An entirely different Maui greets anyone with a face mask, snorkel, and fins. Under the sea, you'll find schools of brilliant tropical fish, green sea turtles, quick-moving game fish, slack-jawed moray eels, and prehistoric-looking coral. It's a kaleidoscope of color and…
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Maui Attractions
Maui Farms: Stop & Smell the Lavender
Idyllic farms abound across Maui. Many open their doors to visitors and have terrific island-grown products for purchase. To spend the day farm-hopping, join Marilyn Jansen Lopes and her husband, Rick. The sweet, knowledgeable guides of Maui Country Farm Tours ★★ (www.mauicountryfarmtours.com; 808/283-9131) offer an overview of Valley Isle agriculture and regale guests with anecdotes and extra treats along the way. They share their love of Maui plus historic background of the island’s sugar mills, coffee plantations, family farms, and vineyards. Tours in eight-seat, air-conditioned buses start at $160 and include lunch. Their Halfway to Hana tour features tropical fruit tasting and waterfall dips when weather allows.
Idyllic farms abound across Maui. Many open their doors to visitors and have terrific island-grown products for purchase. To spend the day farm-hopping, join Marilyn Jansen Lopes and her husband, Rick. The sweet, knowledgeable guides of Maui Country Farm Tours ★★ (www.mauicountryfarmtours.com; 808/283-9131) offer an overview of Valley Isle agriculture and regale guests with anecdotes and extra treats along the way. They share their love of Maui plus historic background of the island’s sugar mills, coffee plantations, family farms, and vineyards. Tours in eight-seat, air-conditioned buses start at $160 and include lunch. Their Halfway to Hana tour features tropical fruit tasting and waterfall dips when weather allows.
If you want to explore Maui’s upcountry farms on your own, start by taking a detour on wild Omaopio Road to meet the frisky kids at the sweet, off-the-beaten-path Surfing Goat Dairy ★★ (3651 Omaopio Rd., Kula; www.surfinggoatdairy.com; 808/878-2870; Mon–Sat 9am–5pm, Sun 9am–2pm). When you spot the surfboard nailed to the tree, you’ll know you’re close. Daily farm tours are $12 adults and $8 for kids. Book in advance if you want to help with evening chores—milking mama goats (Mon–Sat 3:15pm; $17 adults, $14 children). Cheese aficionados will appreciate the Grand Dairy Tours: 2 hours of cheesemaking and sampling the farm’s award-winning chèvre, quarks, and truffles.
Never heard of a vodka farm? Neither had I until Ocean Organic Vodka ★★ (4051 Omaopio Rd., Kula; www.oceanvodka.com; 808/877-0009) opened just below Surfing Goat Dairy. Sustainably harvested organic sugarcane is blended with deep ocean mineral water to make fine-quality liquor. See how it’s done at this solar-powered distillery halfway up the leeward slope of Haleakala. (The views alone are worth the price of admission.) Fun and informative tours are $12 a person (ages 12 and up). Lunch ($27) can be added with 24-hour advance notice. Those 21 and over can sample various spirits (and vodka-filled truffles!) and take home a souvenir shot glass. It’s open daily 9:30am to 5pm.
Stop and smell the Alii Kula Lavender ★★ (1100 Waipoli Rd., Kula; www.aliikulalavender.com; 808/878-3004), at this gorgeous property set high up on the leeward slope of Haleakala. On the 30-minute walking tour (5 tours daily; $12 with advance reservation), you can sniff multiple varieties of lavender and tropical flowers and leave with a fragrant bouquet. The store is chock-full of great culinary products (lavender seasonings, honey, jelly, and teas) and bath and body goodies (the salve is a lifesaver). General admission is $3; lunches and/or treasure hunts for kids can be arranged with 24-hour notice.
Also on Waipoli Road, O’o Farm ★★★ (651 Waipoli Rd., Kula; www.oofarm.com; 808/667-4341) hosts scrumptious seed-to-cup breakfast tours and gourmet lunches. It’s pure delight to stroll through the 8 1/2-acre citrus and coffee orchard and biodynamic farm, which was planted to supply the owners’ West side restaurants: Pacifico, Feast at Lele and Aina Gourmet Market. Pluck your own coffee beans, learn how ripe cherries become drinkable roasts, and then settle under the vine-covered canopy for a feast. Chef Daniel Eskelsen makes magic happen with his outdoor wood-burning oven, delivering dish after mouth-watering dish to the rustic table. The focaccia with Hawaiian sea salt is worth the price of admission all by itself. It’s BYOB and costs $58—well worth it if you make this your main meal of the day. Bring sun protection, a light jacket, walking shoes, and your camera. The views from this elevation are stellar.
Tip: If you’re a history buff, buy a “Passport to the Past” for $10 and gain admission to Maui’s four best museums: the Baldwin Home and Wo Hing Museum in Lahaina, the Bailey House in Wailuku, and the A&B Sugar Museum in Puunene. The passport is sold at each of these locations.
