Fun Facts About Maui...
SOME INTERESTING FACTS...
Hawaii’s second-largest island is also its playground, blending luxury resorts with an array of outdoor adventure. Known as the Valley Isle, Maui inspires its guests to get active, whether that means paddling an outrigger canoe or playing paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) on the flanks of Haleakala, a dormant volcano that occupies three-quarters of the island.
Come for the aloha spirit, stay for the vibrant food scene and renewed passion for native Hawaiian culture.
WHEN'S THE BEST TIME TO GO TO TO MAUI?
Crowds flock to Maui when temperatures cool elsewhere, creating a high season from mid-December to mid-April. However, spring and fall tend to have more consistently great weather, as well as cheaper rates. Avoid visiting during Japan’s Golden Week—from late April to early May—when an influx of visitors from Japan means hotels, restaurants, rental cars, and interisland flights can be hard to come by.
HOW TO GET AROUND MAUI
Travelers flying from the continental U.S. or overseas will arrive through Maui’s main airport, Kahului (OGG). Both West Maui (JHM) and Hana (HNM) have smaller airfields, but they’re only serviced by interisland airline Mokulele. Once in Maui, rental cars remain the best way to get around, but rideshare companies like Lyft and Uber do operate on the island.
FOOD AND DRINK TO TRY IN MAUI
In 1991, a handful of chefs established Hawaii Regional Cuisine, a culinary movement highlighting the archipelago’s local flavors. Featured prominently in many of Maui’s top restaurants, the style of cooking draws heavily on island ingredients like seafood, plus the fruits, vegetables, and cattle that flourish in Upcountry. Popular dishes include poi (ground taro root), kalua pork (slow roasted in an underground oven called an imu), and haupia (a coconut milk custard).
Other must-try local eats include Spam musubi (essentially grilled Spam sushi), loco moco (rice topped with a hamburger patty, fried egg, and gravy), and malasada (a fried doughnut originally from Portugal). If you like spice, season your savory dishes with Hawaiian chili pepper water—or make like the locals and sip the garlicky liquid as a digestive aid.
CULTURE IN MAUI
Known for their warmth and emphasis on cooperation, the people of Maui have no dominant ethnicity except “mixed.” Their genes—and culture—blend European, American, Japanese, Filipino, Chinese, Korean, African, Puerto Rican, and Native Hawaiian ancestry, resulting in a laid-back population filled with the aloha spirit. On Maui, you’re more likely to get a friendly shaka hand sign than be cut off in traffic.
Areas like Kihei, Lahaina, Wailuku, and Maui’s neighboring island of Lanai are home to thriving art and food scenes, while in Upcountry, on the slopes of Haleakala, the paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) town of Makawao attracts visitors with eclectic boutiques, restaurants, and Hawaii’s most historic bakery. When visiting the island, you’ll also want to catch some hula and Hawaiian music, which goes far beyond traditional ukulele melodies to reggae and even rock. Other can’t-miss events include the prestigious Maui Film Festival, the Kapalua Wine & Food Festival, and the OluKai Ho‘olaule‘a paddling race, all in June.
CAN'T MISS THINGS TO DO IN MAUI
It’s impossible to see all that Maui has to offer in just one visit, but visitors shouldn’t miss snorkeling in the extinct volcanic crater of Molokini, driving the twisting Road to Hana, and watching the sunrise from the top of Haleakala. Of course, a visit here also wouldn’t be complete without some beach time at popular spots like Kapalua, Wailea, Kāʻanapali, Hamoa, and Ho'okipa. For those with more time, towns like Paia, Makawao, and the picturesque former whaling village of Lahaina boast some excellent shopping and dining.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
As a state, Hawaii doesn’t require passports or visas for travelers from the contiguous U.S., Alaska, and territories like Guam. Locals speak English, enlivened by Hawaiian pidgin. Expect to hear phrases like “slippahs” for flip-flops and “talk story” for shooting the breeze. The Native Hawaiian language is also enjoying a renaissance and features in everyday conversations across the island. Essentials include aloha (hello and goodbye), mahalo (thank you) and pūpūs (appetizers), plus the navigation essentials makai (toward the sea) and mauka (toward the mountains).
Like the rest of America, Maui has 120V electricity and uses type A and B outlets. Travelers should also know that the island’s warm welcome extends to all visitors, including the LGBTQIA community.
There’s a magic side to the 728-square-mile Hawaiian island that’s mobbed with 2.4 million visitors
And here's how to find it!
The secret’s long been out about Maui, site of a million honeymoons. Put in some cursory searching before your trip and you conjure the usual suspects: sprawling, 400-room resorts, a scenic highway jam-packed with rental Jeeps, row upon row of tchotchke shops. More or less the reasons you’d avoided the island in favor of its less-trafficked neighbors.
Maui’s rural northeast, however, shatters the mold. You won’t find it topping the lists of places to stay, which is likely why it remains a peaceful place for renewal. Here is the Valley Isle’s secret: Upcountry.
In a historic building that once housed sugar plantation workers, Lumeria Maui is a far cry from the manicured resorts of ritzy Wailea. The original structure is over a century old, the rooms are comparatively rustic, and you’re 20 minutes’ drive from the beach. But if you are at all nourished by meditation, yoga, and an atmosphere that’s more laid-back Zen temple than upscale beach party, this is where you start.
Retreat into wellness
Lumeria's quiet, lush grounds are constantly tickled by cool ocean breezes. A saline pool hosts a couple quietly reading or chatting in hushed tones in the hot tub. Breakfasts of freshly cut pineapple and papaya, farm-fresh eggs, and proper health-food garnishes for your steel-cut oats like chia seeds and almond butter are served every morning by friendly, laid-back staff on the sun-soaked lanai.
Expect the trip to go down something like this: After rolling out of bed and enjoying your organic breakfast, you wander across the gently sloping lawn with a nod to the giant stone buddha that presides over it.
You’re headed to one of whichever of the three to five yoga and meditation classes moves you that day. They take place in a range of styles in one of the three (three!) dedicated yoga spaces and are included in your daily resort fee, so you’re treating your stay as something of a self-styled wellness retreat.
In a setting like this, you try styles you don’t usually have time for outside of your regular practice, like Kundalini or restorative, and indulge in the yogic ideal of both a morning and an evening class. Unusual for a vacation destination, the teachers are knowledgeable and experienced, making experimentation worthwhile.
Your impromptu retreat includes a daily self-lead meditation in between classes. That usually takes place in the forest overlooking the rolling fields of grazing cattle and, further below, the shores of the Pacific. There isn’t much noise to begin with, but if there were, it would be drowned out by the trade winds whipping through the whispering pines.
The 10 Best Beaches in Maui
With sugary sands, turquoise waters, coral reefs, surf breaks, and more, Maui’s best beaches offer something for everyone.
