If you ever have the luck to find yourself in Maui, Hawaii, first- come up with excuses to stay forever. When I first visited Maui, I did not want to leave. Hard to beat the feel of the ocean breeze on your face while hearing waves crashing and palm trees swaying. If anything could beat chocolate and champagne, this would be it. After reality crashes in and the devil’s advocate in you wins out, all you can do is enjoy the moment. Even though the visit must end, the memories will stay. Here are the top ten must-do’s in to check off your list in Maui, Hawaii.
1. Spot a Whale Breach
Sitting on the beach and whale watching is not a sport, is it? If doing sport means sweating and heart pumping, then this is my kind of sport. When you see a whale, your heart will undoubtedly beat faster, and the sun makes you sweat. 😉
I usually get more luck spotting a whale breach just before sunset. If you can, pack a picnic and binoculars. This might take a while! But ohhhh is it exciting!
Pro Tip: If you want to do whale watch on land, go to McGregor Point Lighthouse. It is secluded and gives a good vantage point (higher elevation) so it’s easier to spot the whales.
2. See Sandy Beaches with Different Colored Hues
One thing that Maui isn’t lacking is spectacular beaches. As if the water is not enough to beckon you, the beach sand here is also fascinating. In Maui, you can find golden sand beach (like Ka’anapali Beach among other beaches), black sand beach (Pailoa Beach), and red sand beach (Kaihalulu Beach). I’d recommend you map out beaches to visit for sunrises, lunch picnics and sunsets. I have put together a list of some of my favorite beaches (Coming soon).
Pro Tip: You should pack a picnic for your beach day. I suggest getting some fruits, locally made jams and macadamia nuts from the local farmer’s market along with some chilled coconut drink.
3. Snorkeling with Turtles
I make a point to always wake up early to snorkel at least once a day in Maui. One of the best places to swim with turtles is at Honolua Bay. After water time, I would go to Old Town Lahaina (20 minutes away) to get breakfast. Now that is a good start to a day done right.
4. Learn to Surf
The Cove at Kalama Beach Park in Kihei area is the best place to learn surfing. The water here has consistent small waves that breaks in shallow water. You can easily rent a surfboard from surf shops across the street. Go early cause it gets crowded after 11am.
Pro Tip: Be careful of the rocky bottom and sea urchin. To solve it, wear booties.
5. Sunrise at Haleakala
Sunrise at Haleakala is nothing short of magnificent. You will have to start your upward journey to the peak at 4am to secure the best spots. On my last trip out, I brought pillows, blankets, and thermos-full of hot chocolate (that soon became iced choco). Now, the National Park services has limited the number of people who can go to the peak by issuing permits. There are 4 viewing spots at different heights. Make sure you arrive prepared for the cold and early enough to stake your spot. After sunrise, stay to explore the National Park.
6. Eat Poke Bowl
Poke in Hawaiian means “sliced out”. In this case, sliced out raw tuna made into a salad with delicious dressing (my favorite is spicy mayo). They can get really creative here like California roll (with avocado and seaweed), limu (with algae), or shoyu (soy sauce).
Pro Tip: Foodland supermarket sells really good poke made fresh everyday.
7. Try Anything Made with Taro or Guava & Eat Fresh Maui Grown Pineapple
There is no shortage of farmer’s markets and locally made goods sold in Maui. You can buy all your picnic goodies in one stop. Some of my favorite finds have been Guava jam, Taro chips, and fresh Maui Gold Pineapple. I eat a whole bunch of these when I’m in Maui then take some home as souvenirs (except the fresh Pineapple).
Pro Tip: To pick a ripe Pineapple, make sure to pick one with bloated eyes (big eyes) because that means the Pineapple has lots of juice inside, pushing out, and making the eyes bulge. Another test is to pull on the green leaves. If the leaves are easy to pluck, that means it’s ready. (Leave me a comment after you eat that awesome Pineapple).
8. Embrace the Greenery
No shortage of green here in the island of Maui. Iao valley is lush with green foliage and wildlife (bird watcher paradise). There are lots of moderate to difficult hiking trails here. Check for road closures and weather conditions, the trails can be very slippery after rain.
If you are into golf, there is a public golf course (The Dunes at Maui Lani). You can get a peek of the sea but the course is mostly rolling terrain framed by a forest of thorny kiawe trees. You will also get a great view of Haleakala.
9. Shop and Eat at Old Town Lahaina
Old town Lahaina is a charming little town. It was the old capital of the Hawaii kingdom and also a former whaling town. The town’s Front street provides one of the best afternoon strolls in Maui. The street will lead you to small shops and local eateries. Get a scoop of ice cream before ending up at the courthouse square where the banyan tree (largest banyan tree in the US) is the queen of attraction. I have spent afternoons at Old Town Lahaina, enjoying local crafts on display in the courthouse before heading out to one of the cafes selling fresh pineapple smoothies.
10. Visit or Stay at Maui North Shore
While most people vacation in Maui to enjoy the resort and beaches on the west side of the island, the North Shore towns of Paia, Haiku, and Makawao offer more authentic tastes of island life. Each town has its own unique flare – Haiku with its hippie style, Paia with its gypsy chic and Makawao with its upcountry cool. You will find smaller boutique accommodations, locally sourced cafes, and non-cookie cutter shops. To me, the North Shore is the best to experience true island care-free life.
Hawaii is so wonderful because it gives me the glimpse of what comes next (#goldenyearsgoal). The things that we all strive towards, to work for. It’s that sweet laidback life of not caring and having all the time in the world to enjoy it. That’s the aloha spirit that is ever present on this island. On your visit here, don’t forget to practice your “shaka” and sip many coconut drinks.