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
Food.
Restaurants
Monkeypod- Fish sandwich & pie!
Merriman’s- Fine dining with a view!
Wailea Kitchen (V/GF)
Fat Daddy’s BBQ Google Maps
Tiki Tiki Thai Cuisine Google Maps
Zippy’s- Classic Local Favorites!
Mexican
Roasted Chiles- Try the GREEN sauce!
Tight Tacos
Fernandos’s Google Maps
Polli’s
Food Truck Spots
South Maui Gardens
Food Truck Park (Costco)
Maui Sunday Market (Sundays Only)
Honoapi’ilani Food Truck Park
Hana Food Trucks
Walk-Up Counter
Nalu’s
Tin Roof Maui
Braddah Hutt- Hana Google Maps
Special Treats.
Adult Beverages
Maui Wine- Maui made Wine
Waikulu- Maui made Tequila read more
Ocean Vodka- Maui made Vodka
Maui Pineapple Tour- Maui made Rum
Treats & Sweets
Ululani’s- Add a snow cap!!
Komoda Bakery Google Maps
Hula Grill/Leilani’s- Hula Pie
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
Free weekly shows:
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
Na Puke- Books.
Always Support Small.
Native Hawaiian Businesses (Retail/ CLothing)
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:
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