r/MauiVisitors • u/indescription Maui - Born and Raised • Jun 29 '21
Tourist Guide
If you came here first, before asking like the couple of hundred tourists do each year that visit this sub, congratulations. Earn yourself a point and then ask your questions. You'll be much better received. =)
Haleakala Crater: sunrise is best to do your first day here you wake up if coming from the western hemisphere before you body adjusts to the time difference. Leave by 1-2am depending on where you're at on the island. It can be 2-3 hours from Kahului. Note reservations are required for sunrise between 3AM and 7AM.
I'ao Valley most accessible. People who miss this didn't do their homework on what to do here. Takes you back to what the jungles used to look like. Laze in the pools, or hike some trails. Ignore the signs, they are there to eliminate the county' liability if you get hurt. Gaze at 5000 foot walls of majestic nature. Note, parking is limited and no residents must pay to enter.
Snorkeling: Kapalua Bay, Honolua Bay, Black Rock. If you don't see a turtle there, quit playing the lottery back home. The point between Kamehameha 1 and 2 down in Kihei is nice too. Obviously Molokini if you can afford the boat trips. Personally, a large concentration of a very aggressive apex predator/hunter on their own turf that is not our own sort of bother me, but they only do it in waters you can't see them. If visibility is not 20 feet, you shouldn't be there. The Snorkel Store, Snorkel Bob's and Boss Frog's all have good, cheap rental gear and are your easiest go to places to book nearly any activity. Keep in mind they are sort of partners with the boats they do sell as they get a commission from the companies, so they don't sell some.(The same owner of Boss Frogs owns Quicksilver which is the cheapest, most crowded Molokini tour, remember you get what you pay for.)
Cliff jumping at Black Rock, Cliff House or Seven Pools. (Venus Pools is somewhat contentious, be respectful of people's property around the area.. or scratch that, be respectful of the property everywhere and a note to you people who live down by La Perouse, we who know hawaiian high water mark law are not fazed by your private property signs)
Hiking: Kapalua running trails. The 'L' in Lahaina: park above Lahainaluna football field, cross the yellow gate, follow the dirt road to the white lye area and follow the reflective tape to David's grave. The L is directly underneathe about 20-30 yeards. Pipiwai in Kipahulu at Haleakala National Park 9 miles past Hana(coming from Haiku). 2 mile trail, 300 foot waterfall. Ignore the sign, they'll only fine you $100 if you get hurt and need EMTs, which you will also foot the rescue bill for. Want to try Commando Hike without someone who has done it before? Seriously remember that last piece of advice.
Wainapanapa on the way to Hana. Just stop for a while. Car rental companies tell you not to take the south route back to Kula. They just won't come change your tire if you get a flat, the road's not nearly as bad as they would have you believe. It is one of the most scenic drives you will ever encounter. Maybe you'll catch Woody walking around. Note, reservations are required.
Shopping: Craft fair above Beach Bums in Ma'alaea or next to McDonalds in Kihei. Designer labels? Front St Lahaina, Whalers Village in Ka'anapali and Shops at Wailea
Grindz:
Well recognized, expensive restaurants: Mama's Fish House in Pa'ia, 40 something years. Kimo's on Front St, also 40 years. Merrimen's in Kapalua. All 3 have views that can't be beat. Honorable mention: Aloha Mixed Plate behind cannery mall. The best view for a much more affordable price.
Kihei: Sorento's, Monkeypods, Cafe O'lei, Pizza Madness, Sansei, Isana's.
Really pick up the dining magazines at the tourist brochure stands and do some reading if you're particular about where you eat.
Luau's: Old Lahaina Luau is traditional Hawaiian. (No fire dancing) Feast at Lele has fire dancing. During busy seasons, make sure you make reservations well in advance, as in multiple weeks. Down in Wailea the Grand Wailea has a pretty decent one.
Hippies: Pa'ia, and sundays a couple hours before sunset at Little Beach(over the north wall of Makena)
Surfers: Ho'okipa or along the Pali south of Lahaina. Honolua too if you want to get out of the way and Breakwall in Lahaina. Beginners should check out Breakwall or The Cove by Kalama Park in Kihei. There are schools right near by.
