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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!

    A family on the beach

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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…

    A young girl with her mother holding her riding a wave with a shovel in hand

    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!!

    A mother and daughter at the beachA boy running at the beachThree vertical photos of boys playing in the water with bodyboardsA close up of a coupleThree vertical photos of boys playing in the water with bodyboards

    Two photos one of a woman sitting and one of girl playing in the sand Two photos side by side of a little girl sitting at a beachTwo photos side by side of a father and daughter at the beach Two photos one of a man another of son and father at the beach A mother and daughter at the beachA person riding a surf board on a body of water

    A couple standing on a beach

    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.

    A bird\'s eye view of the beach

    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.

    A bird\'s eye view of a hillside with houses

    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.

    A bird\'s eye view of a home and a pool

    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.

    A father tossing his daughter in the air in a pool A father and two children in a pool

    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.

    A mother and two children holding hands and walking in a parking lot

    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!

    Two photos one of an ocean view and one of a woman standing next to a grill

    Going out to Eat is:

    1. Expensive (especially for a family)
    2. 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!

    Two photos of plates both have salmon and salad, one has bread other has mashed potatoes
    LEFT: Asian Salad, Pesto Salmon and Mashed Potatoes (All Costco items)
    RIGHT: Toasted Bread, Pesto Salmon and Caesar Salad (All Costco items)

    Two photos one has a plate of rice, salad and meat and another soup and sandwich
    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).

    Two photos one with grilled chicken and one with grilled pineapple

    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.

    A group of children sitting on a bench
    (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.

    A group of people sitting at a table A small child sitting on a table

    Six photos of different types of food on a plate

    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.

    Two photos one of mother and daughter and another of mother, father and daughter Two photos of mother and daughter
    (in my defense, we were both supposed to be doing silly faces)

    Coconuts Fish Cafe – for their famous fish tacos that I recreated here.

    Two photos one of sandwich one of taco

    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.

    Husband and wife sitting at a table with a group of people

    Two photos one of eggs Benedict and potatoes one of pancakes, bacon and eggs

    Lappert’s was really good for Ice Cream with homemade waffle cones

    Two photos side by side of two children eating ice cream

    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).

    Two photos one of Choice Health Bar and one of an acai bowl

    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).

    A mother and son being strapped in to go parasailing Two photos side by side of people parasailing

    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).

    A group of children standing in front of an aquarium

    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.

    A mother and two children standing at the beach with the mother holding an umbrella

    Our last evening we tried again and the sunset was gorgeous.

    A couple standing on a rocky beach

    A family standing on a beach at sunset

    My sisters families:
    Two photos of families standing at the beach

    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.

    A photo of a couple standing at the beach at sunset

    Aloha friends! I hope you liked this post as much as I loved writing it 🙂

    A sunset over a body of water

    Natasha Kravchuk

    Welcome to my kitchen! I am Natasha, the creator behind Natasha's Kitchen (established in 2009), and I share family-friendly, authentic recipes. I am a New York Times Best-Selling cookbook author and a trusted video personality in the culinary world. My husband, Vadim, and I run this blog together, ensuring every recipe we share is thoroughly tested and approved. Our mission is to provide you with delicious, reliable recipes you can count on. Thanks for stopping by! I am so happy you are here.

    Read more posts by Natasha

    Leave a Comment

    Comments

    • Emma
      January 29, 2019

      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

      Reply

      • Natashas Kitchen
        January 29, 2019

        Awww that’s the best! Thank you so much for sharing that with me :). I’m all smiles!

        Reply

    • Claudette Singleton
      November 25, 2018

      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?

      Reply

      • Natasha
        November 25, 2018

        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 🙂

        Reply

    • Nataliya
      November 2, 2018

      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!

      Reply

      • Natashas Kitchen
        November 2, 2018

        You are so nice! Thanks, Nataliya! No secrets here, simply having everything in moderation! I hope you get that vacation soon!

        Reply

    • Ellie
      November 1, 2018

      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.

      Reply

      • Natasha
        November 1, 2018

        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.

        Reply

    • Natalia
      October 30, 2018

      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.

      Reply

      • Natashas Kitchen
        October 30, 2018

        I’m so happy you stopped by! Enjoy!

        Reply

    • Christine Smith
      October 26, 2018

      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

      Reply

      • Natasha
        October 26, 2018

        Thank you Christine! We sure made some nice memories on this trip. I’m not sure what you mean by “twice cooked chicken”

        Reply

        • Sandi
          October 28, 2018

          I think she’s talking about the chicken you cooked twice while on vacation. It looks yummy!

          Reply

    • Sarah
      October 25, 2018

      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 :-).

      Reply

      • Natashas Kitchen
        October 26, 2018

        My pleasure! You will love it! I highly recommend it!

        Reply

    • Faith
      October 24, 2018

      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.

      Reply

      • Natashas Kitchen
        October 24, 2018

        Hi Faith! I recommend clicking into the past trip links within this post. We post quite a few tips within these 🙂

        Reply

    • Jenny
      October 23, 2018

      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.

      Reply

      • Natashas Kitchen
        October 23, 2018

        You are so nice! Thank you Jenny!!

        Reply

    • Zhenia
      October 22, 2018

      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!

      Reply

      • Natashas Kitchen
        October 23, 2018

        Thank you so much Zhenia! You’re so nice!

        Reply

    • Tami
      October 22, 2018

      What a Beautiful Family… I enjoyed the photos and the video! 🙂

      Reply

      • Natashas Kitchen
        October 22, 2018

        Thank you for watching, Tami!!

        Reply

    • Healthy Kitchen 101
      October 22, 2018

      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

      Reply

      • Natashas Kitchen
        October 22, 2018

        That is a true Hawaiian sunset! They are so magical here, all the time! It looks even better in person!

        Reply

    • Chef Lola's Kitchen
      October 21, 2018

      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. 🙂

      Reply

    • Tricia
      October 21, 2018

      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!

      Reply

    • David C.
      October 21, 2018

      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.

      Reply

      • Natasha
        October 21, 2018

        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 🙂

        Reply

    • Mila
      October 21, 2018

      “Actually, don’t look down!” 😂

      Reply

      • Natashas Kitchen
        October 21, 2018

        It was so beautiful but so far down!!

        Reply

    • Margaret
      October 20, 2018

      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.

      Reply

      • Natashas Kitchen
        October 21, 2018

        I agree Margaret!! Thank you for sharing this with us!

        Reply

    • Joe
      October 20, 2018

      Great memories that you will cherish forever. Thanks for sharing

      Reply

      • Natashas Kitchen
        October 21, 2018

        Yes! So many great memories! Thanks Joe!

        Reply

    • Dea M
      October 20, 2018

      What great pics and video! Thanks for sharing.

      Reply

      • Natashas Kitchen
        October 20, 2018

        Aww thanks Dea!

        Reply

    • Betty Thedog
      October 20, 2018

      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.

      Reply

      • Natasha
        October 22, 2018

        Oh that’s terrible! There are all kinds of people in the world and those who will take unfair advantage of the system.

        Reply

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