Best Beaches
January 01, 2017
So many amazingly beautiful beaches to discover...
With almost 100 beaches on Maui, there is (you're sure to find) a beach for everyone's wishes, wants and needs. You can find the pristine, palm-lined, white sand beaches with crystal clear turquoise water of your dreams or you can discover unique red and black sand beaches coves Below is a list of some of the most popular beaches on Maui. They are meant as a starting point for you to research and discover your ideal beaches to sun worship on and play on and enjoy.
Makena State Beach (aka Big Beach and Oneloa Beach)
One of the best all around beaches in Maui. A true gem! This beautiful wide sand beach is probably what many think of when they picture the perfect Hawaiian beach. It is over a half a mile long which means even though it's popular and draws lots of people, from locals to visitors alike, there is plenty of beach to lay out your towel and never really feel crowded. It's not a beach that is safe for small children or inexperienced swimmers though. During some high surf conditions, even reasonably experienced adult swimmers might want to think twice about getting in the water as well. That said, Makena Beach, with its incredibly beautiful sand and clear, enchanting turquoise water, is a must see. Even if the surf is up and you can't get in the water, it'll still be an experience not to miss since you’ll be front-row to the most extreme boogie boarding you will probably see anywhere on the island during your visit. See pictures below...
Popular Activities: Bodysurfing, skimboarding, surfing, swimming, sunbathing
Access: The easiest access is at the large parking lots known as “first and second entrance.” The parking lot gates close after sunset, so if you want to do a little sunset watching from this beautiful beach, make sure that you don’t get locked in. To do that, park along the road at “third entrance” at the southern tip of the beach.
Conditions: Big Beach has the strongest shorebreak on Maui and is often biggest in the summer. If the surf is up, only experienced bodysurfers and swimmers should think about entering the water.
Little Beach - At the north end of Big Beach, a short trail leads over the point to this neighboring beach. A popular beach among locals and know as a bathing suit free zone, this beach draws nudists and hippies and can get quite packed. On Sunday afternoons, at sunset, the locals form a drum circle and perform fire dances. It can be a really fun experience and in Little Beach tradition, clothing is optional.
Big Beach Location: About 30 - 35 min drive
Makena Alanui Rd., (4 Mi S of Grand Wailea Resort)
Google Maps: click here
GPS Coordinates: 20.631901,-156.447265
Facilities: Bathrooms, lifeguards, picnic tables.
Little Beach Location: About 30 - 35 min drive
Walk from Big Beach Lot 1 on Makena Alanui Rd., (4 Mi S of Grand Wailea Resort)
Google Maps: click here
GPS Coordinates: 20.634873,-156.451921
Facilities: (At Big Beach) Bathrooms, lifeguards, picnic tables.
Secret Cove Beach (aka Pa'ako Beach)
Also in Makena. Not much of a secret really but definitely a small, beautiful beach especially if you manage to be there on a day when not many other people are there. It's "secretly" tucked away between private homes and is a favorite beach for weddings. All of the beaches on Maui are open to the public - even those that are in front of homes, condos or big hotels. Just look for the blue Shoreline Access signs that show the way to enter. See pictures below...
Location: About 30 - 40 min drive
Across from telephone pole #E2-3 (the first pole you encounter past Big Beach) is an opening in the wall (legal public access) Climb through and enjoy!
Google Maps: click here
Facilities: None
Red Sand Beach (aka Kaihalulu Beach)
Tucked away behind the far side of Ka'uiki Hill all the way up in Hana, Red Sand Beach may be better to go to when and if you are doing The Road to Hana tour. I like to combine it with an early morning hike on that side of the island (insert hike options) and then head to Red Sand Beach for a few hours to take a cooling swim, rest and enjoy a picnic before heading back home. It's not an easy beach to get to since the only access is by a trail on the side of the hill. The trail is over loose cinders and dirt and very narrow at times so you need to be good at hiking and very careful not to slip and fall down the side of the hill. It's not a far walk but it can be dangerous if you're not able and cautious. I think it's worth the effort though, especially on a day of calm seas. The beach is stunningly beautiful and very unique with its red sand and electric blue water and tropical cove. See pictures below...
Location: About 2 1/2 hrs drive
Park at the end of Uakea Rd. which runs on the ocean side of Hotel Hana Maui, parallel to Hana Hwy.
Google Maps: click here
GPS Coordinates: 20.752803,-155.981736
Facilities: None
Hamoa Beach
One of the most beautiful beaches in the world and one of those beaches you dream of with perfect sand, turquoise waters and a postcard-perfect 100′ wide by 1000′ long crescent shape. Located in Hana, it's far away enough from the masses that it rarely gets crowded and if Hamoa Beach isn't secluded enough for you, Mokae Cove, just to the south, has another beach where you'll probably be the only one on. If seas are calm, you can swim around the south point to access it. Since Hamoa Beach and Mokae Cove are quite a trek, it might be best to plan to go during your Road to Hana trip. See pictures below...
Popular Activities: Swimming, bodysurfing, surfing, snorkeling
Access: Two miles past downtown Hana, make a left on Haneo‘o Road and continue along the coastline. After a mile, you’ll see a small parking lot and a set of stairs that lead down to the beach.
Conditions: Mornings are the calmest, and on most days waves and the sandy shore make for good conditions for bodysurfing.
Location: About 2 1/2 hrs drive
Haneo’o Rd (Loop road; access @ Hana Hwy mm 50.1 & 49.1)
Google Maps: click here
GPS Coordinates: 20.718954,-155.987449
Facilities: Showers, bathrooms, other facilities for Hotel Hana Maui guest use.
Ka'anapali Beach
A beautiful, three mile white sand and crystal clear water beach set along the world renowned and popular resort and hotel retreat of Ka'anapali. Seven big hotels, numerous condominium villages, a multitude of crowd-pleasing restaurants, as well as the upscale open-air shopping center, Whaler's Village, all front this beach. That said, if you are looking for a secluded beach and private oasis, this definitely isn't it. Ka'anapali Beach is quite commercial and popular so it tends to get crowed. For those looking for a resort experience, you've come to the right beach. One of Ka'anapali Beach’s most famous attractions is the daily cliff diving ceremony off of the beach’s northernmost cliffs known as Puu Kekaa, or Black Rock. Held every evening at sunset, a cliff diver lights the torches along the cliff, diving off of Black Rock in a reenactment of a feat by Maui’s revered King Kahekili. This memorable ceremony is just one more reason why Kaanapali Beach ranks as one of Maui’s signature beaches. Great snorkeling around Black Rock and other fun activities like parasailing and jet skiing are just a few more reasons. Ka'anapali Beach is also a great place to watch the sunset and the many restaurants that line the beach make for perfect retreats to do that.
Popular Activities: Snorkeling, scuba diving, cliff jumping, stand-up paddling, boogie boarding, surfing, sunbathing, cocktail drinking
Conditions: Waves are usually highest in front of the Ka‘anapali Marriott, and the best snorkeling is on the north end of the beach right in front of the Sheraton. On windy days, there is a small cove to the south of the Hyatt that is usually protected from the wind.
Location: About 35 - 40 min drive
All along Ka’anapali Pkwy. ( 24 mile marker of Honoapi’ilani Hwy aka Hwy 30)
Google Maps: click here
GPS Coordinates: 20.922221,-156.695895
Facilities: Resort owned beach showers and most shop bathrooms are publicly accessible.
Baldwin Beach Park
Baldwin Beach Park is a beautiful, long white-sand beach with amazingly turquoise waters on Maui’s North Shore near Paia. It's a favorite with locals and local families. There is a picnic area complete with picnic tables and grills available for use. If grilling and having a picnic on the beach is your thing this could be a fun local spot to do it. End-to-end the beach cove is about 1 1/2 miles and the wide sand makes for a great place to run or stroll. The west end is know as Baby Beach which has an exposed stretch of reef that creates a calm lagoon protected from the ocean. This lagoon is perfect for young kids. On the east end is Baldwin Cove. It's a beautiful white sand beach where a large jetty of boulders at the cove’s edge, combined with an offshore reef forms a protected sandy cove. Frequented by locals and popular with the "free- spirited", this beach cove is a spot where it's generally accepted for women to sunbathe topless. If you want to lose your bottoms too, you should walk a bit further to the east and even out those tan-lines on the North Shore's Secret Beach.
