Mackenzie Billington

My Favorite Sephora Products of 2015

January 9, 2016 by Mackenzie

Hello everyone! I hope you all have had a great first week of 2016. This post is a little overdue, but I figured, ‘better later than never’. Sephora is pretty much my addiction. Anybody that knows me knows that I can’t resist walking into Sephora at any given opportunity. I also can never leave Sephora without hundreds of swatches decorating my hands and arms. I try out tons of new products all the time, but these were my favorite from Sephora during 2015. I found myself reaching for these products all the time, and I have repurchased the majority of these products more than once! I have a ton of new products I want to try out in 2016, which I have included at the bottom of this post!

Capes > Cardigans

January 5, 2016 by Mackenzie

Cape (similar) | Black Dress (c/o) | Boots (now more than half off!) | Necklace

Hello, friends! I’ve been obsessed with capes over the past months; I pretty much live in them. I use to be in love with cardigans, but lately, capes have taken over my wardrobe. They are so warm and comfy, and it’s pretty much like wearing a blanket in public. I’m a sucker for comfort. Plus, capes are just such an easy layer to throw on quickly before heading out for the day. If you go out to eat, and it’s warm in the restaurant, you can just take them off! I usually pair my capes with a simple, neutral, long sleeve dress and knee high boots. However, you could also pair them with jeans and booties for a more casual look. I’ve linked some cape suggestions below!

It’s been so incredible being back in Dallas for break. I am home for the next three weeks, so let me know if y’all have any specific posts you would like to see while I am home! This weekend, I am heading to North Carolina for Wake Forest’s bid
day, and I am so excited to finally see Winston-Salem!

Thank you so much to Taylor Nicole Photography for these gorgeous, gorgeous photos!

Hello Hot Yoga

January 5, 2016 by Mackenzie

I remember hearing about hot yoga for the first time about four years ago from a friend. “Yoga in a 105 degree room?! Uhmm… no thanks!”. Even though I was initially very hesitant, I dragged my sister with me to see what this hot yoga thing was all about. Even though my first class was killer, I pushed through it and ended up falling in love. I have been doing hot yoga for almost five years now, and it is something that I am very passionate about. It gives me confidence, and helps me feel good about all the incredible things that my body can do! Yoga is something that I will continue doing for the rest of my life. I know from experience that going to your very first yoga class can be mega intimidating. You have no idea what to expect, what to wear, what to do- and it’s all a little overwhelming. Here are some tips I have learned over the past fews years that you may find helpful:

1.) Bring lots of water

I highly recommend bringing TWO water bottles. I know that may sound a little excessive, but trust me, you won’t regret bringing them! It’s important to drink tons of water before, during, and after hot yoga to stay hydrated. This is something that you definitely don’t want to forget for your first yoga class (or any hot yoga class)!

2.) Bring a towel/wash cloth

I recommend bring a washcloth to blot your face and body during resting poses. It’s gross, but you will sweat a ton in hot yoga. It can help definitely help if you bring a towel or washcloth to class. If you have a yoga towel, that can always come in handy as well. I never go to a hot yoga class without my Yogitoes yoga towel. It’s definitely my favorite and was totally worth the money! As for yoga mats, most studios offer yoga mats. Some places will charge you to rent them and some will let you borrow them for free. It definitely just depends, but most studios will say online about their mat renting policy. If this is your very first yoga class, you definitely do not need to go out and purchase one. I would wait until you’ve been to a few classes before going out purchasing one of your own. My favorite brand for yoga mats is by far Manduka.

3.) Wash your face before

Do not wear makeup to class. I repeat, do not wear makeup to class. As a makeup addict myself, it can be hard to leave the house without putting anything on my face whatsoever. However, wearing makeup during hot yoga will clog your pores and cause breakouts. Also, if you towel is white, the makeup can heavily transfer off onto your towel during class (which is always awk. Trust me- I’ve been that girl). Same goes for spray tans! If you have a spray tan or any self tanner on, I recommend bring a darker towel to do yoga on along with a dark face towels.

