Activities that will Enhance your Maui Experience
O. K., so you’re saying to yourself “How long can a person lay on a beautiful sandy beach or by our pool and read books or just relax, what else is there to do?”
Well, to be honest, there really is not much else to do. Let me think…Well, I guess you could always:
Snorkel and Scuba; Dinner at a Luau; Bike the Volcano; Dinner Cruise and/or Sunset Cruise; Horseback Ride; Helicopter Tours; Surfing Lessons; Shop at the Malls; Get a Massage; Rent a Canoe or Kayak; Take the Drive to Hana; Parasail; ATV experience; Ziplines and Rope Courses; Visit the Sugar Cane Museum; Pamper yourself at one of the luxury hotel’s Day Spa; Experience the Maui Ocean Center; Ride the Sugar Cane Train; Whale Watch (seasonal); or see a show at the Maui Art and Cultural Center (MACC). I guess you can do these things if lying on the beach isn’t enough for you. But let’s get back to lying on the beach for a moment.
Our Beaches
“Le Penthouse" is in Kihei. Kihei Beach is really a series of beaches (Kama‘ole Beach Parks I, II and III), coves and tidepools along six-miles of Kihei coastline. These beaches are truly beautiful and incredibly convenient and are separated from one another by rocky outcroppings.
These beaches offer ample parking, lifeguards to watch over you and your family, volleyball courts, picnic facilities and excellent swimming conditions.
Although we have good beaches close to our condo, my wife and I take a short drive to Kama’ole Beach 3 because she likes a beach with bathrooms, showers and a lifeguard. The lifeguard because she thinks I have a better chance of not drowning while I’m snorkeling in the safe, warm, clean and clear water of the blue Pacific while she pays no attention to me because she’s reading her book-a-day lying on the beach.
Scuba Diving Descending beneath the waves, submerged in silence where the only sound is your own breath, the sights are beyond imagination as you experience the thrilling underwater realm of the Turtles, Manta Rays, Dolphins and spectacular fish of every shape and color. Reach out and explore the unspoiled, untouched underwater world of Maui. Dive Maui!
Snorkel I snorkel off many of our beaches and there is plenty to see. Some of the best snorkeling though is found off Molokini. While you're out exploring Maui and enjoying our awesome Maui activities, then you want to take one of our famous Maui snorkel tours on a Maui charter boat out to Molokini, Maui. Molokini Crater is a volcano that has just barely breached the surface of the ocean, creating a fascinating venue for a Maui snorkel experience. Protected by its crescent moon shape, Molokini offers some of the finest snorkeling in Maui--in fact, Molokini snorkeling is what makes Maui snorkel tours among the best in the world. The visibility underwater is more than 100 feet on a Molokini tour, with crystal clear waters that make it a favorite among Maui snorkel trips. I think the best time to take this excursion is early in the morning while the ocean waters are likely to be more calm than in the afternoon.
Luau No Maui vacation is really complete without an authentic Hawaiian Luau. Maui luaus are the best in Hawaii. A Maui Luau should be included in your Maui tours. The Hyatt Regency Drums of the Pacific Luau and the Royal Lahaina Luau are two luaus on West Maui. On our side of the island, The Wailea Marriott Luau and Grand Wailea Luau are available to you. Adding any one of these Maui Luaus to your list of Maui activities will highlight your Maui vacation.
There are many places you can rent a bike for a day or a week. There are also tours with professional guides to tell you what you’re seeing. One exceptional tour is the bike ride down the outside of Haleakala Crater. You can do the Sunrise tour that gets you up very early in the morning but is spectacular, or do one later in the day. It’s a 28-mile ride down a paved road on the outside of the crater with only about 400 yards of peddling. It ends up in the town of Paia.
Take a Sunset Cruise or combine it with a Dinner Cruise. Cruise the spectacular Hawaiian waters while watching the sun disappear into the sea. Enjoy the scene while dining on culinary delights on one of the luxury cruise ships outfitted with all the amenities you could possibly need. Enjoy unforgettable cruises, which offer not only romance, fun, and relaxation for everyone, but spectacular evening views of the sea, the sky and the Hawaiian Islands. Some of the cruise ships also offer music and dancing.
