Things to do in Maui

[E92inNC]

I’ll be staying at the Ashton Kaanapali hotel over spring break, which looks like the western side of the island. Am making a list and would appreciate any advice from anyone that’s been on the island before.

Looking for sights and scenery like waterfalls, hiking trails in the forest or uphill overlooking something cool, caves, etc. Plus whatever activities you enjoyed while there. Also food, very very important.

Thanks

[BMW F22]

Road to Hana - see the black sand beach, red sand beach, the three bears waterfalls, hike the trail to the big falls (forgot the name).

Sunrise on Haleakala - it’s freezing up there so bring a hotel comforter to keep warm, and dreas warm.

Julia’s banana bread; Olivine Pools (queens bath); dragon’s teeth at the Ritz; Warren and Annabelle is a must see comedy magic show; if you’re going to a luau, go to the Old Lahaina one; snorkeling at a turtle town; dinner at Four Seasons (amazinf sunset) in Wailea; visit the park in downtown Lahaina and check out that giant banyan tree (one tree spans the entire park); eat at Mama’s fish house and get the black pearl dessert (make reservations so you can go there for lunch the day you land since you’re likely not gonna be back in that area); visit the Costco nearby and pick up whatever it is you need; you’ll need a car for sure; oh and of course beaches.

That’s all I can think of right now.

[schobyb]

Get up very early one morning for a sunrise at the top of Haleakala. Find a gas station in Kahului that sells a CD that will guide you on a drive of the road to Hana. Visit Lahaina, spend some time walking the town, banyan tree, many good restaurants there. Do the Atlantis Submarine ride out of Lahaina. Fish tacos at Leilani's on the Beach are the best. Snorkel or dive Molokini, many shops in Lahaina will set you up. Take a helicopter tour with Blue Hawaiian.

[TNTMYM3]

Molokini Crater Tour was nice it’s a half day to all day tour with the family
BlackRock Beach Snorkeling is one of my favorite, I pack a water submersible metal detector and go coin/jewel hounding with my son, it’s a great distraction from just about everything.
Road to Hana is definitely self doable, my wife raves about this trip still, if you plan it right you could stop at Oheo Gulch and end your tour with a later waterfall swim.
Haven’t done Haleakala Volcano yet, it’s on my list though
Mamas fish house for lunch is a must, get some photos near the beachside, cool stuff after a few drinks
Nite time Fire dance Luau is very nice

[RickFLM4]

I can't believe it's been 19 years since we honeymooned in Maui...

Agree with others about road to Hana and other suggestions including Blue Hawaiian helicopter tour. Also suggest whale watching cruise (if right season).

[Germanauto]

I was just there a few months ago. Stayed right nearby in Kapalua.

First of all the beaches are great. None of the rocky crowded mess you have in Honolulu/Waikiki.

Going up Haleakala and seeing the crater is something you'll rarely see in your lifetime. Amazing views, interesting drive.

Did Road to Hana once a quarter way through but got sick from all the twists and turns and went back, couldn't stand it. But there were some fun coves along the way with waterfalls n shit.

Whaler's Village in Kaanapali is where the shopping and dining is. Restaurants are pretty mediocre in my opinion but overall that's a fun area to stay because it's more vibrant/busy. There's a nice walkway along the beach that stretches quite long. The rest of the island is extremely quiet. Pro tip: the Lululemon store in Whaler's village will imprint a logo of the Hawaiian islands for like $10 on any purchase. I got a pair of shorts with this and it's a very memorable item.

Lahaina downtown is honestly a little crappy. It's just a gigantic tourist trap in my opinion. There's a lot of mom and pop seafood restaurants if that's your thing. Otherwise I've never cared for that area.

I'm not the most outdoorsy type so other peoples' suggestions on hiking and sightseeing will be better. After a couple trips to Maui I've found that Oahu definitely fits my vibe better. I like being in Honolulu, way more to do for folks like me.

[E92inNC]

Thanks for the feedback. I’ll add all of your suggestions to my list to look into doing while there. Might not get to enjoy everything since I’ll be there only 4 days but I’ll sure as hell try to fit in as much as I can.

[Germanauto]

Also PLEASE do yourself a favor and eat at Star Noodle in Lahaina. It's a very trendy restaurant in a secluded neighborhood that routinely has lengthy waits. Really nice ambience, amazing food.

[CarPoor]

Keep a low profile you dirty haole.

[qba335i]

Scuba dive - molokini. Highly recommended.

[Jimminez]

Fleetwoods on Front for sunset dinner. They have a rooftop sunset ceremony. Food and drinks are outstanding.

For less fancy, Miso Phat Sushi and Dollies next to is for, well, sushi and pizza/beer.

