FIRST, THANK YOU FOR COMING!!! We on Maui are greatly appreciative of visiting guests!
There are so many beautiful places to see on Maui, but truly if you just stayed on the property that you are renting, you would still have a lovely time–whether upcountry at The Sacred Garden or on the south coast in Kihei or Ma’alaea!
The most popular things to do are Haleakala National Park, Molokini crater (snorkel trip from a boat), the road to Hana, Iao (pronounced E-Ow) Valley, the beautiful beaches and, a little biased, The Sacred Garden! We have a friend who has a website TuttiVacation.com designed to help vacationers by assisting with activities, chefs, masseuses, babysitters, shoppers, etc. You will get a 15% discount with the code ALOHA2T.
The destinations below are not in any particular order, nor are they divided by area. So I added note at the bottom of each section on what is good to combine with that activity.
I don’t want to cast a negative light on Hawaii…but it is UNWISE to leave your valuables in your car. The theives KNOW that you put them in the trunk (they watch you do it!) and they know you put them under the seat. DO NOT LET YOUR VACATION GET RUINED BY THEIVES! Also, many of the local people were deeply affected by the fires –losing homes, businesses and family/friends/pets. Please tread gently and respectfully. Before being a place for tourists, this is their home. Please treat your stay as a respectful guest in their home.
Haleakala National Park
Haleakala is BEAUTIFUL and quite “other worldly!” (think…moon!) There is not a lot to do up there but look out over all of Maui, unless you plan on hiking. There is a visitor center and look out and just five more minutes up the road is the Summit where you can see “Science City” and all the telescopes, the Big Island, Kaho’olawe, and Lanai.
It is very popular to go to Haleakala National Park for sunrise…but this requires reservations and getting up VERY early. I believe the reservations are only $1 (but note there is a national park entrance fee). It can be challenging to get reservations as I believe they release them two months in advance and then again release more 2 days in advance at 7am. If you go to Haleakala for Sunrise, you want to plan to get up there at least an hour before sunrise so you can watch the transition. It probably takes an hour and 30 minutes to get to the summit. (Google that to be sure. It might be an hour and 45 min. You also have to allow a little time for the entrance kiosk process. BRING MITTENS OR EXTRA SOCKS FOR YOUR HANDS! It is COLD! BRING FOOD/WATER….there is no food access in the park.
The biggest mistake people make it is turn around and leave as soon as the sun comes up. STAY! We recommend that you plan to get to the summit an hour prior to sunrise as watching. the full transition from dark to light is often more spectacular than just the moment of sunrise. In addition, we recommend you turn around just after sunrise and look the other way! You will see a shadow of the 10,000 foot mountain over the shoreline and ocean on the west side! Then, STAY A WHILE! The changing temperatures draw a beautiful display of clouds and shadows, maybe even rainbows. So don’t rush away! Go explore the crater/summit for a bit. If you want to go hiking, you can also do that. It is 10,000 feet in elevation so if you go hiking, remember “WHAT GOES DOWN MUST COME UP” and pace how far you go down with the realization that you still have to get out! I usually recommend the Halemau’u Trail that starts at 8000 feet because it is a gentler slope and the trail leads to an amazing perch that looks down to the ocean on the east side and into the crater. Simple beautiful.
If you don’t go for sunrise, sunset is also beautiful But honestly all day is beautiful so it doesn’t really matter when you go.
Good combined activities: If you are up for hiking…no need to plan beyond that, but if not….Visit upcountry, Kula, Makawao (The Sacred Garden!) and/or going toward Ulapalakua and the winery.
HANA
The Road to Hana is really, really beautiful……..AND it is tedious and exhausting. It takes about 3 hours to get to Hana, (even though it is less than 50 miles away) and another 3 hours to get back. The ROAD to Hana is the point of the journey, not Hana itself. Consequently, if you are not enjoying the drive, don’t keep going. Keanae is just about half way and is absolutely gorgeous so plan to turn there (a 10 min diversion) as it is well worth the time. If you want to go to the Black Sand Beach at Waianapanapa State Park, (recommended) you will need reservations….. Make sure the time slot you choose allows you the 3 hours to get there.
I don’t recommend The Garden of Eden (on the road to Hana) because they charge you money to get in and you will just see more of what you are already seeing on the drive, but with that said, some people LOVE it so use your own discretion. And, if you are not wanting to do the drive, it will give you a lot of the beauty without having to go any further.
Some really love driving all the way around the back side. It is beautiful back there, however there are some sections of the road that are narrow, and on steep cliffs. Portions are also unpaved, so for some it is a bit much.
If you have time, there are some cool hikes through the bamboo forest, but be careful parking along the side of the road near the waterfalls. They have put up a lot of “no parking” signs. Also, drive mindfully! The locals know the road and drive far faster than you will want to. When they are behind you, ALWAYS find a pull over and let them pass!
