Guidebook for Mana Kai 407

Mary
Guidebook for Mana Kai 407

Snorkel Boat Trips

First of all, if you come to Maui, in my opinion, you must get out on the water somehow. It is such an amazing experience to be out on the clear blue water, looking back at Maui and surrounded by the other islands. Even if you have no plans to snorkel, consider an excursion. It is not unusual for there to be passengers onboard who are not planning on snorkeling. Sometimes they just choose to swim. Others just enjoy the day out on the water. It is hard to imagine a trip to Maui without seeing its underwater world. Most tours provide equipment and a lesson for first-timers. Frequently they even provide something like a boogie board with a window built-in so you can just lay on it and look down into the water. There are lots of boat companies. They range in price, type of vessel, number of passengers, and point of departure. We have been on different tours with different companies and had a good time. In this guide, I am highlighting some of our favorites.
We have been going back to Redline Rafting again and again. We like the smaller size and thus a smaller number of passengers on each boat. They leave early, so they are usually the first snorkeling boat to the popular spots. They are flexible with the itinerary so if dolphins or whales are spotted we can head over to check it out, or if wave and wind conditions are not favorable they can choose a different snorkel area. One of our favorite stops is at a spot on the backside of Molokini Crater for a unique experience. All of the captains and crews that we have had have been top-notch. Lastly, we love that they leave from the Kihei boat ramp, which is about a five-minute walk away from the condo. We are usually back in the condo by noon.
10 locals recommend
Redline Rafting Co.
2800 S Kihei Rd
10 locals recommend
We have been going back to Redline Rafting again and again. We like the smaller size and thus a smaller number of passengers on each boat. They leave early, so they are usually the first snorkeling boat to the popular spots. They are flexible with the itinerary so if dolphins or whales are spotted we can head over to check it out, or if wave and wind conditions are not favorable they can choose a different snorkel area. One of our favorite stops is at a spot on the backside of Molokini Crater for a unique experience. All of the captains and crews that we have had have been top-notch. Lastly, we love that they leave from the Kihei boat ramp, which is about a five-minute walk away from the condo. We are usually back in the condo by noon.
This is a different style trip from Redline Rafting. Redline is a tour of Molokini crater as well as South Maui snorkel spots. Trilogy focuses more on tours in West Maui. Secondly, Trilogy’s vessels are large catamaran sailboats rather than Redline’s fast motorboats. Having said that, it is a great experience when they raise the sails and sail back to the harbor. The larger boat means more passengers, but they don’t feel overcrowded. Actually we enjoy that there is more variety in getting up and moving about the boat. The crew really pampers you, and they seem to be always feeding you, even providing a hot lunch. They leave from Lahaina Harbor in West Maui which is about a 45-minute drive from the condo. The boat returns to Lahaina harbor mid-afternoon
20 locals recommend
Trilogy Excursions
675 Wharf St
20 locals recommend
This is a different style trip from Redline Rafting. Redline is a tour of Molokini crater as well as South Maui snorkel spots. Trilogy focuses more on tours in West Maui. Secondly, Trilogy’s vessels are large catamaran sailboats rather than Redline’s fast motorboats. Having said that, it is a great experience when they raise the sails and sail back to the harbor. The larger boat means more passengers, but they don’t feel overcrowded. Actually we enjoy that there is more variety in getting up and moving about the boat. The crew really pampers you, and they seem to be always feeding you, even providing a hot lunch. They leave from Lahaina Harbor in West Maui which is about a 45-minute drive from the condo. The boat returns to Lahaina harbor mid-afternoon
The coral reef right in front of the resort is one of my favorite places to snorkel. I frequently see turtles, eels, dozens of different types of colorful tropical fish, and once a monk seal. There are other great spots as you travel south along the coast with convenient shore access. They are easy to find with a google search of best places to snorkel in South Maui.
80 locals recommend
Keawakapu Beach
Kilohana Drive
80 locals recommend
The coral reef right in front of the resort is one of my favorite places to snorkel. I frequently see turtles, eels, dozens of different types of colorful tropical fish, and once a monk seal. There are other great spots as you travel south along the coast with convenient shore access. They are easy to find with a google search of best places to snorkel in South Maui.
Seafire Snorkeling Adventures is a new option for a Molokini and South Maui trips. It is a larger boat than Redline Tours, so it is smoother and easier access out of the water and back into the boat. The owner/operator, Don Burns, has 25 years as a boating captain. My husband and sons really liked the spots he chose on their recent trip with him.
Kihei Boat Landing
2920 S Kihei Rd
Seafire Snorkeling Adventures is a new option for a Molokini and South Maui trips. It is a larger boat than Redline Tours, so it is smoother and easier access out of the water and back into the boat. The owner/operator, Don Burns, has 25 years as a boating captain. My husband and sons really liked the spots he chose on their recent trip with him.