4.) Don’t eat a heavy meal before class

This one is something that took me a while to figure out. Exercising in the heat can already make you feel a little nauseous at first, and eating a huge meal before will only add to that. I recommend eating a light, healthy snack an hour before class. I really like greek yogurt,almonds, and fruits like strawberries, pears, and bananas. I find that hot yoga curbs my appetite a little bit, and I always end up eating very healthy after each class.

5.) Come early

Show up to hot yoga class 10-15 minutes before the class begins. Most yoga studios are strict about arriving on time. If this is your very first class, you definitely want to arrive extra early. During the time before class begins, I like to stretch. However, it’s always nice to rest in Savasana pose.

6.) Wear whatever you feel comfortable in

It can be tricky to figure out what to wear to your first hot yoga class. I find most people wear an athletic tank and yoga pants. I personally wear nike shorts or Lululemon yoga pants to hot yoga- depending on the weather outside and what I am feeling. I will usually pair that with a sports bra or workout tank. You can also do hot yoga in just a sports bra if that’s comfortable for you as well.

7.) Don’t compare yourself to others

It can be so difficult not to look around the room and compare yourself to others. Some people have been doing yoga every single day of their lives for years and years. Everybody is at different points in their practice. Remember that everybody was a beginner at some point, and you have to take everything a day at a time. Yoga is about focusing on your own body and your practice.

8.) Ask for advice and always look to improve

It is always, always, always okay to ask for advice from your instructor. If there is a pose that you are struggling with or unsure about, definitely talk to the yoga instructor after class, and they will be more than willing to help you. If there is a pose that is causing you pain or is a little too advanced for you, there are always alternative variations out there that the instructor can recommend for you. I really enjoy it when instructors correct my form during class. I always try to remember the correction and use that to improve my posture or form for the next class. I learn new things every single class, and I absolutely love that aspect of yoga. There is always room to grow in your practice and learn new things.

9.) Be patient with yourself

Some poses take time. It can be hard to be patient with yourself, but I promise everything doesn’t happen over night. The more you practice, the more you will improve. I’ve been working on ‘One-legged King Pigeon Pose‘ for a while now, and I still struggle with it. Even though I am still not very close to mastering the pose, I’ve noticed improvement over the past few weeks. I think it’s important to set goals for yourself in yoga to help you stay motivated in your practice and to feel proud when you achieve something.

10.) Appreciate everything your body can do

I struggle with taking my body for granted. Sometimes I forget to appreciate all the incredible things that my body can do. It can be easy to focus on the things our body can’t do, but yoga allows us to spend time appreciating every single thing that we can do it. It’s important to never take things for granted and to always appreciate the small things.

If you have ever considered trying out hot yoga, I would highly recommend giving it a try. What I love about it is that it is not made for one specific kind of person. I am not athletic whatsoever, but it something that I love so much. My sister, who is very athletic, loves it. My grandma, who has MS, loves it and does it several times a week. Yoga is something for everyone, regardless of your age, gender, weight, or body type. Hot yoga has given me so much confidence over the years and has really become something that helps relieve me of all my worries and stresses of everyday life. Yoga is my happy place and does so many positive things for me- physically, emotionally, and mentally. It has also given me something to work towards and to feel proud of. Yoga has completely transformed my life, confidence, happiness, work ethic, body, mind, and mental clarity.

xoxo,

Mackenzie Kendall

Lush Pink Peppermint Review

January 4, 2016 by Mackenzie

Hello, hello! It’s been a while since I’ve talked Lush on here, but I wanted to share one of my recent favorites with all of you. When I was in Maui, I couldn’t help but to stop by the Lush store there on the island. During the winter, my skin gets so dry (as I’m sure a ton of y’all can relate to). The ladies at Lush talked me into trying out ‘Pink Peppermint’, which is ‘more than just a foot cream’. On the container, this product is described as a foot cream that features ‘cool arnica, soothing etageres and zingy peppermint that gets you back on your feet pronto!’. The employees at Lush told me that they like to use this product for any soreness and cramps- and as a regular body lotion. I am always down for trying out versatile products that I can get tons of use out of.

