Kihei, Maui
Parks & Nature
Mile 10. 1 hour to explore the beautiful, and exotic vegetation. There is a fee.
14 locals recommend
Garden of Eden Arboretum & Botanical Garden
10600 Hana HwyMile 10. 1 hour to explore the beautiful, and exotic vegetation. There is a fee.
Upper Waikani Falls
Hana HighwayMile 19. 5 minutes to take some photos.
Pua'a Ka'a State Wayside
Hana HighwayMile 22. 20 minutes.
Turn at mile 31. 1 hour, especially if you have kids who are excited about the idea of being in a pitch dark lava cave. If the idea doesn't excite you, then skip it. There is a fee.
23 locals recommend
Hana Lava Tube
205 Ulaino RdTurn at mile 31. 1 hour, especially if you have kids who are excited about the idea of being in a pitch dark lava cave. If the idea doesn't excite you, then skip it. There is a fee.
Mile 32, last stop before Hana. 1 hour. Our second favorite stop, with water caves, black sand beach, hikes etc.
75 locals recommend
Wai'anapanapa State Park
Waianapanapa RoadMile 32, last stop before Hana. 1 hour. Our second favorite stop, with water caves, black sand beach, hikes etc.
Mile 49, first stop past Hana. If you love boogie boarding you'll love this beach. Otherwise skip the diversion, especially if it is getting late.
38 locals recommend
Hāmoa Beach
Hamoa BeachMile 49, first stop past Hana. If you love boogie boarding you'll love this beach. Otherwise skip the diversion, especially if it is getting late.
We already mentioned the sunrise in our Maui must-do list, and the Kipahulu entrance when you do the Road to Hana. But you can also go for a sunset up the mountain, or even at a random time mid-day. The views from up there are amazing, and some of the hiking trails are legendary...
45 locals recommend
Haleakalā National Park Summit Entrance
We already mentioned the sunrise in our Maui must-do list, and the Kipahulu entrance when you do the Road to Hana. But you can also go for a sunset up the mountain, or even at a random time mid-day. The views from up there are amazing, and some of the hiking trails are legendary...
If you don't know what a blowhole is, we refer you to the wikipedia page on blowholes which actually references the Nakalele blowhole as an example. It is a nice little hike down (and then up) the lava rocks, and you will need waterproof hiking shoes (don't do it in flipflops). To make the drive to that part of the island worth it, you should go further up the road to the next item on this list: the Olivine Pools.
71 locals recommend
Nakalele Blowhole
If you don't know what a blowhole is, we refer you to the wikipedia page on blowholes which actually references the Nakalele blowhole as an example. It is a nice little hike down (and then up) the lava rocks, and you will need waterproof hiking shoes (don't do it in flipflops). To make the drive to that part of the island worth it, you should go further up the road to the next item on this list: the Olivine Pools.
Instead of jotting down our own thoughts, we recommend this good article on the Olivine Pools at Hawaii.com.
12 locals recommend
Olivine Pools
Instead of jotting down our own thoughts, we recommend this good article on the Olivine Pools at Hawaii.com.
If there is space, park just before the entrance on the right side of the road to avoid paying a parking fee. Very easy paved hikes (good for families), with some great views, and if you wish you can also frolic in the water streams. If you don't hang around at all and just walk all the paths, you can be done in 30 minutes. So take your time, relax at the spots you like, and enjoy nature.
113 locals recommend
Iao Valley State Park
54 S High StIf there is space, park just before the entrance on the right side of the road to avoid paying a parking fee. Very easy paved hikes (good for families), with some great views, and if you wish you can also frolic in the water streams. If you don't hang around at all and just walk all the paths, you can be done in 30 minutes. So take your time, relax at the spots you like, and enjoy nature.
Birds. Pleasant walk on a boardwalk along the pond on one side, and a beach on the other side.
