Weekly Happenings on Maui

Keep in mind that many places close on Monday and Tuesday Nights

Sunday

  • Lahaina Gift and Craft Fair: In the parking lot of the Gateway Market. Sundays 9am to 2pm. Yes, it’s super touristy, but if you need a Hawaiian souvenir…Easy parking and quick to get in and out. Good stop on your way out of town heading to southern beaches.
  • Hippie Sunday on Little Beach – is not what it used to be. Since COVID the police have worked to clear Little Beach before sunset, so the decades long drummer circle has died down….You may find they at the far end of Big Beach or at Secret Beach for the sunset ceremony.

    Wednesday

    • Napili Famers Market: Wednesday and Saturday 8-12 just off the main highway at Napili stoplight. Very small. Will sell out of best fruits and vegetables early.

    Saturday

    • Maui Swap Meet: Kahului. Every Saturday 7am to 1 pm. Fruits and vegetables available early. It’s pretty big. A good excuse to get over to this side of the island early.
    • Napili Famers Market: Wednesday and Saturday 8-12 just off the main highway at Napili stoplight. Very small. Will sell out of best fruits and vegetables early.

    Excursions on Maui

    Beaches

    • Hard to beat Napili Beach – the best all around! Often of Sea Turtles on the rocks. In the cove just to the south (away from Napili beach) you’ll swim with up to 20 of them daily. There have been issues with beach erosion. Help us maintain and bring back the beach! Check out Napili Bay Foundation to learn more. 
    • Kapalua Beach – the next one to the North – is walkable and great for snorkeling. Stay near the rocks on the south side to see the fish.
    • Fleming Beach – next beach north, where the Ritz Carlton is perched. Best for body/boogie surfing
    • Kaanapali: This is where all the tourist go.  Can get crowded and windy, but you’ve got to see this beach.  Park near the Whalers’ Village.  You may have to pay for parking, but it’s covered and not too costly (validation available for 3 hours if you purchase anything).  Or try to find free parking in back of one of the big hotels – The Hyatt usually works for me:  go left off their main drive, just prior to the main entry, for free parking behind their hotel.  Other free (but small) lots can be found just south of the Sheraton (lower floor of parking garage), and just south of Whalers Village.  Best snorkeling is at the Sheraton’s Black Rock Terrace.  Even though it’s very crowded here, you won’t believe all the fish!  And the Black Rock Bar is a good place for a Mai-Tai break.  The last remaining good Mai-Tai on Maui.  Be sure to request an “old fashioned Mai-Tai.” If you have more than one, you can write off the evening.
    • There is a Cliff diver every night at sunset at the Sheraton at Kaanapali. Of course, little kids are making the same jump all day long, but the ceremony is romantically Hawaiian, and a good excuse for ordering an old fashioned Mai Tai.
    • Definitely drive and walk around Kaanapali. This place is touristy, but very beautiful.  I like the Whalers Village outdoor shopping mall.  And you’ve got to walk through the Hyatt Regency (penguins in the lobby!) and the Westin, next door – both very beautiful. Beautiful boardwalk goes for miles in both directions.
    • Big Beach at Makena: This is way south around the island, past Keihi.  Probably takes about an hour to get to from Napili.  But if you’re down this way, you may want to take in Maui’s greatest and last unspoiled beach.  Head south past all the Wailea hotels (Makena Resort formerly Maui Prince is the last one).  The road is paved all the way – even the parking lot.  The nude and gay beach (Little Beach)  is just over the rock at the north end of Big Beach (bring lots of sunscreen!). Hippie Sunday’s at sunset is a real trip. A great hike is to continue south as far as the road will take you to the La Parouse Bay parking. Then there’s a 2-3 mile hike on Lava rock called the Kings Road, to some secluded beach coves. Wear shoes, as the lava rock will tear apart sandals. Bring plenty of water, this hike can be very hot with little shade.

    Whale watching!  Whales should be all around (Dec. – April).  Best time to see them is in the early morning down at the Napili Gazebo. All of the snow birds will be down here every morning and again at Sunset with their cocktails.  If it’s whale season you should take a whale-watching boat trip out of Lahaina Harbor.  They are usually worth the price since they almost always find the whales.  I like the ones that sail too — and leave early in the morning and back by lunch.  See the excursion outfits listed under snorkeling.