No trip to Maui is complete without a generous dose of sand and sea. Thankfully, the island has a wealth of user-friendly beaches, covering more than 30 miles of the coastline. Many of the softest and sandiest lie in the sheltered leeward areas on the western and southern shores, but the hidden eastern coves near Hana also beckon, especially picture-perfect Hamoa and northern Hookipa, a spot prized by expert surfers and windsurfers.
When hitting the beach, make sure to leave only gentle footprints: Bring reusable bags and water bottles, pick up litter, and choose your sunscreen wisely. On January 1, 2021, Hawaii’s ban on oxybenzone and octinoxate—common sunscreen ingredients that have been shown to bleach and stunt coral—goes into effect. “To have less impact, choose eco-conscious products like Maui-made Raw Love Sunscreen or sun-protective UPF clothing like rash guards and leggings,” advises marine biologist Lila Jones of Mermaid Dream Retreats.
Once you’re set with supplies, head to one of the 10 beaches listed below and get ready to soak up the Maui sun.
Hamoa Beach
An isolated strand, this gem on Maui’s eastern tip lies just off the 52-mile Road to Hana. Drivers on the legendary highway tend to zoom right past Hamoa’s golden sands and clear, emerald-green waters, but the savvy ones stop and stay a while—and bring a boogie board. Both Mark Twain and author James Michener fell for this sheltered, palm-fringed shoreline, which is arguably Maui’s most beautiful beach. You will, too.
Hookipa Beach Park
At Hookipa Beach Park on Maui’s north-central coast, three reef breaks pock the Pacific, attracting expert surfers and windsurfers. You can watch the thrill-seekers’ acrobatics from the aptly named Lookout Cliff, or seek out something more laid-back via Hookipa’s white sands and tide pools teeming with marine life. Another highlight remains the honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles), most reliably spotted right before sunset as they haul ashore to sleep.
Honokalani Beach
The 122-acre Waianapanapa State Park on Maui’s eastern coast encompasses lava caves, blowholes, sea stacks, a natural stone arch, native hala (pandanus tree) groves, and Polynesia’s largest known heiau (an ancient Hawaiian temple). While the area is sacred to Hawaiians, most travelers come here for Honokalani Beach, which boasts black sands formed by the ocean battering a fractured lava flow. An essential stop amid Hana Highway’s 620 curves, the wild, unspoiled beach is beautiful to explore but, notably, not safe for swimming. Fierce currents often rip through the bay and the water gets deep close to shore.
Honolua Bay
A marine reserve, the rocky Honolua Bay on Maui’s northwestern coast delivers some of island’s best snorkeling and scuba diving during the calm summer months. In the winter, as large storms move south of Alaska, the turquoise cove develops a hollow, powerful wave that draws expert surfers and those eager to watch their tricks.
Kaanapali Beach
Resorts flank this scenic three-mile stretch of white sand in northwestern Maui, but it’s wide enough to never feel crowded. A promenade runs the full length of the beach, from the Sheraton to the Hyatt hotels, allowing visitors with strollers and wheelchairs to easily soak up the views. Head to the central area for the best bodysurfing, then continue on to the northern Puu Kekaa (Black Rock) to watch the sunset. Stay put until it’s dark and you can catch the nightly torch-lighting ceremony and cliff dive, which honors King Kahekili, the first human to brave this leina a kauhane (a place where ancient Hawaiians believed their spirits leapt into the afterlife).
Kanaha Beach
Only a six-minute drive from the airport in north Maui, Kanaha Beach is a world-famous windsurfing spot. There’s even a beginner reef break here, though you’ll need to paddle out about 450 feet to catch the smaller waves. For the less adventurous, the beach is also good for swimming and has a large, grassy picnic area. Order a lunch box to go from nearby Hawaiian spot Tin Roof—the garlic shrimp and Mochiko chicken are both exceptional—and savor it here, in view of the sparkling water.
Kapalua Bay
At Kapalua, two reefs form a half-moon cove, hence the beach’s name, which roughly translates to “arms embracing the sea.” The northeastern hot spot is one of Maui’s best swimming beaches, but the center of the bay is sandy, making for slightly cloudy water and only so-so snorkeling. (If you really want to see marine life, head next door to the clearer Namalu Bay.)
Maalaea Bay
Shielded by the Haleakala volcano from morning breezes, this southern Maui beach features hard-packed sand rinsed by gentle surf. While many whale-watching and snorkel tours depart from the adjacent harbor, near the Maui Ocean Center aquarium, Maalaea boasts 2.5 miles of beauty that’s completely uninterrupted by buildings. Combine a beach walk here with a stop at the nearby Maui Tropical Plantation, which offers a park, farm tours, zip-lining, a café, a boutique, and locally inspired dining at the Mill House.
Makena State Park
One of Maui’s largest wild beaches, Makena stretches for three-quarters of a mile along the island’s southwestern sweep. Here, the distinctive Puu Olai cinder cone shades the sugary sand, and black lava outcrops offer protection from the trade winds. The often-calm waters attract swimmers, snorkelers, and fishers, while the clothing-optional Little Beach, on the other side of the promontory, draws those willing to show some skin.
Wailea Beach
A third of a mile long, this southwestern beauty draws sun-seekers with its tawny, fine-grained sands and whale sightings in the winter months. A paved path along the beach links several tony resorts, including the design-forward Andaz Maui and the elegant-but-family-friendly Fairmont Kea Lani.
4 Places to Find Authentic Food in Maui’s #1 Popular Region
These truly Hawaiian eating spots are even bringing locals to resort-filled Wailea.
Nestled on the southern shore of Maui, Wailea is an area that’s notorious for beautiful beaches and high-end resorts of the Relais & Château and Four Seasons varieties. Wailea is a place you go to escape, and the last thing on your mind should be how to get to dinner. Luckily, the Wailea resort community has some stellar, authentic restaurants of its own—all within minutes of your beachside lounge chair. Here, the four you should try.
1. Ka’ana Kitchen
Opened in 2013, Ka’ana Kitchen is a relative newcomer to Wailea’s high-end dining scene. Maui native Chef Isaac Bancaco worked in Boston with Ming Tsai and in Los Angeles with Roy Yamaguchi before returning home to the island.
Ka’ana’s sleek atmosphere, along with its big open kitchen, farm-to-table cuisine, global wine list, and family-style service, puts this restaurant on par with those in food-obsessed cities like New York and San Francisco.
The menu goes out of its way to highlight local fishmongers, farms, and meat purveyors. Noteworthy “Ka’ana Classics” include grilled octopus and abalone risotto and local fisherman Barry Masuda’s Maui-caught fish. A meal here is worth the splurge for special occasions. Pro-tip: Opt for the chef’s counter where you can watch the culinary acrobatics and chat with the kitchen team.
2. Monkeypod Kitchen
Located within sight of the Pacific, Monkeypod is a boisterous indoor-outdoor hangout where locals are widely represented. It doesn’t look like much from the outside, but the expansive indoor space and outdoor patio make up a quintessential resort town watering hole.