14 locals recommend
Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge
Birds. Pleasant walk on a boardwalk along the pond on one side, and a beach on the other side.
Not good for swimming and no beach really, but great for beginner surfing as you can tell by the many surfing schools opposite the park.
64 locals recommend
Kalama Park Pavilion
Not good for swimming and no beach really, but great for beginner surfing as you can tell by the many surfing schools opposite the park.
Kamaole I, II, III.
Our favorite 3 beaches on the island, and that is why we purchased our condo directly opposite. Nice and sandy in and out of the water, lifeguards, showers, shaded park benches behind the beaches under the trees, excellent snorkeling between Kam II and Kam III, as well as between Kam II and Kam I, plus great boogie boarding at Kam III. Best in the mornings if you want to avoid the afternoon wind which can be annoying if you are just sunbathing instead of enjoying the water.
201 locals recommend
Kamaole Beach Park II
South Kihei RoadKamaole I, II, III.
Our favorite 3 beaches on the island, and that is why we purchased our condo directly opposite. Nice and sandy in and out of the water, lifeguards, showers, shaded park benches behind the beaches under the trees, excellent snorkeling between Kam II and Kam III, as well as between Kam II and Kam I, plus great boogie boarding at Kam III. Best in the mornings if you want to avoid the afternoon wind which can be annoying if you are just sunbathing instead of enjoying the water.
Our second favorite beach. Skip the first parking spot adjacent to Five Palms, and drive straight to the end of the road where after parking you end up at the middle of the Keawakapu beach. Long and sandy, perfect for long sandy walks. You can also walk across to Mokapu beach, which sometimes had good boogie boarding, and even further to Ulua beach.
80 locals recommend
Keawakapu Beach
Kilohana DriveOur second favorite beach. Skip the first parking spot adjacent to Five Palms, and drive straight to the end of the road where after parking you end up at the middle of the Keawakapu beach. Long and sandy, perfect for long sandy walks. You can also walk across to Mokapu beach, which sometimes had good boogie boarding, and even further to Ulua beach.
Good for SCUBA diving, especially with the tailored-made bench for SCUBA tanks behind the beach. Aside: check out our page on SCUBA diving in Maui.
51 locals recommend
Ulua Beach Park
Ulua Beach RoadGood for SCUBA diving, especially with the tailored-made bench for SCUBA tanks behind the beach. Aside: check out our page on SCUBA diving in Maui.
Easy entry/exit with kayaks, if you are into kayaking. We've used South Pacific Kayaks before.
24 locals recommend
Makena Landing Park
5083 Makena RoadEasy entry/exit with kayaks, if you are into kayaking. We've used South Pacific Kayaks before.
Maluaka Beach
5400 Makena AlanuiGreat snorkeling.
Amazing boogie boarding, if you are past the beginner stage… or else just watch the locals and stay safe.
158 locals recommend
Makena Big Beach
Amazing boogie boarding, if you are past the beginner stage… or else just watch the locals and stay safe.
Hookipa Beach
For very experienced windsurfers.
When the conditions are right, this is the most fun you can have body boarding.
100 locals recommend
Napili Bay
When the conditions are right, this is the most fun you can have body boarding.
Nice long sandy beach, if you can ignore the backdrop of beachfront resorts.
50 locals recommend
Kaanapali Beach
Nice long sandy beach, if you can ignore the backdrop of beachfront resorts.
Haleakala National Park sunrise.
Yes you have to wake up and leave your condo early, like 2-3am early! And you'll have to dress warm, like bring your ski clothes kind of warm! But this is probably the best sunrise you'll see in your life. Drive all the way to the top of the summit at 10,023 feet. If you stop at the visitor center at 9,740 feet it is more crowded - still definitely worth it, but if you can grab one of the few spots at the summit why not do it. Plan to arrive while it is still dark, and as a very worthwhile bonus you'll get to see the stars in the sky brighter and more numerous than ever.
