Maui, Hawaii

I have a time share in Maui and go most years, I get lots of questions on where to go, where to eat and drink and other things.  So I finally put this together as my recommendations and keep updating each trip.  This was last updated in June 2024.

Maui-Recommendations 6.1.2024 – guide to print out

Breakfast/brunch

The Gazebo –  Small place with few tables, so always busy and expect a wait. It gets right at 7:00am opening. We arrived then and waited 20 minutes for the second seating. When we arrived at 9:30am, it was an hour wait for 2 people. Great views of the ocean so you can whale watch while waiting. Known for macadamia nut (or banana) pancakes. Located in back of a condo place with easy parking. You can also do take out.  5315 Lower Honoapiilani Rd, Lahaina, HI 96761 / (808) 669-5621

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Slappy Cakes –

This has a make your own pancakes at the table which is fun and the egg dishes are different and fun. We often sit at the bar as faster to get in and eat (and if we didn’t want the make your own pancake tables). Mushroom scramble with goat cheese was great. There was a 15 minute wait at 8:30 for a table and when we left at 9:30, there were tons of groups outside waiting. This is located in shopping center with Times Grocery Store (in a strip mall with easy parking.) 3350 Lower Honoapiilani Road, in the Honokowai Marketplace / 808-419-6600

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dinner

Star Noodle –(As of June 2024, not operating, but may open in new location.  Aloha Mixed Plate moved back into this location and no idea about Star Noodle right now). This was opened by one of the Top Chef finalists Sheldon.  (As of 2015 – Sheldon is no longer affiliated with Star Noodle but most of his dishes are still on the menu.) Love the scallop shooters, Ahi starter, mushroom medley and Pad Thai, It’s always busy and need to call or go online to yelp to make reservations.  Try to go off peak hours as it’s worth the wait.  We found 3pm – 5pm is a great time for an off time meal and then go elsewhere for drinks/snacks if still hungry later.   Last few years we drove right from the airport when we landed as we were hungry, and it was off time and it was perfect!  We have arrived around 2:30 and that’s perfect to get in and out quickly.  It’s on the ocean side, right behind Safeway and next door to the Old Lahaina Luau so you can hear some of that during luau times.   www.starnoodle.com / 808.667.5400 / 1285 Front St.

Aloha Mixed Plate -(Reopened in 2024 in original location which was most recently Star Noodle).  Drove by this in May 2024, but didn’t get a chance to eat this visit but plan to next year.  Great local place in Lahaina and really reasonable.  It’s more of the traditional Hawaiian BBQ style meats with macaroni salad, and sides It’s popular, so expect a little wait.

www.alohamixedplate.com / (808)661-3322

Hula Grill Kaanapali 

This is one of our standby places to have to go to.  Reason being…it’s right on the beach at the Whalers Village.  They have the barefoot bar where you are eating at tables in the sand so casual and there is often live music at 6:00pm.  Different (more upscale) menu in the dining room and you can get reservation on Open Table for main/upscale restaurant. If you go at peak time, get on the list and a pager and then walk around the beach while you wait…as there is always a wait.    here is 2 hour validated parking at Whalers Village.  www.hulagrillkaanapali.com – (808) 667-6636  2435 Kaanapali Parkway (walk to the beach and it’s right beach front)

Leilani’s on the Beach

This is one of my favorites.  Great seafood dinner and the sunset view amazing.  I try to go for a 6pm reservation and request to sit on the railing for best sunset views.  They do a great early bird special from 4:00-5:30 with 3 courses for $25 which is a nice early dinner.   Always make reservations in advance on open table (or you will have an hour wait and can shop around Whalers Village as it’s located across from Hula Grill.   www.leilanis.com

Monkeypod – Located in Whalers Village and has one of the best Mai Tai with a special passion fruit foam on top.  Pizzas are great and they do a happy hour that could be a meal.  One of the remaining happy hours from 3:30-5:00 where you could make a dinner from that alone.

