My first wife and I moved our family to Maui. After a difficult divorce, I left the island, but I needed to return to fully heal.

Years later, I returned to Maui with my new family to share the place that had once saved my life. My journey to this beautiful island began when I married my first wife shortly after my 18th birthday. We raised three kids in Wisconsin and, as our 10th anniversary approached, we decided to celebrate our milestone somewhere special—Maui, Hawaii. The island quickly captivated us with its culture, ocean breezes, and the laid-back lifestyle that felt like a long-held dream.

However, our time in Maui took an unexpected turn. While we initially embraced our new life, challenges within our marriage surfaced as we navigated a new environment. Arguments escalated into larger conflicts, ultimately resulting in divorce two years later. The financial strain of supporting my ex-wife and children left me nearly broke, forcing me to leave Maui with just $28 to my name.

Seeking a fresh start, I relocated to South Florida, where my friend offered me a couch to sleep on. With determination, I refocused on my business, creating content and seeking therapy to aid my healing process. Amidst this struggle, an inner voice urged me to return to Maui—a place vital to my recovery. After using travel rewards to book a flight and staying in a budget hostel, I ventured back, finding peace and clarity over the course of a month.

My time in Maui facilitated profound healing. I spent days at the ocean, reconnected with friends, and focused on my children and business. By the end of the month, I left Maui rejuvenated and ready to embrace a new chapter in my life. Three years later, after cultivating a relationship with my now-wife Cindy, I was in a much better place—debt-free and running a thriving business.

Excited to share this transformative experience, I brought my new family to Maui, where they too fell in love with the island. Our annual family trips continued until the devastating fire in Lahaina, but the influence of Maui on my life remains undeniable. It remains a sanctuary for healing, inspiration, and growth, a testament to the powerful impact of our environments on our well-being.