Location: Mile Marker: #6 (Hwy 36 aka Hana Hwy)
Google Maps: click here
GPS Coordinates: 20.913502,-156.394544
Facilities: Bathrooms, showers, picnic tables, grills/BBQs, Lifeguards, electrical outlets
Wai'anapanapa State Beach
Don't be scared. It's actually pretty easy to pronounce... It sounds like WHY-A-NAH-PAH-NAH-PAH. See?... Easy! Just in case though, it's also known as Black Sand Beach and Pa’iloa Beach. By any name, Black Sand Beach is a stunningly impressive spectacle. Most of this beach is actually small black pebbles so it may not be a beach you’ll want to lay out on but it'll probably still be worth the visit. Besides the outstanding scenery of the beach, there are a number of hikes, easy walks, a blowhole, ocean caves, sea arches, islets, cliff diving, fresh water pools, camping, cabins and more. King's Trail which follows a sea-sculpted lava shelf along the coast through lush tropical foliage to the Wai'anapanapa Caves is a beautiful hike rated moderate and is a wonderful 2.75 mile roundtrip trek to experience the area. This trail will take you back in time, past lava cliffs, a tropical forest, an ancient temple, sea caves and arches and even a blowhole. Going north (left) from the sand beach, this section of the Kings Trail is called Kipapa O Kihapiilani Trail.
Location: About 2 1/2 hrs drive
Mile Marker: #32 (Hana Hwy aka Hwy 360)
Google Maps: click here
GPS Coordinates: 20.788616,-156.003687
Facilities: camping, cabins, picnic tables, bbq’s, bathrooms, showers.
Honolua Bay
An amazingly beautiful beach to surf and snorkel and, as I most recently discovered, to watch the sunset. The lead in picture of the Find Your Favorite Sunset Spot section below is a picture of the sunset from there. The beach is very rocky so it's not the best place to sun yourself and work on your tan but if it's for surfing, snorkeling or scuba diving that you came, then you're at a great spot. The water can be very murky at the shoreline, but the bay is huge so you'll just need to swim a bit out to find great visibility. The clear water (great visibility) combined with the fact that it is a Marine Life Conservation District/natural reserve where the taking of fish is prohibited, means this bay is teeming with life and you’re always guaranteed to see lots of fish, turtles and coral as long as you’re willing to swim out a bit from the beach. There are abundant snorkeling and SCUBA opportunities for all levels so plan to spend some time here. The best time of year for snorkeling and SCUBA diving in this amazing bay is the summer. The winter months can bring big waves which churn up debris and rain which can muddy the waters from a stream that runs into the bay at the right. See pictures below...
Location: About 45 min - 1 hr drive
Mile Marker: #32 (Honoapi’ilani Hwy aka Hwy 30)
Google Maps: click here
GPS Coordinates: 21.011896,-156.636854
Facilities: No facilities/no lifeguards
Oneuli Beach (aka Black Sand Beach and Naupaka Beach)
Located in Makena, Oneuli Beach is a great hidden gem and usually not too crowded probably because it's difficult to find and you can't see it from the road. The water is usually calm but it's not very swimmer friendly because there's a lava reef just as you get into the water. Although locals call it Black Sand Beach, its Hawaiian name is Oneuli, meaning "Dark Sands," which is perhaps a little more appropriate. The beach features a sun baked blanket of salt and pepper sand; the "pepper" comes from Pu'u Ola'i, an eroding cinder cone that rises 360 feet alongside the beach, and the "salt" is created by coral and shells that have been granulized by the sea. See pictures below...
Location: About 30 - 35 min drive
Makena Alanui Rd., (Dirt access rd is 3.8 Mi S. of Grand Wailea Resort, just before Pu’u & Big Beach lot)
Google Maps: click here
GPS Coordinates: 20.639928,-156.446868
Facilities: None
Wailea Beach
Wailea Beach is a beautiful beach and great spot to watch the sunset. The sand is a beautiful yellow and the water is aquamarine and crystal clear. The beach forms a crescent cove with black lava points on both sides that not only break up the surf a bit but are feeding areas for fish and sea turtles. During whale watching season this is one of the best places to spot the migrating humpbacks just off shore. There's a also great walking path that winds along in front of some of Maui's most exclusive hotels like the Grand Wailea and the Four Seasons and there are outdoor bars and restaurants that make perfect places to stop and get a drink to toast the beautiful day and watch the sun go down. The air of luxury extends to the beach which is dotted with chaise lounge beach chairs, beach umbrellas and cabanas. Though technically you'll need to be a guest at one of the hotels to use their beach chairs or cabanas, this beautiful beach, as with all beaches on Maui, is still open to the public. There is a public parking lot between the two resorts. This is also a great beach to rent kayaks by the hour and/or snorkel. You can rent directly from The Four Season's Hotel even if you're not a guest there.
Popular Activities: Swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, stand-up paddling
Conditions: Summer afternoons can be very windy, and snorkeling around the southern point is best on winter mornings.
Tip: Buying a drink at one of the resort bars usually allows you to hang out by the pools.
Location: About 25 -30 min drive
Mile Marker: #0.4 – Wailea Alanui Rd.
Google Maps: click here
GPS Coordinates: 20.681288,-156.441944
Facilities: Showers, bathrooms. No lifeguards.
Kapalua Beach
Well known to be one of Maui's best swimming beaches, Kapalua Beach is situated in a very protected cove, which makes this spot virtually a big swimming pool. The water isn't necessarily the clearest, so snorkeling is only fair but the extremely picturesque palm tree lined beach make . Beach is backed by development and there is a fair amount of rocky bottom in the cove.
Location: About 45 min drive
Mile Marker: #29 or 30 (Hwy 30 aka Honoapiilani Hwy) access to Lower Honoapiilani Rd. – The access is near the Sea House Restaurant at Napili Kai condos. The sign says Napili Lani, and the there's a yellow fire hydrant nearby. Drive down and look for a blue beach access sign. Additional parking is next to the tennis courts across the street accessed from Kapalua Drive.
Google Maps: click here
GPS Coordinates: 20.999506,-156.667356
Access Near: click here
Facilities: None
Honomanu Bay
This bay is nestled inside a dramatic, verdant valley that first reveals itself from the road between mile markers 12 & 13, and there are a couple of worthy lookouts to pull over and savor the view or snap a photo before you descend into the valley.
Location: About 1 1/2 hr drive
Mile Marker: #14.1 (Hana Hwy aka Hwy 360)
Google Maps: click here
GPS Coordinates: 20.861388,-156.166384
Facilities: None
Keawakapu Beach
On the north end there are tidepools teaming with marine life. You can even check them out at night – during a full moon if you have the chance. and good snorkeling around the outcropping. The southern end of this beach also has a small pocket of good snorkeling. Swimming is good and serious swimmers will enjoy doing laps along the entire length of the beach. The Mana Kai Hotel Resort at the north end rents stand up paddle boards, kayaks, beach gear, snorkel gear and bikes.
Popular Activities: Snorkeling, stand-up paddling, swimming, sunset watching
Access: Keawakapu Beach has three different access points. The north end has a large dirt parking lot next to the Day’s Inn hotel, and the south end has a small parking lot at the end of South Kihei Road. In the middle of the beach, there is a large parking lot on the inland side of South Kihei Road, and a narrow public access walkway that’s hidden between private homes.
Conditions: Winter mornings have the calmest conditions, and summer days are always windy by about 11am.
Tip: On the north end of the beach, get half-priced sushi at the Five Palms restaurant after 3 pm, and then walk the length of the beach at sunset to get away from the crowds.
La Perouse Bay
The Bay is the furthest point you can drive by car along the south coast and is located in Maui's Ahihi Kinau Natural Area Reserve. La Perouse Bay has a very dramatic looking rocky shoreline which was formed from a lava flow down Haleakala's south slope during the last eruption around 1790. You can actually still see much of the lava and it's path down from the summit to the bay. The stark, barren black lava rocks contrasting with the bright blue ocean and coral beaches make for very dramatic and beautiful scenery. The bay features several small coves that lie between rocky points. These are often covered with tidal pools. Some of the coves have small sandy beaches, but most of them have coral-rubble beaches. Since there isn't much sand it may not be the perfect beach to lay out on but snorkeling here can be some of the best anywhere on the island. A caviat... for great snorkeling you'll need swim past the first cove where the visibility isn't very good at all. With each cove you swim past the water gets clearer and the marine life more abundant. About four coves down, the fish life flourishes and the waters are clearer to make for amazing snorkeling. A pod of dolphins can often be seen in the early morning around 7am as they head north along the coast.
Location: About 45 min drive
Mile Marker:
Google Maps: click here
GPS Coordinates: 20.861388,-156.166384
Facilities: None
Palauea Beach (aka White Rock)
This is a nice, wide, uncrowded and lesser-known beach usually frequented mostly by locals. It is tucked away in a residential area between Makena and Wailea, just south of Polo beach. Since Palauea is a recessed bay, it does not get as windy as some other south Maui beaches. Snorkeling is excellent around the rocky outcroppings at both ends of the beach. The south end is a bit larger and slightly clearer which makes it a great spot for scuba diving as well. Boogie boarding is also decent during south swells and when the seas are calm, this is a great beach for kids and beginners. The sandy bottom entry is sloped gently for swimming and playing.
