Emma + Josh take on Maui

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There we were standing in LAX, Maui-bound and ready to celebrate 10 years of marriage. We knew 5 days would not be enough time in paradise, but we had to start somewhere. We heard all about how great Hawaii was before we decided to go. Then once we made our plans, everyone told us how much we would love it. We had no idea what was really ahead of us.

We made the decision about 2 years ago that we were going to go somewhere epic last year for our 10 year anniversary since we didn’t really take a honeymoon. 3 days in Las Vegas when you live in Southern California isn’t a true honeymoon, it’s just a typical weekend getaway.

So, after brainstorming a bit it seemed obvious… Hawaii! Somewhere tropical and perfect for a summer getaway, but close enough that we wouldn’t be gone for too long. (It is the middle of wedding season after all.) But now, where in Hawaii… which island? After asking around to all our couples going on their honeymoons or having recently gone, it was pretty obvious that Maui was the right choice for us and what we were looking for.

As we boarded our Hawaiian airlines flight, we could hear soft ukulele music playing and we knew this trip was going to be special. 5 short hours later, we were landing in Kahului Airport and right away we knew we weren’t in Southern California any more. After picking up our rental car we headed to our home for the next 5 days, Wailea and the Wailea Beach Marriott.

We checked in, wandered through the breezeways, and stepped into our room. Inside was great, but what we were really here for was the view. A panoramic view of the ocean through a sliding door that opened to let in the Tradewinds. Yeah, we might have left that door open the entire time we were there. The property was great with grassy spots to relax and hang out. There was even a hammock we made sure to take advantage of.

That evening we headed out for the luau. We heard songs of Hawaii and learned a little about Maui, ate some good food, had unlimited Mai Tais, and even got a lesson on how to open a coconut with nothing but a rock.

What trip to Hawaii would be complete without some snorkelling? So we made sure to spend some time in the crystal clear water. Right off the beach, we were able to swim with Sea Turtles. We told going in that it was against the law to touch them, but we could still swim right next to them and it was an amazing moment to see such an animal in its natural environment. Even with Emma’s irrational fear of sharks, no doubt taken to the next level by Shark Week every year, we still made the decision to book a snorkelling excursion. We were really excited to get out to the Molokini Crater and see just what Hawaii had to offer. It was a great day on the ocean with more fish sightings than either of us could ever imagine.

Anyone who had ever been to Maui and even everyone we talked to that lived on Maui had told us about Mama’s Fish House. Most said it was a bit pricey, but completely worth it. So, we made the decision to make that our anniversary dinner. 1 year ago from today, we were sitting in that dramatic beachside location waiting for our table. Who could imagine a better “waiting” area than a calm Hawaiian beach. I think there were even some people that were in the waiting area that weren’t even eating in the restaurant. To say we were excited, would be an understatement. And the entire experience did not disappoint. From the drinks while we waited for our table, all the way through to dessert the food was EPIC! And not to be outdone by the food, the service was some of the best, most genuine I have ever had. It was authentically Hawaii and they certainly made us feel right at home.

This was an amazing trip and this year for our 11th wedding anniversary we knew we had to share it with everyone. We are totally ready to go back to Hawaii and will certainly be back with the family sooner rather than later.

But, thankfully, this wasn’t all that there was. Check back tomorrow to hear about our trip on the historic Road to Hana, exploring the quaint little town of Kihei, and our day poolside at the hotel. In the meantime, check out some photos from the first half of our magical anniversary trip to Maui.

Check out these awesome underwater video! ( there is a reason we are photographers, not videographers)