Horseback Riding
Several of the working ranches offer horseback riding on trails that offer breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, West Maui Mountains, Haleakala, and some of Maui's largest waterfalls - an adventure you'll never forget!
Or journey on horseback from the rim of Haleakala Crater at 9,423-feet to the floor of the world's largest dormant volcano!
Helicopter Tours
Pricey but pretty spectacular are the helicopter tours. You can choose the complete island of Maui, or do one of the partial island tours. See Haleakala Crater, Oheo Gulch, Hana Town, Hana rainforest and the rugged shoreline of Northeast Maui. Explore deep, meandering valleys set in the rainforest of the ancient West Maui Mountains. Knife-edged ridges with mist-shrouded peaks separate the spectacular valleys that give Maui its nickname, "The Valley Isle." Waterfalls cascade down from towering cliffs into the streams running along the rainforest floor. Learn about the history and culture of the sights from your pilot, who is giving a running commentary throughout the flight
Sure, there are several places on Maui where you can find experienced surfers to teach you to ride one of Maui’s famous waves, but how about getting your adrenalin rush with an extreme sport, Kite Surfing that combines kite power with the freedom of board riding! Teachers are ready when you are.
Shop The Malls
Finally, we get to one of my wife’s favorite Maui activities. The others are lying on the beach or lounging by the pool reading; and eating breakfast, lunch and having dinner at one of the fine dining restaurants. But I digress.
Our favorite mall is The SHOPS AT WAILEA. Many believe it is the most beautiful and exclusive shopping center in Hawaii.
Located in the heart of Maui's world-famous Wailea Resort, The Shops at Wailea is Hawaii's ultimate destination for unforgettable shopping and dining. Choose from internationally renowned designers and artisans or spend time looking for distinctive island treasures. Then top off your visit with leisurely dining at a fine restaurant to match your mood and taste – casual to elegant, familiar American fare to exciting Pacific Rim cuisine. And on Wednesday’s at around 5:30 you can usually hear live music and see dancers doing the hula.
Massage
Of course you can always find a massage in a day spa. But I found one company that sends a massage therapist to our condo. I have also gone to the complex next to ours, a five minute walk, to a massage therapist who works out of her condo and is a little less expensive. For the in-our-condo massage, call Fransesca at Aloha Massage: 808-573-2323 or one of her therapists, Diana at 808-276-4936. For the massage in the next complex The Luana Kai, call Tina Glen at 808-874-9120.
Rent a Canoe or Kayak or hire a guide and have a great adventure off shore. The view of Maui is truly amazing from the water. There are several Kayak and Canoe outfitters that will take you on kayak and canoe trips that will combine the white sand beaches, lava rocks and caves, with snorkeling at some of the best snorkeling spots that include some awesome underwater reefs.
Take your rental car and drive to Hana or look into one of the tour companies that will take you there in perhaps something a little more comfortable while a guide explains what you are seeing. Either way, you will be taking one of the most breathtaking drives on earth through Maui's tropical rainforest. 617 curves, 54 one lane bridges to Hana, pineapple fields, spectacular cliffs, bamboo jungles, waterfalls, tropical streams and pools, colorful and fragrant island flowers and rainforest vegetation are all to be enjoyed on your way to "Heavenly Hana".
Parasail; ATV; Ziplines and Rope Courses
Parasail in paradise … almost anyone can fly … young, old, single or in tandem … it’s something for everyone to enjoy and experience. Absolutely no experience is necessary and there is nothing to learn … you just sit back and enjoy the ride. You begin your flight seated on the back deck of the boat … your harness is attached to the parasail, and as the boat begins to accelerate, you feel the vessel sliding out from underneath of you and WHOOOSH … off you go! Parasailing is available on Maui from May 16th - Dec. 15th. No parasailing is available during whale season.
