If you’ve ever wondered what the perfect way to celebrate 25 years of marriage looks like, let me paint you a picture: a dreamy oceanfront resort, sea turtles basking on the shore, a humpback whale basically inviting himself into our vacation album, and yes - me, surprisingly under 100 on the Plantation Course. (Miracles do happen.)

For our silver anniversary, we traded our everyday chaos for palm trees and aloha at the Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua. And let me just say, this place is the kind of peaceful luxury that whispers, “Please stay forever.” Every detail, from the lush landscape to the scent of plumeria in the breeze, set the tone for a getaway we’ll never forget.

BONUS - it's a Marriott property so save those points because this is the place to use them!

This trip wasn’t just about unwinding, it was about celebrating, recharging, and, of course, adventuring in all the best ways. If there’s one thing I learned after just one visit, it’s this: a week simply isn’t enough. We packed everything into six whirlwind days, but we could’ve easily stayed ten. And the best part? We still have five more Hawaiian islands waiting to be explored.

Golfing at The Plantation Course: A Bucket-List Swing

We are a golf loving bunch, as many of you know. Death, taxes, and a Hough on the golf course. The Plantation Course at Kapalua Golf was high on our list of "must play" destinations and we are already counting down the days until we can bring the family back for a round.

Set on the slopes of the West Maui Mountains, the Plantation Course at Kapalua is one of the most iconic courses in the world, and home to the PGA TOUR’s Sentry Tournament of Champions. With dramatic ocean views and wide fairways, it’s as breathtaking as it is challenging.

We booked a morning round and I went in with one goal: break 100. And guess what? It happened! The course was stunning, the wind kept us humble, and the experience felt more like a dream than a scorecard and in the distance we enjoyed the breaching whales on the horizon.

Mama's Magic

For a special occasion lunch, we headed to Mama’s Fish House, an island institution. Located in Paia, Mama’s Fish House is legendary for good reason. Set right on the beach and surrounded by coconut palms, it blends old Hawaii charm with five-star cuisine. Each dish is crafted using local fish caught daily by fishermen whose names often appear right on the menu.

Everything, from the beachfront views to the catch-of-the-day, was stunning. The vibe was vintage Hawaii meets culinary heaven. If you go, make a reservation early (months in advance) and go hungry.

Ho’okipa Beach Park: Sea Turtle Heaven

Located on Maui’s North Shore near Paia, Ho’okipa Beach Park is a world-renowned windsurfing spot and a popular gathering place for Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu), especially around sunset.

We made the stop in the mid-day sun during our travels to Mama's Fish House. We were prepared for the possibility we would not see them as we had many hours until sunset. But, as we stood watching the incredible surf pounding so effortlessly, there they were. We sat, in quiet awe, as the sea turtles slowly made their way onto the beach, blending into the rocks like ancient guardians of the shoreline. A handful of them came ashore, undisturbed by the crowd - just doing what they’ve done for centuries. It was peaceful, humbling, and honestly a bit emotional.

Whale, Hello There

Maui’s whale watching season typically runs from November through May, with peak viewing between January and March. During these months, thousands of humpback whales migrate from Alaska to Hawaii’s warm, shallow waters to breed and give birth.

On the water with Trilogy Excursions, we experienced one of the most magical moments of the trip: a young male humpback whale swam right up to our boat… and stayed. For almost 40 minutes, he circled us, rolled, splashed, and seemed just as curious about us as we were about him. It felt personal. It felt rare. And it reminded me why we travel...to witness moments that change us.

We purchased the professional photos of our new whale friend from the boat's photographer, Claire, from Island Dream Productions.

Sunset Dinner at Merriman’s: Toasting to Friendship and Fresh Starts

One evening, we met up with dear friends, one of whom recently retired, at the stunning Merriman’s Kapalua, a cliffside restaurant famous for its sunset views and warm aloha spirit. Founded by Chef Peter Merriman, one of the pioneers of the Hawaiian Regional Cuisine movement, this restaurant focuses on locally sourced ingredients and island-inspired flavors.

With the ocean just steps away and live Hawaiian music drifting through the air, it felt like we’d stepped into a postcard. The food was exceptional, from the fresh catch to the handmade desserts, but what made the night truly special was the company.

Before we’d even opened our menus, the staff arrived with glasses of champagne to celebrate the big three - our 25th anniversary, his recent retirement, and friendship. It was one of those golden moments where life slows down, laughter flows freely, and gratitude lingers long after the last bite.

Why We Go

It’s never easy to carve out time for just the two of us. Life, family, work...it's all a wonderful blur. All of you can relate. But this trip reminded us why “Away We Go” matters. Why it’s essential. Why it’s worth it. Celebrating 25 years together in Maui was more than just a milestone. It was a love letter to everything we’ve built and everything still ahead. We reconnect, recharge, and remember who we are, not just as parents or professionals, but as two people who chose each other 25 years ago.

Here’s to the places that fill your soul, the friends who make the moments sweeter, and the adventures that remind you how far you’ve come—and how much more there is to see.

With aloha,

Jos