www.monkeypodkitchen.com 808.878.6763

Kimo’s – (Burned in 2023 fires, hoping reopen elsewhere) Right on the water in Lahaina. Same group as Hula Grill and Dukes, but different food. Amazing Mai Tai’s and Hula Pie. The fish sandwiches are great. We normally go for lunch as nice on sunny day with outdoor deck seating. Get the timeshare coupons for this place in advance (either Appetizer or Hula pie).  www.kimosmaui.com

Duke’s Beach House – Same group as Hula Grill, but different food.   Just north of Kaanapali and in a newer condo resort called Honua Kai Resort.

130 Kai Malina Parkway / 808-662-2900 / www.dukesmaui.com

Cool Cat Café (Burned in 2023 fires, hoping reopen elsewhere)– Seriously – the best burgers in Lahaina. This is where the locals all go and not as many tourists.. Cool Cat is across the street from Giant Bayan Tree, upstairs in the wooden mall area.   Best to get a seat right on the railings so you can people watch down below.

www.coolcatcafe.com

Waikiki Brewing Company (Burned in 2023 fires, hoping reopen elsewhere) – Great ocean front brewery with variety of pub food and happy hour specials (2-6) which could easily be a meal.  Nice stop after walking the around Lahaina.

www.wailkikibrewing.com – 900 Front St. Lahaina 808.856.0036

Poke:

Tamura’s Fine Wine and Liquors – They have a fresh deli/poke counter and make some of the best poke on the island. Odd in a wine store, but trust me and go.   Buy poke and wine and be happy enjoying back at your condo/hotel.   It’s $16 a lbs and amazing and made fresh there throughout the day.   It’s on the way up the hill towards (off the Bypass road and Safeway). 226 Kupuohi Street. 808.667.9000. www.tamurasfinewine.com

Safeway Grocery Store – Fish Counter – Seriously – you can get great fresh Poke at the Safeway seafood counter.   Better than most of the high end restaurants without all the fuss or expense. They make it fresh all day, with about 7 varieties (and you can taste them all before buying). It’s much cheaper and we will get some to take back to our timeshare for snacks.   Hidden deal of Maui.

Near Airport & Paia Town

Tobi’s Shaved Ice and Poke (in Paia) – A local recommended this to me as one of the best placed to get poke and I was not sure since it was in a shaved ice place.  I went and was blown away.  Really fresh poke and great flavors.  It’s a casual order at the counter place and sit at the tables out front on the street (or take away).  Its about 10 minutes from the airport so it’s been a go to when I landed or take away to bring on the plane with me. 137 Hana Hwy, Paia, HI 96779

Paia Fish Market

There was a location in Lahaina which we loved and the other one was over in Paia (past airport on way to Hana).  Always a hit with large portions of fresh fish.   Expect to wait in line outside, then order at counter and they bring to you.   paiafishmarket.com / 100 Hana Highway, Paia, HI 96779  / (808) 579-8030

Da Kitchen – CLOSED IN 2021 DUE TO COVID.  LOOK FOR THEM TO REOPEN AS GREAT PLACE.  This is close to the airport and recommended by a couple friends and also on Diners, Dives and Drive in.  More of traditional and home style Hawaiian food and really good.  Worth sharing a few plates.  Perfect to eat right after landing as close to airport and fast service.  Been twice and tasty.       www.dakitchen.com / 425 Koloa St Ste 104, Kahului, HI 96732 / (808) 871-7782

Tin Roof – This is the new place that Sheldon (from Top Chef) opened.  It’s close to the airport and more of quick order at counter, try to grab one of 6 stools at the counter or just sit outside (on the curb) to eat but really tasty.  Reasonable dishes about $8 for no table service.  Found out many locals go there for take out and tourists are just starting to learn.  Definitely would stop after landing for quick bite before driving to town.

www.tinroofmaui.com / (808) 868-0753 / 360 Papa Pl Ste Y, Kahului, HI 96732

Local Restaurants/Bars/Happy Hours (in Kahana – between Kaanapali and Kapalua)