ATV, or All-Terrain Vehicles, tours are a great way to experience everything from lush rainforest trails, vast valleys, and cozy ranches to beach-side cliffs. Gear up and grab hold of the handles or enjoy the scenery as a passenger as you set off of on an exciting and breathtaking excursion. Be enveloped in the beautiful natural surroundings of Hawaii all aboard a safe and exhilarating ATV!
Zip along by the force of gravity and enjoy a unique and exhilarating adventure on your way into canopies of rainforest, waterfalls or high above vast valleys. Gear-up, get informed and attach to the Zip Line to begin one of the most environmentally friendly and exciting activities in the world. And, usually, you will find a rope bridge to traverse in the same area. Really good ways to challenge ones fear of heights. I’ll pass.
Located next to Hawaii's largest working sugar factory in the historic plantation town of Puunene, Maui, the award-winning Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum is a marvelous repository of information and exhibits about one of the most significant and influential periods in Maui's history. Dedicated to preserving and presenting the history and heritage of Maui's sugar industry, the 1,800-square-foot Museum not only charts the establishment and growth of the industry, but looks at sugar's influence on the development of Maui's water resources and rich multi-ethnic make-up, and features intriguing displays on the inner workings of a sugar mill.
Pamper Yourself
Pricey, the Spas at the Luxury hotels such as The Grand Wailea, The Spa at Four Seasons Resort at Wailea, The Maui Spa Moana, Hyatt Regency, Lahaina, and Spa Kea Lani at The Fairmont Kea Lani in Wialea, are all available to you. They are all probably very good but Spa Grande is consistently recognized as one of the most luxurious spas in Hawaii and named among the Top 10 Spas in the United States by Conde Nast Traveler and Travel & Leisure magazines.
The 50,000 square foot, award winning Spa Grande offers unique spa treatments and exceptional service appealing to first time spa goers as well as repeat spa savvy guests. Uniting Thalassotherapy, Ancient Eastern and Hawaiian Philosophies, and Advanced Technology, Spa Grande addresses one’s inner and outer beauty simultaneously. Internationally experienced therapists carry out the more than 100 treatments, many uniquely infused with Hawaiian grown ingredients, including such signature therapies as: Seashell Massage, Haleakala Dream Bath, Volcanic Ash Facial or Wrap, Pohaku (Hot Lava Stone) Massage, Hawaiian Lomi Lomi Massage, Signature Massage, Ali’i Honey Steam Wrap, Awapuhi (Ginger) Salt Scrub & Hot Wrap and a lot more.
But, for the more frugal among us, there are many very good day spas on Maui that will give you a day of relaxation, rejuvenation and wellness treatments for a bit less money. Be sure to ask a concierge or two what they think.
“Voted Hawaii’s Top Rated Family Attraction” – Zagat Survey
Take a journey of discovery, be amazed at the beauty of Hawaii's underwater world, and learn something new! Visitors come to the Maui Ocean Center to see awesome animals and experience Hawaii's incredible underwater world, but the Center makes sure they have more than just photographs to take home with them. Their goal at the aquarium is to create a lifelong bond between people and the ocean, not only in understanding, but also in ultimate appreciation.
Hop on board the Sugar Cane Train and experience a piece of Hawaiian history. The old train is a remnant of Maui's once thriving sugar industry. The line has operated passenger service from Lahaina to Puukolii (just north of Kaanapali) daily for over 30 years. Since 1970, over five million tourists to Maui have ridden the train making it one of West Maui's most popular attractions. With a blast of its steam whistle, the locomotive chugs along a six-mile long stretch of track at a leisurely pace, and while you enjoy the passing views, you are entertained Hawaiian-style by the trains narrators. A little more fun for children than adults.