Popular Activities: Swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, boogie boarding
Access: Park along the undeveloped portions of Makena Rd and look for the public access trails which are located in a few strategic places and lead to the beach. The beach is located about 100 feet from the road.
Conditions: Mornings are the calmest, and on most days waves and the sandy shore make for great conditions for swimming.
Location: About 30 min drive
Middle of Makena Rd., park alongside the road.
Google Maps: click here
GPS Coordinates: 20.670472,-156.442974
Facilities: None.
D.T. Fleming Beach Park
This quiet, out-of-the-way beach cove is an ironwood tree lined cresent-shaped beach, great for the whole family and is a good spot for swimming and snorkeling.
Location: About 45 min drive
Mile Marker: Just past MM 30 on Honoapiilani Hwy (Hwy 30), in Kapalua
Google Maps: click here
GPS Coordinates:
Facilities: Restrooms, showers, picnic tables, bbq grills
Find Your Favorite Sunset Spot
January 01, 2017
One of my favorite things to do is to put together a picnic and drinks and head off on a sunset watching mini adventure. There are so many amazing spots on Maui to catch a stunningly beautiful sunset and below is a brief list of some of my favorites. As always, I try to cover a broad spectrum of choices to satisfy most all "tastes" "likes"visitors here. I recommend trying a few that work for you and set out on your own to expolre and discover your own favorite spot.
Haleakala Summit - I think, equally as amazing as catching the sunrise on the summit of Haleakala, is watching the sunset. The Leleiwi Overlook is a great place for that. At about 10,000 ft up, it offers a view from the cliff's edge into the entire crater. Standing there on the crater's edge, if you're lucky an extremly rare phenomenon called Spectre of the Brocken or akaku anuenue in Hawaiian, can occure. It happens when low clouds roll into the crater in front of you, below you and relatively close while the sun is low in the sky and directly behind you. If these conditions are just right you'll be able see your own shadow on the clouds with a rainbow surrounding your shadow. It's a pretty spectacular sight so bring your camera and tell your Instagram followers to get ready for some epic posts!
Another beautiful sky-high spectacle can seen at the Kalahaku Overlook, which is up the road on the left. (FYI: The overlook can only be accessed when approaching from above and heading down the road). Below the overlook, clouds often gather and vanish like wisps of smoke.
Leleiwi Overlook
Google Maps: click here
Kalahaku Overlook
Google Maps: click here
Honolua Bay - write here
Keawakapu - write here
Kula - Perched high above the ocean, on the verdant slopes of Haleakala Volcano is the quaint little upcountry town of Kula. It's an absolutely beautiful and serene place/area to watch the sun set over the entire island. You'll be treated to stunning vistas down the sweeping slopes of Haleakala, over the green valley of Maui, the West Maui Mountains, Ma'alaea Bay and across the Pacific to neighboring Molokai and Lania islands. still need to add restaurant ideas here...
Lahaina Pali Trail - One of the best places on Maui to watch the sunset. Be prepaired for a bit of work though beause getting to the sunset visit point requires a 15 minute hike from the Ukumehame trailhead where you have to climb 500 vertical feet. Once there you'll have a panoramic view due west the blue Pacific dotted with distant white cap waves and During whale season (winter), you'll most likely see migrating whales. What to bring: Be sure to pack a flashlight for the walk back down.
Maluaka Beach in Wailea - write here
Po'olenalena Beach - write here
Secret Cove Beach in Makena - write here
Sunset Cruise
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Ka'anapali Deluxe Sunset Cruise
http://www.sailtrilogy.com/tour/kaanapalisunset
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Captain’s Sunset Dinner Sail
http://www.sailtrilogy.com/tour/lahainadinner
Wailea Beach / Four Seasons Hotel / Grand Wailea in Wailea - For the perfect sunset stroll take the roughly 1.5 mile shoreline path that winds along the oceanfront through the beautiful tropical gardens of some of Maui's most exclusive hotels. The beautiful meandering path’s southern point is at Polo Beach in front of the Fairmont Kea Lani Hotel and rolls through numerous cove beaches, past lava rock points, past Wailea Beach in front of the Four Seasons Hotel and Grand Wailea Hotel and continues north along Ulua Beach and ends in front of he Andaz Maui Hotel at Mokapu Beach Park. From December though April this is one of the best onshore places in Maui to spot humpback whales who frolic just offshore here. There are numerous outdoor bars and restaurants that make perfect places to stop and get a drink to toast the beautiful day and watch the sun go down. The air of luxury extends to the beach which is dotted with chaise lounge beach chairs, beach umbrellas and cabanas. Though technically you'll need to be a guest at one of the hotels to use their beach chairs or cabanas, this beautiful beach, as with all beaches on Maui, is still open to the public. There is a public parking lot between the two resorts and you can also valet park at either of the hotels.
Private Cabana Dining with Sunset
https://www.grandwailea.com/experience/dine/sunset-cabana-dining/
What about watching the sunset floating on the ocean in a kayak! What better way to experience Maui’s beautiful sunset than from the ocean, gently bobbing on the waves in a kayak.
http://www.keliiskayak.com/kayaking-tour-maui-sunset-tour/
Kai Kanani
Sunset Champagne Cruise
808 879 7218
http://www.kaikanani.com/maui-sunset-sail/
Haleakala Summit Sunrise and Sunset
January 01, 2017
I think a really incredible thing to do is to watch the sunrise from the summit of the dormant volcano Haleakala. It's about 10,000 ft so it's above the clouds and an absolutely amazing place to watch the dark and clear star filled sky slowly brighten and give way to the warm sunny day.
Since sunrise is at about 5:30am (times vary a little throughout the year. Check your dates for an accurate time), and it takes about 1 1/2 to 2 hrs to drive up to the summit you'll need to leave around 3am so you can make sure to get parking and find a good spot to watch the magic unfold. Sounds like a rough morning, I know, but I think it's totally worth it. If you go the day after you arrive though, you'll be on mainland time still so 3am will probably be later for you. Not that bad anymore huh?! It can be kind of cold on the summit before the sun comes up so bring a light jacket and/or sweatshirt. Hat if you have, and even light gloves. Crazy right?!... Going on vacation to a tropical island paradise and bringing gloves and a hat?! I promise you won't be using them the rest of the time but you'll be happy you brought them that morning for sure.
A couple of tips:
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Make sure to get gas the day before since it's quite a ways up the long windy road to the summit and there aren't any gas stations for much of the drive.
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You'll need to buy an entrance pass to Haleakala National Park on the way in. It's $15 and valid for 3 days so you'll save money if you plan to do some of the other cool Haleakala National Park activities like going to the Seven Sacred Pools and hiking the Pipiwai Trail to Waimoku Falls within the next 3 days.
While at the summit, and after sunrise, there are some really amazing hikes to go on and other unique and fun things to do.
Haleakala Crater Hikes - I think some of the most spectacular hikes in Maui are up in the crater of the extinct volcano, Haleakala. You are above the clouds and above the treeline and the view will probably be some of the most spectacular and unique you have ever seen. The crater which is 19 square miles
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Halemau’u Trail (about 11 miles ONE WAY) descends 1400 ft from the ridge to the crater floor. It's a relatively long hike and quite strenuous but pays off in spectacular views. The trail starts at 7,990 feet in the native shrub land ecosystem and leads down into the crater before traversing back up all the way to the summit of Haleakala. You could choose to do a three mile round trip hike out to the edge of Haleakala's rim and return, or as a starting point for an all day hike to the summit. If you do choose the all day hike, it's reccomended to start at the summit which is technically the end of the hike and hike the trail in reverse. Either way you hike it the challenge is that you'll need to leave your car at your chosen end point and get a ride to your chosen trailhead. If you start at the summit, you'll start from the House of the Sun Visitor Center parking lot as the Keoneheehee or Sliding Sands Trail. The trail then descends 2,500 feet in 3.9 miles to the valley floor. At this point the trail splits to continue on this route you would take the left fork off of Keoneheehee Trail onto a spur trail where signs lead toward Holua. This spur trail travels up past colorful cinder cones and varied terrain. From Holua, travel approximately one mile across a grassland area to the base of a 1,000 foot cliff. After hiking up two miles of switchbacks the trail levels off and continues one more mile to the Halemau'u Trailhead and parking lot where hopefully your car is waiting for you. If you couldn't prearrange the dropoff of your car, hikers commonly hitchhike back to their car. The average time to complete this route is 6-8 hours. Get an early start so you can get the most out of your hike and make it back to your car before nightfall.
