Helpful travel links about Maui, my favorite place!
Being from Maui, I am frequently asked about where to stay, when to go, and what to do on Maui. I've put together this page to help my friends plan their next vacation to Maui! Visit the Maui Accommodations Guide for a comprehensive vacation planner. I have found this site very useful in answering traveler's specific questions about Maui. Another great resource for things to do on Maui is the Pride of Maui's Top 50 Maui Attractions list! I've been to just about everything on this list and think you would enjoy most of them! It's a good place to start! For more details about my personal favorites, read on below!
Airlines
Most major airlines fly to to Hawaii - Hawaiian, United, American, Alaska Airlines, etc. Check the airline's route map, as some fly direct from some originating cities, but have connecting flights from other originating cities. My airline of choice to Hawaii is Hawaiian Airlines, of course! They have the largest plane and the best service. This is important on a six-hour flight (from Phoenix). They also are the only airline to Hawaii still including a meal and soft drinks as part of their in-cabin service. You may, however, find fares for less on other carriers. If you fly frequently, definitely sign up for a frequent flyer account! Your miles don't expire as long as you are an active flyer, but you could lose it after a couple of years of inactivity. I have found that flying Mon-Thurs is often the least expensive....and nonstop flights often are more expensive than connecting flights. The most of expensive times to fly to Hawaii is whenever kids are out of school - spring break, summer, and the holidays. These are peak Hawaii seasons! If you are looking to save money, fly during their off-seasons...but remember, everything is relative...and everything is expensive in Hawaii!
Most major airlines fly to to Hawaii - Hawaiian, United, American, Alaska Airlines, etc. Check the airline's route map, as some fly direct from some originating cities, but have connecting flights from other originating cities. My airline of choice to Hawaii is Hawaiian Airlines, of course! They have the largest plane and the best service. This is important on a six-hour flight (from Phoenix). They also are the only airline to Hawaii still including a meal and soft drinks as part of their in-cabin service. You may, however, find fares for less on other carriers. If you fly frequently, definitely sign up for a frequent flyer account! Your miles don't expire as long as you are an active flyer, but you could lose it after a couple of years of inactivity. I have found that flying Mon-Thurs is often the least expensive....and nonstop flights often are more expensive than connecting flights. The most of expensive times to fly to Hawaii is whenever kids are out of school - spring break, summer, and the holidays. These are peak Hawaii seasons! If you are looking to save money, fly during their off-seasons...but remember, everything is relative...and everything is expensive in Hawaii!
Whale Watching Tours - Dec through April
The Pacific Whale Foundation was founded in 1980 and has taught more than 3 million people about the ocean and established educational whale-watching and ocean ecotourism to Hawaii. Their mission is to promote appreciation, understanding and protection of whales, dolphins, coral reefs and our planet's oceans. PWF is great for younger children and older people as the boat is very large and stable, priced affordably.
Personally, I prefer Ultimate Whale Watch! Their boats are smaller and faster. On their hard rigid inflatable boat, every seat is a front row seat. They do not use loudspeakers to talk with the guests, creating an intimate conversational setting with the crew and a small group. You could get wet on this trip! Be mindful of the weather if you have younger children (4+ years), as it could be a rough (but exciting) ride. Every time I have gone out with Ultimate Whale Watch, I have gotten up close and personal with the whales!
Personally, I prefer Ultimate Whale Watch! Their boats are smaller and faster. On their hard rigid inflatable boat, every seat is a front row seat. They do not use loudspeakers to talk with the guests, creating an intimate conversational setting with the crew and a small group. You could get wet on this trip! Be mindful of the weather if you have younger children (4+ years), as it could be a rough (but exciting) ride. Every time I have gone out with Ultimate Whale Watch, I have gotten up close and personal with the whales!