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- Natural Attraction
Ahihi-Kinau Natural Preserve
This 2,000-acre state natural area reserve in the lee of Cape Kinau, on Maui’s rugged south coast, is home to bejeweled Ahihi Bay. It was here that Haleakala spilled its last red-hot lava into the sea, so the entrance to the ocean is sharp and rocky. Ease into the water to see…South Coast
- Museum
Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum
This former sugar-mill superintendent’s home has been converted into a museum that tells the story of sugar in Hawaii. Exhibits explain how workers of a variety of ethnic backgrounds grew, harvested, and milled sugarcane—backbreaking toil that also relied on innovative engineering.…Puunene - Farm
Ali‘i Kula Lavender Maui
Enjoy the self-guided walking tour, which explores the grounds that boast lavender varieties in bloom year-round. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a light jacket. - Cooking Class
Aloha Surf Clinics With Nancy Emerson
Nancy has been surfing since 1961 and has even been a stunt performer for various movies such as "Waterworld." She’s pioneered a new instructional technique called “Learn to Surf in One Lesson.” It’s $95 per person for a 2-hour group lesson; private 2-hour classes are $219. All… - Tour
Atlantis Submarine
Descend more than 100 feet below the ocean’s surface in air-conditioned comfort aboard this 48-passenger submarine. You’ll see colorful fish, corals, and other marine creatures populating the waters off of Lahaina. Occasionally, eagle rays, white tip sharks, or a rare monk seal will…Lahaina - Historic Site
Bailey House Museum
Since 1957, the Maui Historical Society has welcomed visitors to the charming former home of Edward Bailey, a missionary, teacher, and accomplished artist. The 1833 building—a hybrid of Hawaiian stonework and Yankee-style architecture—is a trove of Hawaiiana. Inside you’ll find…Wailuku - Museum
Baldwin Home Museum
The oldest house in Lahaina, this coral-and-rock structure was built in 1834 by Rev. Dwight Baldwin, a doctor with the fourth company of American missionaries to sail to Hawaii. Like many missionaries, he came to Hawaii to do good—including inoculating residents with a smallpox…Lahaina - Natural Attraction
Banyan Tree
Of all the banyan trees in Hawaii, this is the greatest—so big that you can’t get it all in your camera’s viewfinder. Imported from India, it was only 8 feet tall when it was planted in 1873 by Maui sheriff William O. Smith to mark the 50th anniversary of Lahaina’s first Christian…Lahaina - Tour
Blue Hawaiian Helicopters
Some of Maui’s most spectacular scenery—3,000-foot-tall waterfalls thundering away in the chiseled heart of the West Maui Mountains, say, or Piilanihale, an impressive 3-acre heaiu (temple) hidden away in Hana—can only be seen from the air. Blue Hawaiian can escort you there on one…Kahului - Park/Garden
Camp Olowalu
Halfway to Lahaina on the Honoapiilani Highway, this cozy campground is nestled right up to one of the island’s best coral reefs. It’s perfect for avid snorkelers and, during the winter months, whale-watchers. (You can hear them slap their fins against the sea’s surface at night—a… - Tour
Ed Robinson’s Diving Adventures
Ed Robinson, a widely published underwater photographer, offers specialized charters for small groups aboard the Sea Spirit. Two-tank dives are $145 ($168 with all the gear); more experienced divers will want to book the two-tank adventure dive (Sun and Fri; same price) or an…Kihei - Sports Venue
Elleair Maui Golf Club
Hitting in the foothills of Haleakala, just high enough to afford spectacular ocean vistas from every hole, Elleair (formerly Silversword Golf Club) is a course for golfers who love the views as much as the fairways and greens. It’s very forgiving. One caveat: Go in the morning. Not… - Tour
Expeditions Lahaina/Lanai Passenger Ferry
Currently closed due to wildfire impact.The cheapest way to reach Lanai is via ferry, which runs five times a day, 365 days a year. It leaves Lahaina at 6:45 and 9:15am, and 12:45, 3:15, and 5:45pm; the return ferry from Lanai’s Manele Bay leaves at 8 and 10:30am, and at 2, 4:30, and…Lahaina - Museum
Hale Pai
When the missionaries arrived in Hawaii in 1820 to spread the word of God, they found the Hawaiians had no written language. They quickly rectified the situation by converting the Hawaiian sounds into a written language. Creating reading material took a bit longer. In 1831, they also…Lahaina - Park
Haleakala National Park
This stunning national park offers a variety of options for campers throughout its diverse landscape: car camping at Hosmer Grove halfway up the summit or at Oheo Gulch in Kipahulu; pitching a tent in the central Haleakala wilderness; or cozying up in one of the crater’s historic…HANA - Historic Site
Halekii-Pihanai Heiau State Monument
These two heiau, or temples, built in 1240 from stones carried up from the Iao Stream below, sit on a hill with a commanding view of central Maui and Haleakala. Kahekili, the last chief of Maui, lived here. After the bloody battle at Iao Stream, Kamehameha I reportedly came to the…Wailuku - Beach
Hamoa Beach
James Michener called it “a beach so perfectly formed that I wonder at its comparative obscurity.” This half-moon-shape, gray-sand beach (a mix of coral and lava) in a truly tropical setting is a favorite of sunbathers seeking rest and refuge. The Travaasa Hana resort maintains the… - Tour
Hawaiian Paddle Sports
Exercising surf etiquette and protecting the reef as much as finding the right stance and reading the waves are part of this eco-friendly company’s surfing curriculum. The 2-hour lessons for beginning and intermediate surfers take place in West Maui, wherever that day’s guide feels…Around the Island - Natural Attraction
Honolua Bay
The snorkeling in this wide, secluded bay is worth the drive out to West Maui’s far corner. Spectacular coral formations glitter beneath the surface. Turtles, rays, and a variety of snappers and goatfish cruise along beside you. In the crevices are eels, lobster, and rainbow-hued…Kapalua - Beach
Hookipa Beach Park
Hookipa means “hospitality,” and the wild north shore beach of the same name is certainly hospitable to wave riders. Two miles past Paia on the Hana Highway, it’s among the world’s top spots for windsurfing and kiting—thanks to tradewinds that kick up whitecaps offshore. Hookipa… - The Performing Arts
Iao Theater
It’s not Broadway, but Maui does have live community theater, ranging from locally written productions to well-known plays to musicals. - Beach
Kaanapali Beach
Four-mile-long Kaanapali is one of Maui’s best beaches, with sugary golden sand as far as the eye can see. A paved walkway links hotels and condos, open-air restaurants, and the Whalers Village shopping center. Because Kaanapali is so long and broad, and most hotels have adjacent… - Sports Venue
Kaanapali Golf Resort
Both courses at Kaanapali will challenge golfers, from high-handicappers to near-pros. The par72, 6,305-yard Royal Kaanapali (North) Course is a true Robert Trent Jones, Sr., design: It has an abundance of wide bunkers; several long, stretched-out tees; and the largest, most…West Maui - Farm
Kahanu Garden