249 locals recommend
Haleakalā National Park
Haleakala National Park sunrise.
Yes you have to wake up and leave your condo early, like 2-3am early! And you'll have to dress warm, like bring your ski clothes kind of warm! But this is probably the best sunrise you'll see in your life. Drive all the way to the top of the summit at 10,023 feet. If you stop at the visitor center at 9,740 feet it is more crowded - still definitely worth it, but if you can grab one of the few spots at the summit why not do it. Plan to arrive while it is still dark, and as a very worthwhile bonus you'll get to see the stars in the sky brighter and more numerous than ever.
Food Scene
Halfway to Hana
13710 Hana HwyMile 17. 15 minutes to devour their freshly made banana bread.
On the fine dining side. Happy hour at the bar, or table with sunset view if you can get it.
40 locals recommend
Sarento's On the Beach
2980 S Kihei RdOn the fine dining side. Happy hour at the bar, or table with sunset view if you can get it.
5 Palms Restaurant
2960 S Kihei RdAlso on the better dining, great sunset views.
Fred's Mexican Cafe - Kihei
2511 S Kihei RdThe absolute nearest spot to our condo.
Great food, behind the building that Fred's and Moose occupy, though you still get some views out to the sea.
62 locals recommend
808 Bistro
2511 S Kihei RdGreat food, behind the building that Fred's and Moose occupy, though you still get some views out to the sea.
808 Deli
2439 S Kihei RdIn front of 808 Bistro. Really good sandwiches to go, but closes early.
This Kihei version is not as good as the one in Kahului, but the portions are local-style, deep fried, and very generous.
101 locals recommend
Da Kitchen
1215 South Kihei RoadThis Kihei version is not as good as the one in Kahului, but the portions are local-style, deep fried, and very generous.
Best value at lunch time, you must have the blackened mahi mahi, and save space for one of their awesome desserts.
241 locals recommend
Cafe O'Lei Kihei
2439 S Kihei RdBest value at lunch time, you must have the blackened mahi mahi, and save space for one of their awesome desserts.
Best food truck on-island, parked opposite Kamaole I, at Alanui Ke'ali'i road (Kihei, HI 96753). Try the coconut shrimp or their calamari - cash only.
8 locals recommend
Kinaole Grill Food Truck
77 Alanui Ke'ali'iBest food truck on-island, parked opposite Kamaole I, at Alanui Ke'ali'i road (Kihei, HI 96753). Try the coconut shrimp or their calamari - cash only.
Near Foodland which you'll want to use as this is a BYOB place. Tasty food.
44 locals recommend
Cuatro Restaurant
1881 S Kihei RdNear Foodland which you'll want to use as this is a BYOB place. Tasty food.
If you like sushi-type Asian food, this is a must visit, despite the long lines and prices.
158 locals recommend
Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar
1819 S Kihei RdIf you like sushi-type Asian food, this is a must visit, despite the long lines and prices.
Perhaps the healthiest sandwiches you'll ever have. A few shops down from Maui Dreams (see SCUBA page), opposite Cove Park (see Beaches page).
23 locals recommend
Joy's Place
1993 South Kihei RoadPerhaps the healthiest sandwiches you'll ever have. A few shops down from Maui Dreams (see SCUBA page), opposite Cove Park (see Beaches page).
If you only have the local Loco Moco dish once, have it here. Generally good breakfast place; busy; not fancy.
185 locals recommend
Kihei Caffe
1945 S Kihei RdIf you only have the local Loco Moco dish once, have it here. Generally good breakfast place; busy; not fancy.
If you must have pizza while on Maui, there aren't many choices but this is one of them. Sports bar feel.
42 locals recommend
Pizza Madness Maui
1455 S Kihei RdIf you must have pizza while on Maui, there aren't many choices but this is one of them. Sports bar feel.
Another pizza choice, that is also a bakery. Has a large play area for kids.
