(Updated 05/15/22)
| 1) |
General Costs - Getting there - Where to stay - Groceries |
| 2) | Your first morning - Sunrise from a volcano top |
| 3) | Helicopter Tours |
| 4) | Snorkeling |
| 5) |
Dining - Luau - the Hawaiian barbeque - Vegetarian - Seafood - Mai-tais |
| 6) | Sunburn, the paradise killer |
| 7) | Street Hustlers and timeshare salesmen |
| 8) |
Beaches - East Maui - West Maui |
| 9) | Windsurfing - Ho'okipa |
| 10) | Whales |
| 11) | Upcountry |
| 12) | Hotel fantasy, Disney reality |
| 13) | Beer, an Addendum |
Friends,
Over the years Stephany and I have enjoyed our vacations on Maui. We would like to offer you some Maui info that you may find useful on your journey and make paradise more enjoyable. If you want to view some of our vacation photos then click here. There have been many changes as a result ov the COVID-19 pandemic. Apologies for broken links and incorrect info.
People often ask us "Isn’t it expensive to go to
Maui"? The key words in that question are "go to". The airfare can
be outrageous between the east coast and Maui, typically $1000-$1200. But the experienced
traveler can always find a deal being offered by an airline.
Delta and
United
have convenient schedules from the east coast of the mainland. They
are usually a 3-segment trip from Rochster, so they’re your best bet (unless you
want
to stop in Oahu for a layover and see why Maui is where people from Honolulu go for their
vacations). If you are comfortable with Internet booking then you may want to visit one of the
many free virtual "travel agents" in cyberspace. These web sites allow you to
enter a personal travel profile, search for the lowest fares, book your flights and assign
your seats. Our favorite is
Expedia
(http://www.expedia.com/). It’s not the best user interface going, but it is
the most flexible in terms of options. You may also locate hotel room and car rental
deals.
Also consider this option
before trying to accumulate or spend 60,000+ frequent
flyer miles per ticket for your dream vacation: Use 20,000 frequent flyer miles per ticket
to fly to San Francisco or L.A. , then pay $325 - $450 (typical round-trip fares that we
have paid) to fly to Maui.
We’re not honeymooners, we’re frugal
("cheap" is such a tawdry word), and we have never really liked resorts so we
rent a condo, cottage or apartment for our stays. Kihei has some great two bedroom, two bath
condos
with a fully equipped (sometimes stocked) kitchen, washer & dryer,
dishwasher
and
house keeping service for $100-$250 a night. We recommend
Maui
Hill in south Kihei near Wailea, however any "Aston"
managed property is a fair deal. A standard hotel room at a resort starts at $200 a night and
you have to eat out all the time. It’s something to think about!
Another hotel alternative is a bed and breakfast or inn, there are many
all over the island. The rates for most are below $100 a night and includes
breakfast (of course). If you want to get away from the crowds then this option may
be for you. Most B&Bs are located off the beaten path and have the benefit of
friendly knowledgeable locals in residence. For a real treat we can highly recommend
the
Olinda Country Inn and Cottages located
upslope of Paia and Makawao on the edge of a lush forest. Nice accommodations
with
lots of great scenery, hiking, and fantastic breakfasts featuring locally grown
fruits and flowers (yep - flowers). Cat lovers are especially welcome.
The
Kula Lodge is another upcountry
alternative with quaint accomodations, great vistas and an excellent
restaurant. It is also only 40 minutes from the summit of Haleakela
(see sunrise below)
If you have some flexibility in travel dates
then consider going during the "off season" (September-November and March-May)
for further discounts.
You can buy a week’s worth of groceries (with liquor) for the
price of a really good dinner for two at a resort. Grocery prices generally run 10%
to 15% higher in Hawaii (and this will vary from island to island). The prices marked on
items are the "tourist" prices. Most stores offer a "kamaaina" (native
or long-time resident) discount off the listed prices. Foodland is the best
local supermarket;
however don’t overlook some of the smaller "mom and pop" stores that you
encounter during your travels (a friendly smile and small-talk will often net you the
discount and some good inside information). There is now a Safeway
supermarket in Kihei so if you shop Safeway at home make sure you bring your
Club Card with you on vacation for significant savings.
One last money saving tip… Contact
Entertainment
Publications (1-800-374-4464) and have them ship you the Hawaii edition of the
"Entertainment Book" (it is just like the version that local organizations sell
as fundraisers). This little booklet will also serve as a directory for dining and
entertainment opportunities allowing you to plan some things before you depart on your
journey.