• Dollie’s Pizza – This is just north in Kahana (across from Sands of Kahana timeshare). We have asked many locals where they go and they all say this place. There is actually great pizza and great early (3-6) and late night (9-midnight) happy hour. Sometimes live music.  4310 Lower Honoapiilani Road / 808-669-0266 / www.dolliespizzakahana.com

• Miso Phat (sushi). Really fresh sushi with most caught by local fisherman so menu varies nightly. This is a BYOB restaurant…so bring your own wine/beer. There is a liquor store two shops down to the left if you forget but better to bring what you really want. They don’t take reservations, so come and expect a wait as small place but worth it. They will bring you glasses so you can start to drink the alcohol you bring with you. This location is across street from my timeshare in Kahana (and in same strip mall as Dollie’s above). There is another one in Kehei. www.misophat.com (808-669-9010 4310 Lower Honoapiilani)

Beach House (soon to be Captain Jacks in August 2024) – Located in the Sands of Kahana timeshare. Great local happy hour from 2-5 and very solid food all day.  A go to for breakfast.   Heard in June 2024, that Captains Jack, formally in Lahaina) has just purchased Beach House and will do a renovation and reopen in August 2024.

Maui Brewing Company – This is a large brewpub with all local brews and good food. The brewpub is located in a mall in Kahana just off the freeway.

• • Brewpub – 4405 Honoapiilani Hwy 217, Lahaina, HI 96761 | 808.669.3474
  • Brewery – 605 Lipoa Pkwy, Kihei, HI 96753 | 808.213.3002
  • www.mauibrewingco.com
• There is a new brewery with tours in Kihei (30-45 minute drive away). Tours 7 days at 12:30/1:30/2:30 for $5.

The Fish Market Maui – Best Fish Tacos – This is our favorite fish taco place.  Always busy, small seating and casual vibe where you order at counter and pick up on own.  Great fresh fish and worth a trip. 3600 Lower Honopaiilani Road, 808.665.9895 www.fishmarketmaui.com

Cruzin’Cafe –

• Cruzin’Cafe – Coffee/breakfast – Started by my friend Jamie years ago, but after the 2023 fires she sold business. We went in June 2024 and great coffee and more upscale casual breakfast. Didn’t try food, but looked good and would next time.  Easy place to stop if you are walking in Kahana or stop in.  3481 Lower Honopiilani Road, 808.446.FOOD (3663) www.cruzincafemaui.com

Activities:

Haleakala National Park is home to Maui’s highest peak. Rising 10,023 feet above sea level, Haleakala means “house of the sun” and is where demigod Maui lassoed the sun, slowing its passage so people had more time to dry kapa (cloth) and grow food. The dormant volcano’s “crater” is actually a valley carved by erosion. Sunrise at the summit of Haleakala has been a visitor attraction since the late 1800s when Samuel Clemens wrote: “It was the sublimest spectacle I ever witnessed, and I think the memory of it will remain with me always.”

Haleakalā Volcano Sunrise with Bike Ride – is amazing to see, but you have to leave around 4am to get there as it’s a drive to get there.  You can drive up yourself…you can join a tour which picks you up and brings back (so some people can choose this).

Tour and Bike Down Option Volcano – Once you see the sunrise, you bike down the volcano road to town.  It’s an easy downhill ride with a guide, so anyone can do it and really quite fun as you change from freezing cold, to warmer and shed clothing as you go.  It costs about $160 (3 days in advance) or $180 if booked less than 3 days.  Expensive and early – so something to consider.  My friends that did it with me loved it and said worth the early morning.  They pick you up at 3am (yes in the pitch dark), drive you an hour to get bike gear and then you are returned to condo before lunchtime.  We used Bike Maui –  https://www.bikemaui.com/tour/sunrise-special/

Self Drive Option –

The permit rules have changed and may be different every year so check in advance.

