Aside from being one of the most romantic places on the planet, Maui is special to me because, like the other Hawaiian islands we’ve had the fortune of visiting, it represents a place of total zen. My husband Jeremy and I were there just about a year ago, and despite the fact that we stayed in one of the busier areas of the island (Kaanapali), I found it to be a place of complete relaxation. This was critical for me, considering the fact that I was in the middle of one of my worst Crohn’s flares ever. Stress is a huge trigger for my flares and symptoms, so finding a place where I can be at peace is like, well…magic. All my usual anxieties and worries seem to melt away beneath the sultry, Hawaiian sun.
Thanks to the simple snap of my camera, I was able to capture the memories of our favorite activities: exploring the Road to Hana, Jeremy surfing on the shores of Kaanapali Beach, dining at Mama’s Fish House and the equally amazing Leilani’s on the Beach (seriously, Leilani’s miso glazed mahi mahi with black forbidden rice and bok choy is in my top three of all-time favorite restaurant meals!). But my most favorite activity in Maui? Well, it really doesn’t involve any activity at all: laying on the beach in a cabana (which provides me the option to cover up at any time due to my sensitivity to the sun) and breathing in the intoxicating sea breeze while gazing at the most picture-perfect view of the Pacific Ocean. It brings me to a state of total peace and relaxation, the perfect retreat to encourage healing. In a fantasy world, I’d live in a place like this everyday. Something tells me that if I did, my illness would go into complete remission, and I might become a totally different person. But of course, reality beckons, so one of my biggest challenges is trying to incorporate that feeling of peace into my real life. Easier said than done, but these photos (with a little assistance from Instagram) certainly help: if for just a few moments, I’m instantly transported back to that healing and magical place. Until next time, Maui…
Is there a place that brings you to a state of total peace? Please comment and share!
Mary Star of the Sea Church during the off hours. It's dimly lit, quiet, and beautiful. Reflection and a state of peace come into play instantly upon entering.
Love this idea!