Food scene

There are so many places to get great food on Maui from relatively inexpensive to world-class fine dining. I wanted to share with you some of the places we often go to, but definitely try other places too! (Nothing is really inexpensive...it's Hawaii, everything comes over on a ship.)
This may seem like a funny recommendation for dining, but this is our go-to spot after we've landed and left the airport. Located in Kahului, they have a huge salad bar and hot food bar. There is also a made to order counter for sandwiches, burritos, stir-fry, and more. Pizza is sold by the slice. It is quick and there is something for everybody. While we are there, we pick up a few groceries for later that day and for the morning. (We are not light packers, so we don’t have room in the rental car for a lot of groceries.)
84 locals recommend
Whole Foods Market
70 E Kaahumanu Ave
84 locals recommend
This may seem like a funny recommendation for dining, but this is our go-to spot after we've landed and left the airport. Located in Kahului, they have a huge salad bar and hot food bar. There is also a made to order counter for sandwiches, burritos, stir-fry, and more. Pizza is sold by the slice. It is quick and there is something for everybody. While we are there, we pick up a few groceries for later that day and for the morning. (We are not light packers, so we don’t have room in the rental car for a lot of groceries.)
Mama’s Fish House Restaurant is a Maui Institution. It is a marvellous combination of setting, ambience, and fine dining. It sits in a converted beach house in a coconut grove on a secluded white sand beach. Inside, hinged windows open to let in the trade winds and Polynesian artifacts and original oil paintings decorate tropical hardwood walls. The rooms are filled with spectacular flower arrangements and tapa print cloths cover the tables. Many diners claim this is their must-do dining experience while on Maui. Price is $$$$. The most popular time for a reservation is around sunset...and you will need a reservation! That is the reason I listed Mama’s Fish House as number two on the list. If you think you are interested in going, stop reading this now and call for a reservation. They are booked weeks and even months in advance. They also serve lunch. Parking is limited and is valet only. They only permit guests to arrive 15 minutes prior to their reservation. During some of the low season months, it might be possible to get a same-day reservation around lunchtime or mid-afternoon. It is about a 45-minute drive from the condo. Mama’s Fish House is located just outside of the town of Paia. Paia is a great little surfing town to explore. Another spot you might want to get to while you are in the area is Ho’okipo beach park. When you first enter there is a place to park on the cliffs overlooking the bay. This is where surfers go for “the Big Waves”, especially after off-shore storms. (Plan on getting your hair blown around...just saying in case you are planning on heading over to Mama’s afterwards.)
355 locals recommend
Mama's Fish House
799 Poho Pl
355 locals recommend
Mama’s Fish House Restaurant is a Maui Institution. It is a marvellous combination of setting, ambience, and fine dining. It sits in a converted beach house in a coconut grove on a secluded white sand beach. Inside, hinged windows open to let in the trade winds and Polynesian artifacts and original oil paintings decorate tropical hardwood walls. The rooms are filled with spectacular flower arrangements and tapa print cloths cover the tables. Many diners claim this is their must-do dining experience while on Maui. Price is $$$$. The most popular time for a reservation is around sunset...and you will need a reservation! That is the reason I listed Mama’s Fish House as number two on the list. If you think you are interested in going, stop reading this now and call for a reservation. They are booked weeks and even months in advance. They also serve lunch. Parking is limited and is valet only. They only permit guests to arrive 15 minutes prior to their reservation. During some of the low season months, it might be possible to get a same-day reservation around lunchtime or mid-afternoon. It is about a 45-minute drive from the condo. Mama’s Fish House is located just outside of the town of Paia. Paia is a great little surfing town to explore. Another spot you might want to get to while you are in the area is Ho’okipo beach park. When you first enter there is a place to park on the cliffs overlooking the bay. This is where surfers go for “the Big Waves”, especially after off-shore storms. (Plan on getting your hair blown around...just saying in case you are planning on heading over to Mama’s afterwards.)
This Starbucks opens at 5:30 am. This may seem really early, but it is likely you will experience some kind of jetlag the first morning. Hawaiian time is two or three hours behind Pacific time. (Hawaii does not observe daylight savings time.) You may be finding yourself waking up around 4:00 am. Once the sun starts coming up, we often walk along the beach to the Marriott, and then to the Starbucks near the main entrance. There is outdoor seating with a picturesque garden and places for kids to explore.
57 locals recommend
Starbucks
1819 S Kihei Rd
57 locals recommend
