Your Hosts' Guide to Visiting Maui
Sightseeing
A visit to Haleakala Crater is like being on another planet. It's stark beauty and the gorgeous colors of the crater are a site to behold. It's quite cool due to the elevation of over 10,000 feet so plan to dress in layers and take a jacket. Due to the popularity of sunrise viewing at the summit and limited parking, Haleakala National Park now requires reservations for each vehicle entering the park before sunrise (3:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m.).
130 Einheimische empfehlen
Haleakala Crater
A visit to Haleakala Crater is like being on another planet. It's stark beauty and the gorgeous colors of the crater are a site to behold. It's quite cool due to the elevation of over 10,000 feet so plan to dress in layers and take a jacket. Due to the popularity of sunrise viewing at the summit and limited parking, Haleakala National Park now requires reservations for each vehicle entering the park before sunrise (3:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m.).
A trip to Maui would not be complete without a drive to Hana Town on the Hana Highway to experience the many waterfalls or simply to take in the amazing views. Take a picnic basket and plan to be gone for the day. There is lots to see. Update: Due to the post-pandemic increase in tourism on Maui and the impact traffic is having on the two-lane Hana Highway, the Hawaii Tourism Authority encourages visitors to experience the road to Hana through a permitted tour led by professional guides. A list of tour operators include:
Akina Tours & Transportation
Ali'i Nui Sailing Charters
Experiencing the Road to Hana and Beyond!
Haleakala Eco Tours
Hike Maui
Jungle Tours Maui
Local Maui Tours
Maui Dive Shop
Polynesian Adventure Tours
Rappel Maui
Stardust Hawaii
Temptation Tours, Inc.
Unique Maui Tours
Valley Isle Excursions
42 Einheimische empfehlen
Hana Highway
Hana HighwayA trip to Maui would not be complete without a drive to Hana Town on the Hana Highway to experience the many waterfalls or simply to take in the amazing views. Take a picnic basket and plan to be gone for the day. There is lots to see. Update: Due to the post-pandemic increase in tourism on Maui and the impact traffic is having on the two-lane Hana Highway, the Hawaii Tourism Authority encourages visitors to experience the road to Hana through a permitted tour led by professional guides. A list of tour operators include:
Akina Tours & Transportation
Ali'i Nui Sailing Charters
Experiencing the Road to Hana and Beyond!
Haleakala Eco Tours
Hike Maui
Jungle Tours Maui
Local Maui Tours
Maui Dive Shop
Polynesian Adventure Tours
Rappel Maui
Stardust Hawaii
Temptation Tours, Inc.
Unique Maui Tours
Valley Isle Excursions
Nakalele Blowhole is a fascinating natural geyser where seawater trapped in an underwater lava tube seeks a way to escape. It is said that these explosions of water look a bit like a whale spouting. Visitors are advised to take extreme caution when visiting due to its dangerous conditions when the waves crash in. Never stand between the ocean and blowhole and never stand with your back to the ocean.
71 Einheimische empfehlen
Nakalele Blowhole
Nakalele Blowhole is a fascinating natural geyser where seawater trapped in an underwater lava tube seeks a way to escape. It is said that these explosions of water look a bit like a whale spouting. Visitors are advised to take extreme caution when visiting due to its dangerous conditions when the waves crash in. Never stand between the ocean and blowhole and never stand with your back to the ocean.
Surfing Goat Dairy is a dairy farm in Kula producing more than two dozen goat cheeses. Visitors are invited to take a tour of one of the island's top ag-tourism venues and learn about how they care for their goats and cheese making process.
57 Einheimische empfehlen
Surfing Goat Dairy
3651 Omaopio RdSurfing Goat Dairy is a dairy farm in Kula producing more than two dozen goat cheeses. Visitors are invited to take a tour of one of the island's top ag-tourism venues and learn about how they care for their goats and cheese making process.
