The Maui Email

Hi Friend!

So you’re going to Maui! Well, let me start by saying GREAT CHOICE. Maui is our favorite of the Hawaiian Islands. It has something for everyone, and is less developed than Oahu, making it feel like an actual vacation [and not traffic with palm trees].

I’m sorry ahead of time for the info-overload. [Sorry not sorry?!] Listed below are all of the things I’d recommend for Maui! You’re going to have the best time, and let me know if you have any questions

[SEE OUR 7 DAY ITINERARY HERE]

Rental Cars
We use Discount Hawaii Car Rental. Like with most rental cars, even after you book, keep checking because rates change and you can cancel and rebook very easily. When renting a car on Maui, it is common for the cheaper car options [Budget, Thrifty, etc.] to have a 1-2hr wait when you arrive to pick up your car. We’ve rented from Alamo and have been very happy with the service and wait time.

Lodging
Another great thing about Maui is that you can explore the entire island in one trip, which puts less pressure on where you stay [unless you plan on sitting at the hotel all day, in which case, go to Oahu.]

• I suggest staying in Kihei or Wailea in an Airbnb or VRBO. Check out The Kutcher Condo…
• If you’re up for splurging on a big resort, we stay at the Grand Wailea. AND it’s amazing. It’s where Adam Sandler stays… and where he filmed Just Go With It. The Fairmont, The Four Seasons, The Andaz are all right in a row and are around $600/night.
• The other resort area is Kaanapali, with many options for hotels and condos. Less expensive, but very well done and close to Lahaina [popular shopping and dining with an old town feel]. It feels more touristy, with sales booths and excursions along the beach.
• The Ritz at Kapalua – another splurge.
• Both Wailea and Kaanapali have a long walking path along the beach that connects all the resorts and makes it feel like a little village. We love Wailea/Kihei area because it has our favorite restaurants and feels “upscale local” rather than touristy.
• Paia. An awesome little hippie town minutes from the airport, but worlds away. There is the Paia Inn… this boutique hotel is really cool! It looks tiny from the front and meanders back to a “private” beach. We stayed here once, for one night, and it was a great experience! We have also stayed with a group at Paia Surf – a rental – and it was the perfect location and a great host!
• Finally, Hana. More on this place below. Most people don’t think of Hana as a destination. But it’s our favorite thing about Maui. We stay at Hana Kai. There is no AC and no TVs, but they do have Wifi. Be sure to wake up for the best sunrise of your life – but seriously. You will not find very much of anything here…except wild adventure and food trucks, but for us, that is the draw.

Road to Hana
R2H is our FAVORITE part of Maui because we love the adventure and not knowing what’s around each turn… a waterfall? a hike? a food stand? We typically stay 2-3 nights in Hana because it actually feels like a vacation. No cell service, cool beaches, etc. If it’s your first time driving the road, maybe make it a super long day trip. Here are my favorite spots along the way, and once you get there:

• It sounds cheesy, but buy a R2H CD to help you find things. There’s a lot of options there, but having the theme park guys speaking to you with Hawaiian music in the background is kind of fun.
• You can also do your research, write down your own mile markers, and create an offline playlist bc there isn’t any service/reception for radio stations out there.
• A few essentials: full tank of gas, water, cash, water shoes, and eco-friendly bug spray
• Twin Falls – it’s one of the first obvious stops on the road. Theres a fruit stand and EVERYONE stops there. You cans walk to the falls in maybe 10 min and they are good for swimming, climbing and jumping. Last time I was there, there was a rope swing. There are actually two locations for waterfalls… the second is beyond the gate…
• 3 Bears Waterfall – the hike begins by crawling down the guard rail. It looks really sketchy, but once you get going feels really safe – it’s about a 5 min hike down to the falls. Most people just take a photo from the bridge and keep going, so you’ll likely be the only people there.
• Bamboo Forest Hike – It feels a lot longer than it is because of how much you see. IF you were to do the entire hike, you’d see like, 5-6 waterfalls. Once you start googling this, you’ll start to hear about this terrifying ladder you have to climb to keep going. It wasn’t that bad. You just have to trust it. lol. No matter how far you go, it’s just so pretty. Check the weather when you go because this is a frequently “flash flood” spot. If there is lots of rain, maybe skip it. [Hike at your own risk – private property]
• Waianapanapa State Park – SO COOL. And you’re basically to Hana at this point. You can either turn back around here, or continue to drive around the island.
• Red Sand Beach – This place is other worldly and pretty protected for swimming. RSB is a little hard to find, and clothing optional. It can be a little dangerous to get there, so be careful and think twice if it’s raining.
• Wailua Falls + 7 Sacred Pools – if you keep going, you’ll get to a state park that has an entry fee. It’s a 2mi hike to the Falls, but the 7 are close and if they’re letting people down to swim in them, it will be your favorite adventure! If not, both sites are just for pictures…
• If you keep going, I suggest making this drive in the afternoon about 2 hours before sunset. You will see the prettiest views on Maui in my opinion. But know that you won’t be able to do everything along the R2H if you do this drive in one day.
• Food on the R2H: Halfway to Hana is our favorite for the drive. We get hot dogs, banana bread [a MUST!], chips and some pineapple. This helps us have snacks for the rest of the ride too. In Hana, there are some food trucks with lunch hours, and also Barefoot Cafe for breakfast, Hana Ranch Restaurant for Dinner. Hana Burger Food Truck is also good, but I’m not sure their hours.
• Bathrooms: Any of the state parks along the way have facilities. 