39 locals recommend
Fabiani's Bakery and Pizzeria
95 E Lipoa StAnother pizza choice, that is also a bakery. Has a large play area for kids.
For Indian food while on Maui, this is perhaps the only choice. In a resort in North Kihei.
47 locals recommend
Monsoon India
760 S Kihei RdFor Indian food while on Maui, this is perhaps the only choice. In a resort in North Kihei.
If you get hungry while in Ma'alaea, you can't go wrong with the sandwiches in this local-bar-style place.
8 locals recommend
Dina's Sandwitch
145 N Kihei RdIf you get hungry while in Ma'alaea, you can't go wrong with the sandwiches in this local-bar-style place.
Entertainment & Activities
Most people will see this and dismiss it, cause they think that they are not into magic. Trust us, you will love this fairly close up magic plus comedy show. Pay them for the more expensive option which includes good food plus 2 drinks (recommend the mini champagnes), and book before you get on the island as it does sell out. We usually do this on our one and only day trip to Lahaina.
27 locals recommend
Warren & Annabelle's Magic!
900 Front StMost people will see this and dismiss it, cause they think that they are not into magic. Trust us, you will love this fairly close up magic plus comedy show. Pay them for the more expensive option which includes good food plus 2 drinks (recommend the mini champagnes), and book before you get on the island as it does sell out. We usually do this on our one and only day trip to Lahaina.
If you haven't had a Luau on any of the Hawaiian islands, you have to try one at least once. In South Maui there are two options and this is one of them.
11 locals recommend
Te Au Moana
3700 Wailea Alanui DrIf you haven't had a Luau on any of the Hawaiian islands, you have to try one at least once. In South Maui there are two options and this is one of them.
If you haven't had a Luau on any of the Hawaiian islands, you have to try one at least once. In South Maui there are two options and this is one of them.
10 locals recommend
The Grand Luau at Honua'ula
3850 Wailea Alanui DrIf you haven't had a Luau on any of the Hawaiian islands, you have to try one at least once. In South Maui there are two options and this is one of them.
Kihei 4th Friday Town Party.
A great free event every fourth Friday of the month between 6-9pm at the Azeka Shopping Center in Kihei (and the only time you may struggle to find parking in Kihei, so walk or bus it if you can or arrive early). Mingle with the locals while enjoying food trucks, craft stalls, art stands, and free live entertainment.
34 locals recommend
Azeka Shopping Center
1279-1280 S Kihei RdKihei 4th Friday Town Party.
A great free event every fourth Friday of the month between 6-9pm at the Azeka Shopping Center in Kihei (and the only time you may struggle to find parking in Kihei, so walk or bus it if you can or arrive early). Mingle with the locals while enjoying food trucks, craft stalls, art stands, and free live entertainment.
Whale Tour.
Whales on Maui are seasonal, and you can see them as early as mid-December and as late as end of April. During whale season you should be able to see them from various beaches and if you are lucky from your lanai. But the best way to see them is up-close by taking a whale tour from Kihei boat ramp, or from Ma'alaea harbor. There are many boat operators, e.g. Pacific Whale Foundation.
47 locals recommend
Maalaea Harbor
Whale Tour.
Whales on Maui are seasonal, and you can see them as early as mid-December and as late as end of April. During whale season you should be able to see them from various beaches and if you are lucky from your lanai. But the best way to see them is up-close by taking a whale tour from Kihei boat ramp, or from Ma'alaea harbor. There are many boat operators, e.g. Pacific Whale Foundation.
If you are not into SCUBA diving or snorkeling, then Maui is the best place for you to start getting into that! Molokini island is one of the best places to take a boat trip and enjoy the underwater world. We have a dedicated page on SCUBA diving. For snorkeling, there are many operators (e.g. Redline Rafting) that take you to Molokini from Kihei boat ramp, which is only 2 minutes by car from our condo!
