Aloha!
The Hawaiian islands are on the top of my list of favorite places to vacation. Although I have not been to O’ahu (The Gathering Place) or Hawai’i (Big Island), I find there is plenty to do and see on Maui (The Valley Isle) and Kaua’i (The Garden Isle). The two islands are different with Maui catering to those who are more active throughout the day while Kaua’i is more rural and less touristy with an exceptionally laid-back vibe. That’s not to say you can’t chill out on Maui or be active on Kaua’i. The two islands simply offer different experiences.
Below is a list of some of my favorite restaurants and things to do while visiting Maui. As you might guess, food is a big part of my vacations.
Restaurants
Paia Fish Market (multiple locations). Popular restaurant for fresh fish.
Maui Brewing Company (Kihei and Lahaina). Beer!
Mahalo Aleworks (Makawao). This brewery is a nice stop if you plan to visit the upcountry. Craft beer with a nice view of the Northern side of the island from the balconies.
Gazebo. (Napili). Start the day off right with a big Breakfast. Long line; typically over an hour wait. Get there early or order take-out at the side of the hut and eat at the tables around the swimming pool or on the adjacent beach. My favorite dish is the White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Pancakes. Tip: Get your coffee elsewhere.
MonkeyPod (Wailea and Ka'anapali). Great food. They make one of the best Mai Tai’s on the island, IMO.
Miso Phat Sushi (Kihei). One of the best sushi restaurants on the island.
Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop (Lahaina). Go for the pie. Sooo good!
Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice (multiple locations). Love the shaved ice with ice cream combo. Pick your favorite flavors.
Mama’s Fish House (Paia). It’s an experience. Need to make reservations well in advance (4-5 months).
Merriman’s (Kapalua). Another great dining experience. Suggest making reservations well in advance.
Spago’s (Wailea). Yet another exceptional dining experience. Suggest making reservations in advance.
Honorable mentions (Lahaina): Māla, Honu, and Star Noodle.
Lūʻau (multiple locations). This is an event I suggest trying at least once, especially for families. Two popular Lūʻau’s on Maui are Maui Luau (if you’re looking for Somoan Fire Knife Dancers) and Old Lāhainā Lūʻau (traditional Luau).
Haleakalā National Park - Sunrise or sunset and stargazing. Sunrise viewing requires a reservation and getting up at the crack of dawn to be on location in time. Bring some warm clothes. It gets cold at the top. Tip: If you have a National Parks Annual Pass, bring it along to avoid the park entrance fee.
Īao Valley State Monument. Easy hike, scenic views.
Honokeana Bay (Napili), near Gazebo. One of the best snorkeling locations to swim with turtles.
Hikes: Nakalele Blowhole Trail, Waihe’e Ridge Trail, and Kapalua Coastal Trail
Waterfalls: Twin Falls and Waikani Falls.
Beaches: Big Beach, Palauea Beach, Napili Bay Beach, and Ho’okipa Beach
Whale watching tour. Best months are January through March.