Scuba diving on Maui
Located in the heart of historical Lahaina, Lahaina Divers boasts over 25 years of Maui scuba diving excellence. They are the only dive charter operation operating out of Lahaina Harbor. I recommend Lahaina Divers if you are staying in Kaanapali, Lahaina or Kapalua. Their boats are large and comfortable, making charters to Lanai and Molokai quick and comfortable. I also highly recommend them for scuba certification and continuing education!
Scuba Shack is the dive shop I recommend if you're staying in Kihei, Wailea or Makena. Scuba Shack always uses the newest equipment and latest technology. They are the highest rated dive operation on Maui. Diving with Charley is very personable and a lot of fun! His boat is so fast, he is always the first one out at Molokini each morning.
A note about snorkeling - there are some really great places to snorkel on Maui, however sometimes conditions are poor...and downright dangerous. I don't recommend snorkeling if the water is cloudy and visibility is poor. You don't want to get mistaken for something's lunch. Yes, there are sharks in Hawaii. When we get in the ocean, we're in their house! Take some advice from the Hawaii Snorkeling Guide and check out some of Maui's best snorkeling spots. Black Rock is a great place to snorkel with easy beach access and lots to see. Beginners often do well in the shallow waters of Olowalu (Mile Marker 14 on the way to Lahaina). You're sure to snorkel with turtles at Napili Bay and Honolua Bay offers some of the best snorkeling out there in the summer months.
Places to eat
It's impossible to list all the fabulous places to eat on Maui. I haven't been to many of the top restaurants because I tend to eat at home or at places that serve local grinds! Pride of Maui put together a couple of great dining lists - Top 33 Restaurants on Maui and Top 30 Places for Local Food on Maui. My regulars include Da Kitchen (I actually prefer the Kihei location over Kahului) and Aloha Mixed Plate. Love the open air dining at Aloha Mixed Plate. Anytime I'm on that side of the island, you know I will be having lunch there. If you're UpCountry, my friend Chantal and her husband own a great place in Kula called Kula Bistro. They're open for breakfast, lunch and dinner - I've had every meal there! The setting is casual and the food is amazing.
Favorite beaches
I am not a big ocean swimmer (haha - I like to see what's around me underwater - hence the scuba diving), but I do love just sitting on the beach with a Diet Coke, people-watching and hanging out with my Dad. He's my beach buddy. We love to go to Ho'okipa Beach on the north shore to watch surfers, windsurfers, turtles and the occasional monk seal! Conditions can be rough, so be careful if swimming there. We also love the Kamaole Beaches in Kihei, especially Kamaole 1 for it's gradual entry and the quieter Charley Young beach on the end. Drive past Kihei and you'll get into Makena, where I love Big Beach or Makena Beach Park. Beautiful white sand and clear water - watch for high surf advisories. The shore break can be extremely dangerous - the lifeguards usually put out flags when conditions are dangerous. On the other side, Kaanapali beach is a family favorite. The white sand beach is amazing and you can swim with turtles occasionally. If your feet can handle the climb on sharp lava rock, jump off Black Rock! It would take all day to list off my favorite beaches, so visit Pride of Maui's list of Maui's Top 15 Beaches - they're all great!
Haleakala Crater
Haleakala National Park covers the summit area of the larger of the two volcanic mountains that make up Maui. It is the most popular attraction in UpCountry Maui. When the clouds clear, the summit offers amazing views of the island of Maui and if you're lucky, you may be able to see the Big Island to the east and the other islands to the west: Lanai, Kaho'olawe and Molokai. Visitors flock to Haleakala to see the spectacular sunrise and sunsets. In an effort to ensure visitor and employee safety, protect natural and cultural resources, and provide a quality visitor experience at the summit during sunrise hours (3am to 7am), a reservation must be made 60 days in advance to be admitted to the park for the sunrise. It is only $1.50 per vehicle, but there is no refund or exchange...or be sure of your date! Is it worth it? It can be breathtaking (and very cold, so dress appropriately)! If you're not a morning person like me, consider going up to view the sunset, which can be equally breathtaking (and no reservation required).
