Hi there travel fam!
Long time no blog! Sorry for the delay, but here it is: my Maui tips and tricks blog! I’m going to give you insights into all the local highlights of things to do and where to eat. Some of these are the typical touristy things, but most are not, so unlock that adventurous side! Aloha!
Things to Do
1. Hike it Out
There are so many amazing hiking spots in Maui, most leading to gorgeous waterfalls. I’ll give you a few details about some of my favorite hikes here, but to learn more about things to do in Maui that aren’t as well know to most tourists, check out the book Maui Revealed. Also, sunscreen is key! The sun in Maui is strong, especially when it reflects off the water. Make sure you buy a brand that is safe for the reefs though! More about reef safe sunscreens here: https://www.travelandleisure.com/style/beauty/reef-safe-sunscreen
Pipiwai Trail to Waimoku Falls: walk through a beautiful bamboo forest to huge waterfall several hundred feet high. It’s a pretty easy, flat 4-mile round trip hike. You can access the hike on Mile Marker 41 of the Hana Highway. You will have to pay 10 dollars to park at the Haleakala Visitor Center. This is one of the more popular hikes in Maui, so definitely try to go early to beat the crowds!
Waioka Pond aka Venus Pool: This is one of my favorite local spots on Maui. But be prepared! This is an off-trail hike that will take you through jungle type terrain and can definitely be dangerous if you aren’t paying attention. That being said, we didn’t have any problems finding our way! Stop at Mile Marker 48 on Hana Highway. You will see a fence that you have to climb over with a warning sign, but no keep out signs. Follow the trail to a small clay hut and head right down the slope to get to the pool. Venus pool is an incredible place to cliff jump and is just steps away from a basically private beach. There were only 2 other people there when we went! Definitely a must see!
Nakalele Blowhole: To get to the blowhole, drive ½ mile past the parking lot on the 38 mile marker on the Honoapiilani Highway (which becomes Kahekili Highway). There are a few other trails, but the one from the 38 ½ mile marker will also lead you to a view point of the famous Maui heart shaped rock. Towards the bottom of the trail when the blowhole is to your left, look behind you and you will see the rock. Be careful around the blowhole as the rocks can get slippery and tourists have even fallen into the hole.
*This last hike is on private land, so use caution! I know the hike itself is published in a few books and I have never had any issues, but definitely use caution and respect the land!
4 Falls of Na’ili’ili-Haele: On the Hana Highway 6/10 of a mile past the 6 mile marker pull off. The markers are on the left side of the road, but you will want to go to the right side of the road to find this hike. You will have to climb through the wire fence on the side of the road to access the trail. From there, the trail will lead you across a (very slippery) stream to the first waterfall. From there, follow the trail around the stream to get to the second waterfall. To access the third waterfall, you will see a somewhat sketchy looking rope to help you climb up the rocks. From there, you will have to wade into the pool to find the falls. I myself have never been to the fourth since I have heard it’s very dangerous, but power to ya if you go that far!
2. Drive the Hana Highway
As I have already referenced several times, the Hana Highway has so many things to see. This is absolutely a must do during your time in Maui. If you can, I also recommend a car with a convertible top so you can enjoy the gorgeous scenery all around you. The road is a 64 mile long road with 620 curves and 59 bridges. You can go in with a plan to do some hikes, or just pull off whenever something looks cool! There is beauty all around to enjoy, so take your time and plan to spend the majority of the day driving this road.
3. Snorkel or Scuba
This is one of my favorite things to do on Maui, so here are some of my fav spots!
Honolua Bay: This is a must see spot for snorkelers, and farther out from the bay is a very famous spot for surfing! Getting in the bay is tricky as the edges are mostly slippery rocks, but once you get away from the entry points, the water is clear and fish are abundant! Typically the right side of the reef has more coral and fish, but you really can’t go wrong.
Napili Bay: This small bay in Lahaina is the perfect spot to see turtles! There are small tide pools at the edge of the bay where they love to hang out and you can get very close to these awesome creatures! Just remember, don’t ever touch the turtles! The snorkeling is a bit choppy on the left side of the bay, but still beautiful. And if snorkeling isn’t for you, the beach is gorgeous and you can usually buy coconuts there, so sit back, sip, and relax!
Molokini: I have actually never done this one, but if you are in the mood to splurge, I’ve heard that Molokini has one of the top 10 reefs in the world!
Black Rock: This spot on the far side of Kaanapali beach is great for first timers. The water slopes gently in and the reefs are very pretty and full of fish without strong currents. You most likely won’t see any sea turtles over here, but it’s a good place to start for people learning to snorkel.
4. See a Luau: If your resort offers a luau definitely go to it! It’s a wonderful way to eat some great Hawaiian food and get some local entertainment. You will leave completely stuffed and with a new dream of being a hula dancer. If your resort doesn’t offer a luau, I recommend the Old Lahaina Luau. All luaus will be different, but most will have poi fire spinning, music, and several different kinds of dances to take you on a historical and culture tour of Hawaii.
Obviously, I can’t list everything in detail, but if you want other ideas, here are some other things to do: Hike or bike up Mount Haleakala, go ziplining through the trees, take a helicopter tour, take surf/SUP lessons, or explore Lahaina for some fun shopping and dining.
Where to Eat
1. Aloha Mixed Plate: If you are looking for somewhere semi-affordable but with lots of local flavor, this is the place for you! Located right in Lahaina, they serve up plates of all the local fare. My personal fav is the Aloha Mixed Plate itself! Wash it down with a delicious Mai Tai.
2. Leilani’s on the Beach: Leilani’s has both a restaurant for a fancier dining experience and a beachside grill for some chill happy hour vibes. I try something new whenever I go, and I’ve never had anything I didn’t like! I definitely recommend trying the Anuenue drink. Looks like a sunset, tastes like a rainbow. Try and time this close to sunset because it is right next to Kaanapali beach and you will have some gorgeous views!
Bonus stop: After Leilani’s walk around Whaler’s Village for some cute shops and definitely make a stop at Honolulu Cookie Company! Free samples, cute gifts, and cookies! What more could you want? Those of you with nut allergies be careful because most of their cookies have macadamia nuts!
3. Ululani’s Shave Ice: This is a chain with several locations around Maui, but still the best shaved ice I have ever had. They poke holes in the shaved ice to make sure the flavor gets everywhere and you can even get it with a snow cap on top, which I definitely recommend. I’ll let you find out what that is on your own😊
4. Maui Tacos: Cheap, delicious tacos. I needn’t say more.
5. Miso phat Sushi in Kihei: This place is delicious and will make you feel like You So Fat after you eat there. Guy Fieri even gave it his stamp of approval.
6. Aunt Sandy’s: This is a tiny little shop off the Hana Highway that is famous for its banana bread. From the Hana Highway take the road into Ke’anai Peninsula and you will find the shack right before you see the baseball fields.
Pro Tip: Anytime you see a pop-up stand selling chicken, fruit, or basically anything check it out! I was skeptical, but every time I try one I am always surprised at the amazing food served up on the side of the road.
I hope you guys found this post helpful. This only scratches the surface of how amazing Maui is, so feel free to reach out with more questions! Happy traveling, fam!
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