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Sliding Sands Trail (RECOMMENDED) The premier trail at Haleakala. It starts off at the Visitor’s Center Parking lot and descends 2,400 ft into the crater with long traverses over red sand for about 4 miles. The descent can be a bit difficult on some people's knees but you don't have to go far to see amazing views so only go as far as you are comfortable going. The Cinder Cones Overlook will come up on your left and the Ka Lu’u o ka O’o crater will be directly below. To get there, continue down and make a left at the first junction. When you reach the crater , be sure to take the thrilling trail around it's rim. This is an amazing trail and showcases the crater at it's best. If you don't want to hike it but still want to see it, there is a company that will take you into the crater on horseback. See the HORSEBACK RIDING section under Fun Thing To Do and look for The Pony Express for details.
Read more: www.everytrail.com/guide/crater-trail-amp-sliding-sands-haleakala-np-maui
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Skyline Trail (about 6.5 miles) - is outside the park boundary and not shown on most visitor maps. Great ocean views from the open treeless ridgeline. It continues a long way down into Polipoli Stae Park but you can achieve great panoramic views within about an hour of hiking. THIS HIKE IS A HIDDEN TREASURE ON THE VOLCANO
There are many more trails in Haleakala then mentioned above. There are even cabins in the crater that are available on a lottery system and are for overnight camping. There are not many places in the world to get a better or clearer view of the night sky and the Milkyway. I would recommend researching deeper if you're an avid hiker and interested in really exploring the wondrous and outstanding destination that Haleakala is.
Read more: http://www.nps.gov/hale/planyourvisit/hiking.htm
What to bring if you hike:
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Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunblock)
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Food (no food for sale in the park)
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Water bottles (there is drinking water available at all visitor centers)
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Sturdy shoes / hiking boots or athletic shoes
Haleakala SUNSET...
If sunrise is too early in the morning for you you could also drive up to Haleakala's summit with a picnic and watch the sunset! The Leleiwi Overlook is a great place for that. It offers a view from the cliff's edge into the entire crater. Standing there on the crater's edge, if you're lucky an extremly rare phenomenon called Spectre of the Brocken or akaku anuenue in Hawaiian, can occure. It happens when low clouds roll into the crater in front of you, below you and relatively close while the sun is low in the sky and directly behind you. If these conditions are just right you'll be able see your own shadow on the clouds with a rainbow surrounding your shadow. It's a pretty spectacular sight so bring your camera and tell your Instagram followers to get ready for some epic posts!
Another beautiful sky-high spectacle can seen at the Kalahaku Overlook, which is up the road on the left. (FYI: The overlook can only be accessed when approaching from above and heading down the road). Below the overlook, clouds often gather and vanish like wisps of smoke.
Kula, nestled on the rolling hills of the upcountry area of the slopes of Haleakala, is another great spot to watch the sunset. It sits at about 3000 ft which gives you an amazing vista of the North and West side of the island. You'll see the ocean on both sides of the island as the sun goes down behind the West Maui Mountains. The Kula Lodge is a great place to eat and watch "the show". If you're heading there for sunset watching you could leave earlier and check out Surfing Goat Dairy and Alii Kula Lavender Farm. Haliimaile General Store is another favorite upcountry place to eat too. It's further down the mountain so as nice as The Kula Lodge fro sunset watching.
Hang Gliding
January 01, 2017
Hang Gliding Maui -
808 572 6557
Helicopter Tours
January 01, 2017
Air Maui -
808 877 7005
Read more: http://www.airmaui.com
Blue Hawaiian -
808 871 8844
Read more: http://www.bluehawaiian.com/maui/tours/
Sunshine -
808 871 0722
Read more: http://www.sunshinehelicopters.com
Volcano Air Tours -
808 877 5500
Read more: http://www.volcanoairtours.com
Horseback Riding
January 01, 2017
Mendes Ranch - is a stunningly beautiful location set on Maui's lush and breathtakingly beautiful East/North Shore. While you ride you are afforded amazing vistas of the green slopes of Haleakala rising out of the blue white capped Pacific Ocean around every bend.
3530 Kahekili Hwy.
Wailuku, HI 96793
808 871 5222
Read more: http://www.mendesranch.com
Google Maps: click here
Makena Stables - There are morning rides and sunset rides. The Morning Tour ride travels along rocky shoreline trails, and then climbs through ranch lands for awesome views of Ahihi Kinau, La Perouse Bay and the islands of Hawai'i, Kaho'olawe, Molokini. The Sunset Tour is a truly spectacular ride with panoramic views of the south slope of Haleakala, La Perouse Bay and the islands of Hawai'i, Kaho'olawe, Molokini, Lanai and Molokai.
8299 Makena Road
Makena, HI 96753
808 879 0244
Read more: http://www.makenastables.com/index.htm
Google Maps: click here
Ironwood Ranch - If you like the Ka'anapali / West Maui mountains area there is Ironwood Ranch.... A very popular place to ride I think because it's so close.
22 Hui A Naplili
Lahaina, HI 96761
808 669 4991
Read more: http://www.ironwoodranch.com/index.php
Google Maps: click here
Hiking
January 01, 2017
Maui Hikes with views...
Haleakala Crater Hikes - I think some of the most spectacular hikes in Maui are up in the crater of the extinct volcano, Haleakala. You are above the clouds and above the treeline and the view will probably be some of the most spectacular and unique you have ever seen. The crater which is 19 square miles
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Halemau’u Trail (about 11 miles ONE WAY) descends 1400 ft from the ridge to the crater floor. It's a relatively long hike and quite strenuous but pays off in spectacular views. The trail starts at 7,990 feet in the native shrub land ecosystem and leads down into the crater before traversing back up all the way to the summit of Haleakala. You could choose to do a three mile round trip hike out to the edge of Haleakala's rim and return, or as a starting point for an all day hike to the summit. If you do choose the all day hike, it's reccomended to start at the summit which is technically the end of the hike and hike the trail in reverse. Either way you hike it the challenge is that you'll need to leave your car at your chosen end point and get a ride to your chosen trailhead. If you start at the summit, you'll start from the House of the Sun Visitor Center parking lot as the Keoneheehee or Sliding Sands Trail. The trail then descends 2,500 feet in 3.9 miles to the valley floor. At this point the trail splits to continue on this route you would take the left fork off of Keoneheehee Trail onto a spur trail where signs lead toward Holua. This spur trail travels up past colorful cinder cones and varied terrain. From Holua, travel approximately one mile across a grassland area to the base of a 1,000 foot cliff. After hiking up two miles of switchbacks the trail levels off and continues one more mile to the Halemau'u Trailhead and parking lot where hopefully your car is waiting for you. If you couldn't prearrange the dropoff of your car, hikers commonly hitchhike back to their car. The average time to complete this route is 6-8 hours. Get an early start so you can get the most out of your hike and make it back to your car before nightfall. Google Maps: click here
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Sliding Sands Trail (RECOMMENDED) The premier trail at Haleakala. It starts off at the Visitor’s Center Parking lot and descends 2,400 ft into the crater with long traverses over red sand for about 4 miles. The descent can be a bit difficult on some people's knees but you don't have to go far to see amazing views so only go as far as you are comfortable going. The Cinder Cones Overlook will come up on your left and the Ka Lu’u o ka O’o crater will be directly below. To get there, continue down and make a left at the first junction. When you reach the crater , be sure to take the thrilling trail around it's rim. This is an amazing trail and showcases the crater at it's best. If you don't want to hike it but still want to see it, there is a company that will take you into the crater on horseback. See the HORSEBACK RIDING section under Fun Thing To Do and look for The Pony Express for details.
Read more: www.everytrail.com/guide/crater-trail-amp-sliding-sands-haleakala-np-maui
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Skyline Trail (about 6.5 miles) - is outside the park boundary and not shown on most visitor maps. Great ocean views from the open treeless ridgeline. It continues a long way down into Polipoli Stae Park but you can achieve great panoramic views within about an hour of hiking. THIS HIKE IS A HIDDEN TREASURE ON THE VOLCANO. Google Maps: click here
There are many more trails in Haleakala then mentioned above. There are even cabins in the crater that are available on a lottery system and are for overnight camping. There are not many places in the world to get a better or clearer view of the night sky and the Milkyway. I would recommend researching deeper if you're an avid hiker and interested in really exploring the wondrous and outstanding destination that Haleakala is.
Waihe'e Ridge Trail (about 5 miles ROUNDTRIP with about a 1500 foot gain in 2.5 miles) - one of Maui's best tropical ridge hikes to view the mountains at the center of the island. Great place to pack in a picnic since there's a picnic table at the top with great views. Since it's on the rainy side of the island be prepared for occassional rain and wet slippery conditions with lots of mud. Best to do this hike early since clouds moving in later in the morning diminish the view.
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Hike into the clouds, with spectacular views.
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Great Picnic Spot at Top!