Whale Watch
Whale watching season is late November through early April. My wife and I as well as many of our guests at “Le Penthouse” have watched from our two lanais whales play, watch their spouts blowing in the wind or breaching above the waters and splashing back into the sea. You can watch them from the shore or you can experience the Humpback Whale from a charter boat. Imagine the gentle breeze, a cloudless sky and calm waters as your whale watching boat is suddenly surrounded by whales; then without warning one rises ever so beautifully out of the water, drenching the boat with the spray of the sea. That's a whale watch! Enjoy this gentle giant of the ocean and journey into the realm of the Humpback Whale.
Maui Art and Cultural Center (MACC)
In 1994 when the Maui Arts & Cultural Center opened its doors, it was the culmination of a 30-year dream of Maui's people for:
*A place where the community could gather and celebrate together
*A first-class venue where the world's most exciting artists could be enjoyed
*An excellent educational resource serving all ages
Thousands of people, acting on extraordinary faith, contributed over $32 million to make the non-profit Maui Arts & Cultural Center a reality. Each year there are approximately 1,735 events for the public to use and benefit from The MACC including community events, art exhibits, educational activities, church services, service club meetings, recitals, concerts and other performances. Paula and I have seen many shows and concerts at MACC. We’ve also enjoyed their dinner outside the theatre that starts about two hours before a concert. Be sure to visit their website MACC well in advance of your visit to acquire tickets to shows that are there during your stay on Maui.
Lest I forget: The glass bottom boat; Golf the 14 or so courses on Maui; the many Eco Tours; Jet ski; Sport fishing; and of course, the Submarine ride. You’ll have to excuse me now… I’m going swimming in our pool at Kauhale Makai – Village by the Sea.
We take eating VERY seriously
Not to worry, there is something to eat for everyone. Whether it’s the exquisite meals being served at such restaurants as Roy’s, Seawatch and Mama’s or the more casual food being put forth at Fred’s Mexican Café, Alexander’s Fish and Chips and Maui Tacos, you’ll find you won’t go hungry. When we’re on Maui at our condo, “Le Penthouse” for three or so weeks, we’ll get to many of the following restaurants.
Big Wave Café Big Wave Cafe is at 1215 South Kihei Road in the Kihei Center,
the same shopping center that contains Longs Drugs. Phone 891-8688.
Big Wave breakfast and lunch menus are both available from 7:30 AM to 2:00 PM. There are some lunch items from 2 to 5 PM, and the full dinner menu from 5:00 to 9:00 PM. They have a great bargain in their early-bird specials for breakfast and dinner. (call before you go to verify they are still doing this). Atmosphere is very casual and there’s no view. But the food is very good. This place is a surprising Maui gem.
Mama’s Fish House 799 Poho Place, Kuau Cove. Phone: 579-8488. Seafood. Wow! What a wonderfully delicious place to eat! Homey Hawaiian atmosphere with the ocean, balmy breezes and Baja abalone. Maui’s original fish house cooks creative combinations of uncommon catches and fresh island fixin’s. Takes about 40 minutes (depending on traffic) to get there from Kihei but well worth the drive. Go a little early and watch the windsurfers. This is the place where you can see 40 to 60 windsurfers in one spot! Must have reservations. Can get in without them but a long wait.!! Very expensive. Voted First “Best Waterfront Dinning”, and second as “Most Mauist” and second as “Restaurant of the Year” in 2006. (www.Mamasfishhouse.com/)
Monsoon India 808-875-6666 This restaurant is 2 complexes from our home on Maui, Le Penthouse, and is easy walking distance. We eat there at least once every trip we make.
As written on their website: "As the premier Indian Restaurant on Maui, Monsoon India stands alone in its attention to the delights of the senses. The rich and fine aromas of our authentic Indian cuisine will enchant you while you dine and relax in our open air, Oceanfront location.
Our chefs prepare the finest Indian dishes with
traditional spices and complex flavors sure to please the most discriminating
palate. If you have never experienced fine Indian cooking, you are in for
a unique treat.
Come and experience our open air, ocean front
location with a full unobstructed Ocean View. Enjoy sweeping views of the
sparkling Ma’alaea Bay, take in the breathtaking beauty of the West Maui
mountains, and enjoy the clear view of the stunning, world famous Maui sunset."