Both locals and visitors go for one of the two nightly happy hours, where appetizers are half off, wood-fired pizzas are $9, and drinks are discounted. Highlights include the lobster deviled eggs, garlic truffle oil fries, wood-roasted chicken wings, and Hamakua wild mushroom pizza. They’ve got 36 beers on tap, ranging from local Hawaiian breweries to Belgian and German imports, and the mai tai with lilikoi foam rivals any other mai tai on the island. For dessert, there’s a lineup of cream pies, including coconut cream, an island favorite.
3. Kō
Adjacent to the Fairmont’s pool with the ocean viewable in the distance, Kō provides the ideal mix of casual and elegant that’s perfect for dressing up for dinner but laid-back enough for a quick afternoon respite from the beach.
This is the place to take anyone with a dietary restriction, because the flexible menu accommodates anything from vegan to non-dairy to gluten free—and every meal still comes out tasty.
The food honors the islands’ diverse histories and Hawaiian, Chinese, Filipino, Portuguese, Korean, and Japanese influences. Favorite dishes include the timeless tuna poke, ginger-hoisin barbecue pork chop, and lobster tempura. The circular bar in the center of the restaurant hosts a daily happy hour offering $13 pupus (appetizers) such as crispy calamari, poke, sushi, and flatbreads alongside mai tais, daiquiris, and a rum-spiked Lava Flow.
4. 5 Palms Restaurant
Sitting practically on the sand of Keawakapu Beach, 5 Palms is the place to take in spectacular ocean views and unrivaled sunsets. Aim to arrive at this beachfront oasis before sunset to scope out a table and settle in with an Arnold Palmer or something stronger.
Happy hours run from 3 to 7 p.m. and 9 to 11 p.m., and tables get snagged quickly. The restaurant is also a standout for breakfast—tableside whale sightings are the norm during whale season—and the crab-and-avocado omelet is a year-round staple.
5 Ways to Go off the Beaten Path in Maui
Most people visit Maui and only experience one side of the island—resort-lined Wailea. They rent a car and ambitiously try to tackle the Hana Highway in a single day and, sadly, see nothing of the real Hana. Having lived on Maui, I got to experience the island’s many diverse sides, and I always urge friends to divide their stay between different parts of the island if they want to really get to know the island beyond its gorgeous coast. These are 5 tips for getting beneath the surface of Maui.
1. Experience Maui’s Cowboy Culture
Maui is known for its beaches, but head to the heart of the island—”upcountry”—and you’ll get a taste of Maui’s paniolo (cowboy) culture. The rustic little town of Makawao exudes western charm and is a perfect place to spend an afternoon visiting art galleries and independent boutiques. In the past, the only option for accommodations were B&Bs, but now travelers can book a wellness retreat at the stylish upcountry retreat, Lumeria.
2. Spend a Night (or Two) in Hana
Anyone who has tried to drive the 54-mile Hana Highway in a day knows that you end up in a slow line of convertible rental cars, and by the time you reach Hana, you need to turn around and retrace the windy road back home. Get on the road early to beat the traffic, and then plan out your day: stops at Garden of Eden Arboretum and Botanical Garden, Waianapanapa State Park to see its famous black-sand beach, and Red Sand Beach. Most importantly, make time to hike to Makahiku Falls. Spend a night at the Travaasa Hana Hotel, then go for a swim the next morning at ‘Oheo Gulch or surf Hamoa Beach.
3. Hang with Locals in Paia
The hippy town of Paia is full of local character. Spend an afternoon in town and check out cute boutiques such as Imrie, Tamara Catz, and Nuage Bleu. Grab lunch at Café de Amis or Flatbread Pizza, but save room for a scoop of homemade gelato at Ono Gelato Company. I used to get my morning coffee at Anthony’s, where Laird Hamilton and his surf crew could often be spotted.
4. Learn to Fly
Everyone associates Hawaii with surfing, and while there’s some seriously good surf to be had on Maui, the island is really known for its epic windsurf and kite-surf spots. Take a lesson at Kanaha Beach (locally known as kite-surf beach) with the excellent instructors at Kiteboarding School Maui.
5. Get Beyond the Beach Resorts in Wailea
While the resort beaches of Wailea have perks like beach bars, lounge chairs and snorkel equipment, they’re also crowded. When I lived in Maui, I’d bypass these beaches and continue down the road about 15 minutes to Makena Beach State Park. Locals call it Big Beach because of its size, and if you hike over the hill you end up at Little Beach, which is more like a small cove (be warned—on Sundays, Little Beach attracts lots of naked sunbathers).
The 15 Best Maui Restaurants
Given that agriculture is the second largest local industry, you can bet you’ll taste exceptional homegrown flavors at the best Maui restaurants.
Pro local tip: in addition to visiting awesome breweries and beaches, some of the best things to do in Maui involve exploring the agriculture that gives rise to the food you’ll be consuming on your stay here. Take a drive through Upcountry and notice farms and ranches spread along Mount Haleakala's volcanic slopes. Visit local produce stands to sample papaya and watermelon grown just outside of bustling tourist towns.
From pupu (appetizers) to shared plates and family-style dinners, Maui is known as a culinary destination and its vibrant heritage is showcased within food trucks and fine dining establishments alike. Frequently used ingredients include coconut and macadamia nut, lime and pineapple, taro and sweet potato.
Also take some time to celebrate notable island chefs like Abby Ferrer and Ed Morita, who are usually part of the annual Hawaii Food & Wine Festival.
Maui restaurants
1. Maui Chef’s Table
The Mill House at the Maui Tropical Plantation rightfully frequents best-of lists, but take a step deeper into its culinary world to experience the rare Maui Chef’s Table. Apart from occasional holiday dining, this interactive food experience is exclusive to Saturday evenings and reservations are required. During the communal meal, guests are encouraged to chat with chefs, mingle with others and snap photos of the kitchen in action. No two menus are the same, so you’re guaranteed to sample the freshest ingredients that the island has to offer.
2. Hula Grill
Hula Grill serves a fresh catch every day, also spotlighting different farmers daily. That means guests will always taste the freshest selections available to them while getting acquainted with the island’s bountiful produce and seafood selection. Plus, the venue is beautiful: the Kaanapali beachfront is just steps from the tables, providing a dreamy combination of lapping waves and sunset colors as a view.
3. Maui Fresh Streatery
Find this vibrant red food truck and you’ll discover award-winning plates served by chef Kyle Kawakami. The Maui-born chef grew up surrounded by the farms of Upcountry, so it’s no surprise his menu highlights only the best local ingredients. Think fresh-baked focaccia sandwiches, calamari salads with a de
4. Joey’s Kitchen
Settle in for chef Joey Macadangdang’s creative comfort food at this Hawaiian-Filipino fusion eatery. Opt for a bountiful breakfast burrito or classic loco moco (white rice topped with a hamburger, a fried egg and brown gravy) to indulge in island favorites. For dinner, fill up on mouthwatering butter garlic shrimp or beef short ribs. Plates are artfully presented but the vibe is casual and family-oriented. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are readily available as well.lightful papaya twist and seared ahi tuna on a bed of local organic greens.