    • In 2024 (and 2017) I took Hawaii Ocean Rafting out of The Mala Warf. Around $90 for two hours on a zodiac style fast speedboat. You’ll see plenty of whales, but may get a bit wet. Dress accordingly. Nothing served, this is not a booze cruise, but likely the best way to get close to the whales. Book at Napili Shores Expedia desk.
    • Snorkeling-Whale Watch and Sail all at once: sailingmaui.com.  808 665 0344.  I toured the Hula Girl.  60’ beautiful brand new cat.  $80+ per person for a 4 hour morning snorkel/dive or afternoon whale watch out of Whalers Village + made to order food and top shelf bar.  Not the cheapest, but a great boat.  Call direct for best deal.  In 2012 I took a snorkel, dive trip on the Teralani.  Very nice.  Departs at 9:30 from Kaanapali, usually goes to Honolua Bay for a few hours of snorkeling and lunch, then sales home.  OK food, open bar, nice crew.  Not as nice of a boat as Hula Girl, but recommended.  They also offer Snuba for an additional $69. Tanks on the surface, you breath through a regulator below. No need to be diving certified.  I don’t think you’ll see anything more than snorkel, but it is a chance to simulate scuba.

    Snorkeling:  It’s no longer worth packing equipment from home.  Rent from Snorkel Bob’s or Boss Frogs or any of the others for about $2.50 per day or $9 per week. Snorkeling anywhere is best is the morning, before the surf comes up and water clarity decreases. If you’re really into snorkeling, you can take a boat trip to Molikini Crater off Keihi – trips leave in the early morning from Buzz’s wharf at Maahalea Harbor, about 45 minutes south.  Usually a half-day trip.  Lately, I hear there are more tourists than fish to see here, though.  Try Pride of Maui.  First Class and Trilogy are other good excursion outfits.  The best snorkeling on the island is in Honolua Bay.  You can get here on your own.  Drive a few miles north of Kapalua and watch for the cars.  Walk about a ¼ of a mile to the rocky beach.  This is often where the snorkeling boats take their trips too.  My favorite, and also the easiest place to snorkel is North Kaanapali Beach – just in front of the new Westin timeshares.   Take the northern most Kaanapali entrance. Parking available at the public beach access.  Watch for turtles!

    Drive north of Napili, past the Ritz Carlton to see less developed, beautiful country.  (Don’t do this in the rain, the roads are windy.)  Watch for surfers here.  This is undeveloped Maui. I typically turn around once the road quality deteriorates. This tiny paved road actually goes all around this side of the island.

    • Haleakala Crater: National Park fee and reservation required if you are plannning to go for sunrise.. Great view, depending on how adventuresome you’re feeling.  It’s a long drive up to the 10,000 foot crater.  Many go to watch the sunset or sunrise. This is called the Maui Upcountry and many people just like to drive up around this area.  If you do, be sure to have lunch at the Haile Maile General Store, off the highway before the long climb up the mountain.
    • Drive to Hana. This is an overnight excursion, or else a long all-day event. (start early and kit Paia by 7:30am to be in front of the crowd). The road is windy and long with lots of traffic, but the scenery is beautiful.  Unspoiled natural Hawaii, Lindberg’s grave, home of the Seven Sacred Pools.  Take time for the hike up to the falls that begins at the pools.  Hike goes through a magical bamboo forest. In 2014 I drove the road all the way around the back/south side of the island. Very interesting! And paved mose of the way. A LONG drive. 6am to 8pm but we made lotsa stops. Have lunch at the Hotel Hana Maui . Skip the lava tube tour! With minimal stops, if you hit Paia for breakfast around 7:30 am, I’m told you can make it to the winery near Kula before it closes at 5pm. I didn’t make it.
    • Visit Paia, the surfing capital on the north side of the island (on the road to Hana). Shops and restaurants are hip, healthy, and less touristy.  Hookipa beach is the place to watch windsurfers in the afternoon.  Try Paia Fish Market or Milagro’s for an inexpensive casual lunch – fish tacos or fish burger recommended. Better yet: Anthony’s is where the cool kids go for coffee or breakfast.
    • Drive to the Iao Needle: Easy drive, not as far as the airport.  Hike around in a lush tropical park.  Requires a reservation. $10 parking + $5 entrance fee.
    • The Maui Aquarium is rated highly by all I know who’ve visited. About $40.
    • Maui Chocolate Tour – Interesting presentation and tasting in an open air rooftop pavilion near Lahaina Gateway (across from original Star Noodle location). $35. On Sundays all donated to a local charity. Super interesting and Maui Grown. They let us bring our own wine! Farm tour also available.
    • Maui Ocean Organic Vodka: This is becoming one of my favorite upcountry stops. Yes, there is an interesting tour, but the best part is the beautiful view from the grounds. Order a healthy lunch or bring your own picnic and enjoy from the scenic tables and chairs on the lawn. And order one of their signature cocktails to accompany!
    • Alii Nui Sunset Dinner Sail. Probably the nicest dinner booze cruise on the island. Large catamaran out of Maahalea. $199. Great dinner, premium open bar. They also do snorkel trips.

