Midori Hope (@midorihope) is a model, creative, and mama of (almost) three, living out her dream life on the North Shore of Maui. Known for her effortless beauty, grounded presence, and sun-drenched content that feels like a deep exhale, Midori embodies the essence of island living: barefoot, connected, and full of heart. In this feature, she shares her Maui musts, from poke bowls and shave ice to her favorite family-friendly beaches, along with what it really feels like to raise a growing family in paradise, where slowing down is the goal and nature is home.
Location
North Shore, Maui
Favorite meal on the island
Poke bowl + Poi from Foodland
Best place to catch sunrise / sunset
My house on our lanai
Song that represents Maui life
Summertime by the Green
Top 3 Lux Products in your beach bag
SPF oil is a must, N°10 Body Glow, and N°15 Lip Serum
Favorite beach on Maui
A tie between Ho’okipa for surfing and Keawakapu for lounging / swimming!
Best shave ice
Da Sweet Spot in Kihei or Waikomo in Paia… but no matter your order you gotta add extra condensed milk and mochi if they have it
Where you’re taking visitors first?
A. Hike + shave ice
B. Beach nap > big plans
C. Road to Hana
D. No plans, just vibes
Favorite part about living on Maui
I feel like my best, healthiest, most connected self here. But the best part has to be raising my kids here where community is cherished, slowing down isn’t deemed as unproductive but rather the goal, and nature is our playground!
Describe island living as a family of four (almost five!)
There’s truly nothing better. It feels like a dream, like I took a one way flight to vacation at a tropical paradise. Our family gets to spend quality time together every single day on the most beautiful place on earth where the dress code is no makeup, air dry hair, bikinis + swim trunks year round!
On your travel destination wishlist next
It use to always be Hawai’i. We would come multiple times a year. Now that we live here, my next dream trip would be Japan with my little ducklings and my Bachan (grandma in Japanese).