5. Mama’s Fish House
Reserve a table at this family-oriented restaurant that’s achieved legendary status over 40 years. The Polynesian decor will welcome you into the romantic oasis along the oceanfront and the service will ensure you feel like a valued guest. Share a crispy whole fish with your dinner mates or savor a decadent bowl of bouillabaisse packed with fresh island flavour. Not to be missed is the house-made ice cream and a signature cocktail with guava, lime and ginger.
6. Kihei Caffe
Reward yourself after a morning yoga session on the beach by strolling over to Kihei Caffe for a satisfying plate of all-day breakfast. Power up with a papaya filled with yogurt and granola or dig into a handsome serving of homemade corned beef hash. To cool down, opt for fresh squeezed juices or a blended frozen coffee. Your flip flops are more than welcome at this walk-up service eatery, perfect for refueling in-between beach vacay activities.
7. Star Noodle
If you’re going to miss the Hawaii Food & Wine Festival, make sure to stop by the Lahaina-based Star Noodle to sample chef Abby Ferrer’s creations year-round. This cozy eatery fuses Filipino, French and Asian flavors, giving birth to a gorgeous menu featuring house-made noodles and surprising sauces. Bring your besties to sample shared plates like scallop shots or steamed pork buns, then tempt your taste buds with fried soup or Singapore noodles. Pair your selections with sake or a lychee martini.
8. Leilani’s on the Beach
Follow the sweet sounds of ukulele and guitar and you’ll come upon the casual island vibe at Leilani’s on the Beach. Start with a Maui fresh salad featuring island greens and toasted macadamia nuts with a drizzle of white balsamic vinaigrette, then sample a fresh catch of sustainable seafood or opt for prime rib or pork ribs sourced from Maui farms. Leilani’s is a popular spot where locals gather for special events, but you’ll find just as many visitors embracing “aloha hour” food and drink specials.
9. Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop
Life is simply better with pie and chef Ed Morita delivers both sweet and savory temptations at Leoda’s Kitchen & Pie Shop. Sure, you can pick up a juicy burger or bountiful salad here but, when the pies run out, you know there’s a reason this venue remains a hot spot for locals and visitors alike. You could go for classics like an apple crumble, but there’s nothing like the macadamia nut chocolate praline pie. Want something tart and sweet? Dig into pineapple lemon pie for the best of both worlds.
10. Morimoto Maui
You’ve heard of chef Masaharu Morimoto for good reason: his iconic Japanese sensations are crowd pleasers. Want to sample the very best? Opt for the the chef’s choice tasting menu, where each item is carefully selected. You can also go for the à la carte menu, showcasing food from the raw bar, apps like savory rock shrimp tempura, and surf and turf entrées. Reservations are recommended as this open-air beachfront dining room is extremely popular, especially during sunset hours.
11. Maui Brewing Co.
Head to the Maui Brewing Co. headquarters in Kihei to experience brewery-to-table dining paired with 36 craft and specialty beers on tap. First, take a brewery tour to acquaint yourself with this indie venue, then dig into classic pub fare, island-style. Think lager infused artisan pizzas, fish tacos featuring the latest catch and veggie burgers with macadamia nuts and avocado. Like any great pub, you’ll find live entertainment and happy hour specials aplenty.
12. Aloha Mixed Plate
Get into the beach vibe at this open-air patio eatery in Lahaina. Sip on a floral topped Mai Tai as outrigger canoes sail past and dig your teeth into a juicy papaya sprinkled with lime. Share coconut crusted prawns with your pal and slurp steamed clams as you prepare for the main course. From marinated chicken to fried noodles or teriyaki beef and fresh fish with pineapple salsa, the menu here surely satisfies.
13. Huli Huli Chicken
The road to Hana is an amazing scenic drive along the coastline and, upon arrival, you’ll want to seek out a great spot to refuel. While you won’t find Huli Huli listed in the phone book and the venue doesn’t have a website, follow locals’ lead and get in line. You’ll find this modest eatery at Koki Beach Park for as long as ingredients are on hand: if it’s a busy beach day, you’ll want to get here pretty early. This is a cash only establishment, so bring bills to pick up a freshly made plate of Hawaiian barbeque.
14. Poi by the Pound
Craving the feast found at a luau but it’s midday? Head to Poi by the Pound in Kahului for a filling Hawaiian plate of Kalua pork, pork laulau, rice, poi and mac salad. It’s a hefty serving, so you can share it with a pal or keep leftovers for later. If you’d rather devour everything in one sitting, opt for a solo pork plate and close your eyes. You’ll practically hear the luau music in the background.
15. Ulupalakua Ranch Store & Grill
You’ve driven through scenic Upcountry and enjoyed a tasting at Maui Wine. When hunger strikes, you need only cross the road to Ulupalakua Ranch Store & Grill for a surprising meal consumed while tucked into hills. Sure, it looks like a small shop with souvenirs and soda machines, but you’ll soon pick up the aroma of burgers on a grill. The open air venue focuses on only using Maui-grown produce alongside local ranch beef. Pull up a patio chair and enjoy one of the island’s hidden gems.
Best Breakfast Restaurants on Maui
Maui puts on its best face the moment it rolls out of bed. Morning here is a special time, when the winds are light, the skies are clear, and the ocean is often calm as glass for paddling, swimming, or surfing. Many residents are up with the sun, and breakfast is a meal that usually comes on the heels of a morning workout.
Alarm clocks aren’t meant for vacation—so there’s no pressure here to get up and at ‘em. Even if you try to sleep in, however, there’s a good chance that the time difference and jet lag will end up waking you at dawn. My suggestion? Resist the urge to roll back over and go for a stroll outside.
The peaks of neighboring Lana‘i and Moloka‘i stand naked against the sky, and a sense of tranquility seems to hang in the air as the island slowly wakes up. When the hunger pangs begin to set in—or for that soothing cup of coffee—the following spots offer culinary complements to perfect Maui mornings.
The Gazebo
What do you get when you combine macadamia nut pancakes with a sweeping view of Moloka‘i? A 20-person line before the restaurant even opens. The Gazebo breakfast is certifiably legendary—and so are the three egg omelets—so try to arrive by 7 a.m. in order to get a good seat. When you’re done, walk off breakfast on the Kapalua Coastal Trail.
Kihei Caffe
Is it still dark but you’re jet-lagged and starving? Luckily, this casual breakfast joint starts cooking at 5 a.m. The local favorites like eggs and fried rice are as affordable as they are filling—and breakfast is served until the 2 p.m. closing if you happen to sleep in.