If you find yourself wide awake at 3:00 AM because of the jet lag
and a five or six hour time difference consider driving to the top of
Haleakala to
watch the sunrise over the east rim of the crater with the Big Island of Hawaii in the
background. Note that national park reservations are required for sunrise
entry to the park.
The drive should take a little more than two hours from Kihei or a little
less than three
hours from Lahaina if traffic to the summit is slow due to fog near the top. If you go,
remember that the summit is over 10,000 feet and it can be
extremely cold
in the wind before the sun comes up.
Bring a camera, jacket, and a blanket from your room to snuggle-up in.
The drive up the summit is paved, unlit past the ranger station, and has many switchbacks.
The drive down the summit will be lit by sunlight and have some spectacular vistas of West
Maui and the bay. We recommend stopping at the
Kula
Lodge for breakfast on the way down.
Also worth a visit is the
Curtis Wilson Cost Gallery. There
numerous protea and lavender farms located in Kula worth a quick look if you would like to see some unusual local flowers (they ship
arrangements to the mainland which can be dried to last forever). This trip is also good
for your last day there because the airport is at the base of the Haleakala Highway.
If you enjoy a good hike then bring some sturdy walking shoes and take a day hike on the
crater trails. Stop and register at the ranger station / museum first.
Look for a discounted helicopter tour of the island. The beauty and variety of this island can really be appreciated from the air. The best visibility is early morning (8:00-9:00) before the clouds obscure the summit and crater of the Haleakala and the winds pick-up. If it's cheaper to get partial helicopter / van tours of the island then go for the East Maui / Hana package. We recommend Sunshine or Blue Hawaiian services.
The beach snorkeling is great. Don't waste time or money with boat operators. Snorkel equipment can be rented for $10 - $15 a week (we recommend renting from local legend Snorkel Bob) and the local shops have maps and instructions to guide you to some great spots all around the island. On the west side, the snorkeling on Black Rock reef (located on the beach at the Sheraton in north Kaanapali) is best for beginners. This is an afternoon activity. Illumination is better because the sun is high and the reef is out of the shadow of Black Rock. Stay for the sunset torch lighting ceremony and dinner. By the way, if you feed the fish, keep the food in a zip-lock bag. If the fish smell it while you are snorkeling you will be swarmed. On the east side the stretch form Ulua Beach south through Makena offer fantastic snorkeling and beach dives if the surge is low.
The "Old Lahaina Luau" is the "most authentic" Hawaiian luau (i.e. not a Polynesian fire show). It is entertaining as well as educational. The luau may not performed every night so call for the schedule & reservations. The luau is on the beach at 1251 Front St. and they offer "traditional" table seating as well as grass mat seating (depending upon your degree of flexibility). We recommend "traditional" seating at a center table if possible. Buy your tickets when you first arrive on Maui and arrive early on the day of your luau, watch them prepare the pig (the layered cooking pits are an art form!).
While most restaurants offer a selection of vegetarian cuisine (heavy Asian influence), there are excellent little vegetarian restaurants all over. Or Favorite is Mana Foods, in Paia (the town just east of the airport) on the east side of Baldwin Ave. about a block and a half from the bottom of the hill. Hawaiian Moons Natural Foods On Kihei Rd. is also a great place to shop for healthy products
Best seafood and shellfish restaurant we've encountered is
Mama's Fish House in Kuau
(east of Paia on the north shore). Fresh local catch and imports (like Maine lobster)
prepared almost any way you can imagine, you pick from a list of fish and a list of
preparations. Their sauces are fantastic! Make reservations for dinners and make
sure you request an ocean view table if you go at sunset or lunch. Go early and stroll
through the beach garden and watch the wind & kite surfers "catch some air".
If you cannot obtain a restaurant reservation then enjoy the bar/lounge
area where the full menu is available. The
atmosphere is casual but the service is top-notch. Stop on the way back from Hana.
Cafe O Lei
throughout maui also
deserves a visit. Great casual dining with an eclectic menu of
seafood, local and Asian fare.
(side note: Reviews and menus for many of Maui's restaurants can be found on the pages of
the
Maui Menus Online)
May places claim to have "the best Mai-Tai on the island". At one time, in our opinion, the Tree House bar and grill located in the Lahaina Marketplace courtyard off of Front street held that title. (The Tree House has been closed for years now. A change in ownership was rumored. If they're open again and you stop in and try the Mai Tai let us know what you think about the drink and the cuisine). Currently, our favorite mai-tai / happy hour / sunset spot is the Five Palms in located in Kihei.