I absolutely love this stuff. One thing I love about this product is the scent. It has a really nice peppermint scent that is ultra refreshing. I love to apply it after a workout for a quick ‘pick-me-up’. It does an awesome job at really soothing any aching/sore muscles. The scent also feels so fitting for the winter season. Some may not love the peppermint fragrance, but I personally love it. It is also very subtle too, which is nice. This product is so incredible moisturizing on the skin, and is very buttery to aply. It absorbs into the skin quickly, leaving it very, very soft. I apply it to my arms and legs, concentrating on any patches that tend to get the driest. It also works so well as a foot cream if you suffer from dry feet in the winter. Apply a generous amount before bed time and then sleep in cotton socks. You’ll wake up with the softest feet ever. I would recommend wearing colored socks because the pink can tend to rub off on white socks. This would be my only complaint about Pink Peppermint. I also really love it as a foot cream if you’ve been walking around in heels all day. My feet always ache after hours and hours in heels, and Pink Peppermint is the perfect product to really soothe any pain you might have at the end of the day. One last thing I love about this product is that I feel like it’s a pretty good amount for your money. It is $25 for 7.9 oz. This container will last me months and months. I took these pictures when I first purchased the product, but I have been using it several times a week for about three weeks now. Even though I’ve been using it so frequently, I have barely made a dent in it. I would definitely repurchase this product in the future.

[Tip: Keep it in the refrigerator for an extra refreshing experience]

Pros:

Smells amazing
Very creamy
Moisturizing
Soothing
Can be used as a body moisturizer or foot cream
Great for aching muscles- so perfect for athletes and those who wear heels often
Great for cramps
Nice packaging and product appearance
Price is pretty good for the amount of product you get

Cons:

Can rub off on white socks, so it might be best to wear them with darker socks if you decide to use it as a night treatment

Thank you so much for checking out my blog! Let me know if you would like to see more Lush reviews or posts in the future.

Check out my previous Lush posts:

New Year’s Glam

January 1, 2016 by Mackenzie

Velvet Dress (c/0) | Necklace | Platforms (c/0) | Tights | Booties (linked similar)

Happy New Year everyone!! It is officially 2016! To celebrate the New Year, I decided to break out my new favorite velvet dress. I thought it would be fun to style it two different ways. For the first look, I paired this gorgeous blue dress with these super fun (and super comfy) platforms and a glam necklace. For the second look, I went with black tights and black Prada booties. The second look is great for super chilly days or a more conservative occasion like church. I think the first look would be perfect for any party, nice event, or a wedding.

I want to give a huge thank you to Taylor Nicole Photography for taking these stunning pictures. She is so incredible talented and creative, and we had so much fun shooting these. If you need senior pictures or any other types of photos done – definitely, definitely check out Taylor Nicole.

[https://www.facebook.com/taylornicolephotog/?fref=ts]

[http://taylornicolephoto.smugmug.com]

I also want to give another huge thank you to ShopStyle & Boohoo for sponsoring this post!

We have some other pictures/outfits coming this week, and I am so excited to share them with you all. I hope y’all had an awesome & safe NYE!

My New Year’s Resolutions for 2016

December 31, 2015 by Mackenzie

Happy Thursday & happy New Year’s Eve, friends! Can you believe that 2015 is almost over? That’s absolutely crazy. In the past, I have never really set ‘New Year’s Resolutions’ for myself, but I’ve decided that I want to do something different for 2016. Here are my top 10 New Year’s Resolutions for 2016, and I am really excited to share them with y’all:

Thank you so much for checking out my blog! I just wanted to let you all know that your love and support in 2015 was absolutely incredible. Starting this blog on wordpress has been a great experience over the past few months, and I am beyond excited to continue blogging over the next year. I also have some very exciting posts coming over the next week, and I really hope that y’all enjoy them! Thank you again for absolutely everything- you all are the best, and I truly mean that! I hope that y’all have a great New Year’s Eve & the most amazing 2016. Comment below and let me know what your New Year’s Resolutions are for this upcoming year; I’d love to hear them.

