaining I check your website to see what I can prepare.
I’m so happy to hear that Judy!! I love that you come to our site first!
beautiful place, beautiful family. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for watching Ana!
votre vidéo était magnifique. C’est tellement agréable de voir une famille comme la vôtre unie et prendre le temps de réaliser de merveilleux moments comme ceux-ci. Je vous en souhaite encore et encore.
Thank you so much, Danielle! Yes Vadim did an amazing job with this video!
What an amazing video!!!! Hawaii is the best… we went there on our honeymoon and stayed in Maui. Looked like such a blast! You have such a beautiful family:)
You’re so sweet! Thanks Tami!
Beautiful pictures and family. It’s so nice see such a happy family. Thank God that you’re able to travel and do all things that you do and have all things that you have. There’s nothing like family. God bless you all 🙏♥️
P.S yes and the video was lovely 😊
I agree! Nothing like spending time with family! Thank you so much for watching Frances!
We were there 2 weeks before you guys! Coconut Fish cafe was our favorite. Maui is beautiful. We loved it 🙂
How exciting! Maui sure is beautiful!
Wow! Loved your husband’s video. Looks like you all had a great time! Loved the info about eating there because it’s so expensive, and where to stay for less. We love Costco too. Great pictures to. Thanks for sharing. I would like that recipe you said to ask you for.
My pleasure! I’m glad you enjoyed that video, Stephanie!
Thanks for sharing! Your family is always charming and it is great to see the kids grow up. Your pride and commitment to family shows in all you do. I’ve always appreciated the openness and it’s great to see everyone enjoying life and all of life’s blessings.
You’re so nice! Thank you Paul! We appreciate that!
Very nice family. I’ve been cooking your recipe. Enjoyed every moment of it. 🙂 Except for the sweet ones cuz my family got diabetes 🙁
I’m so happy you have been enjoying our recipes Judy!
No way, you were in Maui! I live in Maui! Too bad I didn’t bump into you.:(
We sure were Hannah!!
Great video! Looks like you all enjoyed yourselves. God bless.
Thank you Hannah! It was a blast!
Sadly you missed done if the best places in Maui!
What is that best place?
Wonderful video Nat with your family. I always follow your page in Facebook. Thank you for taking time in your kitchen. Busy mom like me sometimes looking in your recipes giving me a peace of mind to prepare meals for my family. God bless you and your family.
I’m so happy to hear that! Thank you for sharing that inspiring feedback with me 🙂
If you like Mexican Food, Maui Tacos is delish! There is one in Napoli shopping center and there is also one in Lahaina near McDonalds. I love your recipes and have tried many of them. They are always a hit with my hubby.
Oooh I haven’t tried that place. I’ll have to put it on my list for next time! 🙂
It’s Napili shopping center. Dumb spell check. 🤪
Thanks Vickie!
Hi Natasha, thank you so much for sharing this video with us. It’s absolutely amazing!!! Already waiting for your next vacation to watch the video😂 Well done! Nico
It’s way too soon to be thinking about that! But thank you Nico!!
Since here in Alberta we are preparing for winter – truelly loved the fun pics and information. Follow you on my IPad always.
Never been to Maui , I live in the
Rocky Mountains – different kind of fun. And also very beautiful.
Hi Mary! Yes it is gorgeous over there!
Happy that all of your family had such a nice vacation. And I’m glad you posted a video. It’s so cool!! Vadim is really a ‘geek’;))
He is so amazing at what he does!! Thank you for watching!