8 MAUI MUST DO’S
1| WHALE WATCHING
Rent a seat on a Zodiac boat and head into the middle of the ocean for a whale hunt. You’ll live out your NatGeo dreams on an intimate, sea-level ship. Grazing over waves and scanning the sea for these streamlined sweeties. You may even hear their puff-like exhale before seeing their dance on the surface. Mother and baby whale pairs sprinkle the Pacific, the official whale season ranging from December to May. We toured with Hawaii Ocean Rafting for $40 dollars a person and spent two hours watching these giant acrobats. The tour guides use hydrophones or underwater microphones to hear the hauntingly beautiful whale “songs”. If you’re lucky, your captain will offer a chance to plunge into the ambient waters and swim alongside (+/-100 yards) these magnificent humpbacks. The second your ears hit the water, the whale music envelops your body, transcending you to another world. Make time for whale watching, this was a life-changing experience.
2| ULULANIS
“ALL SHAVE ICE IS NOT CREATED EQUAL”
No, this is not a sno-cone or slushie. Think freshly fallen snow, think gourmet, think delicate, historic, savory, fun, happy. That sort of treat. It’s complex and bold and everything you have been missing.
Anyways, its called shave-ice. Not shaved. Shave. Back in the 1800’s, Japanese immigrants migrated to Hawai’i to work in sugar and Pineapple fields. To cool off, they’d use blocks of ice to make treats . Using their plantation tools, the Japanese would shave the ice block then cover it with fruits and juices. Traditionally, it would sell on Sundays, their day of rest. When the immigrants moved from plantations, a number of family’s opened grocery stores, selling shave ice everyday, leading to the island treat’s popularity. The simplicity of the phrase shave ice could be understood in any language, the phrase still ubiquitous today.
In the heart of any Maui city, you’ll find loads of shave ice store fronts but be vigilant and seek out Ululani’s. The finest ice, freshest flavors, and savory toppings like plum powder or mochi nibs. My favorite, the Lahaina, has pineapple, coconut, and banana syrup layered with toasted coconut. POG is also a popular local Maui born flavor made of passion fruit, orange, and guava juices. You’ll see POG flavored shave ice, beer, juice, - give her a go in some form. Uluani’s has seven locations throughout the island, most near a beach.
There’s something super special about toes in the Pacific, soaking in the sunset, and wooden spooning a shave ice - trust me.
3| ROAD TO HANA
The road to Hana is a scenic 60 mile drive on the northeast side of the island. This curvy, coastal path is punctuated with green carpeted cliffs and bursting waterfalls. Fulfilling all of your Hawaiian expectations, each twist and turn hones a tropical surprise. If nothing else on Maui, make time for the road to Hana. This is an all day event with lots of sightseeing, driving, and hiking.
Pull over, I just saw the eighth world wonder.
One of the coolest and most surprising stops comes early in your journey. Near mile marker six, several cars line the bamboo forest, cluing drivers in. Here lies the entrance of an unmarked hike with incredible swim sites carved by cascading waterfalls.
Expect to spend 20 or so minutes navigating through a muddy labyrinth, crossing streams, and breaking a sweat before you transcend into your first cool bath.
Join the nude bathers in the first pool or ascend the cliff via rope into the larger plunge pool featuring a waterfall and rope swing. What an effervescent experience.
At mile marker 15, the Garden of Eden hosts 500 plant species with paved hiking trails. Rainbow eucalyptus trees and Jurassic Park scenery decorate the landscape. You’ll pull in, pay $15 per person and park in a lot filled with wandering ducks and tree topped peacocks. There’s a quarter machine of bird seed by the benches. The perched peacocks jump from the tree and peck the seed directly from the palm of your hand. You can spend a few hours or entire day perusing the easy trails and waterfall overlooks at the Garden of Eden Arboretum.
In general, The Road to Hana is a sack lunch sort of day but when you see the hand painted “Banana Bread” signs, pull over ASAP. Popular stops are Halfway to Hana and Aunty Sandy’s. These warm, dense, moist, hand held loaves are delightful during the long drive. *smiling*
The road to Hana can be treacherous during inclement weather and cell service is spotty. Come with a full tank of gas and plenty of snacks for this all day event. The single lane bridges, ocean views, lush forest, and continuum of waterfalls rank this activity high on the Glam Guide. It is important to mention that the village of Hana is not the final destination. The experience is all about the beauty of the 64-mile stretch to Hana. If you see something interesting, pull over when it is safe to do so. The Seven Sacred Pools (Ohe’o), Pipiwai Trail, and Black Sand Beach are next on my list for the Road to Hana.