Check out the latitude of Hawaii on a map. Sun screen! Sun screen! Sun screen! Try not to let a burn ruin a good time in paradise. Be particularly aware of this if you are snorkeling or lying about on the exposed beaches or hiking the lava flows. Apply the sunscreen before you head to the beach.
Beware the activity desk and booths located at your resort and on the streets. They may all offer discounts on the same activities but their prices vary greatly. These booths are all associated with different time-share condos so their subsides may vary along with the length of the real estate sales pitch which you must endure to receive the activity discounts. Shop around for the best activity deal if you plan on subjecting yourself to one of these operators.
The beaches are all public (even the ones in front of luxury
resorts and private homes) and there are lots of public accesses. Pack a picnic lunch and
find your own slice of paradise. The beaches are bigger and less populated over towards
East Maui. You can get absolute privacy on some beaches in Wailea or Makena.
A personal favorite is the combined 1.5 mile stretch of
Keawakapu Beach /
Mokapu Beach /
Ulua
Beach /
Wailea Beach. The beach is wide and soft. The shore diving
is good with plenty of showers and near-by parking. The surf is
(generally) gentle. The views of Molokini, Kao'olawe, Lana'i and west
Maui across the channel are spectacular.
Po'ipu Beach just south of Wailea (north of the Maui Prince Resort) is usually empty
during the weekdays before noon.
Big Beach (Makena State Park)
is in Makena and offers a HUGE sand beach but nothing else. If you're feeling a little
adventurous and naughty, climb over (or snorkel around) the lava ridge at the north end of
Big Beach to
Little Beach
and get naked with the locals. Little beach is
the unofficial "official" clothing optional beach on Maui. Little Beach is also
a family place so you'll see all kinds of people there. (** Note: Hawaiian state law
prohibits Nude sun bathing. But on the other hand they can't arrest
everyone on the
beach.)
The most "happening" beach is
Ka'anapali ("Dig Me")
Beach located at the south end of the Ka'anapali hotel strip. The chances are your
hotel is near here if you are honeymooning. Enter the beach at the Whalers Shopping
Village for "the full effect" Unlike the State Park and "natural"
beaches, lots of volleyball and water sport activities, lessons, and rentals can be found.
As the name implies, this is where all the narcissistic buff dudes and hard-bodied babes
come to tan, play, and be seen. I recommend a beach side table at the
Hula Grill for
live entertainment, afternoon drinks and
pupus. Grab a seat, order a drink and enjoy the view!
(Visit
Maui
Guide Book - Beaches
a comprehensive list of beaches on The Valley Isle)
For a more laid back ocean side dining experience on the west side try The Burger Shack the The Ritz Carlton and D.T. Fleming Park. Excellent beach front lunch fair and ocktails with a guarded beach cove within a state park. After dinining, enjoy the beach or a short hike to the Dragon's Teeth rock formation on the point.
Past Kapalua on the Honoapi'ilani Highway to Maui's northwest coast is Honolua Bay. This is a great snorkeling location in the summer months when the swells are down. The bay is just a short walh through the trees from the highway. Obey the parking regs and wear sturdy footwear for the walk to the bay. If snorkeling is not your thing then continue up the hill past the bay for great scenic overlooks.
The most radical wind surfing can be witnessed on the north east shore at Ho'okipa Park and Baldwin Park east of Kuau on the north east corner of Maui (see Mama's Fish House, above). The trade winds really pick-up in the fall and people come from all over the world to this park for the conditions. Also check out the kite boarding at Baldwin Park beach in Kahului between the shipping harbor and the airport.
Best hotel (in our humble opinion) is the
Grand
Wailea Resort. The pool has to be seen to be believed. Great Asian art. The courtyard bar has reasonably priced drinks and snacks. The
restaurants (there were 4 or 5 when we last went) are all four-star and each features a
different type of food and unique atmosphere. We watched this place
being constructed and witnessed "Disney" terra-forming at its
best. A brush and cactus filled desert hillside was transformed into a
lush tropical oasis in a few years. Like most of the resorts in Hawaii, it
is designed to perpetuate the ideal vision of paradise. While nothing
is real it is an exquisite illusion.
On a related topic, Wailea is replacing Kaanapali as the "in place" for
honeymooners. Most of the resorts there were constructed since 1989. All feature deluxe
(read $250 per night and UP, "garden view") rooms, lots of "couples"
activities on premises, and shuttles to Lahaina and Kaanapali. Wailea beaches are better
than Kaanapali anyway. The new Shops at Wailea offer an east Maui
experience comparable to Whalers Village in Kaanapali
The most affordable souvenirs can be found in the ABC stores littering the island. There are usually specials on macadamia nuts, Kona coffee, postcards, trinkets and the like. However, before buying a "genuine" Hawaiian trinket check the label. We found that most of the shells came from Florida and the trinkets were made in Taiwan.