Located in Kula, Maui Wine has been producing wines made from estate grown grapes, pineapple and raspberries since 1974. Make a reservation for the King's Cottage and enjoy wine by the glass, wine flights, wine cocktails and pupus on their very beautiful grounds.
52 Einheimische empfehlen
MauiWine
14815 Piilani HwyLocated in Kula, Maui Wine has been producing wines made from estate grown grapes, pineapple and raspberries since 1974. Make a reservation for the King's Cottage and enjoy wine by the glass, wine flights, wine cocktails and pupus on their very beautiful grounds.
Makawao is an old upcountry Paniolo town. Paniolo is a Hawaiian Cowboy. Spend the afternoon strolling through the boutique shops and art galleries. Stop into T. Komoda Store for one of their famous creampuffs. The bakery is closed Wednesdays and Sundays.
117 Einheimische empfehlen
Makawao
Makawao is an old upcountry Paniolo town. Paniolo is a Hawaiian Cowboy. Spend the afternoon strolling through the boutique shops and art galleries. Stop into T. Komoda Store for one of their famous creampuffs. The bakery is closed Wednesdays and Sundays.
Experience traditional Hawaiian cuisine, music and cultural dances by taking in a luau. It’s an evening you are sure to enjoy especially if you are new to Hawaii.
149 Einheimische empfehlen
Old Lahaina Luau
1251 Front StExperience traditional Hawaiian cuisine, music and cultural dances by taking in a luau. It’s an evening you are sure to enjoy especially if you are new to Hawaii.
A visit to the Ali’i Lavender fields is an enjoyable way to take in the views from upcountry and pick up some lovely lavender gifts to take homefrom their gift shop.
100 Einheimische empfehlen
Ali'i Kula Lavender Farm
1100 Waipoli RdA visit to the Ali’i Lavender fields is an enjoyable way to take in the views from upcountry and pick up some lovely lavender gifts to take homefrom their gift shop.
A short drive to the Iao Valley you can hike to the “needle” and see a beautiful lush rainforest. The summit area reaches an average of 386” of rainfall per year.
30 Einheimische empfehlen
Iao Valley
A short drive to the Iao Valley you can hike to the “needle” and see a beautiful lush rainforest. The summit area reaches an average of 386” of rainfall per year.
Visitors to the Maui Tropical Plantation learn how sugarcane and pineapples grow on a tram ride tour at this tropical working farm. Visit The Country Market, newly renovated and featuring the new Kumu Cafe and Farm Bar. Explore a wide variety of freshly grown produce, farm products, coffee and tea.
81 Einheimische empfehlen
Tropische Plantage in Maui
1670 Honoapiilani HwyVisitors to the Maui Tropical Plantation learn how sugarcane and pineapples grow on a tram ride tour at this tropical working farm. Visit The Country Market, newly renovated and featuring the new Kumu Cafe and Farm Bar. Explore a wide variety of freshly grown produce, farm products, coffee and tea.
Excursions
Molokini is a crescent-shaped, volcanic crater which forms a small uninhabited islet in the channel between Maui and Kaho'olawe. There are many options for snorkel excursions by boat to Molokini Crater. If you've never been before we highly recommend it for a fun underwater adventure where you will have an opportunity to see many species of marine life.
73 Einheimische empfehlen
Molokini Crater
Molokini is a crescent-shaped, volcanic crater which forms a small uninhabited islet in the channel between Maui and Kaho'olawe. There are many options for snorkel excursions by boat to Molokini Crater. If you've never been before we highly recommend it for a fun underwater adventure where you will have an opportunity to see many species of marine life.
Yes, Maui has it's very own Vodka distillery and if you enjoy vodka you will be hard-pressed to find a better and cleaner tasting vodka. Ocean Vodka is made using desalinated deep ocean mineral water and organic sugar cane. Schedule one of their tours and have a taste to see why we love it! Or,
enjoy spectacular views from their beautiful outdoor dining environment along with menu offerings inspired by local fare. They have several signature cocktails available made with their own Ocean Vodka, Kula Rum, Fy Gin, and Brum spirits.
