The Ultimate Travel Guide to Maui

Maui, Hawaii’s second largest island offers all kinds of watersport under the sun. The island of Maui is arguably a home to the world’s most beautiful beaches. Explore the breathtaking hiking trails and go for scenic drive to stunning Road to Hana. Whether you’re looking for the stunning beach, a good bed and breakfast, rentals in Maui, or even a bamboo forest hike, everything is perfect here. From postcard-perfect beaches, tropical forest and gardens, and beautiful landscapes, this island of Maui might be the closest thing to paradise you will ever see. 

The Best Beaches

• Red Sand Beach – For the best beach terrain visit Hana’s Red Sand Beach. This crescent-shaped beach takes its rusty hue from Ka’uiki Head cinder cone while its waters are just stunning. Once you’re in town, take the walking trail at the end of Uakea Road. Hiking to Red Sand Beach is difficult, and clothing is optional. 
• Big Beach – Want to see surfers in action in Maui? Spend a day at Big Beach, and you’ll surely be amazed by ample shoreline, throngs of surfers, and impressive waves. 
• Maluaka Beach – Maluaka Beach is can be found in south Maui. It was once fronted the Makena Beach and Golf Resort, but most of the property closed its business here, so the crowds have vanished as well. But the turquoise waters and pristine sand still remain!

The Best Things to Do in Maui

• Paddle with Whales: Allow the locals at Hawaiian Paddle Sports expertly teach and guide you through Maui’s south or west shores. Because of its warm and protected waters, a large number of humpback whales migrate to the coastal waters around the island of Maui. The best time to visit is from December through April where you’re likely to see these huge friendly mammals in large groups.. 
• Hike to Incredible Views: The island of Maui is overloaded with stunning hiking trails, and one of the standouts among them is the Waihe’e Ridge Trail. It contains a 2.5-mile trail that winds through the windward slope of the West Maui Forest Reserve and makes its way all the way into the clouds. Along the trail, you’ll be amazed by the lush rainforest and Makamakoele Falls. If you’re lucky, you’ll see Ohi’a lehua, a powder puff of a flower that blooms few times throughout the year. 
• Visit a Winery: If you don’t have a car, you can rent a car and take a breathtaking drive through the lush Maui countryside and spend time at MauiWine, where you can tour around the scenic winery and taste the twenty wines made at the vineyard. You should definitely try Maui Blanc, which is a a crisp white wine made from Maui Gold pineapples. 
• Drive the Road to Hana: Driving the road to Hana on Maui’s rugged, unspoiled eastern side is one of the highlights of the island. From bustling Kahului, Hana is less than 60 miles but may take you several hours to complete, especially with a number of hairpin turns and bridges on the twisting trek. Don’t just drive there and back right away, spend the night in Hana, where you can explore Haleakala National Park, which brings me to my next point.. 
• Visit Haleakala National Park: One of the biggest attractions for so many visitors to the island is the Haleakala National Park. It is home to a dormant volcano, and as you are hiking you will be stunned by flowing lava, bamboo forests, and waterfalls. Exploring the park on your own by renting a bike is also ideal and riding down the volcano is an experience that you won’t soon forget. Be ready, as the ride starts before sunrise and the weather at the top of the volcano can be quite chilly..
• Drive the road to Hana: Hana Highway is the official name for the Road to Hana, also knowns as Highway 36 and 360. This road officially stops at the edge of Hana Town on the far northeast coast of Maui. It is a 64.4 mile long stretch of a two-lane road connecting Kahului with the town of Hana in east Maui. The most popular starting popular starting point of the journey is from around the town of Paia, then follow Highway 36 until it turns into Highway 360.

The Best Restaurants and Bars

• Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman, Wailea: This bar has everything you want in a bar such as a nice assortment of craft beers, an impressive list of wines by the glass, live bands and music, smart cocktails, and lobster deviled eggs. 
• Kihei Caffe Kihei: For a big and budget-friendly meal visit Kihei Caffe. Don’t forget to order the Loco Moco (fresh ground beef patty, rice, two eggs, and brown gravy). You know that this café is really popular when you see the never-ending line of customers. 
• Mama’s Fish House, Paia: Locals and tourists favorite since 1973, Mama's Fish House is known for its straight-from-the-boat seafood. Locals head here for a splash of retro-tiki charm too. 
• Tin Roof, Kahului: Although the menu is small and there are a mere eight bar stools, the novel creations and food are superb here. This is a real gem of the Maui food scene.. 

The Best Places to Shop

• Driftwood Makawao: If you’re looking for accessories, shoes or island-themed jewelry, make sure to visit Driftwood, an airy shop in the rtsy upcountry town of Makawao. 
• Homme by Nature, Makawao: For an art-modern enclave, visit Homme by Nature. This store has various options from Ampal creative ball caps to Shwood sunglasses. All goods here are made in the USA. 
• Wings Hawaii, Paia: The owners Samantha Howard and Melody Torres created this breezy, bohemian clothing and jewelry called Wings Hawaii in Paia. You can get a souvenir at $9 per piece, the designers’ “Lucky You” necklace makes an affordable, easy-to-pack Maui keepsake. Don’t ever miss a Grateful Dad fueled check-in at Jammin’ On Maui. 

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