See you all in 2016!

Updated Skincare Routine

December 30, 2015 by Mackenzie

Happy Tuesday everyone! I’ve been getting a ton of questions lately about my skincare routine. As a lot of y’all know, I have struggled with oily/acne-prone skin for as long as I can remember. My skin has always been my biggest insecurity, and for the first time in my life, my skin finally gives me confidence. I actually have been getting so many compliments on my skin these past few weeks, which is such a huge, huge thing for me. I posted a skin routine a few months ago (read it here), but I wasn’t 100% happy with it as a long term thing. It was working fine, but I was still struggling with frequent breakouts and very excessive oil.

When I first started noticing my oily skin back in grade school, I did every thing I could to fight it. I used any ‘anti-shine’ product I could get my hands on to try and mask any trace of shine. I also avoided moisturizers at all costs. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned that your skin can actually overproduce oil if you are not properly moisturizing it. I feel like by adding more moisturizing products into my skincare routine instead of using drying, oil fighting products, I’ve seen major improvement in the quality of my skin and its appearance. (If y’all would like to see a more thorough post on oily/acne prone skin and my tips for getting rid of acne, just comment below & let me know – I have before and after pictures).

I started adding anti-aging skincare products in my weekly routine about four years ago. A lot of people look at me weird the second I tell them that- most because I already look incredibly young for my age. I always reply with my same-old, same-old joke, “I want to look 12 forever!”. I know that aging is a lot easier to prevent now than to try and reverse it down the road. Now that I am in my 20’s, I’ve started to use a full routine of ant-aging products. I’ve been loving my skincare routine lately and thought I would share it! Though anti-aging skin care products are great, the best thing you can really do is to stay out of the sun and wear SPF- on your face, neck, and hands. I recommend keeping a little bottle in your car!

In the morning, I start by washing my face with the Ole Henriksen African Red Tea Cleanser. I purchased a little skincare set from Ole Henriksen at Sephora several weeks ago just to try out some of the best selling products from the link. The set was only $25, and I couldn’t resist picking it up to try these mini products. The African Red Tea cleanser is probably my favorite product from the entire set, and I will definitely be repurchasing another one soon because I am almost completely out. I love that it is foaming and that it has a nice scent. After cleansing my skin, I apply some of the Ole Henriksen Truth Serum Collagen Booster. It makes my skin feel a little tighter, and I absolutely love the scent. It has a very strong fragrance to it that smells exactly like oranges, which some people may not enjoy. The scent doesn’t last long on the skin, but I do actually love the way it smells. After applying the Truth Serum, I finish my daytime skin care routine by applying my Neutrogena Triple Repair moisturizer to my face, neck, and hands. I love this moisturizer because it is very thick and creamy on the skin, but doesn’t make me feel overly greasy. I also find that my skin doesn’t get too oily throughout the day either. I love that this moisturizer has SPF in it, and I find it doesn’t wash me out in photos (always a plus!). My only complaint is that I wish it had a pump as I don’t find it very sanitary to stick my fingers in the jar. In addition to my Neutrogena moisturizer, I also apply Clinique All About Eyes. I got this sample size of the product in a Sephora ‘500-point’ set, and I would definitely repurchase it in the full size. It really makes a big difference when it comes to under eye circles and any darkness. I also find that it helps with applying my undereye concealer and really creating a smooth base. Make sure that you lightly tap it around the undereyes so you don’t tug at the sensitive skin!

