Inspired by the Maui beaches she grew up on, Naomi Newirth launched Acacia Swimwear in 2010. Seven years later, Acacia is one of the most popular swimwear brands out there, seen on celebrities and beach bums alike. Here, Naomi shares her top tips for visiting Maui, including where to grab the best fish burgers and the surf shops worth travelling for.
16 May, 2017
Inspired by the Maui beaches she grew up on, Naomi Newirth launched Acacia Swimwear in 2010. Seven years later, Acacia is one of the most popular swimwear brands out there, seen on celebrities and beach bums alike.
With the growing success of her brand, Naomi launched a children's line, Acacia Honey - a far cry from our beach apparel as children. Indeed, with its distinctive shapes, custom prints and contemporary-classic cuts, it seems everyone wants a piece of the Acacia world.
With her swimwear in our SUITCASE, we asked Naomi for her insider's guide to Maui.
For resort-y vibes, either Andaz Mauiin Wailea or the Travaasain Hana. The Andaz is a newer hotel located on the south side of Maui with beautiful beaches, warm water, good snorkelling and hikes through lava fields. Travassa is on the east side in the town of Hana and is the perfect place to unwind - they don't have TV so bring a good book! For those after something more intimate, Paia Innis a quaint boutique bolt hole and the only hotel on the less-developed North Shore.
Monsoon India for delicious Indian food in Kihei
Paia Bay Coffee or Paia Inn for a really good breakfast
Paia Fish Market for killer fish burgers and tacos
Nuka in Haiku (where our office is) for sushi
Mama's Fish House for a full Hawaii dining experience (book ahead)
There are not many bars on Maui, but if you want a lively local spot Charleys in Paia is the one. You might even spot a celebrity there - Willie Nelson lives just down the road and sometimes plays there.
Paia is the hippie surf town and has several fun boutiques, as well as the best health-food shop on the planet, Mana Foods.
My favourites are Ho'okipa and Baldwin. Ho'okipa is on the North Shore and is where I grew up surfing and, dare I say it, bronzing. Baldwin is in Paia and has a long coastline perfect for jogging, with a natural pool at the end, ideal for swimming laps. I also love Hamoa and Red Sands in the east, where we shot our 2016 campaign.
Drive to Hana, surf Ho'okipa (for intermediate to experienced surfers only), watch the sunrise up on Haleakala Crater, then go on a boat cruise to watch the humpback whales. We also have lots of amazing waterfall hikes along the way to Hana.
Cut-off denim shorts, T-shirts, versatile pareos, my bikinis (of course), slippers and a pretty dress to slip on for dinner.
The cliffs of Ho'okipa, on a sunset sail or at top of the Haleakala crater.
Spend a few nights in Hana to get a real feeling of what Hawaii is all about. Slow down, read a book and bask in the beauty of Maui.
