Maui, Hawaii
There’s a special kind of excitement that fills a home before a big trip, but this morning felt even more magical. We weren’t just traveling—we were flying to Maui to celebrate my birthday, our first real island adventure as a little family of three. The moment we woke up in Las Vegas, our toddler already bouncing with her bunny, we knew this day was going to be memorable.
Suitcases were zipped, snacks tucked into side pockets, sunscreen stashed even though we were still in the desert. The ride to the airport felt different—lighter, full of hope. Even the early-morning air in Vegas seemed to hum with anticipation.
Leaving Las Vegas — A Flight Toward Paradise
The moment we stepped onto our Hawaiian Airlines flight, everything changed. Soft island music played through the cabin, and the crew greeted us with warm smiles. The colors, the calmness—everything felt like a gentle transition from the bright Nevada desert to the tropical rhythm awaiting us.
Our toddler climbed into her seat with big curious eyes, clutching her bunny as if ready for adventure. When the plane lifted off, she pressed her tiny hand against the window, watching the Strip shrink into the distance.
Seven hours with a toddler is never simple, but somehow, the time unfolded gently—snacks, cartoons, tiny naps, and quiet giggles filling the hours.
As we approached Maui, clouds parted, revealing lush green cliffs and deep turquoise water. A kind of peace washed over us.
We weren’t just arriving.
We were being welcomed.
(Photo idea: Plane window view of Maui’s coastline.)
Mustang Convertible Magic
Stepping outside Kahului Airport felt like slipping into warm silk. The island air hugged us instantly—humid, floral, and sweet.
Picking up our rental car became an unexpected joy. The moment the roof of our Ford Mustang convertible folded down, our toddler squealed with delight, feeling the Hawaiian breeze swirl around her.
Driving through Maui with the top open, palm trees swaying overhead, felt like the beginning of something unforgettable.
(Photo idea: Mustang under palm trees.)
Checking In at Kaanapali Shores — Our Home for the Week
Kaanapali Shores, booked through Costco Travel, was perfect for our family—spacious, peaceful, and equipped with a full kitchen. With a toddler, having a kitchen isn’t a luxury… it’s a lifeline.
The moment we opened the door, an ocean breeze drifted in. Our toddler shuffled happily across the room, touching everything, exploring her new “house.”
We dropped our bags and headed out for a quick but essential errand.
A Grocery Run to Settle In
Just a short drive away, the local Kaanapali market was filled with fresh produce and all the basics we needed for the week.
We bought:
- Milk
- Eggs
- Chicken
- Fresh fruits & Vegetables
- Rice & noodles
- Ready-to-eat toddler meals
Our toddler proudly helped push the cart, choosing strawberry and waving at everyone like a tiny Maui ambassador.
This simple grocery run made our stay feel grounded—like we weren’t just visiting Maui but gently settling into it.
Dinner, Wine & A Quiet Island Night
After returning to the resort, the evening moved slowly, softly.
We unpacked, cooked a simple meal for our daughter, and stepped out to breathe the ocean air as the sky darkened. The waves grew louder at night, and the breeze turned cooler and sweeter.
Dinner was calm, comforting, and filled with that special quiet that comes at the end of a long travel day. My husband poured wine, and we toasted to another year—my birthday now just minutes away.
Our toddler fell asleep early, exhausted in the sweetest way.
A Past-Midnight Surprise — Birthday Cake on the Beach
Just past midnight, my husband whispered, “Come outside… I have something.”
He carried a small bakery box, and together we stepped onto the beach behind our resort.
The world was completely still.
The ocean was a dark shimmer.
The stars were bright and endless.
And the sand felt cool beneath our feet.
He opened the box to reveal a birthday cake he had secretly arranged.
There was no crowd, no candles struggling in the wind—just the soft murmuring of waves and the two of us celebrating another year of life under the Hawaiian sky.
We cut the cake right there on the sand, sharing bites between laughter and quiet moments. It was intimate, peaceful, and filled with a tenderness I will never forget.
(Photo idea: Cake box on the sand under moonlight.)
Afterward, we walked slowly back to the room, the cool air brushing against our skin, feeling grateful for this simple, perfect moment.
Travel Tips for Arrival Day in Maui
- Hawaiian Airlines is toddler-friendly—download shows and bring extra snacks.
- Choose a resort with a kitchen for long stays or picky eaters.
- Do your grocery run early—it anchors the whole trip.
- Convertibles are fun but plan for toddler comfort.
- Late-night beach walks are safe and magical near Kaanapali resorts.
Why Arrival Day Sets the Mood
Arrival Day isn’t about sightseeing.
It’s about sinking slowly into the rhythm of the island.
Today was simple:
A flight.
A convertible.
A resort.
Groceries.
Dinner.
Wine.
And a birthday cake under the moonlight.
But these quiet beginnings set the tone for everything that followed.
Closing Reflection
As I fell asleep that night, the ocean whispering beyond our balcony, I felt something open inside me—a kind of calm I didn’t know I needed.
This trip wasn’t just a birthday celebration.
It was a reminder of how gentle and beautiful life can feel when you pause long enough to notice it.
Tomorrow would bring sunrise magic, pool splashes, and my surprise birthday cruise.
But for now…
This midnight cake moment was enough.