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Great nearby hikes: Makamakaole Falls (about 1 mile)
This is a nice hike with spectacular views. The photos here don’t do the views full justice. Every direction you look, you’re treated with a different view – lush rainforest valley, Makamakaole Falls in the distance, and many spectacular views of the ocean, isthmus and the Haleakala side of Maui.
The trail is well maintained, with a couple of benches at choice overlooks along the way. There is even a picnic table at the pinnacle of the trail.
A few notes in getting here. The road to the parking lot is across the road from Mendes Ranch – if you aren’t paying attention you might miss it. At the start of the road there is a parking lot – don’t park here! Continue uphill on the road 9/10 mile until you come to another fairly large parking lot. Park here. When you walk to the trailhead you’ll first be confronted with a choice of two gates, take the gate and path that go uphill.
Key Info:
Mile Marker: #6.9 (Kahekili Hwy aka Hwy 340)
Google Maps: click here
GPS Coordinates: 20.953104,-156.532334
Facilities: None
Further research:
http://www.everytrail.com/guide/waihee-ridge-trail-maui
Iao Valley Tablelands / Iao Needle State Park (about 2 miles) - great panoramic views and secluded swimming holes along the way. The boundary for the park is the railing at the Needle Overlook. To continue to the Iao Tablelands Vista you need to climb over the railing at the overlook and continue up the well used trail. A sign will say "stay on trail” Go at your own discretion but the views are worth it.
Be prepared for: slippery conditions and rain. Mud. Thick brush. STAY AWAY FROM TRAIL EDGES WHERE DENSE BRUSH CAN OFTEN DISGUISE DANGEROUS DROP-OFFS. Be careful to pay attention to trail junctions for the hike back.
Great nearby hikes:
Kapilau Ridge Trail to Wailuku Cross (about 1.5 miles 1000 ft Elevation Gain) Kapilau Ridge, at the west end of Wailuku, separates the Iao Valley from the Waikapu Valley. This ridge trail is a short, steep unmaintained footpath directly up the ridge to a large wooden cross overlooking Wailuku. The cross was originally built by students of St. Anthony High School in 1956 and is still maintained by the students. A ladder climbs up the cross to panoramic views extending from Paia and the Waihee Valley to Kihei and Wailea.
Further research:
http://www.trailblazerhawaii.com/2014/05/iao-valley-is-beating-heart-of-maui.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mPUT45p4w8
Kapalua Coastal Trail - Bookended by beaches that have both been voted as the #1 beach in America, this an easy 1.75 mile coastal trail that makes the perfect morning stroll or short run. Begin in the parking lot of Kapalua Bay and head north towards D.T. Fleming Beach Park, passing hidden Oneloa Beach and its frequently empty shores. For an adventurous side trip, take the Spur Trail to Hawea Point to watch turtles surfacing for air.
Google Maps: click here
Halemalu'u Trail
Hoapili Trail - 123
Lahaina Pali Trail - (5-10 miles ) This is a rugged and strenuous 5-mile trail from Maalaea to Ukumehame. This is an out-and-back hike with trailheads on either end. Both trailheads are close to sea level and the trail gains ~1600 ft. in 2.5 miles, then descends back toward sea level for another 2.5 miles. The Lahaina Pali Trail is rocky, and the uphill portions can be strenuous and slow-going. It will take a person in good physical condition ~3 hours one-way, including several short stops; give yourself 4-5 Hours if you are in a lesser state of conditioning or plan on taking longer breaks. (Twice as long for a full out-and-back trip.)
Twin Falls
Falls at Makahiku
For a map and more research:
http://www.getmetomaui.com/support-files/maui-hiking-trail-map.pdf
http://www.johann-sandra.com/hawaii/maui/mauihiking.htm
Honolua Ridge Trail - 123
http://mauiguidebook.com/hikes/waihee-ridge-trail/
Pipiwai Trail - 123
Polipoli State Park - up on the green slopes of Haleakala in the upcountry town of beautiful Kula is Polipoli State Park which offers some great hiking and highlights the diversity of Maui. The hikes in this state park will take you through a redwood forest. Seems kind of crazy right?! For this hike you might even feel more like you're in the Pacific North/West of the US than on a tropical island. The redwoods and other non native trees like cedars were planted here about 100 years ago during and reforestation program and have thrived.
At 6,200 feet in elevation, Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area can actually get pretty cold so bring appropriate clothing especially if hiking in the early morning. During winter months, nighttime temperatures can even reach freezing.
There are four hiking trails in Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area – each offering a unique experience.
The Haleakala Ridge Trail features scrub, grassland, and forest habitat with cinder substrates.
The Plum Trail is planted with plum and other trees.
The Polipoli Trail, which starts features various conifers.
The Redwood Trail has redwoods and an old ranger’s cabin.
Read more: click here
Google Maps: click here
808 984 8109
Drive about 1 1/2 hrs beautiful drive though!
Jet Skiing
January 01, 2017
Jet Ski Maui - open from mid-May to mid-Decemeber since they have to close during whale season. Located near Lahaina and Ka'anapali. Early morning rides are usually very smooth which is great for newbies less adventurous riders while late afternoon can be quite choppy which is great for experienced riders looking for some more fun jumping waves. Late morning usually provides a nice balance.
808 667 2001
Read more: https://mauiwatersports.com
Kayaking
January 01, 2017
Maui Kayak Adventures - abc 123
808 442 6465
http://mauikayakadventures.com
Makena Kayak and Tours
808 879 8426
http://makenakayak.com
http://www.keliiskayak.com
Lu'aus
January 01, 2017
Luaus can be all about personal preference... Whether you want to sit at a private table or at a group table. Whether you want to be served food or enjoy buffet style dinning more. It's about what suits your likes and interests more. Below is a list of a few of the best luaus on Maui. Each has it's own unique style so take the time to research a bit and find the one that you would enjoy the most.
Sheraton Maui Nui Luau -
Mon & Wed all year with Tues added during June, July and August. $108 per adult $60 per child over 5. Kids 5 and under are free
808 877 HULA
Read more: http://www.sheraton-maui.com/dining/sunsetluau
Old Lahaina Luau -
A traditional luau with story telling dance, lei ceremonies and a imi-roasted pig. You sit at a table for 8. If you have less than 8 in your party, other guests will be seated at your table.
Adults (13 and up) $110 + tax = $114.58
Children (3 – 12Yrs) $75 + tax = $78.12
Highchair Infant (0-2 Yrs) $0.00 + tax = $0.00
1251 Front St.
Lahaina, HI 96761
800 248 5828
Read more: http://www.oldlahainaluau.com/
Feast at Lele
(private tables vs. family style seating with strangers. Not buffet… food is served)
Adults (13 and up) $130.21
Kids (2-12 yrs) $98.96
505 Front St.
Lahaina, HI 96761
866 244 5353
Read more: https://www.feastatlele.com
Wailele Polynesian Luau -
Four-course dinner served family style. All cocktails and drinks included in the price. Tues & Thurs
Premium Seating Reserved (pre-assigned)
Adults (13 years old and up) - $135 + Tax
Keiki (6-12 years old) - $80 + Tax
Infants (0-5 years old)- Free
Traditional Seating (first come, first serve)
Adults (13 years old and up) - $115 + Tax
Keiki (6-12 years old) - $65 + Tax
Infants (0-5 years old) - Free
Westin Resort
2365 Kaanapali Pkwy
Lahaina, HI 96761
808 667 2525
Read more: http://www.westinmaui.com/dining/wailele
Paddle Boarding
January 01, 2017
Maui Stand Up Paddle Boarding - $55/day Featuring NAISH inflatable Stand Up Board (easy to blow up and use then deflate and load into your car) Tours are available.
27 Halekuai St.
Kihei, HI 96753
808 568 0151
Read more: http://mauistanduppaddleboarding.com
Maui Paddle Board Rental - Free Delivery! They also rent snorkel gear.
808 250 7370
Read more: http://mauipaddleboardrental.com
Maui Stand Up Paddle Board Rentals - $45/day $180/week Free Delivery & Pickup!
808 269 7758
Read more: http://mauisuprental.com
Surf Shack - in Kihei (about 15 min away) is a good place for paddle board rentals
1993 South Kihei Rd
Kihei, HI 96753
808 875 0006
Read more: http://www.surfshackmaui.com
Island Surfboard Rentals - They offer free delivery and pickup plus they will also give you a free rack for your car.
808 281 9835
Read more: http://islandsurfboardrentals.com
Surf Club Maui - They offer rentals and lessons in standup paddle boarding, surfing, Windsurfing, Kitesurfing and Kayaking.
Kalama Beach Park
Kihei, HI 96753
808 280 9753
Read more: http://surfclubmaui.com
Paragliding
January 01, 2017
Proflyght -
808 874 5433
Parasailing
January 01, 2017
West Maui Parasail - open from mid-May to mid-Decemeber since they have to close during whale season.