DO NOT PLAN more on the day you go to Hana. It is a full day experience and you will be tired when you get home!
Molokini Crater
is a great snorkel /dive spot, but has to be done by boat. Several boats leave from Ma’alaea Harbor which is right down the road if you are staying in our condos…however, if you want less time on a boat, you can also leave out of Kihei Boat Ramp which offers a much shorter distance for the boat ride (but a longer car ride).
Molokini has incredible visibility and turquoise waters. Fish life is abundant (however it comes and goes like any wildlife.) If you are visiting during whale season (Dec-april) the boats will also whale watch on the way to and from Molokini.
Most of the charters leave very early (7am) because the typical trade wind patterns in Hawaii are calm in the morning and windy in the afternoon. So the boats are all on a mission to get back before the winds pick up. NOTE: if you are looking at Maui’s weather online it is VERY place specific. It can be pouring and windy on one part of the island and calm, sunny and beautiful in another. So….don’t just assume it is the same everywhere. When it comes to wind, it is all about DIRECTION. An east wind will be blocked by Haleakala mountain, making Kihei, Molokini and Makena calm (until it eventually wraps around the island). North and North West winds will hit the south coast between 11 and 12 usually. Best to plan ocean activities for the first half of the day ….unless you are a windsurfer!
As I noted, Molokini is usually a half day trip 7-noonish and you will probably have your fair share of the sun by then! So plan after -ctivities accordingly. The Ocean Center, shops, or a drive toward Makena can be fun.
REMEMBER….if you go scuba diving you CAN NOT go above 1000 feet in elevation until the following day. That means DO NOT drive upcountry or to Haleakala on the same day. The Sacred Garden is at 1100 ft so that is about the highest you should go after diving.
The Maui Ocean Center and Aquarium (and the shops at Ma’alaea)
The aquarium in Ma’alaea is fun and is really great for kids and elders, too….awesome to see the sea creatures and definitely go to the 3-D movie about the Humpback Whales!!
You can see the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles up close, they have an awesome huge aquarium with sharks, rays and large fish with a walk through tunnel.
The column of jelly fish is mesmerizing as well.
Note that it is paid parking so make sure to visit the machines in the parking lot so as to avoid a ticket.
Havens Restaurant on the bottom floor has EXCELLENT FOOD and a great view of the harbot….but it is PRICEY. Best to visit for lunch, or better yet, Happy Hour (3-5).
You will want to plan at least 2 hours for the ocean center experience. Of course, you can stay longer, but you can pretty easily see the whole thing in that amount of time.
Iao Valley State Park (pronounced E-OW)
Iao Valley is really pretty too, and it also is requiring reservations now. Iao constantly has a lovely stream or raging river rolling through it and is lush and beautiful.
There are paved walking paths, and trails that lead off the beaten path as well.
No food or services are there (other than a bathroom) so bring a picnic.
This is a great activity to combine with exploring old town Wailuku. There are some fun shops, coffee shops and antique stores on Main st.
The Sacred Garden, Makawao
The Sacred Garden between Paia and Makawao is BEAUTIFUL and free to the public.
It consists of a 10,000 sq. foot greenhouse, two walking labyrinths, container gardens, water gardens, fancy guppies! Meditation gardens, picnic/sitting areas. This is a peaceful sanctuary dedicated to inspiration, education and rejuvenation.
If you are staying in our condos, please let us know when you come to the garden as we would love to meet you!
The Gingerbread House and Log House are located on the adjacent property.
Combining the Sacred Garden with a visit to Makawao town and/or Paia Town works great. It also combines well with a drive through Kula, out to Ulapalakua Winery. Or. a visit to see the Sea Turtles at Ho’okipa Beach Park. This is also great to combine with the Farmer’s Market (near Longs in Pukalani) if you are upcountry on a Sat. morning.
Kapalua Forest and Honolua Bay
Kapalua Forest refers to This includes areas like the Pu’u Kukui Preserve, a large private nature preserve, and various hiking trails, including the popular Kapalua Coastal Trail and Village Walking Trails.
Honolua Bay is a top snorkeling destination in Maui, thanks to its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and abundant marine life, including tropical fish and sea turtles. The bay’s protected status as a marine conservation area ensures a pristine underwater environment.
Park mindfully, be aware, and courteous to the locals. Nearly EVERYONE on the west side of the island was severely impacted by the Lahaina Fires and have tender souls.
Beaches galore!
As for beaches, If you are staying in our Ma’alaea Condos, Haycroft park is at the end of the road just about half a mile down the road and it is the beginning of about 4 miles of beautiful beach. It can be windy here, so if need be, drive to Kihei….all the beaches in Kihei are also beautiful. The winds in summer are always strong in the afternoon so mornings are best for beach outings. All of the beaches in Wailea and Kihei are beautiful.