Charley’s
For those who like breakfast with salt in their hair, this North Shore saloon is the place to re-fuel after a dawn patrol on the water. The heaping omelets and loco moco are the most filling breakfast in Pa‘ia, and it isn’t uncommon to see visiting celebs enjoying a casual breakfast.
La Provence
Like a sliver of French countryside transplanted in Kula, this rural bakery has all the charm of a patisserie in Provence. Enjoy a warm, flaky, freshly baked croissant while surrounded by Kula’s pastures; your cup of coffee swill stave off the chill found here at 3,000 feet. Be sure to arrive early during weekend brunch for the best selection of pastries.
The Plantation House
Not only does your table look out towards Moloka‘i and the famous Plantation golf course, (which hosts the annual PGA Hyundai Tournament of Champions), but diners can choose from six styles of eggs Benedict at surprisingly affordable resort prices. Seared ahi Benedict with wasabi hollandaise, anyone? Or classic buttermilk pancakes?
The Best Bars in Maui
Toast your vacation at one of Maui’s many bars, which range from dives to rooftop lounges to thatched huts serving Champagne. Soak up the sun at Hula Grill or Leilani’s on Kāʻanapali Beach, then retire to spots like the island’s oldest bar, the Pioneer Inn, or Monkeypod Kitchen, which serves cocktails by the legendary Peter Merriman, a leader of Hawaii Regional Cuisine. End the night with dancing into the wee hours at local favorite South Shore Tiki Lounge.
Champagne Hale at Cliff House
1 Bay Dr, Lahaina, HI 96761, USAWebsite| +1 808-662-6600
Set within the 24-acre oasis of Montage Kapalua Bay, this pop-up bar and lounge pairs Veuve Clicquot Champagne with Maui’s world-class sunsets. Open Thursday through Sunday from 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., the Champagne Hale (pronounced HAH-leh, which is the Hawaiian word for house) serves a range of bubbly, from Veuve’s signature Yellow Label, Rosé, and La Grande Dame labels to special Rich and Rich Rosé offerings, available for the first time on the island. Pair your sips with light bites like Kualoa Ranch oysters, bigeye tuna tartare, and burrata toast with pickled strawberries and pistachio pesto, then take in the views as the sun goes down over the Pacific. From the bar’s clifftop perch above Namalu Bay, you’ll enjoy stunning vistas of the ocean as well as Molokai and Lanai islands in the distance.
Down the Hatch
658 Front St #102, Lahaina, HI 96761, USAWebsite| +1 808-661-4900
Founded in 2015 by three childhood friends from Georgia, Down the Hatch brings a Southern twist to the aloha spirit. The classic watering hole serves shrimp po’boys, chicken and waffles, and Mexican-inspired fare like seared ahi tacos, but the real draw is the cocktails, which range from tiki favorites and Moscow Mules to craft libations like the Snake Oil with gin, dragon fruit, lilikoi kombucha, and CBD oil. Featured on Guy Fieri’s Food Network show Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, Down the Hatch also boasts the longest happy hour in Maui. It takes place daily from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and features specials on appetizers, draft beers, and select cocktails.
Fleetwood’s on Front St.
744 Front St, Lahaina, HI 96761, USAWebsite| +1 808-669-6425
Fleetwood Mac front man Mick Fleetwood is behind this bar and restaurant, located on a third-floor rooftop in Lahaina. Here, guests sip drinks under beige umbrellas while taking in views of the dreamy blue Pacific. To pair with award-winning cocktails like the Heart of the Jungle (Cynar, Velvet Falernum, coconut rum, and lemon juice), which comes in a tiki artichoke, executive chef Eric Morrissette serves a menu of elevated bar bites, fresh local fish, and meatier dishes like filet mignon with peppercorn reduction. If you’re not a cocktail person, know that the robust drink menu also features beers from Maui Brewing Co. and Kohola Brewing as well as exclusive wines like Krug Brut from Reims, Luberri Gran Reserva rioja, and even a Chateau Musar red blend from Lebanon.
Hula Grill Kaanapali
2435 Kaanapali Pkwy, Lahaina, HI 96761, USAWebsite| +1 808-667-6636
Located in the heart of Whalers Village on Kāʻanapali Beach, Hula Grill is a busy hangout with live music seven days a week. You can sit for a meal in the open-air dining room, but the real party happens at the restaurant’s Barefoot Bar, right on the water’s edge. Kick off your shoes and sink your feet in the sand, then order a Barefoot Brew (made specially for the bar by Maui Brewing Co.) or cocktails like piña coladas, mojitos, and Maui Mules with organic vodka. Also on offer are a range of non-alcoholic drinks, from house-made sodas and fresh-squeezed juices to local kombucha and pure coconut water, as well as a solid food menu that highlights Hawaiian farmers and fishers. For a great deal, head here for Aloha Hour, which takes place daily from 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. and includes special prices on pupus and drinks.
Leilani’s on the Beach
2435 Kaanapali Pkwy, Lahaina, HI 96761, USAWebsite| +1 808-661-4495
Located along the Kāʻanapali Boardwalk, this breezy, open-air beach bar celebrates all that’s authentically Hawaiian. The menu is full of freshly caught Hawaii fish, chicken and pork from local ranchers, and produce grown on more than 40 family-owned Maui farms, while the drink list features regional beers and even Lokelani sparkling rosé, made on the slopes of Haleakala at Maui’s only winery. If you’re more of a cocktail person, Leilani’s has those, too, including a mai tai made with freshly squeezed juice and a Paloma with house-made hibiscus syrup. Whatever you choose, don’t leave without trying the original hula pie—a chocolate cookie crust topped with macadamia nut ice cream.
Pioneer Inn Grill & Bar
658 Wharf St, Lahaina, HI 96761, USAWebsite| +1 808-270-4858
Lahaina, with its many Victorian flourishes, may look picturesque today, but the port town teemed with sailors, gamblers, and prostitutes in the 19th century. The Pioneer Inn changed all that when it opened for business in 1901, foreshadowing the tourist industry that would ultimately replace whaling, sugar, and pineapples. Step through the swinging doors of this vintage bar, which now bizarrely anchors the courtyard of a Best Western, and you’ll be transported back in time. Oars, harpoons, and a ship’s figurehead still adorn the space, looking down on platters of coconut shrimp, Parmesan-crusted fish over coconut rice, and margaritas made with POG (a mix of passion fruit, orange, and guava juices). Come during happy hour, which runs daily from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., for discounted beers and cocktails.
Lehua Lounge
3550 Wailea Alanui Dr, Kihei, HI 96753, USAWebsite| +1 808-573-1234
This elegant bar at the Andaz Maui overlooks tiers of pools, waterfalls, and tropical foliage, all cascading down to the Wailea coast. Hotel guests and visitors alike come here to lounge under umbrellas by day and around a fire pit by night, sipping on cocktails like the Upcountry Buck (white rum, ginger, and pineapple) and the Lahaina Town Fizz (blanco tequila, strawberry, and elderflower). For something unique, try the Silversword, a cocktail designed by legendary Hawaiian mixologist Julie Reiner that features mezcal, sweet vermouth, pineapple, and chocolate bitters. Pair it with snacks like chilled shrimp summer rolls and Thai lettuce wraps, then finish with a ginger ice cream sandwich made in-house.