This Starbucks opens at 5:30 am. This may seem really early, but it is likely you will experience some kind of jetlag the first morning. Hawaiian time is two or three hours behind Pacific time. (Hawaii does not observe daylight savings time.) You may be finding yourself waking up around 4:00 am. Once the sun starts coming up, we often walk along the beach to the Marriott, and then to the Starbucks near the main entrance. There is outdoor seating with a picturesque garden and places for kids to explore.
This is definitely our go-to Sushi place. It is in an unassuming strip mall in Kihei. We once met one of the members of this family-owned business on a flight to Maui. Not only do they own two sushi restaurants on Maui, but also a fishing boat! It is a small place, with a friendly, casual vibe. The fish is always great, and the rolls are non-traditional and inventive. Sushi is pretty much what is on the menu, so not a great place if someone in your group doesn’t eat sushi. Check to see when they have happy hour pricing. No reservations taken.
99 locals recommend
Miso Phat Sushi
4310 Lower Honoapiilani Rd
99 locals recommend
This is definitely our go-to Sushi place. It is in an unassuming strip mall in Kihei. We once met one of the members of this family-owned business on a flight to Maui. Not only do they own two sushi restaurants on Maui, but also a fishing boat! It is a small place, with a friendly, casual vibe. The fish is always great, and the rolls are non-traditional and inventive. Sushi is pretty much what is on the menu, so not a great place if someone in your group doesn’t eat sushi. Check to see when they have happy hour pricing. No reservations taken.
Monkeypod is a lively restaurant with terrific food, a large selection of craft beers, a renowned mai tai, and great service. The place is usually packed at dinner time, is loud, and is a better spot for a happy gathering of family or friends than a romantic dinner. The menu is varied and contains “modern twists” on traditional dishes. Food is primarily locally-sourced. It seems that any time I talk to someone who has also vacationed in the Kihei/Wailea area, they ask me if we ate at Monkeypod. It seems to be the “it” restaurant in the area. Even though it can be really crowded at dinner we have enjoyed our time there. We often go for an early or late lunch and avoid the crowd. ***On our last trip in May, we thought that the quality had slipped, and the prices had gone up. So we are a bit less enthusiastic now***
241 locals recommend
Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman
10 Wailea Gateway Pl
241 locals recommend
Monkeypod is a lively restaurant with terrific food, a large selection of craft beers, a renowned mai tai, and great service. The place is usually packed at dinner time, is loud, and is a better spot for a happy gathering of family or friends than a romantic dinner. The menu is varied and contains “modern twists” on traditional dishes. Food is primarily locally-sourced. It seems that any time I talk to someone who has also vacationed in the Kihei/Wailea area, they ask me if we ate at Monkeypod. It seems to be the “it” restaurant in the area. Even though it can be really crowded at dinner we have enjoyed our time there. We often go for an early or late lunch and avoid the crowd. ***On our last trip in May, we thought that the quality had slipped, and the prices had gone up. So we are a bit less enthusiastic now***
This restaurant shares the same parking lot as Monkeypod, but is an undiscovered gem. Perhaps it is the name. For years I assumed it was some sort of pita sandwich place. So NOT true! They specialize in fresh fish, and also have their own “fishing boat captain.” They describe their cuisine as a blend of Greek marries Italian with a touch of Hawaiian. They will make adjustments to meet dietary needs. The menu ranges from simple greek dishes such as gyros, kabobs, hummus to elegant entrees.
44 locals recommend
Pita Paradise
34 Wailea Ike Dr
44 locals recommend
This restaurant shares the same parking lot as Monkeypod, but is an undiscovered gem. Perhaps it is the name. For years I assumed it was some sort of pita sandwich place. So NOT true! They specialize in fresh fish, and also have their own “fishing boat captain.” They describe their cuisine as a blend of Greek marries Italian with a touch of Hawaiian. They will make adjustments to meet dietary needs. The menu ranges from simple greek dishes such as gyros, kabobs, hummus to elegant entrees.
Manoli’s is where we go when we are looking for a casual family meal, or for take-out for a meal to enjoy on our lanai. It seemed a few years ago they were a bit hit or miss, but in the last couple of years, they have been more consistently good. Besides serving lots of pizza, they have a variety of other entrees on the menu as well as salads and desserts. The garlic bread is really good! They have gluten-free pizza crust as an option. The restaurant itself is open-air, on a hill, near a golf course, and many tables have a view. We have never tried their delivery. We just go and pick it up ourselves.
20 locals recommend
Manoli's Pizza Company
100 Wailea Ike Dr
20 locals recommend
Manoli’s is where we go when we are looking for a casual family meal, or for take-out for a meal to enjoy on our lanai. It seemed a few years ago they were a bit hit or miss, but in the last couple of years, they have been more consistently good. Besides serving lots of pizza, they have a variety of other entrees on the menu as well as salads and desserts. The garlic bread is really good! They have gluten-free pizza crust as an option. The restaurant itself is open-air, on a hill, near a golf course, and many tables have a view. We have never tried their delivery. We just go and pick it up ourselves.