    Hikes on Maui

    • Walk up the hill to the now-closed Pineapple Hill Restaurant, just above Napili – great view. Walk north, on the ocean, on the Kapalua Coastal Trail. 1.75 miles. Goes past Kapalua beach, the beautiful Montage Hotel, and follows the ocean (Carol Burnett lives in one of the big Ironwood homes just past the boardwalk) through Ritz Carlton. Ending at DT Fleming Beach below the Ritz.  Kapalua Coastal trail is also nice for running.  There is a blowhole out on the rocks, and locals fishing here and a great view of Molokai.
    • Hiking trails at Kapalua: Trails start at the Kapalua activities center. Lake loop is a paved walk around a long abandoned golf course. Great views, steep – a good workout. Other trails such as Honolua/Mahana Ridge and Maunalei Arboretum Trails. Maps at the activity center.

    Dive North to the nice OHAI trail. Mile marker 41. Less than a mile and a half easy level hike. Very secluded and high above the ocean. Easy parking. Anyone can enjoy this easy hike. Best to take the first right and do the loop counter clockwise. Another great hike is the blowhole at the second mile marker 38 parking lot (don’t’ ask me why there are two). Hike down might be a bit treacherous for some – but most interesting to hug the coast line. You’ll know when you reach the blowhole – as there will be plenty of tourist. The Olivine pools is another great hike just past the blowhole. Again, treacherous, but really interesting and beautiful. Best to wear shoes over sandals.

    – Hike the Lahaina-Pali Trail. 5 miles, 1,500 ft. elevation gain.  Start early morning near the highway tunnel and end over the mountain near Maahalea.  Take plenty of water and start early in the morning – this gets very hot and dry.  It’s a strenuous hike, and you’ll need someone to pick you up at the trailhead.

    • Waihe’e Ridge Trail. Beautiful challenging 4 mile round trip hike. Great views, near Wailuku. Parking can be tough. I take the scary north Maui highway that eventually turns into a one lane cliff hanging adventure for about a mile just past banana break village. Then I return via the regular highway past Wailuku toward Lahaina. This spot is pretty remote, but definitely worth it for the tropical ridge views.
    • Kings Highway Hike: Drive south of Big Beach to the end of the road. Beautiful hike across lava fields (where shoes that can handle rock – no flip flops). Can be hot as there’s no shade. Go early. King’s Highway: Hanomanioa Lighthouse and Kamanamana Beach is a 5.5 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Kihei, Maui, Hawaii that features beautiful wild flowers and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking and bird watching and is accessible year-round.
    • Makawao Forrest Preserve – 6 mile 2+ hour forest loop trail. Park is made for mountain bikes, but walkers will also enjoy.

     

