My trip to Maui as a vegan

In September of 2021 I traveled to Maui, Hawaii for a wedding. I want to share some pictures and details of what I did and vegan food that I found around the island. I was there for 1 week and went snorkeling, hiking, boating, and road tripping. There was great fun to be had including drinks, pool time, restaurant dining, and even a luau.

The first day was long traveling from Minneapolis, Minnesota to Seattle, Washington then flying into Maui, Hawaii. There was a short layover in Seattle of around 1 hour or so. After picking up the rental car we stopped for some essentials from Costco including food, Malibu rum, pineapple juice, wine, Vodka, and bloody Mary mix. When we got back to the car there were wild chickens in the parking lot including one with some beautiful colored feathers. The airport was on a different side of the island than our condo which was located in the amazing Napili area just a few hundred feet from access to the beach. It was dark when we arrived at the condo so we visited with family that had flown in the week before for a 2 week vacation that I would soon become jealous of. After a few Malibu drinks in the pool area we called it a night.

Day two would be highlighted by snorkeling in Turtle Bay in the opposite direction of the sandy beach access that we had near the condo. The shore was rocky and not the easiest way to get into the water but not too difficult for someone of adequate mobility. This would be the most successful snorkeling of the trip for those who were interested in seeing some amazing turtles. I must have been in the water for an hour and a half and for someone who is paranoid about encountering a shark I was shocked at how long I stayed in although I did keep my eyes peeled for sharks and their fins. The fish were also stunning. So many varieties adorning vibrant colors that were a feast for the eyes. On day two we also had brunch at the Sea House restaurant where I had some fruit and vegetables. The best food would come later from a food truck of all places. Aloha Eats has some decadent plant based junk food that I highly recommend.

The wedding events included dinner and cocktails on a sunset cruise, the wedding and reception on a fantastic shore location, and a farewell party with Karaoke where I gave my best Adam Levine impression with my soulful rendition of "Sugar."

One of the best Hawaiian events was the Luau. The one I attended was called Te Au Moana or The Ocean Tide, at the Wailea Beach Resort by Marriott. The food was great and they brought out vegan dishes for me and my husband whenever they brought out food to the other guests in our company. Dining was ohana or family style and the drinks were strong. The dancers (especially the fire dancers) were spectacular, the music set the perfect mood, and the sunset was pure magic.

Another great highlight was dinner at Japengo located at the Hyatt Regiency in Lahaina which is a fun place for tourists in Maui. Japengo was an insanely upscale restaurant with outdoor dining right by the coast. To get to the restaurant you have to walk through a forest of elaborate greenery with tiki lights everywhere. The food was delicious. I had a tofu and vegetable dish which satisfied my foodie cravings.

I will never forget the amazing time I had on the island of Maui. I highly recommend visiting anywhere in Maui and I await my own return with lots of excitement. I just want to get another trip on the books as it is something I will always be excited to revisit.