The world’s largest collection of breadfruit trees—a staple food for Pacific islanders—thrives here. The garden has some 130 distinct varieties gathered from 20 tropical island groups. You’ll also view a Canoe Garden, filled with the many useful plants that the early Polynesian… - Beach
Kamaole III Beach Park
Three beach parks—Kamaole I, II, and III—stand like golden jewels in the front yard of suburban Kihei. This trio is popular with local residents and visitors alike because each is easily accessible and all three have shady lawns. On weekends, they’re jam-packed with picnickers,… - Beach
Kapalua Beach
The beach cove that fronts the Coconut Grove Villas is the stuff of dreams: a golden crescent bordered by two palm-studded points. The sandy bottom slopes gently to deep water at the bay mouth; the water’s so clear that you can see it turn to green and then deep blue. Protected from… - Sports Venue
Kapalua Resort
The views from these two championship courses are worth the greens fees alone. The par-72, 6,761- yard Bay Course was designed by Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay. This course is a bit forgiving, with its wide fairways; the greens, however, are difficult to read. The oft-photographed 5th…West Maui - Natural Attraction
Kealia Pond National Wildlife Preserve
Wedged between Mokulele Highway and Sugar Beach, this 700-acre wetland reserve provides habitat for endangered Hawaiian stilts, coots, and ducks. The picturesque ponds work both as bird preserves and as sedimentation basins that protect coral reefs from runoff. Check out the new…Kihei - Park/Garden
Keanae Peninsula & Arboretum
At mile marker 17, the vintage Hawaiian village of Keanae ★★ stands out against the Pacific like a place time forgot. Here, on an old lava flow graced by an 1860 stone church and swaying palms, is one of the last coastal enclaves of native Hawaiians. They still grow taro in patches… - Park/Garden
Kula Botanical Garden
Take a self-guided, informative, leisurely stroll through this 5-acre garden of more than 700 native and exotic plants—including three unique collections of orchids, proteas, and bromeliads. It offers a good overview of Hawaii’s exotic flora in one small, cool place, plus a few nifty…Kula - Museum
Lahaina Heritage Museum
Located on the second floor of the old Lahaina Courthouse, this museum presents the history, culture, and environment of Lahaina, from precontact Hawaii (which once called this town Lele) through the missionary, whaling, and plantation eras to the beginnings of modern tourism and the…Lahaina - Reglious Site
Lahaina Jodo Mission
This site has long been held sacred. The Hawaiians called it Puunoa Point, which means “the hill freed from taboo.” Once a small village named Mala (garden), this peaceful place became a haven for Japanese immigrants, who came to Hawaii in 1868 as laborers for the sugarcane…Lahaina - Sports Venue
Makena Golf Courses
Here you'll find 36 holes of "Mr. Hawaii Golf" -- Robert Trent Jones, Jr. -- at its best. Add to that spectacular views: Molokini islet looms in the background, humpback whales gambol offshore in winter, and the tropical sunsets are spectacular. The par-72, 6,876-yard South Course…South Maui - Beach
Makena State Beach Park
One of the most popular beaches on Maui, Makena is so vast it never feels crowded. Locals call it “Big Beach”—it’s more than 100 feet wide and stretches out 3,300 feet from Puu Olai, the 360-foot cinder cone on its north end to its southern rocky point. The golden sand is luxuriant,… - Park
Malu Ulu Olele Park
At first glance, this Front Street park appears to be only a hot, dry baseball field bracketed by tennis and basketball courts. But actually it’s sacred ground; a royal compound stood here more than 100 years ago, now buried under tons of red dirt and sand. Here, Prince Kauikeaouli,…Lahaina - Beach
Maluaka Beach
On the southern end of Maui’s resort coast, development falls off dramatically, leaving a wild, dry countryside of green kiawe trees. The Makena Beach & Golf Resort sits in isolated splendor, sharing the resort’s 1,800 acres with only a private golf course and a necklace of… - Park/Garden
Maluuluolele Park
At first glance, this Front Street park appears to be only a hot, dry, dusty softball field. But under home plate is the edge of Mokuula, where a royal compound once stood more than 100 years ago -- it's now buried under tons of red dirt and sand. Here, Prince Kauikeaolui, who…Historic Lahaina - The Performing Arts
Maui Arts and Cultural Center
This is the island’s most prestigious entertainment venue, a first-class center for the visual and performing arts. Bonnie Raitt has performed here, as have Hiroshima, Pearl Jam, Ziggy Marley, Tony Bennett, the American Indian Dance Theatre, the Maui Symphony Orchestra, and Jonny… - Tours
Maui Classic Charters
Maui Classic Charters offers morning and afternoon snorkel cruises to Molokini on Four Winds II, a 55-foot, double-deck power catamaran with waterslide. Online rates for the 5-hour morning sail to Molokini Crater alone are $95 for adults, $65 for children 3 to 12, including… - Tour
Maui Dreams Dive Company
Run by husband-and-wife team Rachel and Don Domingo, this is the best full-service dive operation on the island. Stop in at their South Maui shop, and you might just end up scuba-certified ($299 for a 2-day course). The skilled dive masters and instructors are so fun that they make…South Maui - Tour
Maui Nei Native Expeditions
Discover the royal and supernatural history of Lahaina on this fascinating 2-hour walking tour. Your native Hawaiian kumu, or guide, will chant, tell stories, and reveal obscure sites of great import to the Hawaiian monarchy. If you haven’t viewed the queen’s birthing stone or…Lahaina - Park/Garden
Maui Nui Botanical Garden
This garden is a living treasure box of native Hawaiian coastal species and plants brought here by Polynesian voyagers in their seafaring canoes. Stroll beneath the shade of the hala and breadfruit trees while taking a self-guided audio tour. You’ll learn how the first Hawaiians made…Kahului - Sports Venue
Maui Nui Golf Club
]The name has changed (formerly Elleair), but the Kihei course is the same forgiving, beautiful playground. Unspooling across the foothills of Haleakala, it’s just high enough to afford spectacular ocean vistas from every hole. One caveat: Go in the morning. Not only is it cooler,…South Maui - Aquarium
Maui Ocean Center
This 5-acre facility houses the largest aquarium in the state and features one of Hawaii’s largest predators: the tiger shark. Exhibits are geared toward the residents of Hawaii’s ocean waters. As you walk past the three dozen or so tanks and numerous exhibits, you’ll slowly descend…Maalaea - Active Pursuit
Maui Stand Up Paddle Boarding
Get up on a board and “walk on water” with a private SUP lesson or guided tour ($199 for one person, $139 for two or more). Adventures start out with an overview of paddling techniques on shore, then you’ll launch into the water at Makena Landing, Olowalu, or Kapalua Bay for 2 salty…Kihei - Tour
Maui Surf Clinics
One of Maui’s oldest surf schools is just steps away from the reliable break at 505 Front Street. Paddle out to the swell and your instructor will cheer you on as you hang ten for the first time. It’s $85 per person for a 2-hour group lesson; private classes are $170, and semiprivate…Lahaina - Active Pursuit