    Favorite Restaurants on Maui

    • 5315 Kitchen – On property at Napili Shores. Good. Casual, Happy Hour 3-5 and takeout. Prime rib special on Friday’s and Saturday is very good – but get there early to reserve your cut. They sell out of this. Mahi Mahi is also good!
    • Joey’s Kitchen: New in 2017. You’ll find this in the Napili Market, and at Whalers Village food court. Fantastic local fish. Nothing fancy – but this is where the locals go. My new favorite is to sit at the bar for dinner here. Great cocktails too! Joey did tons to help the community after the fires.
    • Dang Dang Noodle: Sister restaurant of Joey’s. Also in Napili Market. Great noodle bowls and satay.
    • Sansei (Kapalua – near Ritz – 808 669 6286; 600 Office Rd). Fantastic Japanese-American food. The panko-crusted ahi sushi roll is to die for.  Shrimp cake and ahi are also my favorite.  Jerk Chicken also a winner.  Very popular, so make reservations.  Sansei has Karaoke and half-price food on Thursday and Friday nights after 10 pm.  Their “happy hour” offers 25% off food order from their opening at 5:30 until 6 pm.  There will be a line for this.  Great wine bar next door if you have to wait. Also worthy of a lite dinner. The Pour House
    • Merriman’s Kapalua (7aFormerly Kapalua Bay Club which was a favorite of mine but closed in 2004). A perfect place for a sunset cocktail – or come after dark and sit by the firepit.  808 669 6400; Likely the best restaurant (and most expensive) around. A special treat. Great Mai Tai!
    • Merrimans Monkeypod Kitchen at Whalers Village (also the Wailea Gateway mall). Great happy hour. $14 Mai Tai is the best! (Reg $18). Always a line, but put your name in, never takes too long. My tip is to go for happy hour, and order a $12 pizza to take home.
    • Sale Pepe: Great Italian and fired pizza. Wonderful cocktails, wine and service. In the warehouse district right near Lahaina Bypass. Sit at the bar!
    • The Seahouse on Napili Beach at the Napili Kai. I recently had some great meals here. Ask to sit outside, at to bar, or as close as possible to the open air view of the bay. Walk along the beach to get there. Less expensive than most places, and hard to beat the view. 808-669-1500. Also a great 3-5 happy hour. Skip the $10 Mai Tai in favor of $6 wine. The pupus are great. Especially poke nachos. Best happy hour all around!
    • Hali’imaile General Store (808 572 2666): A great casual gourmet restaurant near the big airport.  Look for the Hali’imaile exit left off the main highway up to Haleakala and Pukalani.  It’s worth going out of your way for this place!  I always make a point to go here for lunch.  Good stop en route to Haleakala, (up-country) Hana, Paia, or airport.  Pass on the guava juice Mai Tai in favor of the Bloody Mary.  Now have opened a similar restaurant in Wailea – Joe’s Bar & Grill.  And in 2010 – Gannon’s in Wailea
    • Café O’Lei at the Plantation. On the road to Wailuku, if you are over on the South Side, this is a wonderful place for lunch or dinner. It looks like a tourist trap, but it’s actually very nice. Would be best to see it before it gets dark. Great food and Mai Tais. OK prices. On my last trip there I say a herd of deer!
    • Miso Phat Sushi: Best Sushi around. 4310 Lower Honoapiilani Hwy. In Kahana/Honokowai area. Also in Kehei. One $160 Omakasi is tons of food for two people if you want their best. BYOB with a market next store.
    • Leilani’s (Kaanapali – Whalers Village – 661-4495): Pretty good for the price.  Quality, location, and ambiance.  Nice for lunch or afternoon Mai-Tai too.
    • Aloha Mixed Plate: On the water near Cannery Mall in Lahaina – Next to Mala. Outside, fine casual dining with traditional Hawaiian mixed plate meals. Coconut Shimp appetizer is the bomb! Pretty good Mai Tai for $143. Best to make reservations.
    • The Plantation House restaurant, on the furthest north golf course of Kapalua, is a great lunch/brunch place, with lots of great stuff under $15 and a view to die for. Bring your camera.  Go for the $17 special Mai Tai. With coconut rum and a 151 floater, this one really sneaks up on you. Worth a try.
    • Roy’s At Kaanapali Golf club on the main highway. Make a reservation.
    • MALA: (1307 Front Street, on the water near Cannery Mall and Aloha Mixed Plate; 808 667 9394). Relatively new (2008) nice atmosphere, great food that’s a touch of class above the tourist trade.  Great place that I’ve enjoyed over the years, but in 2012+ it seems as if their popularity and prices have increased above value in my opinion. Expect most entrees around $40. Even a hamburger has bloated to $20.
    • Breakfast out at the Napili Shores Gazebo (at the ocean) is fun and inexpensive – Macadamia Nut pancakes are the specialty. Fried rice is also a tip – with plenty of left overs for the rest of the week. Expect a 30-60 minute line. This place is very popular. The line moves faster than it looks. Opens at 7:30 am, but the line starts at 7am. You can also call and order for takeout. Waits go down after 10am. Serves lunch until two. No wait for lunch.

    Less expensive:

    • Happy Fish. At the Fairways Shops on the highway at Kaanapali. Order at the counter for delivery at table. Great fish and burger type sandwiches. Cool space. Video Bar. Would be great to watch a game. Full bar. Skip the Mai-Tai.
    • Maui Brewing Company. Typical brew pub fare, but now in a great new location right on Kaanapali Beach!
    • Leoda’s Pie Shop. Great for a lunch break as it’s about 10 min south of Lahaina in Olowalu. You’ll pass it whenever you are coming or leaving town for the airport or other side of the island. Open 10 am to 8pm. Sandwiches, salads and pies. Worth a stop!
    • Dolly’s Pub & Pizza – Kahana (Lower Honopiilani road, in the same strip mall as Miso Phat). Local inexpensive place for pizza, sandwiches and salad. Friendly folks. Happy hour 3-6 and 9-12. Best sports bar around if you must watch a game. Wait here for a seat at Miso Phat.
    • a’a Roots Health Cafe. Napili Market.  Acai bows and other healthy treats. Great stop for a quick, casual breakfast or lunch.