Maui Brewing Co.
605 Lipoa Pkwy, Kihei, HI 96753, USAWebsite
At Maui Brewing Co. in Kihei, visitors can take hour-long tours of the brewhouse, cellar, and packaging line, then adjourn to the tasting room with views of Haleakala and Molokini. There, they can sample beers, ciders, wines, and specialty cocktails while playing board games or simply taking in the vistas. Also on-site at the brewery is a restaurant with 36 craft and specialty beers on tap, plus a menu of burgers, fish tacos, and pizzas with MBC’s Bikini Blonde lager in the crust. Go for the live entertainment or the twice-daily happy hours, when you can enjoy steep discounts on house beers, classic cocktails, pizzas, and select appetizers.
Monkeypod Kitchen
10 Wailea Gateway Pl, Kihei, HI 96753, USAWebsite| +1 808-891-2322
Belly up to this Wailea bar, which dazzles with a display of blue-glass Japanese fishing floats, for Hawaii’s best mai tai. Here, chef Peter Merriman, a pioneer of Hawaii Regional Cuisine, brings his genius to the classic cocktail, adding a thick head of honey-lilikoi (passion fruit) foam. Be sure to also score a table for later, as Monkeypod Kitchen does double duty as one of Maui’s top restaurants. Menu standouts include such seasonal dishes as kiawe-roasted squash ravioli, coconut-corn chowder, Hamakua wild mushroom pizza drizzled with truffle oil, and bulgogi pork tacos with Asian pear and house-made kimchi.
South Shore Tiki Lounge
1913-J S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI 96753, USAWebsite| +1 808-874-6444
With its thatched roof, bamboo bar, and surfboard decor, this beloved watering hole—often voted Maui’s best bar by locals—checks all the tiki boxes. Head here for live music, lanai seating, and late-night dancing, plus fun and fruity rum cocktails like mai tais, zombies, daiquiris, and piña coladas. Beyond its drinks, South Shore Tiki Lounge was recognized by the state of Hawaii as an outstanding business for its regular fund-raising efforts, which benefit local organizations like the Keiki Cupboard, Hawaii Wildlife Fund, Maui Humane Society, and Hawaii Animal Rescue Foundation. All that to say, you can feel good coming here to wash down a massive chili-cheese hot dog with a lychee-watermelon martini.
The Best Hotels in Maui
In Maui, visitors are spoiled for choice when it comes to hotels. The island is home to everything from plantation-style B&Bs to sprawling beach resorts with floating restaurants, offering something for every type of traveler, whether they care most about spacious rooms, outdoor pools, or ocean views. Find family-friendly elegance at the Fairmont Kea Lani; an artsy, boho-chic vibe at Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort; or utter luxury at Four Seasons Hotel Lanai, a sanctuary on a nearby island that was once home to the world’s largest pineapple plantation.
Montage Kapalua Bay
1 Bay Dr, Lahaina, HI 96761, USAWebsite| +1 808-662-6600
The resort Montage Kapalua Bay, perched on an ocean-facing cliff on the island’s northwestern shore, impresses right from the start. The experience begins at the entrance, where tranquil koi ponds set the tone for an impressive array of pools and waterfalls at the center of the 24-acre property. From there, 56 palatial, residence-style villas encourage hunkering down—each is equipped with a kitchen with marble countertops and wine refrigerators; deep-soaking tubs and walk-in showers; and washers and dryers—but do venture out. The concierge can arrange for everything from fishing charters to ziplining. Should you prefer a quieter pursuit, the spa offers a range of tranquil services, including a restorative seaweed cocoon treatment performed in an outdoor pavilion.
The Plantation Inn
174 Lahainaluna Rd, Lahaina, HI 96761, USAWebsite| +1 808-667-9225
Often ranked as Maui’s top bed-and-breakfast, this adults-only sanctuary in Lahaina holds its own among Hawaii’s top accommodations. As its name implies, the inn boasts plantation-style architecture, but rooms feature modern conveniences like dual rain showers and whirlpool hot tubs. Guests can also expect hardwood floors, French doors, four-poster beds topped with Hawaiian quilts, and complimentary breakfasts at the award-winning on-site French restaurant Gerard’s. Set right in Lahaina, the property is close to shops, sights, and restaurants and just 10 minutes from the beach, but guests often find themselves lingering at the tranquil outdoor pool instead of venturing out.
The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua
1 Ritz Carlton Dr, Lahaina, HI 96761, USAWebsite| +1 808-669-6200
Set on 54 acres adjacent to two championship golf courses, the five-star Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua enjoys a remote, peaceful location overlooking the ocean. During construction, developers discovered a significant Hawaiian burial area—which now functions as the Honokahua Preservation Site—and were forced to build on an inland hill, but the resort is all the more lovely for respecting indigenous culture. This local ethos extends to the hotel programming, which includes hula lessons in the medicinal plant garden and cards featuring Hawaiian mo‘olelo (stories) with turndown service each night.
Recently redesigned, the guest rooms and suites boast local art; modern, island-inspired design; luxurious marble bathrooms; and spacious outdoor lanais (balconies). The tranquil spa offers treatments inspired by ancient Hawaiian traditions, while six on-site dining outlets serve everything from Hawaiian pupu (appetizers) to French-Filipino fusion. For something casual but delicious, head to the alfresco Burger Shack, which won a James Beard Foundation Blended Burger Award for its grass-fed Maui beef creation topped with kiawe-smoked king alii mushrooms.
Lumeria Maui
1813 Baldwin Ave, Makawao, HI 96768, USAWebsite| +1 808-579-8877
If you’re looking for tropical tranquillity, bypass Maui’s buzzy resort enclaves and head away from the coast to the island’s laid-back Upcountry, where you’ll find Lumeria. At the 24-room wellness retreat, visitors can start the day with a guided sunrise meditation, then strengthen their yoga practice, learn to hula or surf, and go snorkeling off the North Shore. Spa treatments include Hawaiian massage and acupuncture as well as nontraditional therapies like crystal healing and shaman-led journeys. The schedule is flexible, so you’ll have plenty of time to learn about Hawaii’s paniolo (cowboy) culture or just take in the ocean views from your private lanai. Guest rooms feature art by local Maui artists, four-poster beds topped with organic linens, and stone-tile showers stocked with Aveda products, while the Wooden Crate restaurant prepares farm-to-table meals with nearly 200 types of fruits and vegetables that grow on the property.