• In 2021 (maybe this changed due to covid?). You can only purchase permits 7 days in advance and only 1 per person every 3 days.  So if you aren’t sure on dates, have different people in your group buy the $1 permit.
• In 2017, you must pre-reserve a parking pass if you want to drive yourself for sunrise and this can be done up to 60 days prior. I tried to reserve a week before, but they were already sold out…so pay attention if you want to.  The passes are only $1.50 a day (so buy a few days if you aren’t sure to have flexibility).  There is an additional $25 per car fee (good for 3 days) and also a per person entrance fee of $12.

Permit Purchase: www.recreation.gov

More info: https://www.nps.gov/hale/planyourvisit/haleakala-sunrise-reservations.htm

If you drive yourself to the volcano, there are lots of fun places to visit and eat at in “Upcountry” area. It’s towards the bottom of the volcano and nice place to shop, eat and walk around.

Upcountry Day Trip: Lots to do in “Upcountry” and you could easily make a day trip of these fun things:

• Lavender Farm – $3 per person to walk around lavender farm. Really quite pretty with amazing views.
  • www.aliikulalavender.com
  • 1100 Waipoli Road Kula, HI. 96790 – Phone: 808-878-3004

Botanical Gardens – only 1 mile from Lavender Farm. Heard was nice, but only drove by.

• • www.kulabotanicalgarden.com, 638 Kekaulike Avenue, Kula, Maui,- (808) 878-1715
• Surfing Goat Diary – Cute goat farm, with cheese tasting, tours or just cheese to buy to take back to condo.
  • www.surfinggoatdairy.com, 3651 Omaopio Road, Kula, Hawaii 96790, – 808.878.2870

• Maui Ocean Vodka Distillery – This is a mile from Surfing Goat and worth a trip. It’s a gorgeous setting and you can go and have lunch on the grounds and/or do a vodka/rum tasting.   Its 7 miles upcountry from the airport so could be a nice place to have lunch and a drink before heading to condo. We did the vodka tasting and informative and beautiful and all 5 tastes were great.

www.oceanvodka.com 4051 Omopio Road, Kula 808.877.0009

Kula Lodge – Great lunch spot – known for wood fire pizza. Great views and tasty food. Worth a stop. www.kulalodge.com – 15200 Haleakala Hwy, HI 96790, (808) 878-1535

Ziplining – There are lots of places to go, but many are expensive so ask about how many zips, costs and what’s included. We found a great ziplining in “Upcountry” which was part of an old military area so old military gear was around and it was great zips.   I believe it was called “NorthShore Ziplining”) – www.nszipline.com and 808.269.0671

Scuba Diving

Island Style Diving/ Maui Dreams – After looking for new recommendations for boat diving in 2024, heard many positive things for Maui Dreams/Island Style Diving out of Kehei.  While almost an hour drive from the west side, I’m really happy with them.  Very safe, cheerful staff and great personalized service.  Went on two different days of diving with them and great diving in the south.   I will return and make the trek to dive when them (until Lahania Divers reopens and is closer to where I stay)  www.diveislandstyle.com / (808) 874-5332

Lahaina Divers – (Lost everything in 2023 fires and I hope they will rebuild/reopen as they were the best!) – I always go with Lahaina Divers (dove with them past 12 years and will again next time). Super safe, and knowledgeable and go to dive spots that aren’t overly crowded. A friend that only snorkels went with me one year, and she loved it too.  We were together for the boat trip and then she went with a few snorkelers in the water while I went down with divers. Only company that goes to Hammerhead shark dive site (Tues and Fri) and my favorite 3 tank drift dive on the furthest part of Lanai. They have a nice variety of advanced dive sites.

www.lahainadivers.com – (808) 667-7496

Humpback Whale Breaching Videos:

In February 2017, I had such an amazing humpback encounter in Maui on the way back from Scuba diving. I was fortunate to capture these three short videos – links below:

https://youtu.be/_2jSPgLL1lg – double humpback breach

https://youtu.be/TzYEleQwdtk – single breach

https://youtu.be/gxLZ6Ve5rTY – another single breach

Snorkeling and Boat Trips –

Booze Cruise: I finally had a friend in 2024 who wanted to do a sunset/booze cruise.  I was told there are two good ones with Sea Maui being better as smaller with better food.  The other recommended one was Teralani (details below and cost was $120).  Sea Maui sells out first as one boat and Teralani has 5 boats that go out.  We went with Sea Maui ($115 a person) and it picked up right at Whalers village.  It was a lovely 2 hour sunset cruise with open bar and self serve appetizers (which could serve as dinner if you wanted).  They also did an elegant dinner cruise for about $150 if you wanted that, but we were good with drinks and pupu’s.

seamaui.com / (808) 732-6284

Snorkel: I asked my dive shop for a snorkel recommendation.  Two people that work there recommended, Teralani as a great company for small snorkel trips or whale watching.  They leave out of Kannapali as well.  Here is the website: www.teralani.net.  Look for a smaller boat for a better experience.  The big boats just drop everyone off at once and it’s a cluster mess.

Molokini Crater is great for snorkeling. It’s a moon shaped island and unique fish. During whale season (Jan – March) you can hear the humpback whales singing under the water and the crescent moon creates an amphitheater sound effect there.  Often you see sharks (white tip and black tip) if you scuba dive the back wall.

Turtle Point/Mala Ramp  – great spots where they see lots of giant turtles. I went a few times and saw over 20 one day. You will see both scuba divers and snorkelers here and generally this is an afternoon snorkel trip.

Lanai – another great snorkel spot. Most trips come with lunch as it’s an hour boat ride each way. In whale season, you basically get a whale watching trip as well, as you will see many humpbacks crossing the channel.

• Self Guided Snorkel:
• Easy to snorkel at “Airport Beach” which is by the Westin timeshares with easy parking. I’ve seen turtles there both times I’ve snorkeled there.  We also went to Blackrock beach which was highly recommended.  I would say for the hassle of getting there, parking, and getting down to the beach, it wasn’t worth it.  Too much hassle and the snorkeling was just ok.  I would choose airport beach first for many reasons.
• You can easily rent snorkel gear for about $15 a day for a full set from Boss Frogs (many locations) or a little nicer set up from The Snorkel Store (which we did in 2024). You can also rent umbrellas and chairs.  We went to The Snorkel Store at the Fairway Center.  The rentals looked newer and in better condition that Boss Frogs (which is a little cheaper, but older gear).  They also had a 50% off coupon online when we were there.

www.thesnorkelstore.com

Whale Watching Trips – Not sure what is operating since fires in 2023.  Guessing most/all of these boats burned, but this was my list.

In 2019, I had friends that had never been whale watching and it was high whale season and we wanted to go. So I looked into companies and spoke to trusted people I knew in Maui and got 2 recommendations. There were two options we considered for whale watching as I knew we wanted a smaller boat as the large ones were no good.

• Pacific Whale Foundation – They have many options from small to big boats. We wanted the catamaran with about 60 people and this the company we would have gone with, but they were sold out for our days. They are popular as they are great and give back to the ocean.  www.pacificwhale.org
• Scotch Mist – We decided to go this route to have the smaller boat and loved it. This is a racing Yacht and we loved it. Only 22 guests max (we had 14) and it was a great 2 hour trip for about $65. Highly recommend to be on the water, whale watch and enjoy. www.scotchmistsailingcharters.com

Hiking:

Kapalua Coastal Trail. This is more of a casual walk along the ocean, but study shoes needed.  I heard of this 3.5 mile round trip along the ocean with views of lava formation, tide pools. Sturdy shoes are recommended (not flip flops) as it can be rocky at parks. We went in 2019 and this was a great and easy walking path. Parking lots at both ends and heard gets busy after 9am. The closest lot is just north of Napili Kai Beach resort (by Merriman’s) and other end is at near Ritz Carlton. You can also park in between and join the trail at a few places. Hike details at www.liveinhawaiiow.com and address for trail is: 99 Coconut Grove Ln, Lahaina, HI 96761.  Highly recommend and will do again.  Maybe stop for a drink at Merriman before/after.