Food
There are plenty of restaurants in Maui, but I’ll share my all-time favorites!

Mama’s Fish House
You just have to. Plan to spend some money… about $100-$150 for the meal. Make reservations as soon as possible because it books months in advance. I’d schedule an early dinner – this side doesn’t get the sunset, so being able to see the ocean while you eat the entire time is fun. But it’s the best dinner of your life. 

The Cinnamon Roll Place in Kihei
Another you just have to. I would say split one at first, and get another one if you want. There is also a smoothie place within walking distance to help balance the mound of cinnamon sugar goodness you will consume. Then go across the street to the beach, and it’s the perfect morning!

Lahaina Pizza Co
Deep dish and delicious after a full day of excursions, beach time, and shopping.

Flatbreads
Another pizza place [can you tell I like pizza?], but locally sourced and in the heart of Paia Town.

Grandma’s Coffee House
The perfect spot for breakfast in Upcountry. A mix of traditional, Hawaiian, and healthy breakfast options – a must after the Sunrise at Haleakala!

Poke, Taro, Acai Bowls, Spam & Eggs, Loco Moco, Musubi, and Plate Lunches
Try some local foods and traditions. With a quick google search, you can find them on any of the islands, Maui included!

Things To Do

Snorkle and Beach Hop West Maui.
Begin in early in the morning! Start in Wailea and the continue south into Makena for some great snorkeling. There are food trucks along the road in Makena if you get hungry. All of our favorite spots are on the map. Spend most of your time at Makena Landing and Big Beach.

Sunrise at Haleakala
Best to do this one of your first days so you’re not yet adjusted to the time. Maybe even your first morning! DRESS WARM as it can be as cold as 25-45* up there. You do have to make reservations, pay a fee, and a park entrance fee. But it is nearly spiritual to stand at the top and watch the sunrise. You if you go with a bike company, you must use Maui Sunriders – they have the best drop off spot and are very hands off…

Lahaina + Kapalua
Jump off Black rock in Kaanapali, get shaved ice, shop, eat pizza at Lahaina Pizza Co…. its a chill day for sure! During the summer, you won’t have big swell but that means that the snorkeling is great at Honolua Bay just a few min past Kapalua. If you go in the winter, Honolua Bay becomes a go-to for surfers and it’s SO fun to go watch!!

Paia + Ho’okipa
Another chill day to hang out in this hippie town, shop the boutiques, sit at the beach and eat some amazing food. If it’s windy, find a spot at Ho’okipa and watch world class wind surfing and kite boarding.

Waihee Ridge Trail Hike
2 miles uphill, but the views are so pretty! It’s a different perspective of the island.

Makawao and Upcountry
When people think of Maui, they think of the beach. But in Upcountry, temperatures are cooler, and there are so many unique things to see and do: lavender fields, rodeo’s, farmers markets, Thompson Road, orchards, etc. Do your research and spend a morning or afternoon in Upcountry.

Church
If you’re there on a Sunday, visit Hope Chapel in Kihei! Great teaching and a friendly environment!

Well, friend. SOOOO excited for you to explore our favorite island. I wish I could be there and personally show you around… Please let me know if you have any specific questions!! Aloha!