Travaasa Hana, Maui
5031 Hana Hwy, Hana, HI 96713, USAWebsite| +1 808-248-8211
An antidote to hectic modern life, Travaasa Hana, on Maui’s remote eastern coast, feels like a step back in time. There are no televisions, radios, clocks, or air-conditioning (ceiling fans and panoramic sliding doors capture ocean breezes) in nearly all of the 70 cottages and suites, but you won’t miss them. Your days will be spent soaking up Hawaiian culture, whether that means fishing with throw nets, making traditional ti leaf leis, or enjoying an open-air ukulele lesson. Of course, no visit to these parts is complete without a journey along the legendary Road to Hana, which lies to the north and west and promises primordial views of waterfalls, gardens, and secluded swimming holes. Upon your return to the resort, savor the fresh-caught specialties at the Preserve Kitchen & Bar, overlooking Hana Bay.
Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort
3550 Wailea Alanui Dr, Wailea, HI 96753, USAWebsite| +1 808-573-1234
Opened in 2013, Andaz’s first and only Hawaiian property has four cascading infinity pools (plus many more private plunge pools) and an enviable location on Mokapu Beach, meaning guests are never more than a few steps from water. The 290 rooms and suites are decked out in stylish, contemporary furnishings—some even come with Viking grills on private lanais—and 10 luxurious villas feature up to four bedrooms, with the largest maxing out at a sprawling 4,000 square feet. The resort’s full calendar of activities offers everything from coconut leaf weaving to kayaking, outrigger canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding—plus GoPro shooting and editing lessons to best capture it all. At Morimoto Maui, one of four restaurants on the property, renowned chef Masaharu Morimoto combines Japanese and Western influences in inspired dishes like yellowtail “pastrami,” served with a gin-spiked crème fraîche.
Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui
4100 Wailea Alanui Dr, Wailea, HI 96753, USAWebsite| +1 808-875-4100
Of all the accommodations in Maui’s tony Wailea resort community, the 22-acre, waterfront Fairmont Kea Lani may be the most family-friendly of the bunch thanks in large part to its all-suite-and-villa setup. The property’s 450 guest rooms are some of the biggest on the island—the smallest suites start at a generous 860 square feet, while the two- and three-bedroom beachfront villas weigh in at 1,800 square feet and up. All cater to families, with separate sleeping and living areas, entertainment systems, furnished outdoor space (for lounging and dining), sleeper sofas, and some type of kitchen facilities, while villas encourage group gatherings with plunge pools and BBQ grills. Both adults and kids will love the deep-soaking tubs, too. Elsewhere, three indoor and three outdoor pools provide space for fun when kids’ club activities (among them volcano building, hula lessons, and tide pool excursions) aren’t on the agenda. Grown-ups can also amuse themselves with activities like outrigger canoe journeys, cultural programs, tee times at three nearby championship golf courses, and locally inspired treatments at the Willow Stream Spa, which offers dedicated fitness and wellness programs. Fuel your adventures at the five on-site restaurants, including the seafood-focused Nick’s Fishmarket Maui (with its 2,000-bottle-strong wine cellar) and the award-winning Kō, where the flavors are inspired by Hawaii, the Philippines, Korea, and beyond.
Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea
3900 Wailea Alanui Dr, Wailea, HI 96753, USAWebsite| +1 808-874-8000
Look no further than Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea for the ultimate in Hawaiian luxury. The feeling begins to settle in as you walk through the crescent-shaped property’s lobby, catching plumeria-scented breezes on your way to the sprawling cabana-lined saltwater infinity pool. The sunset views over the beach just beyond are postcard worthy but not exclusive—you can see them from nearly all the 383 rooms and suites. The accommodations themselves are also something to look at: Outfitted in sandy hues, light-colored wood, and subtle blue accents, they channel the land and sea on the other side of floor-to-ceiling windows. Three Zagat-rated restaurants dish up some of the best meals on the island, and the spa offers massages in an open-sided thatched hale hau hut. At happy hour in the lobby lounge, guests and non-guests alike watch dancers perform to traditional hula songs, all while drinking a perfectly boozy mai tai and (on Sunday evenings) eating fresh dim sum.
Grand Wailea Maui, a Waldorf Astoria Resort
3850 Wailea Alanui Dr, Wailea, HI 96753, USAWebsite| +1 808-875-1234
A honeymooner’s dream, the 40-acre Grand Wailea hails from the era of the Hawaiian mega-resort. From its perch over the Pacific, the hotel offers an impressive collection of original art (much of it created by locals specially for the property), 40 acres of lush tropical gardens, and over-the-top water features among the nine swimming pools, including slides, caves, a Tarzan swing, swim-up bars, and a canyon with an enclosed “lava tube.” The resort even boasts Humuhumu, a Hawaiian-inspired restaurant set in a man-made lagoon, and 780 guest rooms, all of which include a private patio or balcony. Opt for accommodations on the Napua Club level for a more intimate “boutique hotel within a resort” feel.
Hotel Wailea Maui
555 Kaukahi St Wailea, Kihei, HI 96753, USAWebsite| +1 866-850-5139
Perched 300 feet above the Pacific on 15 verdant acres, Hotel Wailea is a former members’ club that still feels like a hidden enclave of cool. In 2014, new owners invested $15 million in a redesign that left 72 one-bedroom suites with white oak floors, Sub-Zero appliances, and Hawaii-inspired art. Still, it’s the pool that really wins over guests—it’s calm and quiet (thanks to the hotel’s no-kids policy); there are umbrella-shaded loungers and bungalows with fans for when you’ve had too much sun; and the beyond-gracious staff are always at the ready with water, cocktails, kombucha, and coconut water. The hotel lounge offers free wine and appetizers at 5 p.m. on Friday nights, while the farm-to-fork restaurant highlights produce grown in the resort’s own garden. Complimentary on-site activities include yoga, outrigger canoeing, and mixology classes, but guests can take the hotel’s Tesla Model X house vehicles anywhere in Wailea or rent an electric bike and cruise the South Maui coast if they want to get off property.
Four Seasons Resort Lanai
1, Keomoku Highway, Lanai City, HI 96763, USAWebsite| +1 808-565-4000
Lanai, a sleepy, 140-square-mile former pineapple plantation, is suddenly in the spotlight. Following the island’s purchase by tech billionaire Larry Ellison in 2012, the bay-facing Four Seasons Resort Lanai underwent a multimillion-dollar overhaul that reduced the number of guest rooms from 286 to 213. The rooms shook off their dated look with mahogany floors and walls clad in slate and teak. Guests can dine at outposts of Nobu and Los Angeles–based Malibu Farm, take private flight lessons and horseback-riding excursions, or book one of the resort’s wellness-focused retreats.
The Best Shopping in Maui
The island of Maui is full of unique souvenirs, from muumuus to malasadas (Portuguese doughnuts). Expect to find weave-your-own haku lei (flower crowns), vodka distilled from deep-ocean mineral water, and punk albums at the best record store in Hawaii. Fashionistas can also look forward to original designs at Kūlua and the Monarch Collective, while those seeking something a little simpler will want to hit the Maui Swap Meet and Olowalu General Store.