We recently went here for the first time, and so loved the fish tacos, and yummy french fries, that we went again the next day. My sons really enjoyed the hamburgers that are also on the menu. There is also a restaurant in the town of Paia...surprise. We probably should have tried it sooner, because in Paia, there is usually a line out the door. This is an example of one of things I love about Maui. Even though we have been to the island over a dozen times, every trip we do end up discovering something new that we hadn't done before.
118 locals recommend
Paia Fish Market South Side
1913 S Kihei Rd
118 locals recommend
We recently went here for the first time, and so loved the fish tacos, and yummy french fries, that we went again the next day. My sons really enjoyed the hamburgers that are also on the menu. There is also a restaurant in the town of Paia...surprise. We probably should have tried it sooner, because in Paia, there is usually a line out the door. This is an example of one of things I love about Maui. Even though we have been to the island over a dozen times, every trip we do end up discovering something new that we hadn't done before.
Sansei has been a local favorite for a long time. When we returned to Kihei after the pandemic, their location was closed, which I was sad about. Then later, I noticed that they had moved locations. Sansei has a diverse menu, and there are many items available for the non-sushi eater in your group (unlike Miso Phat). Their website still says limited service, so I would check it out or call beforehand to avoid surprises.
158 locals recommend
Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar
1819 S Kihei Rd
158 locals recommend
Sansei has been a local favorite for a long time. When we returned to Kihei after the pandemic, their location was closed, which I was sad about. Then later, I noticed that they had moved locations. Sansei has a diverse menu, and there are many items available for the non-sushi eater in your group (unlike Miso Phat). Their website still says limited service, so I would check it out or call beforehand to avoid surprises.
This is a "local's" spot. I am going to confess we haven't been here yet, but I have heard good things about the place from locals and Maui regulars who come for extended stays every year. Nalu's offers live music most nights, and is a favorite for breakfast.
151 locals recommend
Nalu's South Shore Grill
1280 S Kihei Rd
151 locals recommend
This is a "local's" spot. I am going to confess we haven't been here yet, but I have heard good things about the place from locals and Maui regulars who come for extended stays every year. Nalu's offers live music most nights, and is a favorite for breakfast.
Although "Mama's Fish House" seems to retain its reputation as the "it" restaurant, we recently went to Merriman's in Kapalua and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. The restaurant is surrounded on three sides by water, and most of the tables had wonderful views. The owner, Peter Merriman, has a celebrity chef/entrepreneur status as he initiated the farm-to-table movement in Hawaii years ago. This is a fine dining experience with fine dining prices. We would say that this is now our favorite place if we are looking for a special night out.
113 locals recommend
Merrimans Kapalua
1 Bay Club Pl
113 locals recommend
Although "Mama's Fish House" seems to retain its reputation as the "it" restaurant, we recently went to Merriman's in Kapalua and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. The restaurant is surrounded on three sides by water, and most of the tables had wonderful views. The owner, Peter Merriman, has a celebrity chef/entrepreneur status as he initiated the farm-to-table movement in Hawaii years ago. This is a fine dining experience with fine dining prices. We would say that this is now our favorite place if we are looking for a special night out.
Although Coconut's Fish Cafe has been around for a while, it is becoming one of our favorite spots. It specializes in fresh fish tacos but offers so much more. Fish offerings include Ono, ahi, Mahi mahi, shrimp and calamari. They also have dishes with beef, pork or chicken, including hamburgers, sandwiches, pasta dishes, and salads. Really there is likely to be something for everyone.
Coconut's Fish Cafe
Although Coconut's Fish Cafe has been around for a while, it is becoming one of our favorite spots. It specializes in fresh fish tacos but offers so much more. Fish offerings include Ono, ahi, Mahi mahi, shrimp and calamari. They also have dishes with beef, pork or chicken, including hamburgers, sandwiches, pasta dishes, and salads. Really there is likely to be something for everyone.
If you are looking for some "quick" local grub after leaving the airport, you can consider this nearby Food Truck park across the street from Costco in Kahului (nearby the airport) Overall, the food is great, and a variety of options for everyone.
161 locals recommend
Costco Wholesale
540 Haleakala Hwy
161 locals recommend
If you are looking for some "quick" local grub after leaving the airport, you can consider this nearby Food Truck park across the street from Costco in Kahului (nearby the airport) Overall, the food is great, and a variety of options for everyone.