Maui Surfer Girls
Despite its name, MSG offers coed surf and SUP instruction for groms and Betties alike—meaning men, women, and children. Owner Dustin Tester is a big-wave surf pioneer; she’s among the first women to charge “Jaws,” one of the planet’s biggest breaks, and her commitment to helping…Around the Island - Garden
Maui Tropical Plantation
About 3 miles south of Wailuku lies the tiny village of Waikapu, which has an attraction that’s worth exploring. There’s plenty to do here: shop for locally made souvenirs, learn how to husk a coconut, gawk at the longhorn cattle, and zoom on a zipline over the plantation’s lush…Wailuku - Winery
MauiWine Vineyards
On the southern shoulder of Haleakala is Ulupalakua Ranch, a 20,000-acre spread once owned by the legendary sea captain James Makee, celebrated in the Hawaiian song and dance “Hula O Makee.” Wounded in a Honolulu waterfront brawl in 1843, Makee moved to Maui and bought Ulupalakua. He…Kula - Tour
Mike Severns Diving
For personalized diving tours on a 38-foot Munson/Hammerhead boat (with a freshwater shower), call Pauline Fiene at Mike Severns Diving. She and her fellow dive masters lead trips for a maximum of 12 people, divided into two groups of six. Exploring the underwater world is…Kihei - Natural Attraction
Molokini
A sunken crater that sits like a crescent moon fallen from the sky, almost midway between Maui and the uninhabited island of Kahoolawe, Molokini stands like a scoop against the tide. This offshore site is very popular, thanks to astounding visibility (you can often peer down 100 ft.…Around the Island - Winery/Brewery/Distillery
Ocean Organic Vodka
ever heard of a vodka farm? Neither had I until this one opened just below Surfing Goat Dairy, halfway up Haleakala. (The views alone are worth the price of admission.) Sustainably harvested sugarcane is blended with deep ocean mineral water to make fine-quality liquor at this… - Farm
O‘o Farm
About 1/3 mile west of the lavender farm on Waipoli Rd., this bucolic orchard and biodynamic farm hosts scrumptious breakfast coffee tours and gourmet lunches, albeit for a pretty penny. O‘o Farm supplies several restaurants in West Maui: Pacific’o, Feast at Lele, and ‘Aina Gourmet… - Tour
Pacific Whale Foundation
This not-for-profit foundation supports its whale research, public education, and conservation programs by offering whale-watch cruises, wild dolphin encounters, and snorkel tours, some to Molokini, Honolua Bay, and Lanai. Numerous daily trips are offered out of both Lahaina and… - Ride/Activity
Piiholo Ranch Adventures
Explore this family ranch in the Makawao forest from above—flying through the eucalyptus canopy on up to seven ziplines. Those who’d rather walk than zip can accompany participants on the standard tours, which have four or five lines (the latter including one that’s 2,800 feet long),…Makawao - Museum
Plantation Museum
Tucked away on the second floor of the Wharf Cinema Center, this compact exhibition space celebrates Maui’s more than 150 years of colorful plantation history and the diverse communities that contributed to it. You’ll learn about family life, festivals, and traditions as well as the…Lahaina - Hiking/Biking Route
Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area
High up on the slope of Haleakala, at 6,200 feet in elevation, this state park has a network of trails that winds through conifer forests similar to those of the Pacific Northwest. It’s frequently cold and foggy here—be prepared for extra-chilly nights—but on clear days the views of…Wailuku - Park/Garden
Polipoli State Park
High up on the slope of Haleakala, at 6,200 feet in elevation, this state park has extensive trails that wind through conifer forests reminiscent of the Pacific Northwest. It’s frequently cold and foggy here—be prepared for extra-chilly nights! One eight-bunk cabin is available for… - Tour
Pride of Maui
For a high-speed, action-packed snorkel-sail experience, consider the Pride of Maui. It offers 5-hour snorkel cruises to Molokini with stops at Turtle Bay and Makena; the cost is $90 for ages 13 and up and $56 for children 3 to 12. Rates include continental breakfast, barbecue lunch,… - Sports Venue
Pukalani Country Club
This cool par-72, 6,962-yard course at 1,100 feet offers a break from the resorts’ high greens fees, and it’s really fun to play. The 3rd hole offers golfers two options: a tough (especially into the wind) iron shot from the tee, across a gully (yuck!) to the green, or a shot down…Upcountry Maui - Tour
Scotch Mist Sailing Charters
The Scotch Mist II, an exceptionally swift, 50-foot Santa Cruz sailboat, offers intimate, exhilarating 4-hour snorkel-sail cruises, limited to 25 passengers. You’ll visit the glittering outer reefs at Olowalu or another West Maui site offering optimal snorkeling that day. Rates ($112…Lahaina - Ride/Activity
Skyline EcoAdventures
Go on, let out a wild holler as you soar above a rainforest gulch or through a eucalyptus grove. Pioneers of this internationally popular activity, the Skyline owners brought the first ziplines to the U.S. and launched them from their home, right here on Maui. Skyline has two…Makawao & Kaanapali - Farm
Surfing Goat Dairy
In Kula, just beyond the sugar-cane fields and on the slopes of Haleakala, lies this dairy, where some 140 dairy goats blissfully graze the 42 acres (17ha) and contribute the milk for the 24 different cheeses that are made every day. Drop by for the 30-minute casual dairy tour ($21,… - Tour
Temptation Tours
If you’d rather leave the driving to someone else, this tour company will chauffeur you to Maui’s top sites in a comfy deluxe van—much more luxurious than the large, crowded buses used by other agencies. Book a pre-dawn trip to the summit of Haleakala to witness the sunrise (followed…Around the Island - Tour
Trilogy Excursions
Trilogy offers my favorite snorkel-sail trips from West Maui. The family-run company prioritizes environmental stewardship—along with ensuring that you have a stellar marine adventure. Hop aboard one of Trilogy’s fleet of custom-built catamarans, 55 to 64 feet long, for the 9-mile…Maalaea - Beach
Ulua Beach
Ulua is a golden stretch of sand that’s popular with sunbathers, snorkelers, and scuba divers alike. Some of Wailea’s best snorkeling is found on the adjoining reef. The ocean bottom is shallow and gently slopes down to deeper waters, making swimming generally safe. In high season… - Tour
Unique Maui Tours
If you want to see Maui from a local’s perspective, hop into “Ella,” your luxury chariot for a day of sweet, sweaty, muddy adventure. As you cruise around the island, you’ll stop frequently to swim in waterfalls, hike up scenic ridges, and splash through secluded tidepools. Delphine…Around the Island - Hiking/Biking Route
Waianapanapa State Park
Tucked in a tropical jungle on the outskirts of the little coastal town of Hana is this state park, a black-sand beach set in an emerald forest. You’ll need to reserve your timed entry and parking lot a minimum of one day in advance, and closer to 60 days in advance if possible, to… - Beach
Waianapanapa State Park
