Maui
My home away from home
Visit the 2nd largest Hawaiian Island and find out why this gem has been voted top favorite Island. This is my go-to place, my happy place, my home away from home…the Valley Isle. I’ve Already Been…and been again and again!
Final approach into Maui
The 8 hour direct flight from DFW will put you in Kuhului, the commercial and financial hub of the island. We are able to book this entire airfare on miles with our AA Advantage program for as little as 35K miles round trip. Upon leaving the airport, you will find a Costco, Home Depot, Walmart and others to stock up for your stay. Costco also has the cheapest gas on the island and is convenient for the last fill up before returning your car. Costco also has a great program for rental cars which has saved me hundreds of dollars while booking through their Costco travel. You will still go to the rental counter as you would through direct booking with the rental agency, minus the high prices.
There are three main areas to consider when visiting the island of Maui:
West Maui:
Lahaina, Kaanapali, Kapalua and Napili
East Maui and Upcountry:
Paia, Kula, Makawao and Hana
South Maui:
Kihei, Wailea and Makena
Since I am more familiar with the South Maui area, and have Already Been, I will share that info with you.
Kihei (and also north in the Sugar Beach area) have the most affordable accomodations, but be careful with the choices. Many of these lack the view, are located above retail with balconies overlooking the parking lot with the pool smack dab in the middle. Kihei is also primarily resided by locals, while the other areas are mainly second home, million dollar spreads! Do your research! We find that renting a condo as opposed to a luxury hotel is more our speed. We like the feel of “home” and having a kitchen and washer/dryer, etc. Our favorite, The Palms at Wailea; it offers the beauty of Wailea with the Kihei prices…it sits directly on the border of Kihei and Wailea.
The Palms at Wailea
Wailea: Wailea is considered the upscale housing and shopping mecca of the island. Home to the beautiful (and massive) Grand Wailea, The Four Seasons, The Andaz, The Fairmount, Marriott and others. You can also find some amazing condos to rent as well from sites like VRBO, Home Away or Airbnb, but expect to pay anywhere from $400-$3000+ a night. Some of the best places for sunset cocktails are found in Wailea. The poolside bar at The Andaz, MiGRANT at The Marriott or (are you ready for this?) Humuhumunukunukuapua’s at The Grand Wailea…or, as I like to call it – Humu’s. Views of Lana’I, Kaho’olawe and Molokini just off shore provide an excellent backdrop for sunsets.
Play:
Town of Paia
Paia: Ah, the eccentric little town of Paia. A must stop before beginning the Road to Hana. I love this little place…known for anything-goes attitude and great for people watching. Fun shops, great food. Just north of town you will stumble upon Ho’okipa Beach Park which is one of Maui’s most famous surfing and windsurfing spots.
Hana Highway: Honestly, in all the years I have visited Maui, I have never done this. I may be missing out and I hear great things from the people that have gone. I am a self-proclaimed beach bum and taking the road trip to Hana is an all day excursion with winding roads, one lane bridges and knuckle gripping driving. I’d rather be parking my bum on the beach!
Haleakala National Park: Maui’s dormant volcano and one of the most amazing sunrise views you will ever see. I would recommend the biking tour, but be ready to set your alarm for 3am to make it to the biking company in time for your shuttle ride to the summit. The summit is 10,000 feet in elevation and well above the clouds (and often times bone chilling cold). It measures 5 miles from seafloor to summit making it one of the world’s tallest moutains. The biking company offers wind breakers, pants, backpacks and helmets. I would recommend layers to bring as well; the backpack is useful for shedding layers as you ride down the mountain and temperatures rise. You are at your own pace and can stop for photos ops, grab breakfast along the way and hop back on your bike. It is all down hill and mostly coasting except for a couple of hills. You can choose to drive your rental car up to the summit but the biking is the best way to experience this natural wonder.
Lahaina: Rich in history, Lahaina town is famous for its touristy oceanfront shopping, restaurants and nightlife. A visit to the Banyan Tree is a must see. Planted in 1873 at just 8’ tall, it now covers a 200’ area (whole block) with a height of over 60’. The Banyan tree drops roots from it’s branches and begins a new trunk. (insert photo ). Front Street is great for a park and walk for your sunset cocktails, dinner, shopping and people watching. You have many choices from Cheeseburger in Paradise, Bubba Gumps, Lahaina Fish Market and Fleetwoods on Front St to name a few.
Kihei: The best known beaches in this area is Kamaole Beach Park; there is actually Beach Park 1, Beach Park 2 and Beach Park 3. These parks are a great choice for family picnics with beachside BBQ grills, playgrounds for the kids and paddle boarding for the adventurous travelers. You will find rentals directly across the beaches on S Kihei road for lounge chairs, beach umbrellas, snorkel gear and coolers. ABC stores is one of my favorite shopping places which offers everything from souvenirs to grab and go lunches. Think of ABC as the stateside equivalent of 7Eleven (and then some). Be sure to keep your receipts during your stay and cash them in on your way home…I’ve scored Tshirts, mugs and other souvenirs simply by tallying the receipts at the end of my trip. There are several moped and Harley rentals in this area as well. The mopeds are a great way to experience the south end of the island and you are required to stay within the Kihei and Makena areas (mostly along Kihei road from Sugar Beach to the north and Makena to the south).