42 Einheimische empfehlen
Ocean Vodka Organic Farm and Distillery
4051 Omaopio RdYes, Maui has it's very own Vodka distillery and if you enjoy vodka you will be hard-pressed to find a better and cleaner tasting vodka. Ocean Vodka is made using desalinated deep ocean mineral water and organic sugar cane. Schedule one of their tours and have a taste to see why we love it! Or,
enjoy spectacular views from their beautiful outdoor dining environment along with menu offerings inspired by local fare. They have several signature cocktails available made with their own Ocean Vodka, Kula Rum, Fy Gin, and Brum spirits.
If you enjoy beer, plan a tour of Maui Brewing Company followed by tasting then stay and enjoy lunch or dinner in the restaurant on premises.
146 Einheimische empfehlen
Maui Brewing Company
605 Lipoa PkwyIf you enjoy beer, plan a tour of Maui Brewing Company followed by tasting then stay and enjoy lunch or dinner in the restaurant on premises.
Whale watching season in Maui is November-May with peak season typically running between mid-January and March. If you are on-island during this time, consider a whale watching excursion with the Pacific Whale Foundation to see these magnificent creatures. Certified Marine Naturalists provide innovative and educational whale watch ecotours drawing from nearly four decades of whale research and ocean conservation. It’s an exciting adventure you’ll be talking about long after you get home.
Tours depart from either Maalaea or Lahaina Harbors. Each whale watching tour in Maui has a marine biologist on board that will share every aspect of the Humpback Whales.
77 Einheimische empfehlen
Stiftung Pazifischer Wal
300 Maalaea RdWhale watching season in Maui is November-May with peak season typically running between mid-January and March. If you are on-island during this time, consider a whale watching excursion with the Pacific Whale Foundation to see these magnificent creatures. Certified Marine Naturalists provide innovative and educational whale watch ecotours drawing from nearly four decades of whale research and ocean conservation. It’s an exciting adventure you’ll be talking about long after you get home.
Tours depart from either Maalaea or Lahaina Harbors. Each whale watching tour in Maui has a marine biologist on board that will share every aspect of the Humpback Whales.
A prior guest of ours highly recommends Paraglide Maui for those who are adventurous. It was her first flight and she said it was amazing!
Proflyght Paragliding
1100 Waipoli RdA prior guest of ours highly recommends Paraglide Maui for those who are adventurous. It was her first flight and she said it was amazing!
Food scene
If you love Mexican food you won’t find a better place to enjoy it than in Kihei town on Maui. The owners are originally from Mexico City. Authentic food is made fresh daily. Margaritas are made from scratch. Delicious!
17 Einheimische empfehlen
Roasted Chiles
1279 S Kihei RdIf you love Mexican food you won’t find a better place to enjoy it than in Kihei town on Maui. The owners are originally from Mexico City. Authentic food is made fresh daily. Margaritas are made from scratch. Delicious!
For the best mai tai head to Monkeypod Kitchen in Wailea just south of our condo. They are also located in Kaanapali in the Whalers Village.
241 Einheimische empfehlen
Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman
10 Wailea Gateway PlFor the best mai tai head to Monkeypod Kitchen in Wailea just south of our condo. They are also located in Kaanapali in the Whalers Village.
We love the Sea House Restaurant. Go for happy hour and sit at the bar overlooking Napili Bay. The view is fabulous and so are the drinks and food.
107 Einheimische empfehlen
Sea House Restaurant
5900 Lower Honoapiilani RdWe love the Sea House Restaurant. Go for happy hour and sit at the bar overlooking Napili Bay. The view is fabulous and so are the drinks and food.