675 Wharf St.
Lahaina, HI 96761
808 661 4060
Read more: http://westmauiparasail.com
UFO Parasailing - open from mid-May to mid-Decemeber since they have to close during whale season. Find them on Kaanapali Beach in front Whalers Village and under the Green Umbrella.
800 359 4836
808 661 7836
Read more: http://www.ufoparasail.net/activities/maui-parasailing/
Romantic Things to Do on Maui
January 01, 2017
Couples Massage and Spa Treatment (Four Seasons)
Private Beach side table dinning (Four Seasons)
Read more: http://www.fourseasons.com/maui/dining/dining_experiences/ultimate_dinner/
808 874 2262
Sunset Cocktails & Dinner Cruise
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Alii Nui Sunset Dinner & Cocktails Sail
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Pride of Maui
Maui to Lanai Ferry - 4x4 Jeep Rental (from Lahaina Harbor)
Sail across the Au'au Channel with a round trip ferry from Maui to Lanai and spend the day in your 4WD Jeep Rental traversing the back-roads of Lanai!
Alii Nui Romantic Late Night & Sunset Cocktail Sails (from Maalaea Harbor)
Get ready for the romantic sunset sail of your life as the expert captain and crew treat you to an unforgettable evening at sea. En route, enjoy a delicious array of "ono" appetizers, and a light dinner set upon the impressive "Captains Table" in the comfortable, covered cabin. With a full, satisfied belly, take time to bask in the cool island breeze as you watch South Maui's dramatic shoreline being bathed in a pallet of spectacular sunset shades. A great way to end your day on Maui!
Snorkeling
January 01, 2017
Molokini
Really clear water (visibility about 150 ft). Lots of sea life. Need to take a boat to get there so it's pricier and more time consuming. Excellent snorkeling for all skill levels.
Tours: Pride of Maui
877 867 7433
More Info: click here
https://www.prideofmaui.com/trips/morning/?gclid=CM7Q4OCviNECFUJrfgodXp0LnQ
Four Winds II
1 800 736 5740
More Info: click here
http://www.fourwindsmaui.com/molokini-crater
Google Maps: click here
Turtle Town - (aka Maluaka Beach)
Where is turtle town? That's a great question without a real answer. I guess you can say it's where the turtles are. Though a number of places may call themselves Turtle Town, I think the original and best Turtle Town is located along a stretch of Wailea-Makena coastline in front of the Makena Beach and Golf Resort. Maluaka Beach is a long sandy beach and has a sandy bottom ideal for swimmers of all ages. Snorkeling is great once you get away from shore, following the reef or heading out to the parked charter boats. Since they only stop for turtle sightings, you're sure to spot some then. The turtles at Turtle Town are in many cases local residents of Turtle Town which tend to remain close to the sanctuary at Turtle Town. This is another reason why sightings of turtles are so abundant and why Turtle Town has become world re-known. Maui Turtle Town has been established as an area where food is abundant. This is the primary reason scientists believe the Green Sea Turtles, called “honu” in Hawaiian, have made Maui Turtle Town their home. The beach can be accessed from Makena Road from either the north or the south (the road dead ends on either side of the resort). From the north, take Honoiki Street off of Makena Alanui and turn left onto Makena Road. There is a free public parking lot across the street from Keawalai Church with showers and restrooms (a couple hundred yards north of the beach). From the south, go beyond Makena Beach Resort and take a right onto Makena Road (marked dead end) from Makena Alanui after a big sweeping right hand curve in the road straigtens out. Parking at the south end of the beach is limited to roadside off-pavement spots. The area is not marked as "Turtle Town" and there is no signs for Maluaka Beach. When you're done snorkeling you can head down to nearby Makena State Beach/Big Beach and toast your buns in the sun..
Location: About 30 - 35 min drive
Mile Marker:
Google Maps: click here
Honolua Bay
So beautiful above AND below the water. Fantastic surf spot too. Best time of year to snorkel there is mid-summer when conditions are more often flat and calm. In the winter months and durning a North swell the waves churn up a lot of sand so visibility can be comprised. The big waves also churn up a lot of Maui's top surfers though so it's a great spot to watch that action. Best to check the Maui snorkeling conditions before you drive there.
Location: About 45 min - 1 hr drive
Mile Marker: #32 (Honoapi’ilani Hwy aka Hwy 30)
Google Maps: click here
GPS Coordinates: 21.011896,-156.636854
Facilities: No facilities/no lifeguards
Five Caves
Great snorkel spot! Can be a bit of a challenge to get in and out of the water and it's a bit of a swim to get to the snorkel spots though so some experience snorkeling and swimming is a plus. The entire area has plenty of coral, caves, fish, and an abundance of sea turtles. There is even a turtle cleaning station further out to sea. You will find large turtles, plenty of fish, octopus, eels, underwater arches and caves. This is also a popular dive spot.
Location: About a 30 min drive
Mile Marker:
Google Maps: click here
GPS Coordinates:
Facilities: No facilities/no lifeguards
Coral Gardens - abc 123
Tours: http://www.fourwindsmaui.com/maui-coral-gardens
Google Maps: click here
Mokuleia Bay (aka Slaughterhouse Beach)
Great place to snorkel however, like Honolua Bay (it's neighbor), Mokuleia Bay often has big waves in the winter months making it difficult to snorkel and compromising visibility underwater. If it is rough and you are comfortable snorkeling in such conditions, you’ll need to push out about 30 feet before you'll be able to see anything. Stay to the right since that's where most of the fish and sea turtles are.
Google Maps: click here
Kapalua Bay
Beautiful beach and great snorkeling. Entry is pretty easy with lots of sand (look out for rocks). Snorkeling is best at both ends of the bay (north the best). I swam from one end to the other and found plenty of fish throughout the whole bay. The further out the clearer the water, but be careful of currents outside the break. I saw many varieties of large tropical fish. wrasse, sailfish, Moorish idol, convict, eels, and many others. This is one of the best spots in Maui for fish. This is a well protected reef with calm water and plenty of sand to play in or lay out and soak up the sun. There are showers and bathrooms as you enter from the parking lot.
Location: About 45 min drive
Mile Marker: #29 or 30 (Hwy 30 aka Honoapiilani Hwy) access to Lower Honoapiilani Rd. – The access is near the Sea House Restaurant at Napili Kai condos. The sign says Napili Lani, and the there's a yellow fire hydrant nearby. Drive down and look for a blue beach access sign. Additional parking is next to the tennis courts across the street accessed from Kapalua Drive.
Google Maps: click here
GPS Coordinates: 20.999506,-156.667356
Access Near: click here
Facilities: None
Po'olenalena Beach - Po'olenalena Beach is located south of Polo Beach on Makena road. This undeveloped park with a gravel parking lot has lots of shade and a nice sandy beach. The long beach is best suited for swimming and boogie boards. The shore is mostly sandy with a few rocky areas. Snorkeling is possible when conditions are calm at the south end and the north end.
Google Maps: click here
Ahihi Kinau Reserve (aka La Perouse Bay)
The Bay is the furthest point you can drive by car along the south coast and is located in Maui's Ahihi Kinau Natural Area Reserve. La Perouse Bay has a very dramatic looking rocky shoreline which was formed from a lava flow down Haleakala's south slope during the last eruption around 1790. You can actually still see much of the lava and it's path down from the summit to the bay. The stark, barren black lava rocks contrasting with the bright blue ocean and coral beaches make for very dramatic and beautiful scenery. The bay features several small coves that lie between rocky points. These are often covered with tidal pools. Some of the coves have small sandy beaches, but most of them have coral-rubble beaches. Since there isn't much sand it may not be the perfect beach to lay out on but snorkeling here can be some of the best anywhere on the island. A caviat... for great snorkeling you'll need swim past the first cove where the visibility isn't very good at all. With each cove you swim past the water gets clearer and the marine life more abundant. About four coves down, the fish life flourishes and the waters are clearer to make for amazing snorkeling. A pod of dolphins can often be seen in the early morning around 7am as they head north along the coast.
Location: About 45 min drive
Mile Marker:
Google Maps: click here
GPS Coordinates: 20.861388,-156.166384
Facilities: None
Makena Landing (South Shore)
Makena Landing is located off of Makena Road. There isn't much sandy beach here, mostly a lava shoreline and not well suited for swimming with children. The park itself has picnic tables and BBQ's with beautiful views of the coastline. This is the starting point for most South Maui kayak tours heading north to 5 caves 5 graves (a premiere snorkel destination). Snorkeling is good here as you follow the reef to the right. If you are a good swimmer you can follow the reef all the way around to 5 graves 5 caves
Ulua Beach and Mokapu beach are separated by a coral reef. Start from the north end of Ulua and swim around the reef to Mokapu. There is a small trail that will take you back to Ulua. You will see fish and turtles as soon as you enter the waterThe north end of Ulua Beach around the reef is best. We like to start at Ulua and and swim to the right all away around the reef to Mokapu. You can then take the path back to Ulua Beach.
