Chasing Sunsets: My 40th Birthday Surprise Trip to Maui at the Four Seasons
Turning 40 is a significant milestone, and what better way to celebrate than with a surprise trip to Maui, Hawaii? That's right! Nearly a year in the works, my husband declared he was planning a unique getaway, but hinted at adventure "out west." Naturally, this Georgia gal thought something along the lines of Colorado, Montana or Arizona were contenders. All would have been fine with me and I over packed for cooler spring break weather with my new and unique carry-on luggage, but imagine my surprise when he proclaimed at the airport gate that the flight to our destination would be 9 hours and 50 minutes. Hawaii immediately popped into my head since I know this route well from previous travel, but the details of what he planned next alongside my travel agent mom was unlike anything I could have ever imagined. He's not into social media so he won't see my gushing posts, but he will see this so "thank you, my love." No words can do this trip justice, but I will try my best so you can experience this dream getaway too.
The Flight - Delta One
Starting with the flight there, I was blown away when our seats were in Delta One, thanks to a last minute opportunity at midnight before we boarded. To my surprise, David had been stalking the Delta app for upgrade opportunities that seemed slim due to a fully booked flight, but his persistence paid off at half the price of a standard Delta One ticket when two seats across the aisle from each other were suddenly available. Believe me when I say this was a dream come true. If you ever have the opportunity to try this out, you absolutely must do it, especially on a long flight so you can relax and rest. I'm not joking when I tell you I slept for 3 hours straight after complementary food and drinks, which helped tremendously with the jet lag since Hawaii is 6 hours behind Eastern Standard Time. David is not a fan of flying, but this experience allowed him to feel at ease and comfortably enjoy the long flight.
The Hotel - The Four Seasons Maui
When we landed, he told me were staying at the Andaz, which I hear is beautiful, but as our rental Jeep approached the resort, he started playing the theme song to White Lotus Season 1. Confused, The Four Seasons Maui came into view. Completely shocked, I knew in that moment that this would be an unforgettable experience and that's exactly what it was. A magical, fairytale week away with the sneaky love of my life.
As I stepped into the Four Seasons Maui, the beauty around me was striking. This luxurious hotel embodies the spirit of aloha with its stunning ocean + island views, exceptional amenities, and genuine hospitality. The elegant design blends seamlessly with the island’s natural beauty, creating an oasis of relaxation. This resort is not just a place to stay; it offers a complete experience.
Amenities
To kick off vacation, we indulged in the resort's world-class amenities. One highlight was the tranquil spa, where we treated ourselves to a rejuvenating couple's massage that featured local ingredients, promoting relaxation and healing.
There’s nothing quite like unwinding with a panoramic view of the ocean while enjoying a refreshing cocktail by the iconic adult's-only pool featured in White Lotus. In full transparency, this is where we spent most of our time and I will never stop dreaming of this picturesque spot. One of my favorite brands, Albion Fit, surprised me with new tropical swimsuits since I found myself in paradise without any, which is the only downfall of a surprise trip. I was blown away by their thoughtfulness and generosity, which allowed me to look like I truly belonged in paradise. Their suits are not only beautiful, but they are incredibly comfortable and fit every body type so well.
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The resort boasts several exquisite dining options that showcase the fresh, local ingredients contributing to Maui's delicious culinary scene. We dined there 3 nights during our stay at Spago, Duo Steak and Komo Sushi, but honestly wish we would've stayed on site every evening. The breakfast buffet is incredible too where we ate every morning with options to order food off a menu with fresh squeezed juice, smoothies and specialty coffees.
Island Adventure: Snorkeling
This was, without a doubt, the highlight of our trip! With the help of Makena Coast Charters , we explored the famous Molokini Crater, a crescent-shaped island known for its crystal-clear waters and rich marine life. The underwater world was a vibrant spectacle, with schools of tropical fish swimming around and stunning coral reefs thriving beneath the surface. The best part is that we could hear the whales in the distance, which was magical and felt like we were swimming alonside them. This trip was my third attempt snorkeling at Molokini, which can be hard to achieve since the winds tend to pick up mid-day around the island, making it impossible for boats to visit. After other boats left, we found ourselves snorkeling with Molokini to ourselves, which is a rare treat. It was the best surprise gift from my mom and dad who love snorkeling here too.
Island Adventure: Sunset Dinner Cruise
Outside of the resort, we set sail on a sunset dinner cruise with Alii Nui Sailing Charters. As we boarded the boat, we were welcomed with refreshing drinks and appetizers while sailing along the coast. David upgraded to premium top deck seating so we could experience unobstructed views, but there's honestly not a bad seat on the boat. However, we caught a very windy day that made VIP suddenly seem VIW (very incredibly wind-blown). Ha! We quickly learned that the port they dock at is the second windiest in the world. Regardless of the climate, we made the most of the evening and the crew was very accommodating with warm blankets. Great memories made and a nice way to kick off our stay in Hawaii!
Island Adventure: Whale Watching
Whale watching in Hawaii can be enjoyed during the months of December - April. Each winter, the warm waters surrounding Maui (in comparison to their home in Alaska) become a sanctuary for countless humpback whales migrating for breeding. This is my third time in Hawaii in the month of April (early April) and I can honestly say that I've seen humpback whales each and every time. David had pre-booked with Alii Nui Sailing Charters again for the next day after the sunset cruise. This time we dressed appropriately for the wind, which didn't let us down once again (and they confirmed is normal). Another blistry day out at sea, but we enjoyed this excursion since our expectations were set from the night before. Eagerly, we set out, scanning the horizon for any signs of movement. After a brief wait, the captain spotted a pair of humpback whales breaching the surface. Watching the whales is always surreal. They leaped from the water, making incredible splashes, showcasing their size and grace and showing the calf how it's done. Moments like this remind us of the beauty and majesty of nature.
Island Adventure: Food
One afternoon, we ventured to South Maui Gardens, which was a great food truck pod with lots of great dining options and entertainment. We chose Thai Mee Up, which we both really enjoyed.
For an evening off the resort, we ventured to Monkeypod. I highly recommend making a reservation becasue they get very crowded. They are known for their Mai Tais and the food is really great, but if you're looking for a romantic, kid-less evening like we were, this is not it. I was over dressed and indoor seating was loud and crowded. Outdoor would have been great, but we were not that lucky. I would go back, but for lunch next time instead.
We had some time on our hands one afternoon before an excursion and found ourselves at a shopping complex where we dined at The Pint & Cork. We had low expectations, but loved the local brew and David is still raving about the ceviché.
Dream vacation summarized
Reflecting on my time in Maui, I can confidently say that the Four Seasons Maui provided the perfect base for our adventures. The hospitality was exceptional and the staff went above and beyond to make my birthday feel special.
As my 40th birthday approached its end, I felt immense gratitude for my surroundings and experiences and, of course, my thoughtful husband, who ensured that we made the most of our time in this tropical paradise. Maui is not only a destination for relaxation, but a place filled with opportunities for adventure, connection, and reflection.
If you're considering a trip to celebrate a special occasion, I highly recommend visiting Maui and staying at the Four Seasons Maui. The combination of luxury accommodations, memorable experiences, and breathtaking scenery will create an unforgettable adventure.
Whether you're planning a family getaway or an adventure with friends, Maui offers something for everyone. Your trip can include snorkeling in beautiful coral reefs, indulging in local cuisine, experiencing a luau, or simply sipping cocktails. So go ahead, chase those sunsets, and make memories that will last a lifetime!
xoxo - Shelby Eanes