Four miles before Hana, off the Hana Highway, is this beach park, which takes its name from the legend of the Waianapanapa Cave, where Chief Kaakea, a jealous and cruel man, suspected his wife, Popoalaea, of having an affair. Popoalaea left her husband and hid herself in a chamber of… - Sports Venue
Waiehu Municipal Golf Course
This public, oceanside par-72 golf course is like playing two different courses: The first 9 holes, built in 1930, are set along the dramatic coastline, while the back 9 holes, added in 1966, head toward the mountains. It’s a fun course that probably won’t challenge your handicap.…Central Maui - Beach
Wailea Beach
One of five beaches within Wailea Resort, Wailea might be the prettiest. It’s big, wide, and protected on both sides by black-lava points. It’s the front yard of the Four Seasons Resort Maui and the Grand Wailea, and hotel staff populates the sand with umbrellas and beach chairs. The… - Sports Venue
Wailea Golf Club
You'll have three courses to choose from at Wailea. The Blue Course, a par-72, 6,758-yard course designed by Arthur Jack Snyder and dotted with bunkers and water hazards, is for duffers and pros alike. The wide fairways appeal to beginners, while the undulating terrain makes it a…South Maui - Museum
Whalers Village Museum
Note: This business was impacted by the wildfires of August 2023.As you enter Kaanapali’s posh shopping center, you’re greeted by the almost life-size metal sculpture of a mother whale and two nursing calves. A few steps in is the impressive, bleached-white skeleton of a 40-foot… - Historic Site
Wo Hing Museum & Cookhouse
Sandwiched between souvenir shops and restaurants on Front Street, this ornate 1912 building once served as a fraternal and social meeting hall for Lahaina’s Chinese immigrants, brought to Hawaii to work in the sugarcane fields. Today it houses fascinating Asian artifacts, artwork,…Lahaina - Historic Site
Wo Hing Museum and Cookhouse
Sandwiched between souvenir shops and restaurants on Front Street, this ornate building once served as a fraternal and social meeting hall for Lahaina’s Chinese immigrants. Today it houses fascinating Asian artifacts, artwork, and a lovely shrine in the altar room upstairs. Beside…West Maui - Cooking Class
Zack Howard Surf
Zack is a lifelong waterman who will help you stand up and surf—even on your very first wave. Sharing his skills and passions are fellow instructors Sarah Howard (his wife) and Tyler Larronde, two Maui natives who grew up into world-class surfers, and California-raised elite…Kihei or Lahaina Breakwall
Maui Shopping
Maui Shopping
Maui’s best shopping is found in the small, independent boutiques and galleries scattered around the island—particularly in Makawao and Paia. (If you’re in the market for a bikini, there’s no better spot than the intersection of Baldwin Ave. and Hana Hwy. on Maui’s North Shore.) The two upscale resort shopping malls, the Shops at Wailea in South Maui and Whalers Village in Kaanapali, have everything from Louis Vuitton to Gap—plus a handful of local designers. If you’re looking for that perfect souvenir, consider visiting one of Maui’s farms (or farmer's markets), most of which offer fantastic value-added products. Take home Kaanapali coffee, Kula lavender spice rub, Ocean Vodka, Maui Gold pineapple, and other tasty treats that can be shipped worldwide.
Don’t be afraid to stop by a table on the side of the road to purchase some fresh fruit, dried fish, wooden carvings, or handmade shell jewelry; you’ll also find arts and crafts vendors in rotation at hotel lobbies, luau grounds, and regular evening art festivals in Lahaina and Wailuku. “Talking story,” localstyle, is part of the appeal.
THE ESSENTIALS—Major shopping centers are open Monday through Saturday from 9:30am to 9pm and Sunday from 10am to 5pm. The United States has no value-added tax (VAT) or other indirect tax at the national level. The state general excise tax (GET) can vary in Hawaii due to county surcharges; on Maui, it’s 4.166% on all purchases. Keep in mind that mainlandbound passengers cannot take home most fresh fruit, plants, or seeds (including some leis) unless they are sealed and labeled as permitted for transport— you cannot seal and pack them yourself.
Central Maui
Kahului
Kahului’s shopping is concentrated in two malls. The Maui Mall, 70 E. Kaahumanu Ave. (www.mauimall.com; 808/877-8952), is home to Whole Foods, Longs Drugs, T.J. Maxx, and Tasaka Guri Guri (the decades-old purveyor of inimitable icy treats that are neither ice cream nor shave ice, but something in between) and Kahului’s largest movie theater, a 12-screen megaplex that features mainly current releases. This mall also has a large Longs Drugs, a Hawaii institution selling great stashes of local food treats, Hello Kitty Hawaii–themed items, beach mats, etc., as well as items typically found in its mainland counterparts in the CVS chain. 70 E. Kaahumanu Ave. www.mauimall.com. 📞 808/877-8952.
Queen Kaahumanu Center, 275 Kaahumanu Ave. (www.queenkaahumanucenter.com; 808/877-3369), a 7-minute drive from the Kahului Airport, offers two levels of shops, restaurants, and theaters. It covers the bases, from arts and crafts to Macy’s and everything in between: a thriving food court and mall standards like Victoria’s Secret, Sunglass Hut, and Local Motion (surf and beach wear). The Maui Friends of the Library (www.mfol.org; 808/877-2509) runs a new and used bookstore that is an excellent source for Hawaii reading material. Like Tasaka Guri Guri, Camellia Seed Shop (808/877-5714) is a throwback to plantation days when locals enjoyed strange sweet-and-sour treats made from pickled plum seeds. Give them a try! ger. 275 Kaahumanu Ave. www.queenkaahumanucenter.com. 📞 808/877-3369.
Wailuku
Wailuku’s vintage architecture, antiques shops, and mom-and-pop eateries imbue the town with charm. You won’t find any plastic aloha in Wailuku; in fact, this is the best place to buy authentic souvenirs.
Stores stay open late the first Friday of each month, with live music and entertainment from 6 to 9pm along Market Street.
West Maui
Lahaina
Lahaina’s merchants and art galleries go all out from 7 to 10pm every Friday, when Art Night ★ brings an extra measure of hospitality and community spirit. The Art Night openings are usually marked with live entertainment and refreshments, plus a livelier-than-usual street scene. A free walking map of participating galleries is available at the Lahaina Visitor Center in the Old Lahaina Courthouse, 648 Wharf St. #101, Lahaina (www.visitlahaina.com; 808/667-9175).
Across from the seawall on Front Street, you’ll find the Outlets of Maui, 900 Front St. (www.theoutletsofmaui.com; 808/667-9216). There’s plenty of free validated parking and easy access to more than two dozen outlet shops, including Calvin Klein, Coach, Banana Republic, Adidas, Kay Jewelers, and more.
At the northern end of Lahaina town, what was formerly a big, belching pineapple cannery is now a maze of shops and restaurants known as the Lahaina Cannery Mall, 1221 Honoapiilani Hwy. (www.lahainacannerymall.com; 808/661-5304). Inside the air-conditioned building there’s a Longs Drugs and a 24-hour Safeway for groceries, an ABC store (a ubiquitous souvenir and convenience shop), plus more intriguing independent stores like IPU Island Crafts and Maui Art A La Carte.
