(Please note that these are strictly our favorites! We are not getting anything for putting these recommendations on our site! We want you to enjoy our favorite finds too!)
This is by far our favorite thing to do in Maui! Everyone we recommend it to always says the same! We go every trip! The snorkeling is amazing!!! We've seen dolphins almost every trip (playing in the wake of the boat!), swam with sea turtles, we always see whales during whale season--not to mention the boat ride is really fun and lunch is great! Captain Steve's Rafting 808-667-5565 www.captainsteves.com Tell Steve & Gina we said Aloha!
Want cheap rates for a rental car? We recommend Word of Mouth Rent A Car. So, they're not brand new! We figure, why waste money on an expensive rental car when we're just going to get it full of sand? You won't believe how much money you'll save! 1-800-533-5929 www.maui.net/~word Tell Murph we said Aloha!
The Valley Isle Resort has a gym Maui Muscle Fitness and juice/coffee bar located in it, check at the lobby for rates and information. Day passes available. There might be a discount because you're staying at the VIR! (808) 661-0844 We've never been there, but it's convenient if you're interested!
Our favorite places to eat are:
The Gazebo Daily 7:30am-2pm It's "hidden" in Napili Shores Resort 5315 Lower Honoapiilani Road Lahaina . Everything is great--we recommend the Fried Rice and the Macadamia Nut Pancakes with coconut syrup! It's RIGHT on the water! Keep an eye out for whales! (808) 669-5621.
Hula Grill Located at Whaler's Village on Kaanapali Beach. Make sure you request to be seated in the "barefoot bar"! Kick off your slippahs and dine with your feet in the sand! Great place to watch the sunset! Don't forget to save room for Hula Pie! Great nightly Hawaiian music! (808) 667-6636.
Leilani's Located right across from Hula Grill (above). It doesn't have a barefoot bar, but it's another great restaurant you're sure to like! (808) 661-4495.
The Plantation House Located in the Kapalua golf course club house. Come eat where Tiger eats! BEAUTIFUL views of the golf course and ocean! Be sure to try the fresh pineapple spears with the Plantation's secret sauce. Affordable breakfast & lunch. Elegant dinners are more pricey. (808) 669-6299.
Moose McGillicuddy's Located on front street (844 Front Street)--great affordable breakfast! Delicious early bird breakfast special...call and ask before you go for details. After you eat there, they will give you a coupon book with some good coupons for 2 for 1 breakfast and a dinner special. (808) 667-7758.
Roy's Kahana Bar & Grill Created, owned and operated by world renown chef Roy Yamaguchi. Hawaiian fusion cuisine. 4405 Honoapiilani Highway, Lahaina (808) 669-6999.
Son'z Maui at Swan Court Terrific breakfast buffet! Located in the Hyatt Regency on Kaanapali beach. Overlooks a pond with swans! Very elegant and memorable. Casual dining. 200 Nohea Kai Dr. (808) 661-1234.
Castaways Another "hidden" restaurant on the beach! This one is located in the Aston Maui Kaanapali Villas at 45 Kai Ala Drive Lahaina. They have the best Loco Moco in town! They also have great macadamia nut pancakes!! (808) 667-7791.
Maui Tacos Daily 9am-9pm Inexpensive and delicious! After a long day of snorkeling, nothing hits the spot like a Maui Taco! SOOO GOOD! There are a few of them around, so check the website!
Longhi's Located on front street Lahaina (888 Front Street). Everything we tried was delicious! This restaurant has won a lot of awards and was highly recommended (frittatas, sour dough toast, fresh squeezed orange juice), so we tried it this last time...kind of pricey, but worth it! Open 7:30am-10pm 808-667-2288.
Kimo's Fresh seafood, hamburgers, steak, open air oceanside dining...a little pricey, but good stuff! Ask for an oceanview seat! Central Lahaina landmark! Save room for the Hula Pie! Live Hawaiian music 7-8:30pm M-F. 845 Front Street. (808) 661-4811.
Lahaina Fish Company Great food! Watch the sunset from Front Street while you dine! Ask for oceanside seating! 831 Front Street (808) 661-3472.
Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar If you like sushi, this is the place for you!!! World famous sushi bar. Located at Kahana Shops (808) 669-6286.
Maui Brewing Co. (aka Maui Fish & Game) This is in walking distance (right next to Outback Steakhouse) across the street from the condo in the Kahana Gateway Center. For casual evening dining, stroll here for some GREAT food! (808) 669-FISH.
Our favorite beaches are:
Click here for a great link to a map of all of Maui's beaches:
12 steps from the condo!! That's right! The condo is located right on a great beach! Not a lot to look at for snorkelers--there is a reef a ways out--but it's a great place for swimming and especially for watching the sun go down! There are a group of locals that always join on the beach to watch the beautiful Maui sunset--feel free to join them one evening! Make sure to watch for the "green flash" at sunset!
Black Rock Overall best beach!--best snorkeling (look for sea turtles too!), beach and beautiful view! Whaler's Village and the Sheraton have restrooms. There are public showers to rinse off at this beach too. At sunset, watch for the native Hawaiian to climb barefoot up the black rock (lava! ouch) and light the torches! The only drawback to this beach is that there is very little parking.
Slaughterhouse Absolutely gorgeous beach! Usually it's not crowded--mainly because there isn't a lot of parking and there aren't any bathrooms. You've got to go to this beach though--you walk through a jungle canopy down to a breathtaking beach! Snorkeling is great at this beach.
Baldwin Beach Lots of surfers to watch at this beach. Beautiful long beach with plenty of spots to sit without people right next to you. Not a snorkeling beach. There are public restrooms and showers--as well as a basketball court for those of you so inclined. Parking is limited--we park in the street and walk if we have to.
Big Beach We think this is the most spectacular beach on the island! Big beach is a very sandy beach that usually has huge waves. It's breathtaking. This is a great beach to watch surfers (or surf if you know how!) There are no showers though.