Ziplining

Maui has a number of different ziplining experiences. Our favorite is also the one nearest to our condo. We have "zipped" with them several times. My recommendation is based on professionalism, scenery, adrenaline factor, and location.
Flyin’ Hawaiian The mission of Flyin’Hawaiian is to provide a great adventure experience while conserving and restoring the natural vegetation. If you are driving between Kihei and Kahului, look up at the green mountains of West Maui and search for their ziplines. You probably won’t see them because they have been very careful to place them in a way to have minimal environmental impact. My understanding is that building the zipline was a way to generate income and protect a long stretch of the West Maui mountains from development. During the tour, the guides water new plantings of indigenous plant which as they re-establish themselves may further hinder future development of these picturesque mountains. They claim to have one of the longest and one of the fastest zips. Sounds true. Great guides, scenery and adrenaline rush.
9 locals recommend
Flyin Hawaiian Zipline
1670 Honoapiilani Hwy
9 locals recommend
Flyin’ Hawaiian The mission of Flyin’Hawaiian is to provide a great adventure experience while conserving and restoring the natural vegetation. If you are driving between Kihei and Kahului, look up at the green mountains of West Maui and search for their ziplines. You probably won’t see them because they have been very careful to place them in a way to have minimal environmental impact. My understanding is that building the zipline was a way to generate income and protect a long stretch of the West Maui mountains from development. During the tour, the guides water new plantings of indigenous plant which as they re-establish themselves may further hinder future development of these picturesque mountains. They claim to have one of the longest and one of the fastest zips. Sounds true. Great guides, scenery and adrenaline rush.
This is one of the newer Zipline Activities on Maui. It is located on the North Shore of Maui, in Haiku, along the highway to Hana. This is a lusher part of the island with more of a park/plantation-type setting. I have gotten great reviews back from guests. It is a longer drive to this part of the Maui from Kihei. Around 40 minutes with no traffic.
6 locals recommend
Jungle Zipline Maui-HI
50 E Waipio Rd
6 locals recommend
This is one of the newer Zipline Activities on Maui. It is located on the North Shore of Maui, in Haiku, along the highway to Hana. This is a lusher part of the island with more of a park/plantation-type setting. I have gotten great reviews back from guests. It is a longer drive to this part of the Maui from Kihei. Around 40 minutes with no traffic.

