Maria Millan Interview
Q. You describe life as 'what you make it.' What was the turning point when you truly had to redefine your life on your own terms?
The turning point for me happened 2015 when I was a junior in college. I came to Hawaii for the first time and met people traveling in a way I didn’t even know was possible. Growing up in Boston, I loved nature, but I wasn’t fully immersed in it. Hawaii introduced me to the ocean, mountains, and sunsets in a way that felt life changing.
That summer, I embraced adventure chasing sunsets, waking up for sunrises, and living in the moment. In 2016, I studied abroad in Costa Rica and met backpackers traveling the world, which completely shifted my perspective. I realized I didn’t want the traditional path of school, career, family. I wanted to save, explore the world, and create a life built around experiences. By 2017, I decided to work, save, and 2018 I left to explore the world- the start of the life I live today.
Q. Your love for the ocean shows deeply in your content. What has the sea taught you about resilience and freedom that everyday life could not?
The ocean has taught me the power of presence. On land, distractions are endless, but in the water, it’s just me, my breath, and the sea. It humbles you, reminds you of your smallness, and teaches resilience through surrender. At the same time, it gives freedom, diving down and leaving the noise of the world behind shows that being fully present is enough.
Q. Travel often changes the way we see people. Has there been a person you met on the road who completely shifted your perspective?
Yes. While studying abroad in Costa Rica 2016, I met a couple who had been backpacking for years with just a small bag. They had very little, yet shared everything, meals, stories, time without hesitation. That taught me that abundance isn’t about what you own, but how open and generous you are. It shifted the way I see travel, people, and even inspired me to embrace the backpacker lifestyle myself.
Q. Behind the dreamy travel films and ocean shots, what’s one struggle of being constantly on the move that most people wouldn’t expect?
People often see the adventure and beauty, but not the fatigue, unpredictability, and loneliness that come with constant travel. Adjusting to new accommodations, climates, and routines can be exhausting. COVID brought me back to the U.S. unexpectedly (I was living in Australia at the time) and after a couple of months back in Boston, I went through a long-distance breakup.
Feeling unsettled, disconnected from nature, and not fully happy, I eventually found myself in Hawaii. What was meant to be a one-month stay turned into me living here permanently. I share this story because even through struggle and the unknown, life can lead you exactly where you’re meant to be.
I didn’t know it was my time to move to Hawaii, it just happened. Everything truly happens for a reason. Right now, I’m trying to travel a little less, focus on being present, and shorten trips to fully enjoy the moments I’m in. Another challenge has been finding a partner who matches my travel pace, as this year I’ve spent as much time away as I have at home. But I know the right person is out there, someone who loves traveling, exploring the ocean, and wants to share those adventures together. I’m in no rush though; for now, I’m simply enjoying the present.
Q. As a digital creator, your work influences how others see the world. How do you ensure your storytelling feels authentic and not just aspirational?
I start with honesty, sharing what I genuinely love, including raw moments and challenges. Behind the scenes glimpses make my storytelling real. My goal isn’t perfection, it’s relatability. With AwayWithMaria and OceanGalz, I aim to show that you can turn passion into a life or business, but I also share the reality: lost luggage, missed flights, sickness, ear infections etc. Life isn’t always rainbows and butterflies, and showing both the beauty and the struggles helps my audience connect authentically.
Q. What place in the world has challenged you the most—either emotionally, physically, or spiritually—and how did it leave a mark on you?
Galapagos was one of the most challenging places for me. It’s a top dive site, and everyone emphasized how advanced you need to be. Leading up to the trip, I also lost my grandpa, which made it emotionally intense. During a dive, I experienced a small panic underwater. My guide held my hand and helped me finish, reminding me that facing fear is more powerful than avoiding it. Completing the dive left me with a sense of accomplishment, deepened my respect for the ocean, and reminded me that anxiety is normal but can be overcome.
Q. If tomorrow you could no longer document your travels online, how would you continue living this adventurous life?
I’d keep exploring, focusing on the experience itself rather than capturing it. I’d dive, swim, hike, and connect with local communities, journaling or keeping a personal photo diary. Documenting has allowed me to sustain my travels financially, but it’s not what drives me.
The urge to see the world and experience it is what motivates me. For example, in Vietnam, I did the Ha Giang loop and stayed with families who didn’t speak English, we communicated through gestures and calculators, shared a family meal, and I didn’t document it. Those experiences remain in my memory and heart.
Q. And for a fun one, if you could be a 'mermaid' anywhere in the world’s oceans for a day, which spot would you choose and what would you do first?
I’d choose French Polynesia, where the whales are. I’d spend the day swimming with them and exploring the surrounding islands, where sharks and vibrant marine life abound. If I could be a mermaid for a day, I’d just dive, explore, and fully immerse myself in the beauty and magic of the ocean.
Bio:
Maria Millan is a traveler, freediver, and storyteller based in Hawai‘i. She's always felt deeply connected to the ocean and the mountains, and much of her work reflects that balance between adventure and grounding. Through @AwayWithMaria, she shares personal stories, ocean encounters, and the beauty of nature in a way that invites others to slow down and reconnect with the world around them. Her goal is to encourage people to move their bodies, connect with nature, and find peace and presence in their own journeys.
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