Whether you find a program or incorporate the do-it-yourself method, Maui is an awesome destination for a writing retreat.

If you’re looking for a writing retreat program, it’s important to watch out for red flags such as unrealistic promises or a barely published writing coach.  If you’re going to create your own writing retreat, whether by yourself or with other writers and creatives, then create your dream retreat in every way—and remember to do the writing. The best part about creating your dream retreat is you can have it wherever and whenever you want and structure a program that fits your wants and needs.

Going along with a dream writing retreat, here are just some of the reasons why Maui is an awesome destination for your literary escape.

Hawaii is the happiest state in America

Disneyland might be considered the happiest place on Earth, but Hawaii is considered to be the happiest state in America.

Since writers are prone to depression, Hawaii makes for the ideal (and happiest) escape.

“Though there are no firm statistics on how many writers experience depression, researcher Kay Redfield Jamison, Ph.D., a psychiatry professor at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore and author of several books, including Touched With Fire: Manic-Depressive Illness and the Artistic Temperament, has reported that writers have depression or manic-depression more often than non-writers,” according to Everyday Health.

If you’re going to clear your mind and come back from your trip refreshed and fulfilled, you might as well retreat to the happiest state in America. The sunshine, hot temperatures, and an active and outdoor lifestyle will help, as will the unique and wonderful Maui culture.

Maui is authentic

Maui (and Hawaii as a whole) is authentic. That’s because Maui is big on traditions and culture. Maui is known for a special vibe that features friendliness, kindness, and having laid-back fun. After all, Hawaiians typically greet people with a kiss on the cheek, flower leis are gifts for visitors, and even the word “aloha” has a deeper meaning than a simple greeting.

Then, there’s all the Hawaiian food. While Spam and pineapple are popular island-wide, we encourage writers to also try dishes lomilomi salmon, loco moco, poi, and many other Hawaiian favorites.

Hawaii is an authentic place that provides a culture and vibe that’s contagious and can’t be found anywhere else, and it can help you get in a great writing state of mind as well as create new characters and settings for your next novel.

Dive into beaches, sunshine, and culture

Writing might be the main focus, but it’s OK to make a vacation out of your retreat. Retreat literally means “an act or process of withdrawing especially from what is difficult, dangerous, or disagreeable.” So if you’re working the entire time, you won’t get the most benefits out of your trip.

While you should have a detailed and precise plan when it comes to writing, reading, workshopping, etc., when you’re not writing, you should be exploring and taking in everything the island has to offer, such as a tropical Maui luau. Luau is a traditional Hawaiian party that will help you get out of your mind and enjoy the present while your stories are working in your subconscious.

Writing will be the main focus of your retreat, but make time for the beaches, sunshine, hikes, nature exploring, and taking in the culture during your journey.

You get out of a writing retreat what you put in. This is a good time to get out of your head and to also write, read, explore, and build communities with other writers and the people and world around you. Your retreat is all about mixing things up, so mix things up, escape your daily routines, and have the retreat of your life in Maui with no stress.