What to look for: Plenty of fish and healthy coral close to shore. You will find turtles further out the point.
Spas
January 01, 2017
'Awili Spa & Salon at the Andalusia
3550 Wailea Alanui Drive
Wailea, HI 96753
808 573 1234
Read more: https://maui.andaz.hyatt.com/hyatt/pure/spas/
Google Maps: click here
Spa Montage at Kapalua Bay
1 Bay DR.
Lahaina, HI 96761
808 662 6600
Read more: https://www.montagehotels.com/spamontage/kapaluabay/
Google Maps: click here
The Spa at Four Seasons in Wailea
3900 Wailea Alanui Dr.
Wailea, HI 96753
808 874 8000
Read more: http://m.fourseasons.com/maui/spa/
Google Maps: click here
Waihua Spa at the Ritz Carlton in Kapalua
1 Ritz-Carlton Drive
Kapalua, HI 96761
808 669 6200
Read more: http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/kapalua-maui/spa
Google Maps: click here
Spa Grande at Grand Wailea Resort
3850 Wailea Alanui Dr.
Kihei, HI 96753
808 875 1234
Read more: https://www.grandwailea.com/experience/spa/
Google Maps: click here
Ho’ola Spa at the Honua Kai Resort
130 Kai Malina Pkwy
Lahaina, HI 96761
808 662 2988
Read more: http://hoolaspamaui.com
Google Maps: click here
Willow Stream Spa at the Fairmont Kea Lani Resort
4100 Wailea Alanui Dr.
Wailea, HI 96753
808 875 4100
Read more: http://www.fairmont.com/kea-lani-maui/willow-stream/
Google Maps: click here
Heavenly Spa
2365 Kaanapali Pkwy
Lahaina, HI 96761
808 661 2588
Read more: http://www.westinmaui.com/spa/overview
Google Maps: click here
Spa at Black Rock in Sheraton Maui Resort
2605 Kaanapali Pkwy
Lahaina, HI 96761
808 667 9577
Read more: http://www.blackrockspa.com
Google Maps: click here
Marilyn Monroe Spa in Hyatt Regency Maui Resort
200 Nohea Kai Dr.
Lahaina, HI 96761
808 667 4500
Read more: https://maui.regency.hyatt.com/en/hotel/activities/hotel-activities/Marilyn-Monroe-Spa.html
Google Maps: click here
Surfing
January 01, 2017
Tours
January 01, 2017
Olivine Pools
January 01, 2017
Olivine Pools (aka Bellstone Pools) are a series of dramatic and swimmable natural tidepools located on a barren lava shelf along the ocean's edge on the back-side of remote West Maui. The setting is astoundingly beautiful and idyllic. If the waves and sea cooperate, this can be one of Maui's best experiences. One of the pools is extremely deep and cool with natural steps to enter and exit. Another pool, just deep enough to sit in, means on a summer afternoon the sun can often heat the water to a ultra relaxing 90 degrees. Did someone say hot tub?!
Safety First! As stunningly beautiful as the Olivine Pools can be, they can be dangerous too. Be aware that high surf can make swimming here unsafe and at times, even fatal. Unfortunately that's true - People have died here. Many more have been injured. Understand why, and don’t be next. If waves are crashing into the pools with any force at all, do not enter the pools (no matter what everyone else is doing.) Also quite important to note is that the lava walls close to where the waves break are always unsafe no matter how it may appear – individual large waves come up even in otherwise calm seas unexpectedly here. Since this attraction was made popular, too many people have died or been severely injured here when swept out from the edges of this lava finger. Strong currents and the jagged rock assure the ocean will be very difficult to escape from if you were to fall in or be swept in by a rogue. Remember: Don’t judge safe actions by what others are doing – virtually no one you will see here now knows more than you do. Another important fact to remember is that the parking lot can be a hot-spot for thieves - bring your valuables to the pools with you where you know they will be safe. All said, with a little safety and sound judgement though, visiting the Olivine Pools could easily be one of the most fun days and unique experiences you had on Maui.
Olivine Pools can get quite crowded which for some people means the possible unique beauty and serenity of this rural coastline escape can be lost and it can feel more like the pool at a popular resort. If you're looking for a more peaceful and intimate experience then arriving earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon, when it’s less crowded, can help with that.
Ready to go? Okay let's do it! The hike to get here is of moderate difficulty largely due to jagged and in some places fairly steep lava rock. There are several worn trails leading to the pools, making rough “steps” down much of the lava, so it isn’t exceedingly difficult. Those who are active should not have a problem hiking down the lava (unless they trip – this type of lava is like a combo of pumice stone and tiny serrated knives!) Children and older folks might have difficulty depending on how active and adventurous they are used to being.
Key Info:
Location: 16 mile marker of Kahekili Hwy (Hwy 340)
Google Maps: click here
GPS Coordinates: 21.007464,-156.55745
Facilities: None.
Venus Pool (aka Waioka Pond)
January 01, 2017
Venus Pool (aka Waioka Pond) Waioka Pond is a freshwater water, stream fed, spectacular jewel of the Hana coastline and is one of East Maui's most stunningly beautiful natural pools. The blue ocean breaking just outside or into the pool (depending on the tide) and the rugged scenery surrounding the area are absolutely breathtaking. The rounded-rock beach moves with ocean and stream conditions, and can leave a lava-rock island (photo above) with the ocean crashing just outside of the pool. At other times the ocean moves the entire rocky beach into the pool, surrounding what was the island, creating a stone bridge connecting it to a skylit cave. There are plenty of opportunities for rock jumping and swimming. The cliff and stream bed at the mauka end is deep, with lower and high ledges where you can jump from. My favorite reason for coming here!
Safety First! As stunningly beautiful as Waioka Pond is, it can be dangerous too. There are a number of issues to be aware of. First, Waioka Pond is not for those unused to scrambling, climbing and off-trail hiking. A misstep in more than a couple critical places could cost you. Second, like all streams in Maui, this can also flash-flood and flow heavily enough to make entering the pond unsafe. Access is another significant issue you will face. While the pond, shoreline and stream are on State land, the established access trail is on land belonging to Hana Ranch. It's probably best to research the current access just before going. Lastly and perhaps most importantly if you're cliff jumping, always find someone knowledgeable or go for a exploratory swim to scout for hidden submerged rocks. With a little safety Waioka Pond could easily be one of the most fun days you had on Maui.
Okay let's go! Take Hwy 360 through Hana. After mm33, the road becomes Hwy 31 and a it does you'll be at mm51, descending as you travel away from Hana. At mm48 you'll cross a bridge and park off the road on the shoulder to the right at telephone pole #88. To Reach the pool, walk across the bridge and climb through a gatelike opening in the fence. Remember access changes a bit as the fence is rebuilt and new openings are made. Reearch at th time of going the most current decription. A path leads down the sloping pasture with Waiohonu Stream on your right. Continue to follow the path and after just a few minutes of walking, you'll come upon Waioka Pond from 15 feet above. Here you'll find a number of trails down – typically, the easiest to navigate is at the mauka end of the pool.
Key Info:
Mile Marker: #48.1 (bridge over stream) (Hana Hwy aka Hwy 31)
Google Maps: click here
GPS Coordinates: 20.703936,-155.994959
Facilities: None.
Waterfalls and Swimming Holes
January 01, 2017
So many amazing places to discover
abc 123
Whale Watching
January 01, 2017
Maui is know to be the whale watching capital of Hawai'i. The relatively shallow waters here seem to make preferred birthing areas for the humpbacks who migrate here from Alaska from December to April and bear their young. The waters off of Maui’s South/West shores (Maalaea Bay, Kihei, Lahaina, Wailea, Olowalu, Makena, Kaanapali, Kapalua, Napili) are the some of the most populated waters in the world for Humpback Whales.
Activities you'll be able to witness from these incredible humpback whales while in Maui ocean are tail throws, pectoral slaps, spy hopping, and if you choose a smaller boat or kayak, mugging.
They also surface on average every 10-15minutes to breathe, spraying water 15 feet in the air as they clear their lungs through their blowhole.
A Tail Throw is when a humpback whale lifts its giant fluke or tail out of the water and throws it back into the ocean. This is performed many times by female humpback whales that may be trying to get attention from male humpbacks that are interested in mating.
Pectoral Slapping is possibly another attention maker by the female humpback whale. She will raise her giant pectoral fin or arm fin out of the water and repeatedly slap it back down on the surface of the water. This is also believed to draw in the adult male humpback whales that are in the area.