It’s the journey,
not the destination.
4| HALEAKALA
Haleakala is Maui’s Mars-like volcanic national park. Situated 10,000 feet above sea level, you’ll drive through a layer of clouds before reaching the summit. The sunrise and sunset from this viewpoint are some of the best on the island. Haleakala crater trails are open daily for hiking and camping. The volcano is classified as dormant for now but expected to erupt again within the next 500 hundred years. Bring layers and lots of sunscreen!
HALEAKALA meaning HOUSE OF THE SUN
“According to Hawaiian legend, the goddess Hina complained to her son Maui that the sun moved across the sky too fast for her tapa cloth to dry. The next morning before sunrise, Maui went to the top of Haleakala and waited in hiding. When the Sun awoke, Maui lassoed him, and beat him into submission. Maui then made the Sun an offer he couldn’t refuse: he would let the Sun go, but in return the Sun would have to cross the sky much more slowly from that day forward.
The Sun agreed, Maui released him, and we’re now blessed with long sunny days!” from Maui Guide Book.
The Haleakala silversword is an incredibly rare species found exclusively at the summit of Haleakala and no where else on Earth. It’s succulent arms are completely covered with short silver hairs. Those silvery hairs reflect moonlight at night, almost glowing, and insulate the plants core to survive the below freezing temps of Haleakala’s summit.
Tons of bike rental companies will drop you off halfway up the volcano. You’re able to cruise downwards 26 miles on badass hydraulic mountain bikes. We rode with Bike Maui, who seems to solely hire silly comedians - 5/5 stars. While biking, you’ll pass through cloud layers and tiny towns. We stopped for lunch at a food truck park in Makawao. Hitting speeds of 40 mph, this was solid satisfaction for the adrenaline junkies.
5| KA’ANAPALI BEACH-LAHAINA
Soft golden sands, calm turquoise waters, and stunning views of sister islands Moloka’i and Lanai score Ka’anapali Beach a Glam Guide top 8 rating. Here, you’ll find snorkeling, whale watching tours, and paddleboard rentals. Jump in the waters by Black Rock and grab your goggles because you’re likely swimming with a family of sea turtles.
Sound up so you can hear the majestic humpback whales singing in the background!
Join or watch the cliff jumpers at Black Rock and wrap up with a frozen beachside cocktail at Hula Grill.
Front Street in Lahaina is lined with art galleries, snack shops, and bears one of Maui’s most enchanting trees. An 8-foot Banyan tree was gifted from India to the Hawaiian Queen Keopuolani in 1873. Today, 150 years later, it is the largest Banyan tree in the US. It’s root system has grown by an additional 40 trunks. Grab a Mo’o across the block and enjoy under the peaceful Banyan canopy.
Lahaina Banyan Court
Old Lahaina Luau is an expensive experience built on traditional Hawaiian dance, food, and culture. You’re greeted with a fleshy pink floral lei and escorted to your table. There’s a choice between bamboo table seating or traditional floor seating where guests are eye-level with hula dancing feet. Cheesy Hawaiian shirts worn by guests clash with the authentic hula skirts on stage. Suddenly you’re immersed into a legendary interpretive dance story. Unlimited food and drink is included with the $150 price ticket. This experience introduces Poi, the national Hawaiian dish and a classic staple. Poi is a neutral tasting paste made of taro root, balancing the salty meats and sweet cocktails. The luau dinner takes places oceanside creating the perfect sunset backdrop for fire dancers and a disney-like performance.
6| ĪAO VALLEY
This National Natural Landmark showcases a Dr. Seuss-like view of the island’s natural architecture. For my nature lovers, the one-mile roundtrip boasts a gripping view of a lush forest valley and pointy lava peak called ‘Iao Needle. Pronounced like ‘ee-ow’ and taller than the Eiffel Tower, this point was used during war as a vantage point. King Kamehameha of Hawaii fought the Maui army in attempts of unifying the island chain. This civil war was the first time western canons were used in Hawaii, causing the bloodiest battle in Hawaiian history. Dead bodies blocked ‘Iao Stream and the battle site was named Kepaniwai ("the damming of the waters"). The grim history mirrors the dark trail lining the river’s edge.
