THE JOURNAL
Travaasa Hāna Resort. Photograph by Tanner Powell, courtesy of Travaasa Hāna
To really get to know a place before you visit, you have to speak to the people who know it best. So goes the inspiration for a new series on The Daily, where we ask members of our Style Council for tips on the cities, towns and, in this case, islands they frequent regularly. First up: Mr Lewis Alexander, CEO of his eponymous fashion business (read more about him here), gives us the inside track on the Hawaiian island of Maui.
Where to eat
Mama’s Fish House
Mama’s Fish House. Photograph by ASK Images/Alamy
“Mama’s Fish House is an old Maui classic, serving freshly caught varieties such as ahi [yellowfin and bigeye tuna] from its in-house fisherman, with the daily catch list showing the names of the fisherman and where they caught the fish. Executive chef Perry Bateman adds a modern-day Californian-Polynesian twist to his dishes. I love the coho salmon grilled in a ti leaf and the baked banana and papaya. If you go to this oceanfront restaurant, be sure to try the macadamia nut crab cakes, too.”
Where to drink
Ka’ana Kitchen
Handcrafted cocktail. Photograph courtesy of Bitters & Bites
“Ka’ana Kitchen’s [at Andaz Maui At Wailea] Bitters & Bites experience offers a three-course meal paired with at least five cocktails handcrafted to cater to your favourite spirits, flavours and mood. If I were you, I would book at least 24 hours in advance.”
Where to stay
Photograph courtesy of Andaz Maui At Wailea Resort
“Travaasa Hāna is a resort located in East Maui. It boasts remote, natural beauty where time seems to stand still. The only sounds you’ll hear are tropical birds singing, waterfalls and crashing waves of the Pacific. Set amid rolling grass fields and palm trees above Hāna Bay, Travaasa will immerse you in the real Maui with all the five-star luxuries of a boutique resort, juxtaposed with local culture and friendly neighbourhood wildlife.”
“Andaz Maui At Wailea Resort, a developed yet peaceful region of South Maui, is another option. It straddles Mokapu Beach, which is home to sea turtles, sea horses and various coral-reef residents. There are no fewer than five pools, three of which overlook the Pacific. Designer David Rockwell and Andaz have achieved a balance of Hawaiian spirit and modern-day luxury.”
What to do
The seven sacred pools at Ohe’o. Photograph by Mr Merrick Ales, courtesy of Travaasa Hāna
“In Hāna, East Maui, you can hike up to Wailua Falls – about three miles – and then recharge in one of the seven sacred pools at Ohe’o on your way back down. This side of the island has a sprawling coral reef – perfect if you like to dive or snorkel. You could also head to Maui’s dormant volcano, Haleakalā, which is home to a geological survey site that’s about 10,000ft above sea level. The air is so crisp and clean you’ll come away feeling detoxed, and experience some pretty breath-taking scenery along the way.”