MAUI + LANAI : WHAT TO DO

Maui – Our home island because Maui nō ka ʻoi-Maui is the best.

  • It has a mix of all the islands.
  • Waterfalls, rainforests and hikes like Kauai
  • Plenty to eat and drink like Oahu
  • Red and black sand beaches and lava rock like Big Island
  • You can be completely alone or hang with locals

Google Maps Saved Lists of Restaurants     Google Maps Saved List of Things To Do

MAUI IN DETAIL

We believe you should see as much of Maui as you can so where you stay doesn’t entirely matter.  We like Kihei as home base since it’s  off the highway, has big beaches, small beaches for surf lessons and great happy hour. It is a bit busier in Kihei though so if you are looking for quiet we suggest Hana or Makawao/Kula in Upcountry.  Hana and Upcountry are more quiet and secluded. Below are a few things we like to do and their locations.  There is plenty more to know so if you’d like more info on hikes, spiritual places, historical places  or more specific info, we are happy to help. Also keep in mind, the weather here is fierce and locations may close at anytime. Be sure to check wherever you want to go is open before you start heading there.

SOUTH SHORE – Wailea and Kihei

 Overview: Wailea is the where the high end shops, golf courses and hotels are.  Kihei is laid back, good with great local beaches, good coffee shops and the Triangle, a center of restaurants and tourist shops

UPCOUNTRY

  Overview: Locals mostly, tourists tend to not visit here but it’s gorgeous and quiet

  • Haleakala Crater( Ha-le, ah, kah, la) – the dormant volcano you can drive to the top. Most people go up for sunrise or sunset. It’s cool all the time but sunrise and sunset you’ll be above the clouds which is pretty epic. There are hikes into the crater as well. If you are there for sunrise or sunset, BRING WINTER CLOTHES! It drops down to the 30* pretty quickly up there so gloves, hats, pants and coat are a must. If you go during sunrise, an online reservations is required . Bike tours are fun here too but I think we enjoyed more going there by ourselves. 
  • Kula – nice town and Lavender Farm
  • Poli Poli National park with Redwood trees, kind of surreal. 

 

 

WEST SIDE

  • Lahaina – Cool town with a Key West Vibe
  • Windmill Hike – hard and hot but fun 
  • Most of the resorts are in Kaanapali. It’s very touristy over there so I wouldn’t recommend if you are looking for Hawaii things to do. Having said that, Black Rock is a great place to go snorkeling and all the guide books will tell you to go. There will always be a lot of people there (the sunscreen stench is overwhelming) but also a lot of sea turtles and a rock to jump off.

      

HEAD of the Island

Overview: Our favorite drive and favorite views of Maui. Starts at Kaanapali and ends at Wailuku (maybe closed due to construction or weather conditions) Narrow winding road

 

 

NORTH SHORE

  • Iao Valley ( E-ow) – the bloodiest battle in Hawaiian history happened in this gorgeous place and they turned it into a national park. There is a nice hike(walk) that takes you through the valley and to the river.  
  • Paia (pie-E-ah) – cool surfer town and a good restaurant, Cafe Des Amis is a nice cafe to check out 
  • Mama’s Fish House –  Great fresh fish, a bit kitchy and a romantic night out
  • Hookipa Lookout – Fun place to watch surfer and turtles at sunset.
  • Wailuku – cute,small town.
  • Baby Beach – local mostly beach with baby soft sand

ROAD TO HANA – EAST MAUI

This is a lot of driving so if you like to drive and take in the scenery, it’s worth it. We’d recommend a half to a full day for this depending on what you wanna do. We usually camp at the end so it takes us two days to do this. (if interested, ask about campgrounds) You will lose cell service in Hana so save maps on your phone before you go.

   Red Sand Beach
      – Natalie’s favorite spot in all of Maui. You have to make a quick 10 minute easy hike to get there, but you are surrounded by red rock and the most amazing fish surrounding you in the water.

    Honomanu Beach
          – Tim’s favorite beach. Super picturesque

   Pipiwai Trail – Sacred Pools – Oheo Gulch (finally opened after 2 years!!!)
      At the very bottom of the island. It’s rated one of the best hikes in Maui but you would need a whole day driving down and hanging out there for a handful of hours.

   Waianapanapa (Y – uh- napa napa)
      Here is the black sand beach, lava tubes, hike, pet cemetery and a blowhole. This is where we usually camp.

  Bamboo Forest
     – At mile marker 6.5. You can hike 2 miles into a cool waterfall or just walk into the forest from the road and take a few pics.

  Twin Falls
A cool waterfall you can swim in just a 10 minute walk from the highway. Can get crowded

MAUI Overview

FAV SNORKELING SPOTS rent snorkel gear (or bring your own) There are snorkel tours for $80 pp and its cool that you are on a catamaran, but you can go to the same spots and snorkel for free. Save the catamaran for a different excursion

  • Kapalua Bay
  • Honolua Bay
  • Turtle Town
  •  BEST PLACE TO SURF
    • to learn go to Kihei
    • to surf, east side by Paia
  • OUR MUST DO
  • Maui Brewing Company
  • Iao Valley
  • Haleakala
  • Happy Hour
  • Road to Hana – Waianapanapa Park

LANAI

A 45 minute ferry ride from Maui brings you to a tiny desolate island. There is a Four Seasons, a cat sanctuary with over 500 cats or just come and camp.  The trip over is a bumpy ride!

         

OVERALL NOTES

Check online about anything you plan to see first. Weather has been harsh lately and a few things have been closed.

Rent a car from local rental companies. They will give you older cars (in great working condition). They are much more affordable, offer great service and you won’t look like a tourist. I don’t know anyone whose car was broken into, but it is a big problem. A local car won’t make anyone want to break in.

Rent gear like beach chairs or snorkel kits. Affordable and useful! A lot of airbnbs/condos will include these at the home. This is a huge win and something you should consider when booking a place!

RELATED POSTS