Maui Guidebook
Food scene
Gus' Hawaiian Shave Ice
75 Alanui Ke'ali'iWonderful family who serve up shave ice from a VW van. Get the shave fruit!
Order takeout to avoid the line. We recommend the fish & chips, homestyle potatoes and fish tacos.
118 locals recommend
Paia Fish Market South Side
1913 S Kihei RdOrder takeout to avoid the line. We recommend the fish & chips, homestyle potatoes and fish tacos.
The avo toast and vegan donuts are amazing. Our favorite drinks are the Aloha latte and Pumpkin Twist latte.
16 locals recommend
Akamai Coffee @ Wailea Village
116 Wailea Ike DrThe avo toast and vegan donuts are amazing. Our favorite drinks are the Aloha latte and Pumpkin Twist latte.
Local brewery and great happy hour deals. Large menu for lunch/dinner. Fun atmosphere and great for families, too. Try the Pineapple Mana Wheat beer... it's made from Maui Gold pineapples!
146 locals recommend
Maui Brewing Company
605 Lipoa PkwyLocal brewery and great happy hour deals. Large menu for lunch/dinner. Fun atmosphere and great for families, too. Try the Pineapple Mana Wheat beer... it's made from Maui Gold pineapples!
Neighborhoods
Lahaina
Visit Front St. for shopping and great restaurants.
Surf and chill vibes! Visit for some of Maui's coolest boutiques, galleries and awesome food. Try Flatbread Co Pizza!
208 locals recommend
Paia
Surf and chill vibes! Visit for some of Maui's coolest boutiques, galleries and awesome food. Try Flatbread Co Pizza!
Quaint cowboy town with cool shops. Visit Komoda Bakery and Freshies restaurant.
117 locals recommend
Makawao
Quaint cowboy town with cool shops. Visit Komoda Bakery and Freshies restaurant.
Kula is the home of botanical gardens, organic farms and quaint eateries. We love spending the day "Upcountry."
14 locals recommend
Kula
Kula is the home of botanical gardens, organic farms and quaint eateries. We love spending the day "Upcountry."
Sightseeing
Such a fun excursion whether you're snorkeling or whale watching.
10 locals recommend
Redline Rafting Co.
2800 S Kihei RdSuch a fun excursion whether you're snorkeling or whale watching.
Waterfalls, jaw-dropping coastline, and a black sand beach. So much more! It's a fun, adventure filled day. Be sure to download a local guide like the R2H for your journey.
42 locals recommend
Hana Highway
Hana HighwayWaterfalls, jaw-dropping coastline, and a black sand beach. So much more! It's a fun, adventure filled day. Be sure to download a local guide like the R2H for your journey.
Get a bird's-eye view of Maui by taking a flight lesson! Lessons are offered to anyone from no experience to seasoned pilots.
Fly Maui Flight School & Plane Rental
19 Heona PlGet a bird's-eye view of Maui by taking a flight lesson! Lessons are offered to anyone from no experience to seasoned pilots.
One of Hawaii's largest and prettiest beaches. "Big Beach" is a favorite spot to watch for whales and take in the turquoise waters. Note: Be careful in the water as Big Beach typically has a dangerous shore break.
45 locals recommend
Makena State Park
4670 Makena AlanuiOne of Hawaii's largest and prettiest beaches. "Big Beach" is a favorite spot to watch for whales and take in the turquoise waters. Note: Be careful in the water as Big Beach typically has a dangerous shore break.
Traveler advice
Getting around
Rental car is highly recommended.
Check local renters such as Kihei Rent a Car or opt for a Turo rental.
Don't miss
Sunset on Haleakala summit
Couldn't get sunrise reservations? Go for sunset when no reservation is required. Arrive early and hike into the volcano crater on the Sliding Sands trail.
Customs and culture
Take off your slippahs!
Remove your shoes before going inside any residence and condo. It's our custom and will keep your floors clean!
Ways to save
Take a canned food donation to the lavender farm.
Admission fee is waived at Ali'i Kula Lavender Farm if you bring at least one canned good per person. These are collected for the Maui Food Bank.
Useful phrases
Aloha and Mahalo.
Yes, we really do say "Aloha." Aloha can mean hello or goodbye. But the meaning is so much deeper. Mahalo means, "Thank you."
Book before you go
Mama's Fish House
Mama's Fish House books up months in advance, especially with our current Covid restrictions.
What to pack
Keep it casual.
Everyone packs too much the first trip. Maui is laid-back and casual, even at some of the nicest restaurants.
Traveling with kids
Get the kids tired before your late night departure flight.
Find a fun, clean activity for the kids on your departure day after checkout. Keep them moving to assure some sleep on the red-eye back to the mainland. We suggest the ocean center, indoor trampoline park, or whale watching trip.