Maui

Maui has often been a dream destination for travelers. And for good reason: this paradise island in the heart of the Hawaiian archipelago boasts numerous irresistible beaches, bathed by the crystal-clear waters of the Pacific. Long and inviting, they stretch out at the foot of verdant mountains with jagged profiles that rise majestically, offering a paradisiacal scene to anyone fortunate enough to set foot there.

 

Louise Bourbonnais

Always a favorite with tourists, the Hawaiian island is renowned for its unique beauty. Most visitors come primarily for its magnificent beaches lapped by crystal-clear waters, and since there are so many, Maui, the second largest island in the archipelago after the Big Island, also has several other attractions to offer. Besides the beaches, many come for its golf courses. There are no fewer than 14 golf courses, several of which are world-renowned, designed by celebrated architects.

For me, it was the mountainous landscapes of Maui offering a most spectacular panorama that impressed me.

To truly appreciate this iron landscape, the ideal way is to experience it from a bird's-eye view by helicopter. It's the best way to capture the most stunning shots. But venturing out on a winding road is another wonderful option. It's a chance to slow down and discover small towns brimming with natural beauty. Between breathtaking cliffs and lush forests, there are countless stunning locations to explore.

And why not take a sailing trip to observe dolphins in their natural habitat? It's a truly unique experience. Hiking in the forests is another great way to discover Maui, as there are stunning waterfalls in several locations. Of course, all kinds of water sports will delight tourists, as will scuba diving, which allows you to explore the exceptional underwater world.

The must

A visit to Haleakalā National Park is absolutely essential. The place is spectacular. Its volcano, Haleakalā, dormant for over 400 years, rises to over 3,000 meters. It's the highest peak on Maui. Take the opportunity to hike and marvel at the splendors of nature, and stop for a break at Makahiku and Waimoku Falls. At the summit, the Haleakalā crater offers a unique view, resembling a lunar landscape.

It can be reached on foot or by car. Visitors flock there to admire the sunrise.

Beaches

With 240 kilometers of coastline, there are numerous beaches. Among those worth a visit is Ka'anapali Beach on the west coast. Its proximity to shops and restaurants makes it particularly popular with tourists.

For a change of scenery, head to the east coast of the island, where you'll find Black Sand Beach, a beach of black volcanic sand.

Even more unique is Kaihalulu Beach, known as Red Sand Beach because of its red sand. It's stunning! Big Beach, to the south, is another popular tourist destination.

As for Ho'okipa Beach, it is a favorite among surfers.

Along the way, we enjoyed the street food, savoring fried calamari or coconut shrimp. Looking for a more festive atmosphere? Head to Lahaina Front Street, a lively street lined with bars, restaurants, and shops. Plus, it's right on the oceanfront.

Namely, most businesses in Lahaina have reopened since the devastating fires of 2023.

 

Oprah Winfrey's stunning villa

Of course, Oprah Winfrey, the talk show host and producer who has been named "World's Most Influential Woman" on numerous occasions, is not only wealthy, but she also has impeccable taste and loves to travel. It's no surprise, then, that she chose a second home on the island of Maui. Located right on the beach, her property is enough to make many of us envious.

With a personal fortune estimated by Forbes at over three billion US dollars (four billion CA), Oprah Winfrey is a true symbol of success, allowing her to travel and afford a life that lives up to her ambitions.

To settle down, Oprah initially chose a modest ranch that needed work, with the idea of ​​renovating it into a charming vacation home on an impressive 23-acre property. Ultimately, instead of renovating the ranch, her Maui home was practically demolished and rebuilt to create a peaceful haven that reflected her personality. The property is located in the hills near Haleakala. From her bedroom, Oprah has direct access to a terrace overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

Her decorator removed the Hawaiian style in favor of American antiques that suited Oprah's taste, resulting in a distinctive interior. Oprah herself chose all the decorative elements.

"I love, love, love my home," Oprah emphasized in her magazine, O, The Oprah Magazine . "It's a gem, so sweet and exquisite."

Over the years, since 2003, the television icon has purchased more land around her residence to ensure privacy and at least a dozen buildings on Maui. In total, she is estimated to have spent 60 million US dollars in the process.

But that's not all. The famous presenter, now 71 years old, has an impressive real estate portfolio that includes numerous residences around the world.

This woman, who is also a great philanthropist, can travel as she pleases aboard her private jet. Besides her ranch on Maui, she enjoys visiting her residence on Fisher Island off the coast of Miami, her chalet in Telluride in the Colorado mountains, or her villa on the island of Antigua in the Caribbean. She also owns a beach house in Avalon, New Jersey, as well as a sumptuous mansion on an island in Washington State, in addition to her apartment in Chicago.

Montecito

And if you want to dream even more, see her impressive estate in Montecito, where she lives several months a year and which has regularly served as a filming location, notably for her show, Super Soul Sunday.

Located near Santa Barbara, California, her spectacular $100 million Montecito estate spans 70 acres to the edge of the Pacific Ocean.

 

Montecito, located about an hour and a half from Los Angeles, is considered the most affluent area in California and is very popular with American celebrities. Ellen DeGeneres, Prince Harry, and Meghan Markle, among others, live there.

 

Oprah Winfrey's unique journey offers valuable food for thought for those who claim not to have succeeded. because they had nothing to start with in life.

 

– She was born in 1954 in the state of Mississippi.

– She is a presenter, producer, actress, author, lecturer, literary critic and magazine editor.

– During her childhood, she lived in poverty; her mother was a cleaning lady and her father was absent.

– She stated that she had been repeatedly raped by several members of her family during her childhood, starting at the age of 9.

– Her poverty was such that she had to wear jute potato sacks as dresses, becoming the laughingstock of the other students at school.

– At the end of her secondary studies, she was hired to present local news.

– She became best known for her talk show The Oprah Winfrey Show , which will eventually be produced by her own company, Harpo Productions, based in Chicago.

– Oprah became a millionaire at only 32 years old.

– She has won countless awards for her show, which was the most watched in television history, broadcast in 140 countries until its final episode in 2011.

– She was nominated in 1985 for an Oscar for Best Actress for her role in the film, The Color Purple, by Steven Spielberg.

– She has been named the richest African-American person of the 20th century and the most philanthropic African-American of all time.

– At 41 years old, his fortune is estimated at $340 million.

– In 2010, Oprah Winfrey launched her own television channel, OWN.

– She is the editor of two magazines, O, The Oprah Magazine and O at Home.

– In addition to her influential book club, she has co-authored five books.

– She is on Forbes' list of the richest people and is ranked as the only black billionaire for several years and the first black woman to become a billionaire in world history.

– Forbes and CNN have called her “World’s Most Powerful Woman” for several years.

– She has also been ranked several times as the most philanthropic celebrity.

– A true patron of the arts, she had The Academy for Girls built in 2007, a school to help disadvantaged girls in South Africa.