Honokowai, Kahana & Napili
Those driving north of Kaanapali toward Kapalua will notice the Honokowai Marketplace, on Lower Honoapiilani Road, only minutes before the Kapalua Airport. It houses restaurants and coffee shops, a dry cleaner, the flagship Times Supermarket, and a few clothing stores.
South Maui
Kihei
Kihei is one long stretch of strip malls. Most of the shopping is concentrated in the Azeka Place Shopping Center on South Kihei Road. Across the street, Azeka Place II houses several prominent attractions, including a cluster of specialty shops with everything from children’s clothes to shoes, sunglasses, and swimwear.
Upcountry Maui
Makawao has several gorgeous boutiques and galleries to browse, plus a small grocery. Rodeo General Store, 3661 Baldwin Ave. (808/572-1868) offers ready-made items, dry goods, and a fine deli. A superior wine selection is housed in a temperature-controlled cave at the back of the store. Fuel up with stick donuts from one of Maui’s oldest and most beloved mom-and-pop shops, T. Komoda Store & Bakery.
Fresh Flowers in Kula
Like anthuriums on the Big Island, proteas are a Maui trademark and an abundant crop on Haleakala’s rich volcanic slopes. They also travel well, dry beautifully, and can be shipped worldwide with ease. Proteas of Hawaii, 15200 Haleakala Hwy., Kula (https://proteasofhawaii.com; 808/878-2533, ext. 210), located next door to the Kula Lodge, is a reliable source of this exotic flower.
East Maui
Maui’s North Shore Is Bikini Central
Paia has a half-dozen boutiques dedicated to Maui’s sun-kissed beach uniform, the bikini. And that’s not all; many of the other shops lining Baldwin Avenue and Hana Highway also sell swimwear. Head to this north-shore beach town for everything from Brazilian thongs to full-figured, mix-and-match-your-own suits. The best of the bunch are Maui Girl, 12 Baldwin Ave. (www.maui-girl.com; 808/579-9266; daily 9am–6pm); Le Tarte, 24 Baldwin Ave. (www.letarteswimwear.com; 808/579-6022; daily 10am–6pm); Pakaloha, 120 Hana Hwy. (www.pakalohamaui.com; 808/579-8882; daily 10am–6pm); and San Lorenzo, 115 Hana Hwy. (www.sanlorenzobikinis.com; 808/873-7972; daily 9am–9pm).
26 Results
- Fashion
Altitude
Owner and Frenchwoman Jeannine deRoode is every bit asstylish and charming as her boutique, which offers an array of classy, contemporary clothing, jewelry, and handbags. This is the place to find wardrobe staples that will last a lifetime.Upcountry - Gifts
Bailey House Museum Shop
The small gift shop at the entrance of this wonderful museum offers a trove of authoritative Hawaiiana, from hand-sewn feather hatbands to traditional Hawaiian games, music, and limited-edition books. Make sure to stroll through the gracious gardens and view Edward Bailey’s paintings…Wailuku - Fashion
Driftwood
One-stop shopping for a glamorous life: Browse the shelves for baby-soft suede boots, booty-bearing bikinis, swoon-worthy photo books, and dangly crystal earrings that will draw second looks as you cross Makawao Avenue, a surprisingly fashionable address. Candles, pottery, edibles,…Upcountry - Gifts
Hale Hoikeike (Bailey House) Museum Shop
The small gift shop at the entrance of this wonderful museum offers a trove of authoritative Hawaiiana, from hand-sewn feather hatbands to traditional Hawaiian games, music, and limited-edition books. Make sure to stroll through the gracious gardens and view Edward Bailey’s paintings…Wailuku - Art
Hana Coast Gallery
Hidden away in the posh Travaasa Hana resort, this critically acclaimed, 3,000-square-foot gallery is a cultural experience to savor. You won’t find pandering sunsets or jumping dolphins here. Known for its quality curatorship and commitment to Hawaiian culture, this art haven is…Hana Hasegawa General Store
This family-run, tin-roofed mercantile has been serving the Hana community since 1910, its eclectic wares even inspiring a popular song recorded in 1961 and occasionally covered today. Harkening back to the days when stores like these were islanders’ sole shopping outlet, the store…Hana- Sporting Goods
Honolua Surf
Gear up for a day on the water at this local franchise named for one of Maui’s best surf breaks. You’ll find cute beach cover-ups, rash guards, bikinis and surf trunks, sweatshirts, sandals, hats and even duffle bags to carry it all.Lahaina - China & Glassware
Hot Island Glassblowing Studio & Gallery
Watch glass blowers transform molten glass into artwork in this Makawao Courtyard studio. If you didn’t witness it happening, you might not believe that the kaleidoscopic vases and charismatic marine animals were truly made out of the fragile, fiery-hot medium. Several artists show…Upcountry - Gifts
Hui Noeau Visual Arts Center
On the wonderfully leafy grounds of Kaluanui Estate, which you can wander through on your own or via a guided tour (Mon and Wed 10am; $12), is the gift shop of this marvelous gallery in the former Baldwin Family home, built in 1917. The Hui is a hub for local art and education, and…Upcountry - Galleries
Lahaina Arts Society Galleries
Currently closed due to wildfire impact.Since 1967, the Lahaina Arts Society has been promoting the excellent work of local artists. The society’s two galleries inhabit the Old Lahaina Courthouse, the historic building that sits between Lahaina harbor and the giant banyan tree in the…Lahaina - Galleries
Lahaina Galleries
Currently closed due to wildfire impact.Sea creatures sculpted from bronze and wood greet you at the entrance of this Front Street haven for art. Whether you fancy Robert Bissell’s whimsical portraits of elephants swarmed by monarch butterflies, Guy Buffet’s Parisian cafe scenes, or…Lahaina - Fashion
Le Ru Atelier
Celebrity stylist and fashion designer Larissa Williams left Hollywood for Lahaina; now she glams up islanders with her romantic, approachable fashions. Her charming atelier is part boutique, part workshop. It’s filled with gorgeous original designs and handpicked vintage pieces. The…Lahaina - Fashion
Mahina
Fashionable young ladies will beeline to Mahina for wardrobe staples: feminine mini and maxi dresses, strappy shoes, clutches with pineapple prints, and gold bangles decorated with puka shells. Reasonable prices make it easy to rock tropical glamour at the beach or bar.Lahaina - Food
Mana Foods
The state’s best health-food store hides behind an unimposing dark-green facade. Shopping at Mana Foods is an adventure to be sure—parking can be a nuisance, and the narrow aisles inside are crammed with nuevo hippies, yoga instructors, and the wild-haired children of both. Don’t let…Paia - Arts & Crafts
Maui Crafts Guild
