Kāʻanapali Beach is very close to our wedding venue located in West Maui. The beach is lined by a ton of resorts and the water is beautiful. On the far end near the Sheraton Hotel is Black Rock, a popular spot for people to jump off rocks into the water (if thats your thing). Otherwise the beach is a great place to hang out. In the middle is Whalers Village, a shopping center with tons of shops, quick eats and restaurants as well.
If you have an entire day, we suggest making this trip! It is gorgeous! Drive time is about 5 hours in total (there and back) but there are many beautiful waterfalls to enjoy along the way and something pretty around every corner. Our favorite beaches to visit in Hana are Hamoa and the Red Sand Beach. If you decide to make this trip, drive safe and pull over for the locals:)
Great beach walk located near Paia Town. One side of the beach is Baby Beach and is also a nice spot to hang out. The other side is Baldwin, which has a lot more parking available. If you decide to walk this beach, down the road is Paia town with cute shops and places to eat. (Find our favorites below)
Keawakapu is probably one of our most visited spots when we come to Maui. Located on Maui's South shore, it is such a beautiful beach to hang out at. You can also walk down the beach in both directions, so it is great to get some exercise as well! Try to come earlier in the day before the wind picks up to experience all the beauty.
Iao, located in the West Maui Mountains is a beautiful river thats great for a picnic, hike and a chilly swim. Sometimes it can get rainy up here, but is a must see! (There is a fee to park)
In Upcountry Maui (near kiki's house), Poli Poli is a beautiful spot for a picnic, walk and/or to watch the sunset with views of the whole island. Bring food, drinks, blankets, chairs, maybe a jacket (it can get cold up here) and enjoy:)
If you are planning on getting Shave Ice while in Maui, please please go to Ululani's. They have stores located in Central Maui, South Maui and West Maui. The line will be long...but I promise it will be worth it! All the other shave ice places saying "best on maui" are lying. LOL Oh...and ask for fresh mochi on top, yum!
Poke is a popular must have while in Hawaii. Lots of places are going to have it on their menus...but...we'd suggest going to Foodland (one of the grocery stores). Foodland is located in Lahaina, Kihei and Pukalani. The Pukalani Foodland in upcountry maui has the best selection of flavors! Great prices and the freshest of fish. Kiki's order: 1/2 pound mix of shoyu & california. Carters order: 1/2 pound onion crisp.
If you end up planning a day in Upcountry Maui, I would strongly suggest starting at this bakery. Located 2 minutes from Kiki's house, there pastries are the best! Make sure you go early-before they sell out! Some of our favorites are the sticky buns, mango scones and chocolate croissants. My mouth is already watering! Ps-They usually have weird opening hours so double check before going!