Little Beach
Makena: Makena State Park is home to Big Beach and Little Beach. Big Beach is located south of Wailea and provides a secluded alternative to more crowded beaches in Kihei or Kaanaplai. Big Beach is also one of the largest beaches on Maui and voted most beautiful. Oh, and for those wanting the “no tan lines”, head to Little Beach, Maui’s famous nude beach. You can access Little Beach on the North End of Makena Beach (Big Beach) and scale the rocky outcrop of an old lava flow to the other side. Sundays at Little Beach are a must see. Known as Drum Circle, this Sunday staple has been a long-lasting tradition on Maui. It usually begins late afternoon with steel drums, fire dancers and crowds slowly gathering that intensifies as sunset approaches.
Eat:
Since our condo is furnished with a fully stocked kitchen and BBQ grill on the lanai, we often times opt to stay in and cook and enjoy our home for the week. But I do love to wine and dine as well. Some of our favorite places on the island:
Lahaina:
Our favorite place to grab a cocktail and witness the best sunsets in Lahaina is Cheeseburger in Paradise located directly on the water along Front St. The flagship location offers the world famous pina coloda along with live music. If you dare, go for the Double Trouble…their famous pina colada topped with 151 and banana liquor. Believe me, it’s trouble!!
Hanging with Mick at Fleetwoods on Front St
Coming in to a close second is Fleetwood’s on Front St. Yes, that Fleetwood…Mick himself. The roof top bar offers great cocktails and live music. I have been there on numerous occasions and have lucked out with meeting the man himself. A gentle giant (the man is 6’5”) and welcoming to all his guest. I was craving a good burger during my last visit and you can imagine my surprise to find the Hog Burger listed for $38,791.81 (maybe Mick prepares at my table, sings me a song and feeds it to me??). Nope, your burger comes with a limited, custom Soft Tail Harley Davidson signed by Mick himself. The Harley can be shipped directly to your front door, fully loaded. But if you want cheese, it will be an extra $1.
Paia:
If you are beginning your early Road to Hana trip, check out Anthony’s Coffee Shop…the funky Mom and Pop local favorite. Stick around for lunch and grab a delicious flatbread at The Flatbread Company or check out the Paia Fish Market across the street. A casual stop with indoor picnic tables for seafood, plate lunches and fish burgers.
Paia is also home to one of Maui’s most famous landmarks for the freshest seafood on the island and one epic ocean view. I’m talking about Mama’s Fish House. The architecture and décor is about as Hawaiian as you can get. Their daily catch consists of Mahi-Mahi, Ahi Tuna, Ono and Uku. Their daily menu lists the names of the fisherman and where they caught the fish. These fishermen bring the fish directly to them and are processed and served within 24 hrs….now, that’s fresh! Reservations strongly recommended and bring the extra cash. Entrees here start at $45; but well worth it.
Kihei:
One of our favorite breakfast places on the island happens to be right there in Kihei. The Kihei Café…this local favorite opens daily at 5am and offers over 40 different breakfast choices with outdoor seating only. One of my favorites is the pork fried rice and eggs. Get here early or expect to stand in a long line. You order inside and then find a place to park your sunburned bum, there is no sitting and grabbing a table until you have gone through the line and ordered first…somehow the system works even with the long line.
Coming from TX and being a huge Tex Mex/Mexican food junkie, I was so happy to come across Fred’s Café and Cantina. A local chain with a funky, festive setting offering the Mexican faves and margaritas! They are open for breakfast as well with a great selection of breadfast tacos, migas, etc.
Wailea:
Mai Tai at Monkeypod
The Monkey Pod is a farm-to-table eatery and bar with Hawaiian fare in a slick, casual space. Located up the hill from the Shops at Wailea. Offering everything from wood fried pizza to the best Mahi Mahi fish and chips you will ever taste. I’m not a big Mai Tai fan, but it is the main reason I go here. Their Mai Tai is out of this world good with a slice of fresh Maui pineapple and topped with honey-lilkoi foam!
The young, sophisticated Andaz resort is also home to a couple of our favorites as well. Ka’ana Kitchen is another farm-to-table establishment that serves up some of the best dishes family style (sharing food with the people you love is a big part of the traditional Hawaiian culture). For a more sophisticated island-inspired dining, check out Morimoto Maui from the highly acclaimed celebrity chef, Masaharu Morimoto. With gorgeous views from the outdoor terrace and bar, this gem offers sumptuous hand rolled sushi and sashimi from Maui’s freshest local fish.
If you haven’t visited the Hawaiian Islands, you are in for a treat for each island offers something different in their own unique way. I’d like to hear from other’s that have Already Been and learn from their experiences to see if there is something I need to check off my list.
Mahalo!