On the corner of Hana Highway and Baldwin Avenue, this artists’ collective features distinctive, high-quality crafts. For over 3 decades, the guild’s dozen or so artists have been fashioning exquisite works out of ceramic, glass, wood, mixed media, and natural fibers. Look for the…Paia - Arts & Crafts
Maui Hands
This collective of more than 300 artists has several consignment shops/galleries around the island, each teeming with handcrafted treasures by local artisans. You’ll find Niihau shell necklaces, vivid paintings of local beaches and tropical flowers, carved koa bowls and rocking…Lahaina - Flea Markets
Maui Swap Meet
Admission to this colorful maze of booths and tables is just 50[ce] (free for shoppers 12 and under). The Maui Swap Meet in held in the Maui Community College’s parking lot every Saturday from 7am to 1pm. Vendors come from across the island to lay out their treasures: fresh fruits…Kahului - Arts & Crafts
Native Intelligence
This wonderful shop feels like a museum or gallery—only you can take the marvelous artifacts home with you. From the rich monkeypod wood floors to the collection of finely woven lauhala hats, shopping here is a feast for the senses. The store’s owners are committed to supporting…Wailuku - Housewares & Furniture
Pearl
This chic housewares shop supplies everything necessary for beach cottage living: Turkish spa towels, vintage hardware, embroidered cover-ups, and Indonesian furnishings. Stylish shop owner Malia Vandervoort collects treasures from around the globe that match her soulful, simple…Paia - Malls & Shopping Centers
Shops at Wailea
This elegant high-end mall mainly features luxury brands (Prada, Tiffany & Co., Gucci), but some less well-known gems are hidden amid the complex’s 50-odd shops. Martin & MacArthur (martinandmacarthur.com; [tel] 808/891-8844) sells luminous, curly koa bowls and keepsake…Wailea - Fashion
Tamara Catz
Visiting fashionistas, take note: A stop at local designer Tamara Catz’s flagship store is de rigueur. The adorable boutique is small but stocked with wardrobe essentials. Designed on Maui, the filmy cotton slips, silk maxi-dresses, and pantsuits hand-embroidered with birds and…Paia The Mercantile
Every texture in this boutique is sumptuous, from the cashmere sweaters to the tooled leather belts. In addition to upscale men and women’s clothing, you’ll find Spiritual Gangster yoga wear, Jurlique organic body products, Mauimade Rue Belle gemstone jewelry, and an assortment of…Upcountry- Gallery
Viewpoints Gallery
Tucked into in Makawao Courtyard, this small gallery features the museum-quality work of 40 established Maui artists. The front half is dedicated to revolving solo shows and invitational exhibits—always worth a look. The gallery’s back half features works by collective artists:…Upcountry - Galleries
Village Galleries
This well-regarded gallery showcases the finest regional artists in a small space inside the Ritz-Carlton lobby, with a branch in Lahaina, too. View Pegge Hopper’s iconic Hawaiian women, George Allan’s luminous oil landscapes, and Betty Hay Freeland’s colorful local scenes.…Kapalua - Malls & Shopping Centers
Whalers Village
Right on Kaanapali Beach, this open-air mall offers everything from Louis Vuitton to Tommy Bahama, with a few island designers in the mix. Find classy aloha wear from Honolulu’s Tori Richard (www.toririchard.com; [tel] 808/667-7762) and matching mother-daughter batik clothing from…Kaanapali - Clothing
Wings
Founded by besties Samantha Howard and Melody Torres shortly after they graduated from the University of Hawaii, Wings relies on local designers and seamstresses for its whimsical, sustainable clothing (made with organic or recycled fabrics, nontoxic dyes, and the like). You’ll find…Paia
Maui Nightlife
Maui tends to turn out the lights at 10pm; nightlife options on this island are limited, but you’ll find a few gems listed below.
Many lobby lounges in the major hotels offer Hawaiian music, soft jazz, or hula shows beginning at sunset. If Amy Hanaialii, or Kealii Reichel are playing anywhere on their native island, don’t miss them; they’re among the finest Hawaiian musicians around today. Same with Hapa, a first-rate band composed of Barry Flanagan and rotating guests. Catch his dinner show on Tuesdays and Saturdays at Nalu’s South Shore Bar & Grill, in Azeka’s I 1280 S. Kihei Rd., Kihei (www.nalusmaui.com; 808/891-8650). Maui’s answer to Jimi Hendrix, Willie K performs a weekly dinner show at Mulligan’s on the Blue, 100 Kaukahi St., Wailea (www.mulligansontheblue.com; 808/874-1131 (restaurant) and 808/280-8288 (show reservations)) and during Sunday brunch at the King Kamehameha Golf Club, 2500 Honoapiilani Hwy., Waikapu (www.kamehamehagolf.com; 808/249-0033).
West Maui
Make time to see Ulalena ★★★, Maui Theatre, 878 Front St., Lahaina (www.ulalena.com; 808/856-7900), a Cirque du Soleil–style entertainment that weaves Hawaiian mythology with drama, dance, and state-of-the-art multimedia capabilities in a multimillion-dollar theater. It’s interactive; dancers stream down the aisles and musicians play from surprising corners. The story unfolds so seamlessly that at the end you’ll be shocked to realize that not a single word of dialogue was spoken. Performances Tuesday through Saturday; tickets run $70 to $115 for adults, $30 to $115 for children 6 to 12.
A very different type of live entertainment, Warren & Annabelle’s ★★, 900 Front St., Lahaina (www.warrenandannabelles.com; 808/667-6244), is a magic/comedy cocktail show with illusionist Warren Gibson and “Annabelle,” an 1800s-era ghost who plays the grand piano (even taking requests from the audience) as Warren dazzles with his sleight-of-hand magic. Appetizers, desserts, and cocktails are available (as a package or a la carte). Two 4-hour shows, with check-in at 5 or 7:30pm. The show-only price is $69; the show plus gourmet appetizers and dessert costs $115. You must be 21 to attend.
Slack key guitar masters are showcased every Wednesday night at the Napili Kai Beach Resort’s indoor amphitheater, thanks to the Masters of Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Series ★★★ (www.slackkey.com; 888/669-3858). The intimate shows present a side of Hawaii that few visitors get to see. Host George Kahumoku, Jr., introduces a different slack key master every week. Not only is there incredible Hawaiian music and singing, but George and his guest also “talk story” about old Hawaii, music, and local culture. Not to be missed. The show-only price is $38; the show plus dinner costs $95.
On the rooftop at Fleetwood’s on Front Street, 744 Front St., Lahaina (www.fleetwoodsonfrontst.com; 808/669-6425), you can catch local rockstars jamming with superstar Mick Fleetwood and his friends.