If you have not converted to digital then buy all of your film before going to Hawaii. A roll of Kodak Gold 24 exposure can go for $10. You can get five rolls for $12 at BJ's or Sam's Club. If you have gone digital then purchase extra large capacity memory cards and a spare battery for your camera. You do not want to miss a photo opportunity.
If the humpbacks are there for the winter then make sure you spend some time watching them. They usually don't come closer than a 1/4 to 1/2 mile from shore. Whale watching boat trips are fun but don't guarantee any whales. The Pacific Whale Foundation offers a variety of tours that are both educational and fun. Consider early morning tours for the best water conditions. If you have a good pair of binoculars then we recommend a late afternoon / sunset picnic in Kamole Park #2 or #3 in Kihei. It's free and the many restaurants across the street have great drink specials for happy hour.
Spend some time "up country". We've met
so many people who go to Maui and never leave the resort areas. Upcountry is the area on
the east Maui mountainside. Life is different there. Ranching and agiculture
are the major occupations there.
There are real cowboys in Makawao. There are a few good restaurants in
Makawao. If you like Mexican then I highly recomment stopping at
Polli's.
As
you head back down the mountain an upscale (but casual) lunch or dinner may
be enjoyed at the Hali'imaile General Store.
You may want to follow this by a tour of the
Maui Gold pineapple plantation located next door.
There is a winery on the mountain high above Makena (Ulapakua
Vinyards - Mauii Winery
is the only winery on Maui). The summit road to Haleakala passes through open grazing
field so watch for cattle, sheep and such. While exploring up
country, get off the beaten path and visit the
Ali'i
Kula Lavender Farm above Kula.
Again, if you feel adventurous, try the
Maui downhill bike experience. It combines the Haleakala sunrise (see #1 above) and a bicycle
tour of the up country and Paia. A van picks you up at your hotel (really early in the
morning) and you are driven to the Summit where you may watch the sunrise. You are then
given a rain suit (see "fog" in #1) and a mountain bike. You and your group then
coast (most of the way) down the volcano. I believe the breakfast stop is at Kula Lodge.
The Downhill experience should take most of a day by the time you get back to the hotel.
Atlantis Submarines now has an operation on Maui that operates from Lahaina. We've never done this (scuba divers rarely would) but we've heard great reviews from those who have taken the ride in this real submarine. If "real" submarines scare you then there is a fun and educational glass bottom boat tour of a reef aboard the "simulated" submarine "Seaview", also out of Lahaina.
Cats. Lots of them. Maui has the largest population of stray cats that I have ever seen. If you stay at a place that has lots of cats around, resist the urge to "adopt" one (no matter how cute they are). Feeding them only makes them hang around more, much to the dismay of the hotel management. There are several organizations on the island with active programs to help reduce the feral cat population. One program wothe noting (and supporting) is the Feline Foundation of Maui. They utilize TNR (trap, neuter and return) along with colony care to create smaller healty population of non-reproducing cats.
Another picnic idea is a drive around the north side of the west Maui mountains from Kaanapali. This drive is much shorter and easier to navigate than the "Road to Hana" around the east Maui mountains. The drive runs through the forest and along some sheer ocean side cliffs with great views. There are some great snorkeling spots in the bays along this stretch so bring your gear.
Speaking of the "Road to Hana" ... Hana is on the east coast of Maui. It is remote (by island standards) and has some fabulous black sand beaches and rain forest parks. If you are hikers then the trails there are a must do. However the only "Road to Hana" is the stuff of legends. It is a two-lane road (one in each direction) with over 50 single lane bridges (each direction shares one lane with alternating traffic - the courtesy system applies) and countless (100+) hairpin turns as it follows the shoreline and cliffs of east Maui. The posted speed limit is 20 - 25 MPH for most of the 40 mile drive from Paia (but it's difficult to exceed 15 before you have to slow for the next turn or bridge). There are great vistas of the sea and rain forest. Local artisans making things from items which grow in the rain forest (bowls, hats, leis, dolls, etc.) can be visited along the roadside. A number of cars parked where there is apparently nothing usually indicates a hidden waterfall or field of "Maui Wowee", Maui's #1 cash crop (sugar is #2), growing in the nearby forest. Kaenae Penensula village is worth it as a quick stop (or as a final destination if the "Road to Hana" becomes a bit much). Kaenae is popular for it's ocean side vistas of crashing waves on the rocky shoreline and working taro and fruit farms on the peninsula. Another reason to visit Kaenae is Aunty Sandy's banana bread available from the roadside stand
If you plan to go then leave very early in the morning and plan to stay all day. Leave Hana at least 1.5 hours before sunset because the drive doesn't get any better in the dark. Many honeymooners have filed for divorce after taking this drive, so be patient - it is worth it. While all the rental car companies and the maps say that you can't drive around the east mountain - you can. But if you break down you are truly on your own. The views of "The Big Island" 40 miles across the channel are spectacular!