73 locals recommend
Molokini Crater
If you are not into SCUBA diving or snorkeling, then Maui is the best place for you to start getting into that! Molokini island is one of the best places to take a boat trip and enjoy the underwater world. We have a dedicated page on SCUBA diving. For snorkeling, there are many operators (e.g. Redline Rafting) that take you to Molokini from Kihei boat ramp, which is only 2 minutes by car from our condo!
Known for their uniquely-shaped vodka bottle and the story behind it - though we prefer their rum. You can pay for tours that are quite interesting.
42 locals recommend
Ocean Vodka Organic Farm and Distillery
4051 Omaopio RdKnown for their uniquely-shaped vodka bottle and the story behind it - though we prefer their rum. You can pay for tours that are quite interesting.
Another distillery option with paid tours. They rely more on pineapple, as opposed to sugar cane that the Ocean Vodka guys do.
Hali'imaile Distillery Tour & Tasting Room
883 Haliimaile RdAnother distillery option with paid tours. They rely more on pineapple, as opposed to sugar cane that the Ocean Vodka guys do.
Maui Ocean Center
192 Maalaea RdKids favorite
Maui Golf & Sports Park
80 Maalaea RdKids favorite
Surfing Goat Dairy
3651 Omaopio RdKids favorite
Ali'i Kula Lavender Farm
1100 Waipoli RdKids favorite
Atlantis Submarines Maui
665 Wharf StKids favorite
Flyin Hawaiian Zipline
1670 Honoapiilani Hwy Ziplining
Makena Stables
8299 Makena RdHorseback riding
Maui Nui Golf Club
470 Lipoa PkwyNearest Golf to our condo
Drinks & Nightlife
Only go to see Willie K.
Great musician, amazing voice and guitar playing skills, and a great showman. The regular place to catch him is at the Mulliguns on the Blue dinner show, but if those dates don't work for you see if you are lucky and he is performing elsewhere on Maui: http://williek.com/show-dates/.
42 locals recommend
Mulligans on the Blue
100 Kaukahi StOnly go to see Willie K.
Great musician, amazing voice and guitar playing skills, and a great showman. The regular place to catch him is at the Mulliguns on the Blue dinner show, but if those dates don't work for you see if you are lucky and he is performing elsewhere on Maui: http://williek.com/show-dates/.
On the second floor above Fred's. The closest you get to a bar for drinks near our condo.
101 locals recommend
Moose McGillycuddy's - Kihei
2511 S Kihei RdOn the second floor above Fred's. The closest you get to a bar for drinks near our condo.
At the most eastern end of Lipoa Street. If you like craft beer, it is a must. They offer brewery tours at a small fee which includes tasters plus a pint. On Wednesdays if you wear a t-shirt with their logo you get discounts. They do samplers, and growlers (we have a growler in our kitchen that you can use). There is a play area for kids, and food trucks outside.
146 locals recommend
Maui Brewing Company
605 Lipoa PkwyAt the most eastern end of Lipoa Street. If you like craft beer, it is a must. They offer brewery tours at a small fee which includes tasters plus a pint. On Wednesdays if you wear a t-shirt with their logo you get discounts. They do samplers, and growlers (we have a growler in our kitchen that you can use). There is a play area for kids, and food trucks outside.
The newest (and second) brewery on the island, still finding their legs the last time we visited. Nice board games.
9 locals recommend
Koholā Brewery
910 HI-30The newest (and second) brewery on the island, still finding their legs the last time we visited. Nice board games.
Free tours and free sampling (how can you go wrong). Opposite them you can have a decent elk burger.
52 locals recommend
MauiWine
14815 Piilani HwyFree tours and free sampling (how can you go wrong). Opposite them you can have a decent elk burger.
This is a chain you can find in many places, including on Maui, specifically in Paia. Video screens playing MTV-style videos of the song you are listening (at low volume, in our opinion). We include them here because they do have the largest selection of beers in a single place on the island.