Other venues for music in West Maui include the following:
* Hula Grill, in Whalers Village, Kaanapali (www.hulagrillkaanapali.com; 808/667-6636), has live music (usually Hawaiian) every day from 11am to 9pm.
* Kimo’s, 845 Front St., Lahaina (www.kimosmaui.com; 808/661-4811), has live musicians every night at various times; call for details.
* Pioneer Inn, 658 Wharf St., Lahaina (www.pioneerinnmaui.com; 808/661-3636), offers a variety of live music Tuesday and Thursday nights 5:30 to 8pm.
* Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar, 600 Office Rd., Kapalua (www.sanseihawaii.com; 808/669-6286), has karaoke Thursday and Friday from 10pm to 1am—during which time you can enjoy 50% off sushi and appetizers.
* Sea House Restaurant, at the Napili Kai Beach Resort, Napili (www.napilikai.com; 808/669-1500), has live music nightly from 7 to 9pm.
South Maui
The Kihei and Wailea in South Maui also feature music in a variety of locations:
* Kahale’s Beach Club, 36 Keala Place, Kihei (808/875-7711), is a bit of a dive bar but has a potpourri of rock music nightly.
* Haui’s Life’s a Beach, 1913 S. Kihei Rd., Kihei (www.mauibars.com; 808/891-8010), has live music nightly and karaoke; call for times.
* Mulligan’s on the Blue, 100 Kaukahi St., Wailea (www.mulligansontheblue.com; 808/874-1131), offers rollicking Irish music on Sunday, a Wednesday dinner show with local legend Willie K, and other entertainers during the week.
* Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar, in Kihei Town Center, 1881 South Kihei Rd., Kihei (www.sanseihawaii.com; 808/879-0004), has karaoke Thursday through Saturday from 10pm to 1am—during which time you can enjoy 50% off sushi and appetizers.
* South Shore Tiki Lounge, 1913 S. Kihei Rd., Kihei (www.southshoretikilounge.com; 808/874-6444), has dancing nightly from 10pm to 1:30am.
Central Maui, Paia & Upcountry
The island’s most prestigious entertainment venue is the $32-million Maui Arts & Cultural Center in Kahului (www.mauiarts.org; 808/242-7469). The center is as precious to Maui as the Met is to New York, with a visual arts gallery, outdoor amphitheater, rehearsal space, a 300-seat theater for experimental performances, and a 1,200-seat main theater. Check the website for schedules and buy your tickets in advance.
The Kahului Ale House, 355 E. Kamehameha Ave., Kahului (www.kahuluialehouse.com; 808/877-0001), has live music or a DJ most nights. In Waikapu, the Maui Tropical Plantation, 1670 Honoapiilani Hwy. (www.mauitropicalplantation.com; 808/270-0333) is a dynamic venue for outdoor movies, parties, and live entertainment. Check the website for upcoming events.
In Paia, Charley’s Restaurant, 142 Hana Hwy. (www.charleysmaui.com; 808/579-8085), features an eclectic selection of music, from country to reggae to rock ’n’ roll Thursday through Saturday. Upcountry in Makawao, the party never ends at the popular Italian restaurant Casanova, 1188 Makawao Ave. (www.casanovamaui.com; 808/572-0220). If a big-name Mainland band is resting up on Maui following a sold-out concert on Oahu, you may find its members setting up for an impromptu night here. DJs take over on Wednesday (ladies’ night); on Friday and Saturday, live music starts between 9 and 10pm and continues to 1:30am. Expect blues, rock ’n’ roll, reggae, jazz, and Hawaiian. Elvin Bishop, the local duo Hapa, Los Lobos, and others have taken Casanova’s stage. The cover is usually $10 to $20.Get Rhythm
Climb aboard the Pacific Whale Foundation’s Island Rhythms Sunset Cocktail Cruise ★★★ (www.pacificwhale.org; 808/249-8811) for a rocking good time. Local musician Eric Gilliom gets everybody up and dancing on the deck of the boat. During whale season, even the Hawaiian humpbacks swim over to show their appreciation for his sweet serenades. Enjoy hearty appetizers and mixed cocktails while watching the sun sink into the liquid horizon. Adults $71, children 3-12 $46. Book online for 10 percent discount and board at Maalaea Harbor.
Luau, Maui Style
Most of the larger hotels in Maui’s major resorts offer luau on a regular basis. You’ll pay about $80 to $120 to attend one, but don’t expect it to be a homegrown affair prepared in the traditional Hawaiian way. There are, however, commercial luaus that capture the romance and spirit of the luau with quality food and entertainment.
Maui’s best choice is indisputably the nightly Old Lahaina Luau ★★★ (www.oldlahainaluau.com; 800/248-5828 or 808/667-1998). Located just ocean-side of the Lahaina Cannery, the Old Lahaina Luau maintains its high standards in food and entertainment—and enjoys an oceanfront setting that is peerless. Local craftspeople display their wares only a few feet from the ocean. Seating is provided on lauhala mats for those who wish to dine as the traditional Hawaiians did, but there are tables for everyone else. There’s no fire dancing in the 3-hour program, but you won’t miss it (for that, go to the Feast at Lele). This luau offers a healthy balance of entertainment, showmanship, authentic high-quality food, educational value, and sheer romantic beauty. (No watered-down mai tais either; these are the real thing.)
The luau begins at sunset and features Tahitian and Hawaiian entertainment, including powerful hula kahiko (ancient hula), hula auana (modern hula), and an intelligent narrative on the dance’s rocky course of survival into modern times. The food, served from an open-air thatched structure, is as much Pacific Rim as authentically Hawaiian: imu-roasted kalua pig, baked mahimahi in Maui onion cream sauce, guava chicken, teriyaki sirloin steak, lomi salmon, poi, dried fish, poke, Hawaiian sweet potato, sautéed vegetables, seafood salad, and taro leaves with coconut milk. The cost is $125 for adults, $78 for children 12 and under.
For information on all of Maui’s luau, go to www.mauihawaiiluau.com.
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Sandell (tel. 808/249-0234; www.sandellmaui.com): Since the early 1970s, artist, illustrator, and cartoonist David Sandell has been commenting on Maui through his artwork. Don't miss the opportunity to stop by his shop in old Wailuku town and "talk story" with the talented artist,…
The Best Golf Courses in Maui
Kaanapali Golf Resort: All golfers, from high handicappers to near pros, will love the two challenging courses here. The North Course is a true Robert Trent Jones, Sr., design: an abundance of wide bunkers; several long, stretched-out tees; and the largest, most contoured greens on…
