Adventure and Relaxation: Maui, Hawaii

Hiking:

Waihe'e Ridge Trail

One of the best views on Maui. It is a four-mile roundtrip hike and on the northwest side of the island where you can include other hikes or things to do. Speaking of, please see the next hike, ʻĪao.

Īao Valley State Park

This one is significant and has meaning behind it. It is a short six-mile hike. It was a lookout point during the battle of Kepaniwai. There are beautiful flowers throughout the park. Please see the link for more information and to make a reservation to enter the park.

Pipiwai trail and Waimoku falls in Hana

This is a 3.5-mile roundtrip hike. It is on the east side of the island. It includes hiking through a bamboo forest and ends at a 400-foot waterfall. Breathtaking!

Beaches:

Ka’anapali Beach

There is wonderful snorkeling and cliff jumping off Black Rock on this beach. The beach is spacious and plenty of things to restaurants to try along the beach.

Keawakapu Beach in Kihei

It is right next to Mana Kai Maui Resort. It has a beautiful, spacious beach with good snorkeling. There is also a nice grassy spot you can relax on and watch the sunset.

Any of the Kama'ole Beaches

1,2 and 3 are a safe bet in Kihei. The 1 and 2 are safer for swimming.

Kapalua Bay

It is a smaller beach, but a wonderful experience. The tide isn't as bad here, so it's great for swimming and snorkeling. You are almost guaranteed to see sea turtles and other fish while snorkeling.

Makena Beach State Park

This beach is also known as big beach, right next to little beach/secret beach. It's just past Wailea on the southwest side of the island. I don't recommend swimming here, but it is an awesome, huge beach!

Ho'okipa Beach

This beach is near Pa'ia and great for spotting Sea Turtles! It is also near Jaws (huge waves for experienced surfers only). While you're over on that side of the island, check out the little town of Pa'ia!

Other:

Haleakala National Park

This is an amazing place to watch the sunset/sunrise while sitting above the clouds at 10,023 feet. You can also hike and camp here.

Ali'i Kula Lavender Farm

You can explore the farm or buy some lavender products at the gift shop.

Kihei Caffe

Amazing breakfast spot. I highly recommend the Pork Fried Rice and Pancakes, but you can't go wrong with anything on their menu. They have two locations in Kihei and one near Lahaina.

Pa'ia Fish Market

Awesome lunch or dinner spot. Their calamari strips are to live for! They have locations in Pa'ia and Kihei. Lahaina location is currently closed.

Leilani's on The Beach

Amazing dinner spot. They have a location in Whaler's Village (great shopping spot), near Ka'anapali.

Tip: Order the Mongchong if they have it and request a table on the patio during sunset.

Monkeypod Kitchen

Great happy hour. I don't normally like Mai Tai's but they put liliko'i foam on top and it just makes it taste so good! They also have really good appetizers, which makes it a great happy hour spot. They have locations in Kihei and Ka'anapali.

Three's Bar and Grill

One of my favorite happy hour spots from 3-6pm. Some of my top favorite appetizers are coconut shrimp, garlic fried noodles, any of their sushi rolls and the hurricane fries. Located in Kihei.

Da Kitchen

Great spot for Authentic Hawaiian food! Located in Kihei.

Joey's Kitchen

Wonderful Filipino restaurant. You really can't go wrong ordering here, but I always order Pancit.

Food Trucks

Don't hesitate to stop at any food trucks. They're all amazing, have fresh food, and great service.