If your schedule permits then we recommend spending the evening or two in Hana. There are many bed and breakfasts and inns that accommodate the overnight guest. A longer stay permits you to watch the sunrise on a black sand beach, do a little horseback riding and hike up the trail in Oheo Gulch within Haleakala National Park.
We recommend Gallery Night (Fridays) for touring the many art galleries in and around Lahaina. The original art is beautiful and pricey but prints and less expensive lithos are often available. The artists are usually present at the galleries on this night. We love Wyland's art and he has three galleries there for budgets ranging from postcards to original murals.
Only if you absolutely must have an over-priced souvenir or mediocre meal should you visit the Hard Rock or Planet Hollywood in Lahaina. 'Nuf said.
If you are computer savvy and have access to the Worldwide Web then I offer this tip: Before traveling anywhere for vacation visit the associated sites on the web. In this case, set your browsers to "http://www.maui.net/" (The Maui Net) you will find listings of new activities, upcoming special events, deals on lodgings, the online version of the daily newspaper (The Maui News), and much more.
There's plenty of nightlife on Maui but it's hard to find outside of Lahaina. The major resort hotels always have something going on. The local bars and clubs in Lahaina offer something for every age group and taste, so ask a local for preferences. Also pick up a copy of "This Week Maui", available in the brochure kiosks sprinkled around the airport or the Friday edition of the Maui News for fairly complete listings and discount coupons.
Five words, "fresh-picked ground-ripened pineapple!" (Maui Gold in # 18 above)
Beware the poi! It tastes worse than it looks (if that is at all possible). Actually poi is kind of of tasteless like most staple starches. A little salt, sugar, or other spice does improve the flavor. Try taro chips (near potato chips on the grocery) to see what I mean.
If you like unusual T-shirts then visit one of the Crazy Shirts located in shopping centers around the island.
Some of the best golf courses in the world are on Maui. If you can get a reservation and pay the fees it should be a highly humbling experience. The Course at Kapalua is one of the toughest and most beautiful in the world.
You will encounter lots of advertising for Tropical Gardens of Maui. Do not get sucked in! While the gardens do contain nicely arranged samples of most of the island's flora, the same flora can be found all over the island for free. The Gardens cater to the cruise ship trade who don't spend much time on the islands. Don't waste your time or money.
Pack a picnic lunch and visit the Iao Valley's parks, temples and natural beauty. The valley is a lush rain forest park located on the north side of Maui's west mountains. The Iao Needle is not a "peak" to be climbed but it is a spire to admire.
There are lots of tourism and guide books on the market and we have browsed through most of them. Some are written for the true tourist and feature "commercial" places and activities. Some are written with the eco-tourist in mind. All have some bias. Few contain negative reviews. Of the more widely available books we can recommend the "Maui Revealed - The Ultimate Guidebook" We find the reviews to be accurate and largely without bias. If something is bad the review is bad. A great review should be added to your list of activities.
OK, this is an addendum. Over the years I've become a fan of craft beer. As of the spring 2022 edit there are three on island breweries, several off island brewery tasting rooms and a few beer-centric tap-rooms on Maui. If you are so inclined then please patronize the following buisnisses to sample the the best beer that Maui / Hawaii and the U.S. west coast have to offer:
Maui Brewing Company (Kehei brewery and Lahaina tasting room)
Kohola Brewing (Lahaina brewery)
Mahalo Ale Works (Kula brewery)
Pint and Cork (Wailea taproom)
What Ales You (Kihei taproom)
Kahului Ale House (Kahului Ale House)
Finally Hawaii is exotic but it is America. Soak-up the local culture. Talk with the friendly natives and kamaaina when possible for suggestions and directions (above all - be respectful!). Pack light because it's a casual place with moderate temperatures at sea level. There are lots of ATMs (on Maui), so you may wish to use them instead of traveler's checks.
We have always had pleasant experiences on Maui and hope that this is a great journey for you! "Hang loose!" Maui No Ka Oi (Maui is the best).
Enjoy and Aloha,
Brian and Stephany