13 locals recommend
Rock & Brews
120 Hana HwyThis is a chain you can find in many places, including on Maui, specifically in Paia. Video screens playing MTV-style videos of the song you are listening (at low volume, in our opinion). We include them here because they do have the largest selection of beers in a single place on the island.
Also a large selection of craft beers, located in Wailea.
241 locals recommend
Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman
10 Wailea Gateway PlAlso a large selection of craft beers, located in Wailea.
Sightseeing
Day trip to Lahaina.
While you probably wouldn't want to stay in Lahaina (the beaches there are not the best, it is more expensive, and parking/driving is a nightmare), you should definitely plan a day trip to walk in this historical town. Start at the intersection of Front Street with Baker Street (or with Papalaua Street), and walk south-east down Front Street taking in all the activity at the many shops. Rest at the park with probably the largest Banyan Tree you've ever seen before going into the Lahaina Heritage Museum (and perhaps the Baldwin Home Museum). Check out the harbor, and then head back to a restaurant or show to top off the day.
205 locals recommend
Lahaina
Day trip to Lahaina.
While you probably wouldn't want to stay in Lahaina (the beaches there are not the best, it is more expensive, and parking/driving is a nightmare), you should definitely plan a day trip to walk in this historical town. Start at the intersection of Front Street with Baker Street (or with Papalaua Street), and walk south-east down Front Street taking in all the activity at the many shops. Rest at the park with probably the largest Banyan Tree you've ever seen before going into the Lahaina Heritage Museum (and perhaps the Baldwin Home Museum). Check out the harbor, and then head back to a restaurant or show to top off the day.
Blue Hawaiian Helicopters
Lelepio PlaceHelicopter ride
Essentials
In Kahului. If you are not a member, it is worth becoming a member before you arrive on island just to be able to use them. By far the cheapest gas on island (we fill up there before returning to the rental agency), and also the place you'll want to use to stock your kitchen and bathroom. We recommend checking into the unit to see what is there, then make the list, then go to Costco.
161 locals recommend
Costco Wholesale
540 Haleakala HwyIn Kahului. If you are not a member, it is worth becoming a member before you arrive on island just to be able to use them. By far the cheapest gas on island (we fill up there before returning to the rental agency), and also the place you'll want to use to stock your kitchen and bathroom. We recommend checking into the unit to see what is there, then make the list, then go to Costco.
In Kahului. If some item at Costco is only sold at too large a quantity to be used on our vacation, then Walmart becomes our backup plan for that item.
23 locals recommend
Walmart
101 Pakaula StIn Kahului. If some item at Costco is only sold at too large a quantity to be used on our vacation, then Walmart becomes our backup plan for that item.
In Kihei. If we forget or run out of something and don't want to drive to Kahului, this is a good alternative.
261 locals recommend
Safeway
1221 HI-30In Kihei. If we forget or run out of something and don't want to drive to Kahului, this is a good alternative.
In Kihei. An even closer alternative to the big stores, and local if you want to contribute to the local economy.
218 locals recommend
Foodland Kihei
1881 S Kihei RdIn Kihei. An even closer alternative to the big stores, and local if you want to contribute to the local economy.
An alternative to Foodland, if we don't find something there or need a change.
154 locals recommend
Times Supermarket
3350 Lower Honoapiilani RdAn alternative to Foodland, if we don't find something there or need a change.
The closest (walking distance) to our condo, more expensive so only use in a bind to replenish single items.
26 locals recommend
Whalers General Store
The closest (walking distance) to our condo, more expensive so only use in a bind to replenish single items.
In Kahului. We are not rich enough to use these guys. But we have guests that use them, so we wanted you to know that you can find them in Maui too :-)
84 locals recommend
Whole Foods Market
70 E Kaahumanu AveIn Kahului. We are not rich enough to use these guys. But we have guests that use them, so we wanted you to know that you can find them in Maui too :-)