As others mention, Haleakela is a must. We did it in the evening for sunset. Make sure to bring sweater or jacket if plan on staying for prolonged time. Cool up there and windy.

[lsturbointeg]

this is all you should be looking at and doing

[Timujin]

Everything mentioned. We enjoyed https://mauiwine.com/ too.

[eluded]

Go diving. Do a shark excursion. Skydiving on the island is also fun. Live a little.

[David 12]

The ultimate deep tissue massage at the Four Seasons Maui wellness and spa is world class.

[E92inNC]

So we’ve book the trip and we’ll be landing in Kahului Sunday afternoon and leaving late Wednesday night, which gives us about 3 1/2 days. I’ve research your suggestions and I think we can fit a lot in if we forgo sitting and chilling at the hotel or on the beach a lot.

Sunday- Settle into the hotel and get our car, ask the hotel concierge and get advice/opinions about our plans. Probably just go next door to Lahaina and shop and enjoy a luau, get an early sleep.

Monday- Get up and out by 3:00AM and head up to Haleakala which previous visitors said would be about a two hour drive from where we are. The sunrise is around 6:30AM so it give us leeway to get there and do some stargazing. Afternoon in Turtle Town for snorkeling and kayaking. Attend a luau if we can’t get one in Sunday.

Tuesday- Some people suggested to spend a full day for the drive to Hana so we can make frequent stops and enjoy the views/attractions. Looking at the map, looks like we’re going to take the upper path route 30-340-36-360 to Hana and then the lower path 37-30 back to the hotel. Looks like several beaches and waterfalls along the route.

Wednesday- Don’t know yet.

If you guys have any other suggestions for filling the free time or anything specific to do/eat along our path I’ll definitely google it. I’m really looking forward to trying new seafood as you might guess living in Phoenix it’s not known as a seafood haven. Thanks

[Fatty Duckets]

If you do the Road to Hana, do yourself a favor and do NOT turn around and go back the way you came. Continue on the path, although the path will be mostly unpaved roadway. The scenery at the end was amazing!

Do eat here: https://www.mamasfishhouse.com/
Prices felt like I was using monopoly money, however I admit that the dish I had was the best seafood in my life. No BS. Their menu changes daily depending on their catch. Make a reservation!

The town of Paia, about 20 minutes outside of Lahaina. We stopped here for lunch, and it was also the bomb: https://paiafishmarket.com/

[.2pdk]

[Hawkeye]

Didn't see anyone mention it but we joined a "tour" that rents you a bike and takes you up Mt Haleakala and drops you off so you can just ride down at your own pace. It is a fun activity that can take about as much time as you want it to. The sunset is pretty great too, but you'll want to get there pretty early as it gets busy.

I also agree with the road to Hana - we spent 2 full days doing that and making many stops for waterfalls and hiking.

[RoarinRow]

Originally Posted by Fatty Duckets

If you do the Road to Hana, do yourself a favor and do NOT turn around and go back the way you came. Continue on the path, although the path will be mostly unpaved roadway. The scenery at the end was amazing!

Do eat here: https://www.mamasfishhouse.com/
Prices felt like I was using monopoly money, however I admit that the dish I had was the best seafood in my life. No BS. Their menu changes daily depending on their catch. Make a reservation!

The town of Paia, about 20 minutes outside of Lahaina. We stopped here for lunch, and it was also the bomb: https://paiafishmarket.com/

I totally agree with this. Before you take the Road to Hana download this app on your rental car called, 'Shaka Maui'. It's a great self guided tour that uses your phone's GPS to take you to cool places. Gives you history about Maui/Hawaii, etc. so you won't be bored on your trip and will make it go by faster.

[Captain Blood]

Originally Posted by Hawkeye

Didn't see anyone mention it but we joined a "tour" that rents you a bike and takes you up Mt Haleakala and drops you off so you can just ride down at your own pace. It is a fun activity that can take about as much time as you want it to. The sunset is pretty great too, but you'll want to get there pretty early as it gets busy.

I also agree with the road to Hana - we spent 2 full days doing that and making many stops for waterfalls and hiking.

I did something like that on Kauai. Good times.

[Aspen78]

Go to Pa’ia. It’s on the route to Hana. Stop by Charlie’s Saloon, frequented by Willie Nelson and his son Luke...Willie lives nearby. Also, you want to see a scene from a Bonds film? Visit Jaws surf point to see it. This is a very dangerous surf spot in which many risk their lives to catch the perfect wave...and many unfortunately have perished here in doing so. Possibly, the best surf spot in all of HI. You will not be disappointed.

I’ve been to Maui 6 times. I like to go far away from the Hotels!