At the end of the day, I usually remove my makeup with makeup remover first. I then apply a pump of the African Red Tea cleanser on my Clarisonic brush. I have been using the Clarisonic for over a year now, and I honestly think it has made major improvements on my skin. It does a fantastic job of really removing every inch of makeup off of my skin, thus preventing additional breakouts and clogged pores. I have the ‘acne brush’ on my Clarisonic and has been my favorite brush out of all the different ones I have tried over the past year. If you don’t own a Clarisonic brush, you should definitely look into investing in one. They are pricey, but I promise you won’t regret the purchase- especially if you struggle with skin problems like I do. I’ve been told before that it’s actually not good to apply moisturizer before you go to sleep, so I usually only apply moisturizer if my skin is feeling extra dry. I’ve been really loving the Ole Henriksen Sheer Transformation moisturizer because it is very light on the skin and doesn’t break me out. It is packed with Vitamin C and Vitamin D. I don’t wear it during the day because it does not have SPF in it. Once a week, I use the Ole Henriksen Invigorating Night Treatment. It’s a really nice nightly treatment that leaves my skin feeling mega soft. I also find that it doesn’t cause any breakouts whatsoever, which is something I am always fearful of when trying out new products.

I’d love to know what skincare products y’all have been loving lately!

P.S. – Two full days of 2015 left!! That is beyond crazy to me. My New Years Resolutions post will be up on Thursday- stay tuned!

How to get Perfect Beach Waves

December 27, 2015 by Mackenzie

Chi Silk Infusion | Garnier Shine Spray | Surf Spray | Leave in Conditioner

Even though summer seems to be forever away, who says you can’t rock some tousled beach waves this season? Whether your hair is collarbone length or hip length you can still rock this look. I’ve been receiving lots of questions about the hair products I used when I was in Maui and how I styled my hair. Here are my top tips for achieving beach-ready hair (even if you are just cozying up by the fireplace with some hot chocolate)…

Prep your hair with the right products – Having the right products to create your beach waves is absolutely essential. Your #1 secret weapon will definitely be Salt Spray, no doubt. My go-to is the Bumble & Bumble Surf Spray which is for ‘beachy, windswept styles’. I have been through almost three bottles of this heavenly product, and it is worth the splurge. I’ve been dying to try Bumble & Bumble’s new Surf Infusion. If you want to try a drugstore alternative, definitely check out Not Your Mother’s Beach Babe Texturizing Sea Salt Spray. I use salt spray when my hair is both wet and when it is dry by scrunching it into the bottom half of my hair. The other products pictured above include Chi Silk Infusion, Garnier Shine Spray, and It’s a 10 Leave in Conditioner. I have naturally very dry and coarse hair that tends to get mega ~~frizzy~~ angry. Though Salt Spray creates a nice, beachy texture, it can dry out your hair a little. To help my hair feel soft and manageable, I use some hydrating products to balance everything. Right after getting out of the shower, I apply ‘It’s a 10 Leave in Conditioner’ after towel drying my hair. I then lightly brush through my hair. I avoid applying this product to the roots so that my hair is not greasy or weighed down. After that, I scrunch the Surf Spray into my roots and tips of my hair. Once my hair is dry (hours and hours later..), I will style it. You could also blow dry your hair if you don’t want to wait for it to dry. I recommend blow drying it upside down to get some additional volume. After styling my hair, I will finish it off with Chi Silk Infusion in the bottom half of my hair. I use this product by rubbing it between my hands, and then running through my hair. This keeps the fragile tips of my hair hydrated and healthy. I spray Garnier Shine Spray throughout my entire hair just to tame frizz and create shine. My sister and I have loved this affordable product for years and years. The last product I use is hairspray, and I will use it all over my hair. I actually like to hairspray my hair upside down because I find that adds volume. To touch up later in the day, I will scrunch in some more Surf Spray to refresh the waves!
Style – Even if you don’t have naturally wavy or curly hair, you can totally achieve beach waves with the help of a curling iron. I personally prefer a one inch barrel because it creates nice, loose waves, however, you can definitely use a smaller barrel as well. I find that using a cone shaped wand like this one helps easily create beachy waves. I will wrap each chunk of hair around the barrel instead of clamping my hair. When you use the clamp, your hair tends to look too styled and can leave creases. When I use a curling iron, I will take a strand of hair, wrap it around the curling iron, hold it for a few seconds, and then lightly let the piece of hair go. If you have naturally straight hair, I would suggest splitting your hair into sections and layers, starting with the bottom layer first. Make sure you are curling each piece away from your face to create a more windblown affect. After you finish curling it, flip your hair around to help the curls look a little more natural. If you find your hair looks a little too styled, spray in some more salt spray, and you’re good to go.
Extend your beach-ready look– Why would you want your new tousled hair to only last one day? Be beach ready in the morning by sleeping in two loose braids or trying out sponge rollers. Sleeping in braids will create nice waves- just comb through your hair with your fingers in the morning to loosen up the waves. If you want to try sponge rollers, I recommend tying your hair up in a high pony with a scrunchy. Then take chunks of hair from the ponytail and roll them up in sponge rollers about half way. In the morning, take the rollers up and hairspray your hair upside down at the roots. Shake it out, scrunch in Salt Spray, and finish off with some shine spray to top it all off. I am also a huge fan of dry shampoo for second (or third.. or fourth) day hair. My all time favorite is Batiste. I love how affordable their dry shampoos are and the variety of shades and scents.