Kihei, Wailea and Makena offer spectacular beaches. You really can’t go wrong. There is a lovely beach walk path in front of all the hotels in Wailea (you can start at Ulua Beach Park), but it does get hot mid day so aim for morning or sunset.
Makena has Big Beach which is a State Park and it is beautiful but be extremely careful as it has a steep shore break that has caused many injuries. Make sure you are ocean savvy when in the water. Baby beach (a hike over the rocks from Big Beach) is known as a nude beach, just FYI.
Driving all the way to the end of the road to La Perouse is super beautiful No food, gas or services so go prepared.
On the North side Baldwin Beach is gorgeous but on the windward side. Great for morning and evening walks. Also on the north side is a beach called “Ho’okipa” that is at the beginning of the road to Hana that has a great view, fun to watch surfers and windsurfers/kite surfers from and usually has 20-50 sea turtles sleeping on the beach…
Also on the north side of the Island, Paia Town is cute as well as Makawao Town…both the last of the two old towns on maui. Driving out to the winery in Keokea is a beautiful drive and if you are here in the spring time, the Jacaranda Trees are in full bloom….adding a beautiful splash of purple to the scenery! Spring/Summer the Shower trees bloom up and down Baldwin Ave as well. Beautiful!
Hiking
There are some beautiful places to hike on Maui.
Near our upcountry accommodations is the Olinda Forest and Waihou Spring Reserve The upper part of this hike is a gentle sloping walk through an experimental pine forest. EASY HIKE. I personally love going all the way down the Waihou Spring trail (an optional off-shoot) but you might want walking sticks (and have good knees/hips!) It is steep with lots of switch backs. It is really beautiful at the bottom though! Just remember…you have to be able to get back out!
The Kahakapao Forest is also near by. It has an off-road mountain bike park, and is a local favorite. There is a 5-mile loop trail but you don’t have to do the whole thing to enjoy the scenary and get a good work out.
Near the Ma’alaea and Kihei Condos for an active, rugged hiking experience – with some history sprinkled in – Maalaea also features the starting point for the Pali Trail. Stretching 5.5 miles (one way) from Maalaea Harbor to the beach at Ukumehame, this historic footpath ranges in elevation from 100 to 1,600 feet above sea level.
Waihee Ridge Trail is popular, as well, on the north east side.
Haleakala National Park also has great hikes. Sliding Sands is intense because it starts and ends at 10,000 feet….no shade. I like the Halemau’u trail starting at 8000 feet.
Oh and more of a walk than a hike, just a short walk from either Ma’alaea or Kihei is the Kealia Pond National Wildlife Reserve which is great for watching birds. There is an actual visitors center for the ponds just a few minutes drive from the condos.
Get a Massage!
I have a friend who truly offers one of the best massages EVER and she will come to you! Her name is Amanda….truly gifted at heavenly healing massages!
Take a Private Hula Class!
I have another friend who provides absolutely lovely private Hula classes for individuals and friends/family. It is a very spiritual experience (not the cheesey, touristy kind). $250 for private class (up to 10 people included, discuss if you have more people.)
Experience a Private Labyrinth Talk/Walk with Eve Hogan
Learn about labyrinths as a walking meditation, tool for self-discovery, stress reduction and problem solving! Eve is an author, educator and has been a labyrinth facilitator for nearly 30 years. Discover how to interpret the lessons of the labyrinth to your life, guiding you to your own sacred center and sense of peace and wisdom.
Eve is the author of Way of the Winding Path: A Map for the Labyrinth of Life, The Spirit of the Labyrinth: A True Tail of Love and the upcoming Labyrinth Wisdom: Simple Steps for Understanding Labyrinth Walking
$250 for private session 9up to 10 people included, discuss if you have more people) Eve also has a full-sized portable canvas labyrinth that can be brought to your venue for an additional fee. Call to discuss. 808-280-5294
Live Music!
Mana’o Radio Station has a live music listing.
Also, Maui Arts and Cultural Center has great music/events, as well.
Ocean Organic Farm and Distillery has live music every night 5-7.
In Kihei, ProArts, the Playhouse, and Maui Brewing Company, Mulligan’s in Wailea and I’m sure many more.
Keep your eyes open for Gail Swanson, Levi Huffman and Pete Sebastion Trio…some of our local favorites.
RELAX!
Read a book! Draw! Journal! Take pictures! Create. Do Nothing! Sit by the fire pit. Star gaze! Build a sand castle!
Avoid needing a vacation after your vacation! Don’t OVER PLAN but if you NEED to plan, PLAN SOME DOWN TIME to simply breathe and decompress.
If you have any questions or need any assistance, let me know! 808-280-5294