A Maui staple! This scenic drive winds through lush rainforest, past waterfalls, black-sand beaches, and incredible coastal views. There are plenty of stops along the way to explore - our favorite beach on that side is Hamoa Beach. If you plan to stop at Wai'anapanapa State Park (Black Sand Beach), you will need to make a reservation beforehand. Make sure to stop at Halfway to Hana for some banana bread and grab a coffee from The Kope Truck in Ke‘anae. This is an all-day adventure, so leave early and pack snacks. The roads are very windy - if you get carsick, take some Dramamine or ginger chews before you go!
Go for sunrise or sunset. You will need a reservation, so be sure to book that beforehand. It does get chilly up there - bring layers! If you are a hiker, there are a few hikes you can look into in the national park. If you go for sunrise, be sure to stop at Komoda Bakery in Makawao - our favorite for donuts and pastries!
A crater off the south side of Maui, known for its crystal-clear waters and beautiful reef. Many charters offer snorkeling trips to explore this unique spot. It will also be whale season so you may be able to double a whale watch with your snorkel tour!
West Side (Lahaina, Ka'anapali, Napili, Kapalua): Napili Bay, Ka'anapali Beach, DT Flemming Beach South Side (Kihei, Wailea, Makena): Makena Beach State Park (Big Beach), Maluaka Beach, Ulua Beach, Polo Beach North Side (Pa'ia, Ha'iku): Ho'okipa Beach, Baldwin Beach State Park East Side (Hana): Hamoa Beach, Wa'ianapanapa State Park
A few we recommend are: Old Lahaina Lu'au Drums of the Pacific (Hyatt Regency Ka'anapali) Wailele Lu'au (Westin Ka'anapali) Maui Nui Lu'au (Sheraton Ka'anapali)
There are a number of things to do upcountry: Wine tasting at Maui Wine Ali'i Kula Lavendar Farm Maui Pineapple Farm Kula Country Farms - best strawberries! Surfing Goat Dairy Makawao Forest Reserve (Olinda) Ocean Vodka Distillery - favorite place for drinks, light bites, and hanging out. The view is incredible!
Foodland/Tamuras (Multiple locations): these are grocery stores where you can pick up food, drinks, and poke! Sweet Treats - Halfway to Hana (Road to Hana): banana bread Tasaka Guri Guri (Kahului): family owned & operated sherbert-like frozen treat; *cash only* Ululani's Hawaiian Shave Ice (Multiple locations): shave ice; get it with a sno cap & li hing mui powder Mo 'Ono (Kahului): best acai bowls; located near the airport with a number of other food trucks, great first stop right off the airplane! For quick lunches - Zippy's (Kahului): our favorite quick stop; we get the Korean chicken plate & malasadas for dessert Kalei's Lunch Box (Multiple locations): plate lunches & island food Leoda's Kitchen & Pie Shop (Olowalu): comfort food, sandwiches, & homemade pies On the go - Pukalani Superette (Pukalani): stop here if you do a trip upcountry; their chili chicken is bomb Island Gourmet (Wailea): stop here for beach snacks and lunch on the south side of the island
Upscale - Mama's Fish House (Pa'ia): be sure to book a reservation in advance Ko Restaurant (Wailea): Fine-dining Asian fusion; located in the Fairmont Kea Lani Resort Island Favorites - Monkeypod (Ka'anapali & Wailea): must get their Mai Tai's w/ Liliko'i Cold Foam Tin Roof (Kahului): comfort food - Hawaiian style Da Kitchen (Kihei): casual spot serving Hawaiian plate lunch classics; great for relaxed dinners Laid Back - Aloha Mixed Plate (Lahaina): mixed plate cuisine Star Noodle (Lahaina): Asian-inspired menu with fresh house-made noodles, share plates, and creative cocktails; reserve ahead if you can Maui Brewing Co. (Kihei, Ka'anapali): brewpub w/ craft beer and cocktails; great for groups and a chill time