Snorkeling from the shore

The coral reef right in front of the resort is one of my favorite places to snorkel. I frequently see turtles, eels, dozens of different types of colorful tropical fish, and once a monk seal. There are other great spots as you travel south along the coast with convenient shore access. They are easy to find with a google search of best places to snorkel in South Maui. Ulua and Mokapu Beach are within walking distances and are also popular snorkeling spots.
80 locals recommend
Keawakapu Beach
Kilohana Drive
80 locals recommend
The coral reef right in front of the resort is one of my favorite places to snorkel. I frequently see turtles, eels, dozens of different types of colorful tropical fish, and once a monk seal. There are other great spots as you travel south along the coast with convenient shore access. They are easy to find with a google search of best places to snorkel in South Maui. Ulua and Mokapu Beach are within walking distances and are also popular snorkeling spots.
This is another snorkel spot walking distance from the condo. Right next to it is Mokapu Beach. Both have sand beaches for easy entry into the water, plenty of fish, beautiful coral, and often turtles. It is about a 10 to 15-minute walk.
51 locals recommend
Ulua Beach Park
Ulua Beach Road
51 locals recommend
This is another snorkel spot walking distance from the condo. Right next to it is Mokapu Beach. Both have sand beaches for easy entry into the water, plenty of fish, beautiful coral, and often turtles. It is about a 10 to 15-minute walk.
This spot is in Kaanapali, in front of the Sheraton Hotel. Another great snorkel spot with an easy entrance from a sandy beach. Near the end of Black Rock, you will see the adventurous jumping from a high point near the end into the water. It is also a great place for swimming/cooling off in the ocean. We sometimes combine it with a meal and/or drinks at the Sheraton pool bar while our sons are busy out in the water. It is walking distance to Whalers Village which has some great restaurants on the beach for lunch such as Leilani's and the Hula Grill. We often make a day of it by combining it with a morning Parasailing Trip. See UFO parasailing. They do not have Parasailing in the winter because of the whales in the area.
56 locals recommend
Black Rock Beach
56 locals recommend
This spot is in Kaanapali, in front of the Sheraton Hotel. Another great snorkel spot with an easy entrance from a sandy beach. Near the end of Black Rock, you will see the adventurous jumping from a high point near the end into the water. It is also a great place for swimming/cooling off in the ocean. We sometimes combine it with a meal and/or drinks at the Sheraton pool bar while our sons are busy out in the water. It is walking distance to Whalers Village which has some great restaurants on the beach for lunch such as Leilani's and the Hula Grill. We often make a day of it by combining it with a morning Parasailing Trip. See UFO parasailing. They do not have Parasailing in the winter because of the whales in the area.

Parasailing

Another great way to get out on the water. Make reservations ahead of time, and try for an early morning time for the smoothest water. UFO is organized and very professional operation. You will start your parasailing adventure for a platform on the rear of the boat, and smoothly rise up into the air. I'm a moderate adrenaline junkie, so I would not rate it as scary, just invigorating! Unless you are scared of heights, I would recommend you try parasailing at least once.
UFO Parasail
2435 Kaanapali Pkwy
Another great way to get out on the water. Make reservations ahead of time, and try for an early morning time for the smoothest water. UFO is organized and very professional operation. You will start your parasailing adventure for a platform on the rear of the boat, and smoothly rise up into the air. I'm a moderate adrenaline junkie, so I would not rate it as scary, just invigorating! Unless you are scared of heights, I would recommend you try parasailing at least once.

