B and I are no exception. We've gone to Hawaii at least once or twice a year since we've been together, and we aren't tired of it (or each other!) yet. We've been to several islands, but always come back to our favorite, Maui. We prefer to stay in Kihei and Wailea, which is a bit quieter than the more touristy Lahaina and Kaanapali areas.
Maui isn't as lush as Kauai or as jungly as The Big Island. It's more of a desert landscape and usually has less rain and more sun than some of the other islands. And since sun is what we seek when we go to Hawaii, this suits us just fine! I thought it would be fun to share some of our favorite spots in Maui and things to do when you're there.
Where to Stay
I've always used VRBO for our Maui trips, and we've found great deals at several condos. We especially like Maui Kamaole, as its sits right on the edge of Kihei, just before you head into Wailea, and is a little quieter than the condos that are located in the middle of town.
We've also stayed at The Palms in Wailea, which is quite a bit more expensive but the condos are really nice and well-cared for. I think Maui Kamaole wins in regards to the beautiful grounds all around it, but The Palms is nice because it's walking distance to a lot of our favorite Wailea hang-outs.
Beaches
Of course, Hawaii is all about the beaches and Maui has some of the most gorgeous beaches on any of the islands. Kihei town fronts beaches Kamaole I, II and III, all of which flow into each other and are very convenient as they are located directly across the main street. Nearly any condo you choose in Kihei is going to be a very easy walk to one of these beaches.
One of our favorite beaches, though, is a bit off the beaten path. Poipu beach, which is adjacent to Po'olenalena beach on the way to Makena, is only accessible by footpath. Look for the Po'olenalena sign, on the right as you leave Wailea, and park in the gated parking lot there. Then take the footpath located to the right of the parking lot, clamber over some lava rocks, and you're at a private tucked away beach. Fair warning, the fact that it's tucked away makes it nude-friendly and it has become a bit of a party haven on the weekends. But it's still a lovely spot!
Things to Do
We mostly prefer to do a whole lot of nothing when we visit Maui, but we still try to plan one small adventure each trip. Some things we've done include driving up to Haleakala National Park and exploring the amazing vistas of the volcano crater, which we really enjoyed (beware the altitude though, that stuff is real!)
Closer to Kihei, you can drive out to the end of Kihei road, past Wailea and into the lava fields. This is really cool to see, and you can walk out among the lava rocks (stay on the path, though!), right up to the ocean.
For snorkeling, I highly recommend Kai Kanani Snorkeling Cruises. They offer both day and evening excursions and they pick up right off the beach in Wailea, which is really convenient if you're staying in Kihei or Wailea, and saves you the drive to the Maalaea boat launch or Lahaina. They take you out to Molokini crater, stop to check out turtles along the way, and provide a nice lunch (and cocktails of course!) One of my favorite Maui memories was on the Kai Kanani, when we came across a huge pod of Dolphins with BABIES and they swam alongside the boat. Magical.
Another fun afternoon drive is over to Paia Town, where it's a bit more laid back and casual, with lots of fun and funky little shops and restaurants. Stop in at Mama's Fish House on your way, a world-renowned restaurant that serves the freshest catch and prides itself on innovative and unusual dishes. This is the restaurant where we once saw Owen Wilson dining, and I sat there telling B that it was NOT Owen Wilson, because I have some kind of weird lack of facial recognition when it comes to seeing celebrities in real life. Oh, and be sure to stop and check out the surfers catching some waves.
Mama's Fish House signature Black Pearl dessert
The beachfront of Mama's Fish House offers great photo ops!
Shopping
Kihei and Wailea have plenty of shopping, with everything from kitschy souveniers to the latest designer duds. Head up to The Shops at Wailea for all the things most of us can't afford, such as Versace or fine art, which is conveniently alongside more standard mall fare like Roxy and The Gap. Or go to into town to Kihei Kalama Village, where you can find all those fun souveniers everyone back home just has to have, and then some. And of course, there's our favorite place, the ABC Store. No matter what you're looking for, ABC has it! Wine, cheese, snacks, macadamia nuts, souveniers, flip flops, jewelry, sock monkeys, oh the list goes on and on!
Food
I saved the most important part of Maui for last. The food. First, let me tell you about Happy Hour (yes, that's with a capital H.) Between Kihei and Wailea, you could easily go to Happy Hour every night of your vacation at a different restaurant, all of which offer some truly delicious (and affordable) options. The Happy Hour at Five Palms, located just by the Kihei Boat launch, offers a variety of apps and drinks for half price, with a beachfront location that can't be beat. Try the ribs or the calamari, and their Mai Tais are spectacular! Our Wailea go-to Happy Hour spot is Tommy Bahama. Their martinis are always good and the chicken lollipops should be double-ordered because they disappear fast! We also love the scallop sliders, even though those aren't on the happy hour menu.
For more family-friendly fare, check out Fred's Mexican Cafe on Taco Tuesday. For the freshest choices, go with the catch of the day or scallop tacos, washed down with a cold beer or margarita. And you have to get a silly pic out front while you're there! Here's one of me and my son, back in the day.
Sansei Japanese restaurant in Kihei town is another top family spot, with options that keep both kiddos and adults happy. Try their award winning panko crusted ahi-sashimi roll for something fresh and different. Pita Paradise in Wailea is another great little spot. Hidden away in a strip mall, its Mediterranean food and decor will make you think you've stumbled onto a Greek Island instead of Hawaii. And for breakfast, eggs benedict fans will be in heaven over at Longhi's in Wailea. They have several varieties of benedicts, and I think we've tried them all.
If it's fine dining you're after, there is nothing like Ferraro's, located at the Four Seasons hotel. The most exotic dishes you can imagine, the freshest pasta and ocean views make this a place you won't want to miss. Sunset at Ferraro's is a Maui staple, as are the violinist duo who play there in the evening. Ferraro's has won awards for being the "most romantic" dining venue, and with good reason.
I confess, I have a terrible sweet tooth and Ululani's Shave Ice, is, as far as I'm concerned, the only shave ice place on the island! Located on Kihei road just on the edge of town, locals and tourists alike know there isn't a better place with friendlier service, to get your shave ice on. The kids working there are always upbeat, friendly and make a point of asking where you're from.
Maui has come to feel like a second home to us, and we look forward to many more years of vacationing there.
Oh did you think you were gonna escape having to see our cheesy love selfies? Oh no my friends, I have yearrrrs of Hawaii selfies of us, years! I'll only share a few here though...
A visit to Maui means leaving all those mainland worries behind and slowing your roll down to pretty much zero. Put your toes in the sand and stay awhile, it's always island time in Hawaii.
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