Inspired

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.

Where’s your favourite place to wake up?

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.

Best restaurants?

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)

What about bars?

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.

Coolest shops?

Paia is the hippie surf town and has several fun boutiques, as
well as the best health-food shop on the planet, Mana Foods.

Where should we hit the beach?

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.

What about to have an adventure?

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.

What’s in your SUITCASE?

Cut-off denim shorts, T-shirts, versatile pareos, my bikinis (of
course), slippers and a pretty dress to slip on for dinner.

Best place to watch the sunset?

The cliffs of Ho’okipa, on a sunset sail or at top of the
Haleakala crater.

Do you have any advice for first-time visitors to Maui?

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.