Spy Hopping is a peculiar behavior to watch the humpback whale perform. Spy Hopping is when a humpback whale floats vertically in the water and lifts its whole head out of the water. The humpback whale can actually see out of water. This behavior is used many times by the humpback whales to view their surroundings. It’s most extraordinary to watch a 45 ton 45 foot humpback whale poke its head out of the water.
Breaches - write here
Tail Up Dives - write here
Mugging - write here
Large Boat Tours
Whale watching tours on larger boats like those offered by Pride of Maui, operate out of Ma`alaea Harbor, and offer a great view from a large upper deck. They operate in prime Humpback whale breeding ground. These tours guarantee plenty of whale sightings on this side of the island between Dec 15th and April 1st. Many companies offer whale watching trips and charge roughly $40 for about 2 hours.
Pacific Whale Foundation (Knowledgeable!)
300 Maalaea Rd. #211
Wailuku, Hawaii 96793
808 249 8811
Read more: click here
Pride of Maui
101 Maalaea Rd
Wailuku, HI 96793
808 242 0955
Read more: click here
Four Winds II
Maalaea Harbor, Slip #80
11 Maalaea Boat Harbor Rd.
Wailuku, HI 96793
808 879 8188
Read more: click here
Kayak Tour
Silent on the water and simple to learn, kayaks are a great way to get up close and personal with the whales. You can kayak on your own but a kayak tour lead by a trained professional can probably get you closer and keep you safer. Out on the water without experience kayaking and a guide, it can be easy to get caught in the wind and currents which could possibly result in the need for you being rescued. So, especially if you're new to kayaking, I would recommend getting a guide or going with a tour group. They are knowledgable about the water and how to kayak safely plus they have experience in where to find the whales and how to get closer to them. Additionally they can give you lots of good information about them and their behaviors.
Hawaii Paddle Sports
27 Halekuai St.
Kihei, HI 96753
808 442 6436
Read more: click here
Maui Kayak Adventures
551-D S Kihei Rd
Kihei, HI 96753
808 442 6465
Read more: click here
Aloha Kayaks Maui
155 Halekuai St.
Kihei, HI 96753
808 270 3318
Read more: click here
Outrigger Canoe Tour
What could be more culturally immersive than to go out paddling in a Hawaiian outrigger canoe? It's like stepping back in time to Old Hawaii. So imagine experiencing Humpback whale watching while floating on the Pacific in this intimate size watercraft. I think it's a very unique and incredibly exciting experience that will be a memory of a lifetime! There are only a couple tour companies that offer this experience so book ahead of time as the number of people they take out is limited.
Hawaii Paddle Sports
27 Halekuai St.
Kihei, HI 96753
808 442 6436
Read more: click here
Ocean Raft Tour
If you are not into crowds on the larger boats you may consider booking a rafting tour for some whale watching. These motorized rafts can launch from much smaller ports like Kihei’s boat ramp, which is a much shorter and direct approach to Molokini. These boats also have all the amenities of the larger boats without the crowd. Plus there is something special about being in a smaller boat with a massive whale just feet away in the water!
Blue Water Rafting
Azeka Shopping Center
1280 S Kihei Rd,
Kihei, HI 96753
808 879 7238
Read more: click here
Redline Rafting
2800 S. Kihei Rd
Kihei, HI 96753
808 757 9211
Read more: click here
Ultimate Whale Watch & Snorkel
Lahaina Harbor, Slip #17
675 Wharf St.
Lahaina, HI 96761
808 667 5678
Read more: click here
Stand Up Paddle Board
Also known as SUP boarding, this popular activity can be an exhilarating way to view the whales on the ocean. Due to the fact that there are rules and regulations of approaching whales and because ocean conditions can make this a risky endeavor, I would recommend this only for the experienced paddle boarder.
Maui Stand Up Paddle Boarding
27 Halekuai St.
Kihei, HI 96753
808 568 0151
Multiple locations:
Kapalua
West Maui
South Maui
Read more: click here
Hawaii Paddle Sports
27 Halekuai St.
Kihei, HI 96753
808 442 6436
Read more: click here
Viewing from Shore –
Kihei
From the shores of both north and south Kihei it is possible to see whales from beach. Along the southern end of Kihei the waters stay calmer throughout the day as it takes the trade winds some time to make their way up from the north. I like having breakfast at either the Mana Kai Restaurant or Sarento’s on the Beach at Keawekapu Beach and watch the whales splash around near shore. South Kihei and Wailea have good beaches to spot mothers and calves playing close to shore.
The Pali Overlook & McGregor Point
The lookout along the Pali cliffs, also called Papawai Point, is well know to be a great place to spot whales. At times, traffic can be busy around this lookout so use caution. Nearby McGregor Point Light House (aka Maalaea Bay Harbor Light House) provides another scenic lookout point. About 6 or 7 miles further north/west along Hwy 30 is yet another great place to spot whales. Here on the beaches of Olowalu, you'll be able to watch the action at sea level. And when you've got your momentary fill of whale watching you can head to nearby Leoda's Pie Shop and get your fill on there. A local favorite with excellent homestyle cooking and amazingly delicious pies.
Papawai Point (10 - 15 min drive away)
Google Maps: click here
McGregor Point / Maalaea Bay Light House (10 - 15 min drive away)
Googel Maps: click here
Olowalu Beach (20 min drive away)
Google Maps: click here
Leoda's Pie Shop
Google Maps: click here
820 Olawalu Village Rd
Lahaina, HI 96761
Read more: click here
West Maui
Whales can be seen offshore of most beaches in west Maui and they seem to prefer the calm waters off the northern beaches of West Maui around Honokowai and Kapalua. The overlook at Honolua Bay gives an expansive view of the ocean on this side of the island and is a great place to spot whales breaching and splashing about.
Honolua Bay
Google Maps: click here
Hookipa Lookout
The Humpback whale population has been on the rise and it is now not unusual to spot them off of north beaches like Kanaha and Hookipa. They can even be seen offshore along the road to Hana. A true testament to the recovery of these magnificent animals that come to Maui every year.
Google Maps: click here
McGregor Point / Maalaea Bay Harbor Light House
The Humpback whale
Wailea Beach
From December though April this is one of the best onshore places in Maui to spot humpback whales who frolic just offshore here. It's also a wonderful place for a beautiful shoreline stroll too. The 1.5 mile shoreline path which winds along the oceanfront through the beautiful tropical flower lined gardens of some of Maui's most exclusive hotels is an added bonus and makes this a really fun place to whale watch as well. The meandering path’s southern point is at Polo Beach in front of the Fairmont Kea Lani Hotel and rolls through numerous cove beaches, past lava rock points, past Wailea Beach in front of the Four Seasons Hotel and Grand Wailea Hotel and continues north along Ulua Beach and ends in front of he Andaz Maui Hotel at Mokapu Beach Park. There are numerous outdoor bars and restaurants that make perfect places to stop, get a drink and take a break from your exhausting whale watching endeavors as well as to toast the beautiful day and watch the sun go down. The air of luxury extends to the beach which is dotted with chaise lounge beach chairs, beach umbrellas and cabanas. Though technically you'll need to be a guest at one of the hotels to use their beach chairs or cabanas, this beautiful beach, as with all beaches on Maui, is still open to the public. There is a public parking lot between the two resorts and you can also valet park at either of the hotels.
Google Maps: click here
Yoga
January 01, 2017
Maui Yoga
Maui Beach Yoga - KIHEI
808 385 6466
Maui Yoga Path - KIHEI
2960 S Kihei Rd
Kihei, HI 96753
808 874 5545
Maui Yoga & Dance Shala - PAIA
381 Baldwin Ave
Paia, HI 96779
808 283 4123
Bikram Yoga Maui - KAHULUI
251 Lalo St.
Kahului, HI 96732
808 871 2402
Maui Yoga & Dance Shala - WAILEA
34 Wailea Gateway Pl. #A208
Wailea, HI 96753
808 283 4123
Zip Lining
January 01, 2017
Skyline Eco Adventures
With two uniquely diverse locations: Haleakala and Kaanapali, you can choose from 5 different tours including one where you even get to zip into a mountain pool.
Read more: http://www.zipline.com/maui
Ka'anapali
2580 Keka'a Drive
Ka'anapali, HI 96761
Haleakala
18303 Haleakala Hwy
Kula, HI 96790
808 518 2579
Pi'iholo Ranch
Pi'iholo Ranch is set on the stunningly beautiful slopes of Haleakala Volcano. They offer a number of great tours and zipline options.
799 Pi'iholo Rd.
Makawao, HI 96796
Read more: https://piiholozipline.com
808 572 1717
Jungle Zipline Maui
Located on the way to Hana so I usually like to plan to zipline here early in the morning and then head off on The Road to Hana.
Read more: http://junglezip.com
50 E. Waipio Rd
Haiku, HI 96708
855 628 4947