Maui → Las Vegas
There is something bittersweet about waking up on the last morning of a trip you loved so deeply. The room felt quieter than usual, the ocean sounded softer, and even our toddler seemed to sense that it was our final day in Maui. She woke up slowly, hugging her bunny close, her hair messy from a week of salty breezes and naps between adventures.
Outside, the sky over Kāʻanapali was soft and golden, the kind of calm sunshine that makes you want to pause and breathe it in. We opened the balcony door and let the warm air drift into the room. For a moment, the three of us just stood there — watching the palm trees sway, listening to the gentle rhythm of the waves, and letting Maui hold us one last time.
A Gentle Morning — Packing With Memories
Packing always feels heavier on the last day, not because of the suitcases, but because of the memories tucked inside them.
The tiny swimsuits still smelling faintly of sunscreen.
The sandy shoes from Black Sand Beach.
The wrinkled map from the Road to Hana.
The birthday cake box we saved just because it felt too special to throw away.
Our toddler “helped” us pack by handing us random items — a shoe, a spoon, her bunny (which we quickly set aside). She toddled around the room happily, unaware that our vacation was coming to an end. Children live in the moment so beautifully. Sometimes I wish we could borrow that from them.
We prepared a simple breakfast in our little resort kitchen, grateful once again for choosing a place where we could cook whenever we needed. It made traveling with a toddler so much easier, and it gave our mornings a cozy, home-like feel.
One Last Walk Along Kāʻanapali Beach
Before checking out, we took a slow walk along the beach — just the three of us and the sound of the ocean.
The shoreline sparkled under the morning sun.
Waves rolled gently toward us, brushing our feet.
Our toddler giggled and ran from the water again and again, leaving tiny footprints behind her.
It felt like Maui was giving us a sweet, quiet goodbye.
We stopped for a few last photos — not posed, just soft moments — the kind you can feel even when you see them years later.
(Optional photo caption: “Kāʻanapali Beach — our last morning in Maui.”)
Checking Out & Our Final Local Meal
Leaving the room felt like closing a chapter. We dropped off the keys and thanked the staff who had become familiar faces over the past week.
Before heading to the airport, we stopped at a nearby café for one last Hawaiian meal — something simple and comforting:
Fresh pineapple
Warm rice bowls
Island-style chicken
And a small treat for our toddler, who now officially loved Hawaiian bread
There was something grounding about that final meal, sitting together and letting the morning slow down before the busy airport hours ahead.
Returning the Mustang — A Goodbye to Our Island Ride
We returned the open-top Mustang that had taken us on so many adventures — Haleakalā, West Maui cliffs, the Road to Hana, hidden beaches, endless coastal roads.
It wasn’t just a car.
It was a piece of the trip — part of the wind, the freedom, the surprise moments.
Our toddler waved goodbye to it, which made us laugh. Even she knew it was special.
Airport Moments — Naps, Snacks & Quiet Goodbyes
The Maui airport has its own warm charm. Open-air walkways, fresh air, and mountains peeking in the background.
We checked in, returned our bags, and found a quiet corner near the large windows where planes slowly drifted across the runway.
Our toddler fell asleep on my shoulder — a deep, peaceful nap — tired from a week full of wonder. Her cheeks were still sun-kissed, her little fingers curled gently around her bunny.
While she slept, we sat together in silence, letting Maui settle into our hearts for one last moment.
The Flight Home — One Last Look at Maui
As the plane lifted off, we looked out the window and watched the island shrink beneath us — the blue water, the cliffs of West Maui, the soft clouds hugging Haleakalā’s summit.
Our daughter woke just in time to peek out the window.
She whispered, “Ocean,” as if she was saying goodbye, too.
It made my heart melt.
✨ Travel Tips for Departure Day
- Leave extra time — Maui airport gets busy during peak hours.
- Pack snacks and water for toddlers; lines can be long.
- Keep a small bag of toys or crayons for the flight.
- If possible, take one final walk along the beach before heading out — it’s grounding.
- Return rental cars early to avoid delays.
✨ Why This Day Matters
Departure days are quiet but powerful.
They give space for reflection, gratitude, and that soft ache of leaving a place you’ve fallen in love with.
Maui gave us so much — sunrise at Haleakalā, winding drives, waterfalls, luau nights, warm beaches, birthday surprises, and memories stitched gently into every moment.
✨ Closing Reflection
As the sun set on our flight home, I realized this trip wasn’t just a vacation.
It was a celebration.
A birthday gift.
A family chapter we’ll remember forever.
We came home with fuller hearts, a more adventurous toddler, and a deeper appreciation for the simple magic of being together.
Maui wasn’t just a place we visited — it became a part of our story.
And one day, when our daughter is older, I hope she looks back at these photos and stories… and feels the love, the laughter, and the wonder we shared here.