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Courtney & Matthew

September 23, 2018 • Wailea, Hi

Courtney & Matthew

September 23, 2018 • Wailea, Hi

Maui No Ka 'Oi (Maui Is The Best)

Picture of Maui No Ka 'Oi (Maui Is The Best)

There is so much to do on Maui. We've highlighted a few of our favorites below. The website link below (mauiguidebook) is a great resource for planning hikes, beach days, and more. We reference it a lot when planning our adventures.

If you plan on doing any island hopping while you are here, they have similar websites for each island!


Old Lahaina Luau

1251 Front St, Lahaina, HI 96761, USA

When: Saturday, September 22nd - be there by 5:30pm

What: Come enjoy the best Luau on the island

Since we are not having a rehearsal/rehearsal dinner, we've made reservations for everyone to attend the Old Lahaina (La-hi-na) Luau on Saturday night. Come prepared to be dazzled by authentic Hawaiian cultural dances, music, demonstrations, and of course...the cuisine. This is an all you can eat buffet and open bar so come hungry, thirsty, and ready for an amazing experience!

We are looking into transportation options as it is about a 40 min drive from Kihei to Lahaina. We will have more information later!

South Maui Beaches

Kamole Beaches I, II, III

Most of you will be staying close to one of these beaches but they are all within walking distance of one another. These beaches are great for lounging, spotting sea turtles on the lava rock, so-so snorkling, and being close to food trucks, restaurants, and shops.

Get more info here: Kamaole Beach Park

Makena Beach aka Big Beach

You must go visit this beach! One of the most beautiful beaches on the island. Good for lounging and jumping waves. The shore break can get rough, so just pay attention to signs and the lifeguards on duty. FYI: Little Beach is nearby - this is a clothing optional beach

Get more info here: Big Beach

One'uli Black Sand Beach - if you don't have enough time to do the road to Hana, go check out this beach. The black sand beaches here are made of ground lava - it's amazing. This also means there is usually sharp lava rock not too far away so wade carefully into the water! You can also do some snorkeling and diving here...so says the website below.

Get more info here: One'uli Black Sand Beach

Explore other South Maui Beaches here

Snorkeling

Maluaka Beach (Courtney's favorite)

This beach does not have a shout out on the Maui website I've been referencing. Never fear - you can google it for directions. It will lead you down a dead end road and the public parking lot (showers are available) is across the street from a beautiful historic church. Park your car, turn left, walk down a little street and the beach is on the right. The best snorkeling is the far side of the beach near the rocks. It's the closest you will get to Turtle Town as well.

Ulua Beach

Good for snorkeling and diving - smaller sandy area, parking lot can fill up quickly.

Get more information here: Ulua Beach

There are a lot of other places to snorkel, we just haven't been able to check them out yet. Explore South Maui Beaches here and this will give you some other options as well.

Renting snorkeling gear: Both of these stores are great and the are right in Kihei. They also have Body Boards, Surf Boards, Stand Up Paddle Boards, Bikes, Beach Chairs, Coolers, Umbrellas, Golf Clubs.

The Snorkel Store

Boss Frog's

Snorkel Tours:

Molokini Crater & Turtle Town


KAYAK RENTALS

We have not done this so we cannot provide a lot of guidance. From doing a little research of our own it looks like several shops provide rentals on the beach or they will load it onto your car for you.

PLEASE NOTE: The winds on Maui can change without warning. If you do not have experience kayaking on the ocean off the south Maui shore, do your research. GO EARLY as the winds are likely to change later in the morning.

Kelli's Kayaking Tours seem to have the best reviews and take you to the best spots if you would like to do a guided tour - link below:

Kelli's Kayaking Tours

HIKING

Pipiwai Trail and Waimoku Falls - "the best hike on Maui"

Waihee Ridge Trail - "the best hike on Maui...if you aren't doing the Road to Hana"

Other Random Adventures

At this point, we have not had a chance to do many of the items listed below, but they are on our list! These adventures are longer may be considered day trips:

Explore Upcountry

Grandma's, Ulupalakua ranch, Wine, and Oprah

Makawao Town

Haleakala Crater - "Haleakala Crater is the most popular attraction in Upcountry Maui. Stunning sunrises, panoramic out-of-this-world landscapes, birds-eye views of the Maui central valley, and flora and fauna that exist nowhere else in the world."

Drive The Road to Hana

If you haven't heard of this google it and be dazzled. This road can be rough in places so it's best to go on good weather days and maybe take some Dramamine if you get car sick. There are plenty of hikes and waterfalls to see along the way.

Not seeing what you're looking for? Check out Maui Guidebook's Bucket list here for even more ideas (including Spa days and Gold outings).


Last Day Ideas

Oh no...it's our last day on Maui. You have to check out of your condo in the AM but your flight isn't until much later in the day. Here are a few ideas to pass the time in Wailuku or Kahului:

Tin Roof - hands down our favorite lunch spot in Kahului (closes at 2pm). Amazing local soul food. This is an "order ahead or order at the counter and take it elsewhere" type of place. Save yourself the wait and call ahead.

Grab your lunch and go check out the wind surfers and kite surfers at Kanaha Beach Park. On the right side of the beach (towards the lifeguard stand) you'll see red buoys in the water. If you post up inside those buoys on the beach, you'll be out of the way of the the kite surfers launching and landing. There are usually sea turtles hanging out on the rocks by the lifeguard stand.

Paia Town - check out the hippie town of Paia - great food, restaurants, shops. There can be a bit of traffic in that area so budget your time accordingly.