Kimo’s 845 Front Street in Lahaina, tel. (808) 661-4811
The very first T S Restaurant, Kimo’s opened along Lahaina Town’s historic waterfront in the spring of 1977. The restaurant and bar has since become a Lahaina landmark, featuring an oceanfront setting, reasonably-priced cuisine, the original Hula Pie, and spectacular sunset views.
Kimo’s captures a unique mix of Lahaina’s heritage in its decor. The upstairs main dining room reflects the architectural influence of New England on the former whaling port, with koa-lined walls, missionary-style furnishings, and maritime memorabilia. The
downstairs waterfront lanai and bar offers a more Hawaiian-style ambiance, with teak tables and chairs, umbrellas, swaying palms and a mast complete with maritime flags.
The Maalaea Waterfront Restaurant 50 Hauoli St., Maalaea. Phone (808) 244-9028 Here’s what the owners of The Waterfront have to say: “Aloha and welcome to The Waterfront Restaurant where it’s a family affair with the Smith family, Mom, Gary, and Rick. Our family owned and operated restaurant has one common goal. To take the freshest food, prepare it like nothing you’ve ever had before and serve it in a style that is traditional and elegant. We are a favorite among locals and visitors alike." That is true and we can add that if you like Caesar salad, you should order it for two or more and it's made table-side. http://www.waterfrontrestaurant.net/
Ma’la - An Ocean Tavern 1307 Front Street, Lahaina. 667-9394
This is a fairly new place, but run by Mark and Judy Ellman who are experienced in this business. Excellent food at reasonable prices. On the water across the street form the Lahaina Cannery.
Wow, what a view!! Happy hour 3PM to 5PM.
Sensei Seafood Restaurant and Sushi Bar 1881 S. Kihei Rd., Kihei, Maui. Booths and tables fill up fast in the intimate restaurant. Reservations are wise. Lots of locals eat at these restaurants. Check for the “early bird” special. And get there early, the line can be quite long.
Haliimaile General Store Haliimaile. (808) 572-2666. Take a little drive. Makes a really nice outing for lunch or dinner. Really good food. Again many awards to this upcountry restaurant. Casual. Chef Bev Gannon was awarded “Chef of the Year” and the restaurant won “Best Hawaii Regional” in Maui Magazine’s Readers Choice survey in 2006. www.bevgannonrestaurants.com/
Longhi’s Wailea The Shops at Wailea Reservations: 808 891.8883. Go to the one in Wailea on a Wednesday if possible to take in the entertainment that starts around 5:30 PM at The Shops in Wailea. A little pricey but food is very good. Also located in Lahaina.
Gannon's Restaurant
100 Wailea Golf Club Dr, Wailea. 808.875.8080
Very pretty setting with great views. And the food is fabulous. They use local ingredients and fresh fish from Hawaii’s waters. The casually elegant ambience of Gannon's cuisine blend perfectly together to create the winning combination that makes this Maui restaurant a culinary destination for both residents and visitors from around the world.
Café O’Lei Restaurant, Kihei
2439 S Kihei Rd. upstairs at the Rainbow Mall
808-891-1368
"Cafe O'Lei could give some of our favorites here in Napa a run for their money. Cafe O'Lei Kihei has already positioned itself as one of the best restaurants in South Maui." -- Napa Valley Register www.cafeoleirestaurants.com/kihei/
And, of course, if you stay in our condo, “Le Penthouse”, a two bedroom, two bath OCEANFRONT condo in Kihei, you can always eat some meals at home. We usually have leftovers from restaurant dinners the night before to have for lunch the next day. Or, cook meals in our newly remodeled kitchen or down by the pool where the barbeques are located and eat on the picnic benches or out on the lawn adjacent to the Pacific Ocean. Then, too, there is the nightly wine and hor's d oeuvres out on our lanai to watch the magnificent Sunsets. We love our home on Maui, and you can enjoy it too.