This page is a work in progress - it's not meant to be all inclusive (impossible!). I'm sure I will be adding things later. If you have any specific questions, please don't hesitate to drop me an email!
Scuba Shack is the dive shop I recommend if you're staying in Kihei, Wailea or Makena. Scuba Shack always uses the newest equipment and latest technology. They are the highest rated dive operation on Maui. Diving with Charley is very personable and a lot of fun! His boat is so fast, he is always the first one out at Molokini each morning.
A note about snorkeling - there are some really great places to snorkel on Maui, however sometimes conditions are poor...and downright dangerous. I don't recommend snorkeling if the water is cloudy and visibility is poor. You don't want to get mistaken for something's lunch. Yes, there are sharks in Hawaii. When we get in the ocean, we're in their house! Take some advice from the Hawaii Snorkeling Guide and check out some of Maui's best snorkeling spots. Black Rock is a great place to snorkel with easy beach access and lots to see. Beginners often do well in the shallow waters of Olowalu (Mile Marker 14 on the way to Lahaina). You're sure to snorkel with turtles at Napili Bay and Honolua Bay offers some of the best snorkeling out there in the summer months.
Places to eat
It's impossible to list all the fabulous places to eat on Maui. I haven't been to many of the top restaurants because I tend to eat at home or at places that serve local grinds! Pride of Maui put together a couple of great dining lists - Top 33 Restaurants on Maui and Top 30 Places for Local Food on Maui. My regulars include Da Kitchen (I actually prefer the Kihei location over Kahului) and Aloha Mixed Plate. Love the open air dining at Aloha Mixed Plate. Anytime I'm on that side of the island, you know I will be having lunch there. If you're UpCountry, my friend Chantal and her husband own a great place in Kula called Kula Bistro. They're open for breakfast, lunch and dinner - I've had every meal there! The setting is casual and the food is amazing.
Favorite beaches
I am not a big ocean swimmer (haha - I like to see what's around me underwater - hence the scuba diving), but I do love just sitting on the beach with a Diet Coke, people-watching and hanging out with my Dad. He's my beach buddy. We love to go to Ho'okipa Beach on the north shore to watch surfers, windsurfers, turtles and the occasional monk seal! Conditions can be rough, so be careful if swimming there. We also love the Kamaole Beaches in Kihei, especially Kamaole 1 for it's gradual entry and the quieter Charley Young beach on the end. Drive past Kihei and you'll get into Makena, where I love Big Beach or Makena Beach Park. Beautiful white sand and clear water - watch for high surf advisories. The shore break can be extremely dangerous - the lifeguards usually put out flags when conditions are dangerous. On the other side, Kaanapali beach is a family favorite. The white sand beach is amazing and you can swim with turtles occasionally. If your feet can handle the climb on sharp lava rock, jump off Black Rock! It would take all day to list off my favorite beaches, so visit Pride of Maui's list of Maui's Top 15 Beaches - they're all great!
Haleakala Crater
Haleakala National Park covers the summit area of the larger of the two volcanic mountains that make up Maui. It is the most popular attraction in UpCountry Maui. When the clouds clear, the summit offers amazing views of the island of Maui and if you're lucky, you may be able to see the Big Island to the east and the other islands to the west: Lanai, Kaho'olawe and Molokai. Visitors flock to Haleakala to see the spectacular sunrise and sunsets. In an effort to ensure visitor and employee safety, protect natural and cultural resources, and provide a quality visitor experience at the summit during sunrise hours (3am to 7am), a reservation must be made 60 days in advance to be admitted to the park for the sunrise. It is only $1.50 per vehicle, but there is no refund or exchange...or be sure of your date! Is it worth it? It can be breathtaking (and very cold, so dress appropriately)! If you're not a morning person like me, consider going up to view the sunset, which can be equally breathtaking (and no reservation required).
This page is a work in progress - it's not meant to be all inclusive (impossible!). I'm sure I will be adding things later. If you have any specific questions, please don't hesitate to drop me an email!