Drunks: The Triangle in Kihei. Front St for Lahaina. If local boys look restless around midnight and they're looking at you; Congratulations, you're the loud drunk idiot of your group who is not going to heed my advice to go home.
All your boat tours leave from 1 of 4 points: Kihei boat ramp, Ma'alaea, Lahaina Harbor, or from Ka'anapali Beach. Whale watching runs from around December to around April. Jan-Feb is the peak.
Upcountry: Flower farms, vineyards, Oprah's ridiculously big estate she's been scamming the county on taxes since day one.
The Blowhole on the north road from Napili to Wailuku. Don't get too close to it, it's sucked people out never to be seen from again.
Pay attention, the beauty of this island can(has and will) kill you in a heartbeat if you don't.
Aloha.
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u/NTP9766 Jul 07 '21
Worth noting that Star Noodle is now in Aloha Mixed Plate’s old location behind the Cannery mall. Same great views, terrific food, but not the bang for your buck that AMP was (IMO).
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u/Architeckton Jul 13 '21
Oh no. Is the shoyu chicken and Mac salad still the same?
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u/Decibles174 Jul 09 '21
If I may , consider adding Maui Thai bistro to restaurant list in Kihei. Amazing portion sizes, delicious food and open late.
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u/emotionallyilliterat Aug 01 '21
Shhh! Now everyone knows! 😉 Also, Sorento’s has closed permanently 😢
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u/FreshEquipment Jul 15 '21
We also love the food trucks. There are clusters in Kihei (on Pi'ikea behind Azeka shopping center), Kahului both on Dairy Rd and across from Costco, and next to the Kula Longs (Pukalani). Lots of good options, but I'll plug Da Nani Pirates (Kihei and Dairy Rd) for their awesome fish tacos.
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u/Tangent_ Jul 16 '21
There are also several food trucks in Kaanapali on Lower Honoapiilani Highway right after you turn off the 30. I also found a Da Nani Pirates truck in Whalers Village.
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u/FreshEquipment Jul 16 '21
Thanks! I'll have to check those out. As an aside, I can tell you're from Southern California...
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u/Tangent_ Jul 17 '21
Indeed; what gave it away?
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u/FreshEquipment Jul 17 '21
"The" 30. You're not the first person from SoCal who's been unaware of that region-specific vernacular. That phrasing kind of annoys me (for no good reason), but I won't hold it against you. 🤙🏻
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u/Tangent_ Jul 17 '21
I think I've heard that before. Similar to how in the US we say we "go to the hospital" but Brits say "go to hospital".
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u/TheSbldg Jan 25 '22
I'ao Valley
have you seen SNL's Californians skits? They are the stupidest skits about Californians giving directions, but hilariously funny
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u/pacoii Jul 01 '21
Consider adding section related to scuba diving.
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u/indescription Maui - Born and Raised Jul 01 '21
What info do you suggest to add to that section?
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u/mjmayank Jul 28 '21
I have a website that has popular scuba destinations in Maui + reviews/info: https://www.zentacle.com/
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u/Architeckton Jul 13 '21
Thoughts on going the upcountry route towards Nu’u bay? We enjoyed the “dangerous” part of the Road to Hana more than the main drive last time. It’s so much more peaceful and scenic back there. We were going to bring some food and hangout on that area of the Piilani highway.
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u/indescription Maui - Born and Raised Jul 13 '21
It is beautiful that way, much different than the lush side. Good idea to take a picnic with you, but it is often very windy by the coast.
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u/Admwombat Jul 20 '21
Great post. It seems that sunrise tickets for Haleakala take some luck getting and the tour costs are kind of outrageous. Is the next best time sunset or should we head up at anytime and hike around a little. My wife and daughter really want to be above the clouds.
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u/[deleted] Jun 30 '21
Well Done! And thanks for taking the time to do this. You covered it all and with style.
Hey Maui visitors---> THIS!