Thanks for checking out my blog!

Urban Decay Vice 4 Palette Giveaway {now closed}

December 25, 2015 by Mackenzie

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Hello friends & Merry Christmas! To celebrate 100,000+ views on this blog (in just a few months!) and 25,000+ followers on Tumblr, I thought it would be fun to host a little giveaway. I received the Vice 4 palette this Christmas as a gift from my awesome grandma, and I have been absolutely loving it. I love the variety of colors from the bold jewel tones to the wearable neutrals. Urban Decay is my favorite brand of eyeshadow, and I also love the pigmentation and quality. Because I love the UD Vice 4 Palette so much, I decided to purchase one to give out as a giveaway!

Check out the widget above for the three ways to enter. All you have to do is comment on this post & let me know what your favorite part of 2015 has been! I will be checking all answers and entries. The winner will be announced on January 1st at 2:00 PM, and the palette will be sent out the following week (the winner has 48 hours to email me back, as mentioned in the terms & conditions). Thank you so much for all of the encouragement and love I have received over the past few months. Blogging has given me the coolest opportunities in the world and has really given me the ability to express myself- so this is my little way of saying thank you & happy New Year to all of y’all!

I hope you all are having an incredible day & a happy holiday!

Best of Maui: Places to Eat & Things to Do

December 23, 2015 by Mackenzie

Aloha! We have been visiting Maui for the past eight years, and this gorgeous oasis has easily become my favorite relaxing destination. My family always stays in the Kapalua area, which is such a lovely part of the island. There is something so incredible about Maui from the friendly locals, to the amazing food, to the stunning beaches, mountains, and flora. Maui is a place I know I will be visiting for many, many more years to come. I hope that someday I will get to maybe live on Maui during some point of my life- that would be a dream!

I have received so many emails and questions over the past few years about my favorite places on the island and our favorite things to do there. Here are some of our favorite places to eat & things to do in the Kapalua area:

Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop (pictured at end) – This is probably my #1 favorite restaurant on the entire island. Leoda’s Lahaina Dog is out of this world. You also have to get one of the famous pies; my personal favorites include the banana cream and the chocolate mac nut.
Mama’s Fish House – We always go to Mama’s on the way to the airport because it is about an hour from the Kapalua area. It is pricey, but it is probably the best rated restaurant on Maui. The seafood there is incredible, and the atmosphere is hard to beat.
Pineapple Grill – The Pineapple Grill is an adorable restaurant located on a golf course, making it an awesome ‘photo op’ go-to. If you go, you absolutely have to eat out on the patio. They are constantly changing up their menu, but their desserts are the absolute best. Between the Smores dip, the chocolate brownie in a pan with mint chocolate chip ice-cream, and the Pineapple upside down cake, it’s too hard to pick one favorite!
Merriman’s – We have been going to Merriman’s for years, and it’s a long-time Miller family favorite. The location is just perfect, offering a great view. The sea food dishes are just phenomenal and they usually have awesome live music. It is also in walking distance of the Montage.
Plantation House – Plantation is another one of our long time favorites. It is located on the golf course and offers a great selection of sea food dishes and pasta. I opted for some sushi!
Hula Grill Kaanapali – The ‘Hula Pie’ is a must! It’s huge, so make sure you share!
Leilani’s on the Beach – My favorite thing about Leilani’s is the delicious sea-food pasta. It has a little bit of everything! Leilani’s also has a really fun, exciting atmosphere with lots of families. Leilani’s is owned by the same people that own Hula Grill, so there is Hula Pie here as well!

Relax on the beach – This may be a given, but it always tops my list each visit to Maui. There’s nothing I love more than laying out on the beach while reading a good book. It’s so relaxing and is always ‘much needed’ after finals week.
Take a yoga class – This probably is not for everyone, but as a yoga addict myself, yoga in Maui is the absolute best. I love a morning yoga class while enjoying an amazing view of the beach. I personally like the classes at the Montage, which you can attend even if you are not a guest at the resort!
Haleakala crater – Totally worth the drive up, especially if you love a good sun rise. Pack warm clothes because it is super, super cold up there. We were not prepared in our shorts and sandals!
Take a surfing lesson – My dad, sister, and I took surfing lessons during one of our first ventures to Maui. Though we weren’t too stellar at it, we still enjoyed trying it out.
Whale watching – If you were to ask my mom what her favorite Maui activity is, she would definitely tell you whale watching. Whether you’re on the lookout for whales from the pool/beach or on an actual whale-watching tour, it’s exciting every time you see one of them poking their heads up.
Take a helicopter tour– This activity is on the pricier side, but let me just tell you, there is no better view of the island. A helicopter tour of Maui is just breath taking.
Watch the surfers at Ho’okipa Beach Park– The waves here in the winter time are seriously hardcore. It’s too rough to swim in, but it’s entertaining to watch all the talented surfers out there!
Banyan Tree Park & shopping at Lahaina – Located in the town of Lahaina, the Banyan Tree Park is a must see. It’s also located next to the harbor, which is always a great place to watch the sunset before dinner. I also love the shopping in Lahaina. They have an awesome shark tooth store where I always buy all my shark tooth necklaces. They also have a LUSH store in Lahaina, and the staff there is so friendly and helpful!
See a Luau– This is such a Maui classic! If you’ve never been to Hawaii before, you absolutely have to go watch a Luau! I love watching the firedancers and all the performers!
Play golf – If you love to play golf, you have to try out one of the golf courses on the island. They are absolutely gorgeous.
Zipline tour- There are ziplines located all around the island. They are really fun and offer stunning views. We have enjoyed zipline tours for years now- as kids and as adults.
Scuba diving/snorkling – There are tons of places around the island to scuba dive and snorkel! You can see some really beautiful fish! Molokini is especially a great place for snorkeling.
Lavender farm– In our past 8 years or so of visiting Maui, we have never ventured out far enough to see the island Lavender Farm. We decided to check it out this past year (pictured here) and really enjoyed it.
Family pictures– We absolutely love getting family pictures taken in Maui (shown at bottom). I would recommend wearing white because it looks really nice in any beach photo! It also makes for a great Christmas card.
Take a hike– There are so many amazing places to hike in Maui! I would definitely recommend taking a guided hiking tour so you won’t get lost or miss any of the incredible things along the way.