Tim Ellis has to attend a board meeting every day. Even on the weekends. These meetings often go through lunch. On Maui, however, this means wearing a swimsuit instead of an Armani suit, and instead of sitting around a long oak table, you’ll find Tim taking on the Pacific Ocean with his kiteboard. 

“It’s true, my ‘meetings’ aren’t like those in a traditional office. But I’m still working. Ocean conditions are one key piece of information for me to give travelers. I’ve been a concierge on Maui for Luxury Retreats since 2007, and the first thing I do in the morning is wake up and check the surf and weather reports so I can direct our guests to the best spots that day. My rule of thumb is always: wind and no waves equals kiteboard or paddleboard, waves and no wind equals surf. Neither? Mountain biking!

My love of the water (and for pretty much any outdoor adventure) started young. I grew up in Newport Beach, California, and took my first job cleaning yachts at the harbor. After work, I’d go straight down to the water and bodysurf. I’ve always loved being on the water and being outside. It’s a west coast mentality that’s even stronger in Maui.

I moved to Maui from California because I was working at a restaurant to put myself through college. An opportunity opened up to go to work at the Kona location of the same chain, so I jumped on it and never looked back. I fell in love with Hawaii right away — imagine, every day is a summer day! For years, I spent my days off getting to know everything I could about the island. From beaches to roads to hiking the terrain inland. I know everyone has a bias towards home… but I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again, this place is heaven on earth.

My days always begin bright and early, and like most other people, I start by checking e-mails. I need to see what guests are arriving on the island when, their flight status, and anything I might need to pick up for them. I always like to start getting in touch with guests about three months prior to their trip; having a solid idea of what they like allows me to make good recommendations.

My son, Kai, is usually off to school by 10am, that’s when I hit the water for a solid hour ofkiteboarding or paddle boarding. When I’m finished, I resume work in my portable office — otherwise known as my car — and see what’s next on the list. If I’m doing a check-in at a villa, I’ll do a grocery run first. I get a list of food from my guests so they show up with a full fridge when they arrive. No matter what they request, I’m a firm believer that a vacation should always start off with a glass of chilled champagne.

They say the ideal life is when working doesn’t really feel like work. When your job is helping people discover and explore a place like Maui, and you love it as much as I do, no day truly feels like work. Sometimes I try to imagine living somewhere else, and I simply can’t. There’s something for everyone here, with the most beautiful backdrop you could ever imagine.

I have a hard time leaving paradise, but the next adventure is always brewing in my mind. I think next I’m going to have to go on a “business trip” to Whistler for a super important “board meeting”… this time the subject will be mountain biking at Blackcomb!”