Top Maui Beaches, Restaurants and Things To Do | Step 5: What

STEP 5: WHAT

Top Maui Beaches, Restaurants and Things To Do

Your Maui dream vacation is booked. Now what? Start building your Maui itinerary using these recommendations for top Maui beaches, restaurants and things to do. Be sure to check back regularly for new content and updates. Coming soon…top 10 lists!

FAVORITE BEACHES

Hurry to My Favorite West Maui Beach…Early!

Kapalua Beach might just be my favorite beach in all of Maui. White, perfect sand. Calm, clear water. Bathrooms. Kayak rentals. And some trees on the north end for natural shade. A turtle often comes in pretty shallow at Kapalua, so that’s fun for kids (and adults) to check out. Unfortunately, parking is limited, rain…

My Perfect Maui Sunset

I’ve already mentioned that Ulua Beach in Wailea is one of my favorite all-around beaches in South Maui. While I love it during the day, Ulua Beach at sunset is my absolute favorite. The grassy lava point with palm trees and the large lava rocks scattered in the sand make for gorgeous and interesting sunset…

And The Best All Around Beach in South Maui Goes to…

Ulua Beach is my favorite all-around beach in South Maui. Located on the north end of Wailea, it’s easy to get to from Kihei. Just take South Kihei Road into Wailea. Once you are on Wailea Alanui Drive (the main road that the hotels are off of), look for a small sign pointing to Ulua…

Lunch (& Happy Hour) with a Beach View

I know I’m on vacation when I am enjoying a cold adult beverage at lunch with a beautiful view on the beach. In Maui, it is illegal to drink alcohol on the beach, so if you aren’t staying at a hotel and want to feel a cold bottle in your hand or drink a fruity…

FAVORITE RESTAURANTS AND FOOD TIPS

Whaler’s Village — A Family Tradition

Even though we stay in South Kihei, we try to get to West Maui for at least one night a trip. One of our favorite West Maui traditions is an evening at Whaler’s Village, an outdoor mall in Ka’anapali.

Arriving in Kahului and Stocking Up Your Maui Condo

Flights from my hometown arrive at lunch time, which is a few hours before most condos allow you to check in. By the time we get our luggage and car, we usually still have about two hours to kill. I know you are anxious to see the beach, but while in Kahului, it’s a good…

Lunch (& Happy Hour) with a Beach View

I know I’m on vacation when I am enjoying a cold adult beverage at lunch with a beautiful view on the beach. In Maui, it is illegal to drink alcohol on the beach, so if you aren’t staying at a hotel and want to feel a cold bottle in your hand or drink a fruity…

Got Pie?

For the best sweet (banana cream) and savory (pot) pies on the island, stop at Leoda’s on the way to West Maui.

FAVORITE TOURS AND LUAUS

Best Luau on Maui? Depends on Who You Ask

  I’m on several Maui Facebook groups and at least once a week someone asks what is the best luau on Maui. The comments that follow usually go back and forth between two options and looks something like this: Old Lahaina Luau Feast at Lele Old Lahaina Luau is the best luau on Maui! Feast…

Ever Been Mugged By A Whale? Want To Be?

If you find yourself in Maui during whale season (December through May), I highly recommend that you take a whale watching tour. Watching whales breach and slap their fins just hundreds of yards from you is a once in a lifetime opportunity. It could easily be your favorite memory of Maui.

Haleakala Sunrise…or Romantic Sunset?

If you plan to watch the sunrise at Haleakala, be sure to plan ahead! About a year ago, Haleakala National Park implemented a reservation program in response to steadily increasing traffic and overcrowding at the summit. The 150 parking spots available during the sunrise reservation period (from 3 to 7 a.m.) generally sell out in…

Maui to Lana’i in a Day

SECRET: Did you know that a day trip from Maui to Lana’i is possible? A ferry makes the approximately hour long trip several times a day from Lahaina Harbor. (If you are prone to motion sickness, prepare yourself appropriately.) Expeditions will help you plan your day or overnight stay on Lana’i. Visit www.go-lanai.com for more…

FAVORITE FREE AND BUDGET FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES

Maui Sacred Garden — My Perfect Paradise

Maui Sacred Garden, the perfect place to slow down during your Maui vacation.

Whaler’s Village — A Family Tradition

Even though we stay in South Kihei, we try to get to West Maui for at least one night a trip. One of our favorite West Maui traditions is an evening at Whaler’s Village, an outdoor mall in Ka’anapali.

Hurry to My Favorite West Maui Beach…Early!

Kapalua Beach might just be my favorite beach in all of Maui. White, perfect sand. Calm, clear water. Bathrooms. Kayak rentals. And some trees on the north end for natural shade. A turtle often comes in pretty shallow at Kapalua, so that’s fun for kids (and adults) to check out. Unfortunately, parking is limited, rain…

Turtles and Surfers and Cows … Oh My!

Ho’okipa Beach on the north shore of Maui alongside the Hana Highway (a few miles past Paia) is perhaps the most renowned windsurfing site in the world, but it has more! It also provides a great vantage point to watch local surfers and kite surfers enjoying the big waves and the beach is usually covered…

FAVORITE PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

Take a Mental Spa Day in Maui (or anywhere)

My summer Maui vacation couldn’t have come at a worst time. It was supposed to be a work trip with just my husband at Anthurium House. Our California house had just gone on the market (totally unplanned), and we had 30 days to sell it. Have you ever had to keep your house perfectly clean…

Is Your Sunscreen Killing Maui’s Reef?

This is a long overdue post, but our crazy summer is finally over — and I’m trying to write again! Reef Safe Sunscreen Today I want to talk to you about the importance of reef safe sunscreen in Maui. Did you know that Hawaii is the first US state to pass a law banning the…