After the war, ‘Iao became forbidden to all but Hawaiian Royalty. The remains of the highest chiefs were entrusted to secret hiding places in the valley. ‘Iao needle is also known as the phallic stone of Kanaloa, Hawaiian God of the Ocean. Nowadays, everyone is welcome but the kapu (Hawaiian code of conduct) must be maintained. Do not take anything from the island, and show respect, especially in these sacred lands.
After viewing the ‘Iao valley and needle, follow the bright, fallen hibiscus highlighting the pathway to the river. It is kapu to cool off in the stream and catch the floating guava that fall from the blossoming trees.
7| DRUM CIRCLE
Every Sunday evening, during sunset, fire dancers, drummers, and nude bathers gather loosely in a circle on the beach. Locals call it Little Beach and is only accessible by a short, steep hike after parking at Big Beach (Makena) on Maui’s southern side. Short, strong waves make this sunset swim a venturesome activity. Go with friends, strip off your suits, and join the sunset hippie party.
8| EAT
KIHEI CAFFE
Anyone from the states will likely wake up early because of the time zone change. So let’s start off with the best Maui breakfast. Kihei Caffe is a Hawaiian-style diner serving a local favorite, Loco Moco. Traditional Loco Moco consists of white rice, topped with a hamburger, a fried egg, and brown gravy. You can find the Loco Moco at almost every breakfast shop on the island. Kihei Caffe specializes in a kalua pork substitute. Complimenting the savory dish, the Caffe also serves sweet pancakes with banana, macadamia nuts and macadamia syrup. Wash those carbs down with the POG on tap for a sleepy afternoon.
Sean’s and Maui’s favorite brunch - Kalua Pork Loco Moco
2. MAUI BREW CO.
Live music, local brews, string lights, wooden benches, what more do you need? Maui Brew Company is teeming with hygge and ambiance. The mic showcases a different singer each night, the menu is consistently delectable, and you’re able to build your own flight from the smorgasbord of beers. Think nitro beer with pineapple puree, wood fired pizzas, and POG flavored hard seltzer. YUM! This is easily one of my favorite breweries.
MAUI BREW CO
Kihei, Maui
3. POKE FROM TAMURA’S
If your instinct is NOT to buy fresh fish from a liquor store, I would normally say you’re right. Except when it comes to Tamura’s. This chain uses fresh Ahi Tuna from the Honolulu Fish Auction and has been voted a finalist for Hawaii’s Magazine Readers Choice Awards for Best Place for Poke every year for the past decade. The first and only poke I have ever eaten. This place is a hidden gem, would definitely recommend.
4. TIN ROOF
More Hawaiian comfort food, except lunch/dinner style. Think garlic noodles, pork belly, savory beets, mochiko chicken, and mochi dessert. Top Chef star Sheldon Simeon created Tin Roof, a local brick and mortar with hip hop vibes for everyday eats. Simeon also owns a fancier version of this concept called Lineage, next on my food list.
5. KA’ANA KITCHEN
A Ka’ana Kitchen date consists of a fancy night out with views of infinity pools and the chef’s kitchen. This restaurant is tucked into the Andaz hotel and bears an expensive and wild wine list. The Earthy and modern design matches it’s $20 watermelon appetizer. The octopus, goat cheese, and asparagus salad was seared then assembled 10 feet from our table. The seasonal menu featured wagyu steak, jalapeno cornbread, and fried chicken to round out our date. You can access the beach for a moonlight guided walk after dinner.
6. Haleakava
A family owned shop pouring a polynesian herbal elixir called kava. Kava is a social drink is made from a plant native to Pacific islands like Fiji, Tonga, and Hawaii. The drink has been consumed for centuries, used for antianxiety and euphoric effects. At Haleakava, it’s best to order at the bar and have your kava delivered in a gourd or shell to your court yard table. Expect mild relaxation and a tingly mouth after the first drink or two.
Other honorable food mentions are Paia Fish Market, Mama’s Fish House, and happy hour anywhere in Kihei’s “Barmuda” triangle.
BONUS! BOOK TO BRING ALONG: MOLOKA’I
Moloka’i by Alan Brennart tells the tale of young girl growing up on Idyllic Honolulu in the 1890’s. At the tender age of seven, a rose colored mark appears on her skin and Rachel’s mother discovers she has leprosy. She’s quickly and forcibly removed from her Family and sent to Kalaupapa, the isolated leper colony on the island of Moloka'i.
Be prepared for tears, smiles, and intimacy with Hawaiian culture. I’m midway through the sequel as we speak. Let me know what you think!