Island Sole
728 Front St, Lahaina, HI 96761, USAWebsite
At Island Sole in Lahaina, the authentic, locally made gifts are designed to help shoppers “find their aloha.” Head here for shirts and flip-flops in tropical colors, home decor like jellyfish coasters and ukulele-shaped table clocks, and the shop’s signature longboard letters, which function as one-of-a-kind signs with customizable letters, icons, and characters attached to a wooden surfboard base. If you’re looking for some wall art, pay special attention to the palm-and-wave paintings on birchwood by Danielle Groff and the larger, laser-engraved maps of the Hawaiian Isles.
Lahaina Arts Society
648 Wharf St #103, Lahaina, HI 96761, USAWebsite
The Lahaina Arts Society was formed in the 1960s by a group of Maui artists who used to hold informal exhibitions along the seawall and in the park next to the Pioneer Inn. After raising money from 10 local couples, the group established a gallery in Lahaina’s old courthouse building and, later, a second space downstairs. Today, the nonprofit continues to be the gatekeeper for new artists on Maui, operating two galleries, holding regular art fairs, and teaching free weekly children’s art classes. Head to one of the fairs, now held in front of the Lahaina Cannery Mall on weekends, to shop fine art, listen to live music, and watch hula dancers sway in the sunlight, or swing by the galleries to browse what’s new from your favorite artists.
Olowalu General Store
820 Olowalu Village Rd, Lahaina, HI 96761, USA
Open since 1932, this pit stop on the road to Lahaina is most famous for its Hawaiian hot dogs. They’re just standard red franks, grilled and stuffed in a bun, but Maui’s pro surfers and their fans—who usually stop here on their way to Olowalu Beach—have elevated the snack to almost cult status. If you’re not one for hot dogs, the general store also sells boiled peanuts, shave ice, and Spam musubi, along with an abbreviated Mexican menu when the kitchen’s cranking. In between bites, take time to browse the shop’s collection of locally made souvenirs and appreciate its unique decor. A late employee had a soft spot for starving artists and would often trade food for artworks, asking only that the pieces incorporated his favorite vehicle—a Volkswagen Beetle.
Request Music
10 N Market St, Wailuku, HI 96793, USAWebsite
A Maui standby, Request Music sells fresh avocados, classic surf posters, and some head shop glassware along with at least 20,000 vintage vinyl albums, many of which are kept in the shop’s labyrinth-like basement (which occasionally doubles as a mosh pit during live shows). Head here for Hawaii’s best selection of punk albums, as well as some killer reggae, but don’t expect curated preciousness—Request lumps together the good, the bad, and the ugly, encouraging customers to dig for buried treasure. It’s worth timing your visit to the first Friday of the month, when the shop stays open late to host a variety of musical acts, from punk to country to underground hip-hop.
Maui Swap Meet
310 W Kaahumanu Ave, Kahului, HI 96732, USAWebsite
Every Saturday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., the island’s largest open-air market sprawls across the University of Hawai‘i Maui College campus, creating a lively scene with more than 200 vendors. Many of Maui’s best boutiques sell their wares here, but for much cheaper prices than at their brick-and-mortar locations. Browse for muumuus, wood carvings, and other handmade crafts like bone and shell jewelry, or treat yourself to a shave ice while perusing piles of leis, local fruit, and homemade baked goods. The market is especially strong when it comes to street food—don’t miss the spam kebabs, banana bread, and goji kombucha.
Haku Maui
3643A Baldwin Ave, Makawao, HI 96768, USAWebsite| +1 808-385-5008
Founded by artist Britney Texeira, this darling shop is devoted to haku lei, or flower crowns. Often anchored by banana or ti leaves, the beautiful wreaths teem with tropical blossoms (either fresh or silk), making for a gorgeous accessory to any celebration outfit. Stop by for a design tailored to your special occasion—Texeira has created crowns for everything from birthdays and weddings to baby showers and graduation ceremonies—or book an off-site workshop for a party or event. Texeira will teach you all about the Native Hawaiian art of lei-making and even set up a flower bar so guests can choose their own blooms for their crowns.
Kūlua
1156 Makawao Ave, Makawao, HI 96768, USAWebsite
Created by designer and former fashion technology professor Anna Kahalekulu, this sustainable clothing line combines high design with Hawaiian traditions and values. The brand, named after an old moniker for the island of Maui, ranges from keiki (children’s) clothing to womenswear to home decor, all made from leftover, vintage, or eco-friendly fabrics. Stop by the Makawao studio to shop wrap tops and soft, flowy dresses in hues that evoke tropical flowers. Also available here are scarves and pillow covers printed with watercolors of shells, stones, and phases of the moon by local artists, as well as brightly colored shorts for little ones.
The Monarch Collective
3682 Baldwin Ave, Makawao, HI 96768, USAWebsite
This on-trend boutique mixes pieces by local jewelry makers Puka Perri and Nickoel Martyn with Maui-made fashion and homewares. Come here for hand-knotted necklaces hung with black pearls and sleek, modern takes on traditional Hawaiian accessories. You’ll also be tempted by vintage denim; silky kimonos by Suni in dusty shades of rose, plum, and gray; and tide-pool prints made with hand-carved rubber stamps by Susanna Cromwell. If you’re looking to splurge, take home one of the carefully curated Moroccan rugs, some of which are nearly 30 years old.
T. Komoda Store & Bakery
3674 Baldwin Ave, Makawao, HI 96768, USAWebsite
Opened in 1916, this Upcountry Maui icon draws hordes of locals and savvy tourists with its racks of sweets, including legendary cream puffs and amazing stick doughnuts. The menu here also features pies, rolls, bread, cookies, cupcakes, turnovers, and irresistible guava malasadas (Portuguese doughnuts), but the bakery is best known for its Long Johns—yeast-risen pastry bars coated with glaze or icing. Go early, as the crowds pick the trays bare by 10 a.m., and be sure to check out the memorabilia of bygone eras tucked among the postcards, pantry staples, and fishing gear for sale.
Hawaii Sea Spirits Organic Farm and Distillery
4051 Omaopio Rd, Kula, HI 96790, USAWebsite
Hawaii Sea Spirits is behind Ocean Organic Vodka, widely recognized for its turquoise bottle inspired by the 14th-century Japanese glass fishing net floats that used to wash ashore in Maui in abundance. At the company’s distillery on the slopes of Haleakala, entrepreneur Shay Smith desalinates deep-ocean mineral water from off the Kona Coast of Hawaii, then adds the bounty of his 80-acre organic farm, where he and his team cultivate more than 30 varieties of Polynesian sugarcane without the use of GMOs, herbicides, or pesticides. Discover the intricacies of his harvesting and distilling process on a farm tour, which takes place seven days a week, then hit the gift shop and stock up on vodka to take home.