    Take Out:

    • Honokowai Okazuya & Deli (AAAA Rent-A-Space Mall, 3600 Lower Honoapiilani Road 808-665-0512). Great inexpensive take out!  Locals go for the Lemon Caper Mahi Mahi or Teriyaki Steak.  Phone orders accepted. Closes at 8pm.
    • Mama’s Ribs ‘N Rotisserie. In the Napili Plaza – Take out.  Closes at 7pm; closed Sunday. Chicken is wonderful, as is Tiramisu. Call in order 808 665-6262.
    • Food truck lot: Lot’s of variety. Thai seems to have the longest line. Honokowai. Across the street from TimesMarket.

     

    South Side (Kihei/Wailea):

    • Tommy Bahama’s – in the Shops of Wailea. A must for Happy Hour if near Wailea. $12 excellent Mai Tai, Coconut Shrimp and Ahi Taco are great Happy Hour aps.
    • Monkeypod – Just off the upper Pialani highway in Gateway Plaza, where you turn down to Wailea. Merriman’s more casual brewpub type place – although they serve an interesting and recommended Mai Tai. Great for happy hour 3-5.30 after a day at Makena. Pizza’s are great! This place wins my favorite Mai Tai for 2012-2014!.
    • Pita Paradise – Right by Monkeypod. A bit more formal than their outdoor place in Kihei. – Love this place – try the lamb! Now new and fancier in Wailea (at the Gateway Mall)
    • Shaka Pizza in Kihei (delivers)
    • Coconut’s (fish tacos take out sort of place),in the Azeka’s shopping center on the main drag. The best Fish Tacos in the US! 2 for $12. Split for lunch. They say they are expanding nationwide – but I won’t invest. Not sure you can re-create this outside of Maui
    • Mama’s Fishouse (formal with view) – Not far from the airport. http://www.mamasfishhouse.com/. Considered by most to be the nicest restaurant on Maui.
    • Bev Gannon’s latest at the far south end of Wailea on the golf course.http://www.seawatchrestaurant.com/
    • Kula Lodge Garden Terrace (semi-casual with view) – http://www.kulalodge.com/restaurant_lodge.htm
    • Five Palms Beach Grille (semi-casual/formal with view) – Very nice! Had brunch here in 2013. http://fivepalmsrestaurant.com/
    • Café O’ Lei in Kihei (semi-casual/formal) – http://cafeoleirestaurants.com/kihei/. Locals love this place
    • Cheese Burger Island Style in Wailea (casual) – http://www.shopsatwailea.com/Dining/CheeseburgerIslandStyle.htm
    • Café Mambo (casual carry out for preparing for “Road to Hana”) – http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g60636-d404397-Reviews-Cafe_Mambo-Paia_Maui_Hawaii.html
    • Ice Cream at Scoops  featuring Lappert’s Ice Cream
    • Home Maid Bakery 1005 (we had sugar covered dough balls)
    • Kihei Café – great local brunch lunch spot outdoors
    • Joy’s Place – Heath food sandwiches. Very good

    Happy Hours on Maui

    • Merriman’s Kapalua (7aFormerly Kapalua Bay Club which was a favorite of mine but closed in 2004). A perfect place for a sunset cocktail – or come after dark and sit by the firepit.  808 669 6400; Likely the best restaurant (and most expensive) around. A special treat. Great Mai Tai!
    • Merrimans Monkeypod Kitchen at Whalers Village (also the Wailea Gateway mall). Great happy hour. $14 Mai Tai is the best! (Reg $18). Always a line, but put your name in, never takes too long. My tip is to go for happy hour, and order a $12 pizza to take home.
    • The Seahouse on Napili Beach at the Napili Kai. I recently had some great meals here. Ask to sit outside, at to bar, or as close as possible to the open air view of the bay. Walk along the beach to get there. Less expensive than most places, and hard to beat the view. 808-669-1500. Also a great 3-5 happy hour. Skip the $10 Mai Tai in favor of $6 wine. The pupus are great. Especially poke nachos. Best happy hour all around!

      Accommodations on Maui

      Napili Shores (Napili Shores #E138 – has been the Morgan family’s condo since 1973 – let me know if you are interested in staying there or at any of Outrigger resorts condos anywhere.  They typically allow owners & friends at 25% discount for reservation made directly with Outrigger). Follow the main Highway north past Lahaina, Kaanapali, and Kahana.  Turn left at the Napili shopping center, then right when the road hits a “T” (at the ocean) and you’re just a block from Napili Shores Resort.

      Check out Outrigger.com to view Napili Shores and get current rates. Use discount code OEGOWNER to receive my friends and family discount. 

       

       

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