We have never been disappointed with food or service at Cafe O’Lei Kihei. Walking distance from our condo, it’s a great spot to have lunch or dinner in a nice atmosphere without the high prices associated with many hotel restaurants. You may also choose to visit one of their other locations, Cafe O'Lei at the Mill House in Waikapu or Cafe O'Lei Dunes in Kahului.
241 Einheimische empfehlen
Cafe O'Lei Kihei
2439 S Kihei RdWe have never been disappointed with food or service at Cafe O’Lei Kihei. Walking distance from our condo, it’s a great spot to have lunch or dinner in a nice atmosphere without the high prices associated with many hotel restaurants. You may also choose to visit one of their other locations, Cafe O'Lei at the Mill House in Waikapu or Cafe O'Lei Dunes in Kahului.
Well known for their fabulous breakfasts, especially the macadamia nut pancakes and open 7:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Located on the Napili Shores property the views of the ocean are stunning. Plan on waiting in line 20-30 minutes to be seated. During the winter months you can watch for breaching whales while you dine.
72 Einheimische empfehlen
The Gazebo
5315 Lower Honoapiilani RdWell known for their fabulous breakfasts, especially the macadamia nut pancakes and open 7:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Located on the Napili Shores property the views of the ocean are stunning. Plan on waiting in line 20-30 minutes to be seated. During the winter months you can watch for breaching whales while you dine.
Nice place to stop for breakfast or lunch enroute to or from Haleakala Crater or MauiWine. Lovely views of the valley and west Maui mountains.
39 Einheimische empfehlen
Kula Lodge
15200 Haleakala HwyNice place to stop for breakfast or lunch enroute to or from Haleakala Crater or MauiWine. Lovely views of the valley and west Maui mountains.
Walking distance from our condo, we like Moose McGillicuddy’s on Wednesday nights for $15 burgers including fries. The best burgers around in our opinion and a lively, casual environment.
101 Einheimische empfehlen
Moose McGillycuddy's - Kihei
2511 S Kihei RdWalking distance from our condo, we like Moose McGillicuddy’s on Wednesday nights for $15 burgers including fries. The best burgers around in our opinion and a lively, casual environment.
Coconut's Fish Cafe
1279 S Kihei RdWell known for their yummy fish tacos.
Locals and tourists alike enjoy Paia Fish Market for their daily fresh catch fish choices.
118 Einheimische empfehlen
Paia Fish Market South Side
1913 S Kihei RdLocals and tourists alike enjoy Paia Fish Market for their daily fresh catch fish choices.
Tommy Bahama is one of our favorite places for happy hour or dinner. Located in the Shops of Wailea, it is a great spot for delicious food and drinks.
32 Einheimische empfehlen
Tommy Bahama Restaurant, Bar & Store
3750 Wailea Alanui DrTommy Bahama is one of our favorite places for happy hour or dinner. Located in the Shops of Wailea, it is a great spot for delicious food and drinks.
Tipps für Reisende
Bräuche und Kultur
Do not disturb Hawaiian green sea turtles
The Hawaiian green sea turtle is federally protected and it's illegal and harmful to touch or harass them.
Bräuche und Kultur
Sunscreen May Be Killing Hawaii's Ecosystems
Chemicals in sunscreen put the Aloha State's popular yet fragile coral reefs at risk, so the state passed a ban on the toxins, sunscreens containing two common ingredients, oxybenzone and octinoxate, effective in 2021. Be sure to pack a sunscreen that meets the new requirements to help protect coral reefs.
Nicht verpassen
Wailea Farmer’s Market
If you plan to cook-in a lot check out the new farmer's market being held weekly in the Wailea Village courtyard, approximately a 7-8 minute drive south of our unit. The Wailea Village Farmers Market, 100 Wailea Ike Drive, is held every Tuesday from 8 a.m. - 12 noon. There is a full selection of over 80 organically grown vegetables, herbs, greens and local fruits from participating farmers and purveyors. Cash, credit cards and EBT are acceptable forms of payment.