Activities

Our family of four recently tried this activity for the first time. All of us were new to jet skiing. We had a blast. If you are a newbie like us, definitely try to get on of the early times in the morning before the winds begin to kick up the waves. There are plenty of waves from the nearby boats and other jetskis to have a great ride. This activity is located in West Maui at the beach in front of Whaler's Shopping Center.
Pacific Jet Sports, Inc.
2435 Kaanapali Pkwy
Our family of four recently tried this activity for the first time. All of us were new to jet skiing. We had a blast. If you are a newbie like us, definitely try to get on of the early times in the morning before the winds begin to kick up the waves. There are plenty of waves from the nearby boats and other jetskis to have a great ride. This activity is located in West Maui at the beach in front of Whaler's Shopping Center.
Just a short car trip up into Kihei is a great spot for beginner surfers. We have scheduled with Maui Waveriders a number of times, and have always had good instructors, and our kids have had fun and even have gotten up on the boards and "surfed some waves." They offer small group lessons. There store/office is located across from the beach. This stretch of Kameole beach is also great for those who are looking to boogie board.
42 locals recommend
Maui Waveriders
2021 S Kihei Rd
42 locals recommend
Just a short car trip up into Kihei is a great spot for beginner surfers. We have scheduled with Maui Waveriders a number of times, and have always had good instructors, and our kids have had fun and even have gotten up on the boards and "surfed some waves." They offer small group lessons. There store/office is located across from the beach. This stretch of Kameole beach is also great for those who are looking to boogie board.
Being at the top of Haleakala at Sunrise is a very popular activity. The experience of watching the sunrise was made famous by Mark Twain after writing about it after his visit to Maui. The experience has become so popular that the US National Park Service started restricting pre-dawn admissions by requiring reservations. The reservations can be made 60 days in advance, and then another block of tickets is released 48 hours beforehand. See https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/facility/253731 for more details. Definitely plan ahead. Another option is booking a trip with a tour company. This includes companies that will shuttle you up to the top for the sunrise view, then provide you with a bike and gear to ride down. Remember that you only need a reservation if you want to enter from 3 am to 7 am. Otherwise, a reservation is not needed. We enjoy going during the daytime. This way, we can look up to the top, see if it is cloud-free, and then drive up. Some people believe that the "hot tip" is to go up for sunset. Just as beautiful and no reservation needed. Some enjoy going at night for stargazing. Please be prepared for your trip to Haleakala. First of all it is over 10,000 ft. It can be cold! Daytime high is usually 50 to 65 degrees usually with high winds (35 to 50 miles per hour) Nighttime temps can be below freezing. Facilities are limited. No restaurant. No gas sold near the Park. Water is only available in certain areas. Even though Haleakala is located near the equator, on a tropical island, it is important to think of it as a trip to a rugged mountain. (OK, I'm done sounding like your mother).
130 locals recommend
Haleakala Crater
130 locals recommend
Being at the top of Haleakala at Sunrise is a very popular activity. The experience of watching the sunrise was made famous by Mark Twain after writing about it after his visit to Maui. The experience has become so popular that the US National Park Service started restricting pre-dawn admissions by requiring reservations. The reservations can be made 60 days in advance, and then another block of tickets is released 48 hours beforehand. See https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/facility/253731 for more details. Definitely plan ahead. Another option is booking a trip with a tour company. This includes companies that will shuttle you up to the top for the sunrise view, then provide you with a bike and gear to ride down. Remember that you only need a reservation if you want to enter from 3 am to 7 am. Otherwise, a reservation is not needed. We enjoy going during the daytime. This way, we can look up to the top, see if it is cloud-free, and then drive up. Some people believe that the "hot tip" is to go up for sunset. Just as beautiful and no reservation needed. Some enjoy going at night for stargazing. Please be prepared for your trip to Haleakala. First of all it is over 10,000 ft. It can be cold! Daytime high is usually 50 to 65 degrees usually with high winds (35 to 50 miles per hour) Nighttime temps can be below freezing. Facilities are limited. No restaurant. No gas sold near the Park. Water is only available in certain areas. Even though Haleakala is located near the equator, on a tropical island, it is important to think of it as a trip to a rugged mountain. (OK, I'm done sounding like your mother).

Traveler advice

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Waterfall Adventure with Hike Maui

If you are looking for a hike through the tropical part of Maui, be introduced to Maui through the eyes of a naturalist, and want the thrill of playing in waterfalls and jumping in to cool natural pools, this is a great activity. The guides at Hike Maui will take you into a part of Maui not accessible by the mobs of tourists with guide books. Hotel pick-up can be arranged. Otherwise, hikers meet at the Park and Ride in Kahului where they meet the vans and travel out along the highway past Paia. For more details check out: www.hikemaui.com
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Other Dining options: Food Trucks

Just like many other places, the phenomenon of Food Trucks has come to Maui. In Kihei there is a food truck lot on Lipoa. In Kahului, there is a lot behind Costco. Many of the food trucks are on Yelp and this can be another good way to find ones scattered around town.