Maui, Hawai’i
Maui is a beautiful island that we found to be more low key compared to Oahu and Big Island. It’s a great place to just relax and disengage from the hustle and bustle of city life, but if you like a variety of activities and food options, I’d recommend checking out the other islands instead. Nonetheless, this was our first time in Maui and we did enjoy our time there overall!
All destinations can be found via Google Maps.
Trip Dates: 7 Jan 2021 - 16 Jan 2021
ROAD TO HANA
The Road to Hana is truly about the journey itself and worth a full day’s worth of time. We downloaded The Gypsy Guide Road to Hana App which was super helpful as there wasn’t signal during some parts of the road and the guide offered some interesting history and facts throughout the drive. To make the best use of time, I’d definitely recommend starting early (before 8 AM) and hitting each POI to the end (The Kīpahulu District of Haleakalā National Park) and then driving straight back without stopping.
Ke’anae Arboretum & Rainbow Eucalyptus Trees
Ke’anae Peninsula
‘Ohe’o Gulch (7 Sacred Pools)
The “end” of the Road To Hana is The Kīpahulu District of Haleakalā National Park, which opens daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. If you don’t have an U.S. National Park Pass, you’ll have to pay an entrance fee. Because we arrived right before closing, we didn’t get to hike any trails but my research points me to these three trails that are worthwhile: Kūloa Point Trail (0.5 miles), Pipiwai Trail (4 miles), Waimoku Falls viewing area
Upper Waikani Falls (3 Bears)
Most folks stop quickly to take a picture, but the more daring will take a steep path down to the bottom of the waterfall. The entrance down is just to the left of the bridge that you cross to get here (see first picture below).
Wai’anapanapa State Park
Black Sand Beach, Caves & Blowhole
Wailua Falls
POIs We Missed: Twin Falls, Koki Beach, Alau Island, Paia, Hamoa Beach, Hana Bay, Ho’okipa Beach
HALEAKALA
Haleakalā Summit and Crater
To watch the sunrise at Haleakalā Summit, you have to purchase tickets in advance, which will allow you to enter the park between 3 AM - 7 AM in time for the sunrise. Since it’s part of the U.S. National Parks, you’ll also need a park pass or have to pay an entrance fee. It is definitely cold, so I’d recommend wearing a winter jacket, pants, layers, and close toed shoes. Bring some coffee of hot chocolate to keep you warm while you watch the amazing colors appear in the sky!
Because we were cold, tired, and unmotivated, we didn’t get to do any real hikes while in the park. However, I’ve listed some highly rated ones here:
Hosmer’s Grove Nature Trail (0.5 miles)
Halemau’u Trail (2 miles)
Keonehe‘ehe‘e (Sliding Sands) (11 miles)
We did the first 0.25 mile of this trail and then turned around, however, if you were to complete the entire thing, it’s recommend to consider using the “hiker pick-up” since there isn’t a loop back to your starting point. Otherwise, some recommend parking your car at Halemau'u and hitchhiking up to Keonehe'ehe'e at the beginning of your hike.
WEST MAUI
Nakalele Blowhole
Honolua Bay
Olivine Pools
DO NOT GO INTO THE POOLS. They’re extremely dangerous - you can get swept into the ocean by rogue waves. There have been multiple deaths at this site and it seems the locals have taken down signs marking the spot to deter tourists from finding it. When we visited, the only thing that “marked” its location was a dirt area that used to be the parking area.
There is an opening that leads to the trail and along the path are signs on the way down to the pools warning you to go no further. We ended up taking the trail down watch the powerful waves as they filled the pool. The trail is moderately steep and consists of loose lava rock. I’d recommend wearing close-toed shoes to avoid getting cut by the sharp lava rock.
DT Fleming Park and Beach
Ka’anapali
Lahaina
Lahaina is a cute little town with its main street being Front Street. Along the road, you’ll find shops to buy some souvenirs for your loved ones and ocean-side restaurants with beautiful views.
POIs We Missed: Kapalua Bay, Olawalu, Mile 8 (Whale) Lookout, Ma’alaea & Maui Ocean Center
CENTRAL MAUI
Central Maui is where the airport, Costco, and other major chains are located. Costco gas is the cheapest we’ve seen on the island and we stopped here before heading down to the Road To Hana.
IAO VALLEY
POIs We Missed: Kepaniwai Park, Kahului shopping area, Maui Tropical Plantation, Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum
SOUTH MAUI
Molokini Crater Snorkeling
I’d pass on paying for a trip out here and opt for snorkeling options along the shore. While the snorkeling wasn’t impressive, we did see a Monk Seal!
Makena State Park (Big Beach & Little Beach)
Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve
This was our favorite snorkeling spot!
POIs We Missed: Kihei, Kamaole Beach Parks, Wailea, La Perouse Bay, Turtle Town, Polo Beach, Maluaka Beach
Food
Our family is a bunch of foodies and they love poke, however, we unfortunately were very underwhelmed with the food options here. For probably half of our meals on the island, we bought food from Costco and cooked in our hotel room. I’ve listed the places we tried for your reference but we only really recommend a few:
🌟Foodland - yes, Foodland is a grocery store but the poke was the MVP, better than the options at the ore popular Eskimo Candy
🌟Down the Hatch - cute bar area and the food was actually decent
🌟Paia Fish Market
Farmers Market Maui - yummy but quite expensive acai bowls
Tin Roof
My Thai
Eskimo Candy Seafood Market & Cafe - we were really excited to visit, but the poke-obsessed individuals of the group were disappointed
Star Noodle - love the location but food was okay…
🌟 Our Favorites
That officially concludes the recap of our Maui trip!
Hope you found my experience helpful for your Maui plans!
Love, Steph