Things To Do
Haleakalā National Park
Going for sunrise is unbelievable! Visiting during the day is also amazing. This will most likely be a 1/2 day excursion.
Road to Hana
About a 3+ hour drive to the eastside of Maui. Lots of waterfalls on the side of the road and viewpoints along the way. Road is a windy so bring Dramamine for car sickness. Tip, if you see a local vehicle behind you, it’s best to pull over and let them past so you can continue to enjoy the scenic drive without them tailing you. Visit Wainapanapa State Park. There is a black sand beach and fresh water cave which is amazing (and very cold). Hamoa Bay as well. Great place to relax and sit on the beach. Seven Sacred Pools. Tip, be very careful if you decide to swim if it’s overcast/rainy due to flash flooding. You can stop by at one of the many random food stands on the side of the road to Hana. There are a couple of free fruit stands along the way. We recommend bringing food and drinks. If you do not want to drive, there are companies that will take you. This is almost a full day excursion.
Kaanapali Beach
Kaanapali Beach (aka Black Rock) is such a great spot! It’s popular, and Whaler’s Village is right nearby for some shopping. You can swim out to Black Rock to jump off, snorkel and swim with turtles! The beach is big, so it’s usually easy to find a spot. I also love strolling to the nearby hotels and sipping tropical drinks at the poolside bars. Don’t miss Choice Health Food Bar for their acai bowls, honestly the best I’ve had!
Napili Bay
A great beach for snorkeling or just relaxing! Parking can be a bit tricky since there’s no official lot, so you’ll need to park along the side of Lower Honoapi‘ilani Highway. There’s also a restaurant next door if you want to grab a bite or a drink.
Kihei/Wailea/Makena Beaches
There are too many great beaches here to name! Brett recommends Kamaole I, II, or II, whichever one has parking available. Big Beach (Makena Beach) is another popular spot, and Keawakapu Beach and The Cove are also great options. There are plenty of beach access points in the area, so you’ll have no trouble finding a spot, possibly even within walking distance of where you’re staying. Snorkel Spot: Ahihi-Kinau Marine Preserve is one of our favorite places to snorkel! Because it’s a protected marine area, the water is clear and full of vibrant sea life. Parking is available further south.
ʻĪao Valley State Monument
This park is right where Brett grew up! The is a state park that has swimming holes along the drive up. You can find local flowers and fruit for sale on along the road up to the park. The water is very cold (colder than Barton Springs!) because it comes from the mountains, but it is very refreshing. Tip, be careful if it’s rainy because flash flooding is a risk.
Waihee Ridge Trail
This is a nice hike in the Wailuku/Kahului area, and we recommend going early.
Paia
We recommend making a stop in Pāʻia, which is on the way to Haiku. It’s a charming town filled with small shops and great restaurants. I think Willie Nelson hangs out here often ;) One of our favorites is Pāʻia Fish Market, highly recommended! Also nearby is one of Maui’s most famous spots, Mama’s Fish House. It’s definitely worth the splurge, but be sure to make a reservation as early as possible!
Whalers Village
Fun shopping, food, and beach access. Most stores validate a few hours of parking.
Ali'i Kula Lavender
If you’d like to explore a different side of Maui, the Ali‘i Kula Lavender Farm is a wonderful place to visit. From Kula, you can also enjoy stunning panoramic views of the island.
Island Vintage Coffee Whalers Village
Our favorite coffee treat, the Island Latte! We also bring back Kona coffee beans.
Maui Kombucha
One of our favorite spots on Maui is a small kombucha bar in Haiku called Maui Kombucha. They serve incredible vegan food and the best kombucha. We usually stop there for a jug before heading to Ho‘okipa Beach to watch the surfers. It’s an extra special place for us, Brett proposed there, kombucha in tow!
Wailuku/Kahului Food Recommendations
Café O’Lei – Maui Tropical Plantation: Highly recommend stopping here for lunch or dinner! The Sautéed Mahi Mahi with Caesar Salad is amazing, or try their rotating fish special. Honestly, one of my favorite meals on Maui. The venue is beautiful, bring your cameras! Bamboo Grill: Get the fried rice! Kalei Lunch Box: Local food; the Mochiko chicken is their most popular and it is very good. Tin Roof & Ichiban Okazuya (Kaohu St.): Best chicken katsu. Tamura’s: This liquor store chain also serves some of the best poke (in my opinion) and pupus (little finger-food appetizers). Perfect to grab and take to the beach with some drinks. Foodland: A grocery store chain that surprisingly has good poke! The Foodland Farms in Lahaina is the best pick, freshest poke by far. Waikapu on 30: A small mom-and-pop spot with amazing plate lunches. I highly recommend stopping here on your way to Kihei or Lahaina.
Kihei Food Recommendations
We love Nick’s Fishmarket and Pāʻia Fish Market (South Maui location is a must try!). For something sweet, grab some shave ice from Local Boys Shave Ice or the little shop in Rainbow Mall. We also always stop by Lava Java for a frozen mocha and coffee to bring back for friends.