Living the island life.


When we aren’t taking pictures or working on the computer we love making the most of living the Maui life. Here’s some tips, tricks and a huge list of our favorites things to do, see, eat and more around Maui!

Quick Tips

Maui Daily

Maui winds are a daily thing and usually it comes and goes with the sun. Please be sure to pin down lids, napkins and those chip bags because our wind will easily blow those away. Plastics in the ocean looks like sea jellies making it extremely harmful for our fragile wildlife.

Our endangered species do have protection under the state and by law there are minimum distances for turtles (10 feet) and monk seals(50 feet).

Please be sure to pick up after yourselves and respecting kapu- sacred, areas around the island(s). Make sure to malama kekahi i ke kahi- take care of one another and never forget to have the most amazing time on this beautiful island I call home.

Reservations

In recent years, these locations now require reservations to visit.

Haleakala for Sunrise:

The reservation is per vehicle and only needed for sunrise. Park Rangers only allow vehicles with passes into the park until after the sun has risen. Go to website.

Wai’anapanapa State Park:

Most know this place as “Black Sand Beach” which now requires a reservation for a 3-hour window at the State Park in Hana, Maui. Go to website.

‘Iao Valley Monument

Starting May 2023 reservations are required for visitors to see Kuka’emoku (a.k.a. “Iao Needle”) Go to website.

Ocean Safety

A simple way to check conditions is by signing up for The Snorkel Store- Maui Snorkel Report. This is a daily report showing the conditions and visibility of the beaches around Maui.

Shore breaks are dangerous and have caused many spinal/neck injuries. Check out the ocean as you arrive to see if conditions are comfortable enough for you or your family. Talk to the lifeguard and don’t hesitate to ask questions, they are literally paid to give you the best ocean safety advice. Please stay out if there’s any question or doubt about the conditions.

Beaches.

It doesn’t take much to have a great day at the beach! Pack a cooler with some refreshments, grab a towel and have fun! Here’s a list o some of our favorites around Maui with little keys

*- known for surfing

**- safer for young keiki

South Maui

‘Ulua Beach- Absolutely love spending a day on this beach. Great for beginner scuba divers too! Google Maps

Kama’ole III** - The reef surrounding this area usually protects the shoreline from big breaks making it easier to swim. There are lifeguards here always keeping an eye out. Google Maps

Kalepolepo**- There’s a loko i’a- fish pond, here created a protected area for even for babies to get a quick dip. Turtles are known to frequent the area. Google Maps

West Maui

Ka’anapali Beach- Spending time at Ka'anapali Beach is an absolute delight, with its stunning scenery and tranquil ambiance making it the perfect spot for relaxation and enjoyment.

Launiupoko* **- There’s a loko i’a here creating a protected area for kids to swim. Outside of the pond is usually the perfect surf on a daily basis. Google Maps

Kapalua Bay- Kapalua Bay is a beloved destination, cherished for its pristine waters, golden sands, and captivating beauty, making it an idyllic setting for unforgettable moments.. Google Maps

Rest of Maui

Ho’okipa Beach*- This is the beach to see turtles! Easily 50-75+ turtle use this beach as their sleeping grounds. So if you want to see turtles, go here. Ho’okipa during the winter is known as Jaws which refers to the swells that can get up to 80 ft. tall! Google Maps

Hamoa*- Voted as one of the most beautiful beaches on the island, stopping by Hamoa is a must. Surfing here are for the more experienced surfers. Google Maps

Kanaha Beach- Located right behind the airport with a beautiful view of the West Maui mountains. The beach here is known for wind surfing but there are areas where it is designated for swimming. Google Maps

Special Treats.

Adult Beverages

Monkeypod

Pint & Cork

The Birdcage Bar

Esther’s Fair Prospect

Maui Wine- Maui made Wine

Waikulu- Maui made Tequila read more

Ocean Vodka- Maui made Vodka

Maui Pineapple Tour- Maui made Rum

Treats & Sweets

Aunty Sandy’s Banana Bread

Ululani’s- Add a snow cap!!

Komoda Bakery Google Maps

Hula Grill/Leilani’s- Hula Pie

Leoda’s Pies

Sugar Beach Bake Shop

Health Choice- Juices & Smoothies

Tasaka Guri Guri Google Maps

Activities.

Maui Events

All-year:

Maui Swap Meet every Saturday Google Maps

Maui Sunday Market every Sunday Google Maps

Napili Farmer’s Market every Wednesday & Saturday Google Maps

Maui Arts & Cultural Center

Da Playground Maui

Free weekly shows:

Shops at Wailea

Ka’ahumanu Shopping Center

Lahaina Cannery Mall

Whaler’s Village

Annually on Maui:

~December- May: Whale Season Book a Tour

January: Sentry Tournament of Champions

April: Maui Marathon

April: Maui Whale Festival in Kihei

April: Taro Festival in Hana

June-August: Obon Festivals (Japanese)

June: Kapalua Food & Wine Festival

4th of July: Makawao Rodeo Google Maps

July: Maui Film Festival

October: Maui County Fair

October: Pumpkin Patch at Kula Country Farms

November: Maui Jim’s Invitational

Cheaper

Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm

Beach Day!

Hikes

Spa

Ho’omana Spa

Mohalu Spa at the Grand Wailea

Resort Day Pass

If you’d like to hangout poolside somewhere in Maui…

Go to website.

Unique Experience

Beach Buddies- Take a pal to the beach!

Haku Maui- Learn to make lei!

Hikes.

Casual

Iao Velly- Kapaniwai Park Map

Kapalua Coastal Trail Map

Olinda Nature Preserve Map

Active

Waihe’e Ridge Map

Pipiwai Trail Map

King’s Trail- La Perouse Map

Numb Legs Tomorrow

Mahana Ridge Trail Map

Haleakala- Sliding Sands Maps

Polipoli State Park Map

Na Puke- Books.

Books

Ruling Chiefs by David Kalakaua Amazon

Legends and Myths of Hawai’i by David Kalakaua Amazon

Pauahi by George H. Kanahele Amazon

‘Ohu’ohu na Mauna o ‘E’eka: Place Names by Cody Pueo Pata Amazon

‘Olelo No’eau by Mary Kawena Pukui Amazon

Always Support Small.

Native Hawaiian Businesses (Retail/ CLothing)

Na Koa Brand

Native Intelligence

Kealopiko

Manuheali’i

LexBreezy Hawaii

Volunteering

Maui Humane Society’s - Beach Buddies

Departure.

Early-Checkout, Late Flight.

Super late Checkout: Some resorts have an evening checkout option for an additional fee.

Things To Do:

Maui Ocean Center

Check out ‘Iao Valley

Watch a movie:
Ka’ahumanu Shopping Center
Maui Mall Megaplex

Gas

Costco (w/membership)

Safeway

Aloha Island Mart

Restaurants

Amigo’s

Marco’s Grill & Deli

Ale House

Koho’s Grill & Bar

Fernando’s

Fast Food

Taco Bell
Chick-fil-A
Wendy’s
Subway
Fork & Salad
Sonic
Raising Cane’s

Last-Minute Gifts & Souvenirs

Costco

Walmart

Ka’ahumanu Shopping Center