Nakalele Blowhole – This was a nice hike down to a blowhole.  Sneakers needed and bring a towel as you may get wet.  Drive north past Kapalua and drive around the corner after mile marker 38.5 to the second of two parking lots.   This blowhole depends on the tides.  We were there mid day and water was low blowing, but we heard at high tide it can be really high every few seconds.

Iao Needle – Iao (pronounced as if someone just burned your arm—eee-ow).  This is a hike I’ve been talking to people about but haven’t done it year.  Its in the Wailuku Valley (closer to airport).  I heard there is an easier hike to a high view point and also a very tough hike you need to arrive early.  Maybe I’ll finally make it in 2022…

Another website I found with more hikes is: www.kapalua.com/activities/hiking-trails

Road to Hana – It’s a LONG, WINDY and SLOW drive, meaning all day but really super beautiful and something you should do once. There are many places to stop along the gorgeous drive to hike, swim, go in the black sand beach, have lunch and such. Some people love it, others think too far to go in a car. The traffic can be really bad, so you have to leave early to avoid it. It’s a long windy road but you have to go slow, so not a bad ride. One year we went on Saturday (most common day for people to arrive and leave) as we had a late night flight. This was ideal as no one was out driving on the road. We just checked out of timeshare early, packed our luggage in trunk and went out on the road to Hana as it’s just past the airport (an hour from timeshare). We didn’t make it all the way to Hana, but about half to three quarters which was enough and then we had to turn back around.   I’ve driven it as the driver, been a passenger and also did a tour bus (only way to go all the way around the road as cars have to turn around due to the road conditions).  In 2019, we did a halfway to Hana and paid attention to mile markers in advance so we knew where to stop.  This time we stopped at:

• Mile Marker 2- (Twin Falls) – Easy walk to 2 different waterfalls.  Bring a lunch as a few picnic tables to eat at.  Allow 30 minutes.
• Mile Marker 6.5/7 – (Bamboo Forrest) – Bring study shoes (tennis/hiking) that can get wet as there is a creek/river to cross and pending water levels you will get wet.  Really great and allow an hour.

1.  

Luau’s – In case you want to go to a Luau in Maui. You can get free Luau tickets if you go to a timeshare presentation for 90 minutes. So something to consider as the Luau can be about $100-$125. In Maui, the Luau’s include dinner and all you can drink included (when other islands only give you two coupons). Here are my thoughts:

• BEST – Feast of Lele. (not sure if this survived the fire as it was right in burn area).  I had heard from a few locals the new favorite of Maui was the Feast of Lele and I finally went in 2021.  It’s the only sit down 5 course dinner (no buffet).  It’s from the same company as Old Lahaina Luau and in downtown Lahaina (but this Luau has fire eaters/dancers at the end which was awesome!).  Food is paired for 5 different Hawaiian/Polynesian experiences.  So you get food, entertainment which is nice flow to night and all food is served family style for your group.  They also have waiters bringing you drinks and they are fancy top shelf unlimited drinks.  While it’s the most expensive at $$155 plus tip…it was well worth it and so glad I went.  www.feastatlele.com

Next Best (as no fire) – Old Lahaina Luau.  Best food, best drinks good location right on beach. Only downside is they don’t do fire performance (as that is not traditional). Show was really good…so didn’t miss fire. It’s known as the best, and it can sell out…so if interested, get reservations BEFORE you arrive in Maui as I’ve had two friends that couldn’t go as sold out. Adults $125 oldlahainaluau.com 1251 Front St, Lahaina/ (800) 248-5828

Very Good – Drums of the Pacific (at Hyatt) – ($123-$130) www.drumsofthepacificmaui.com

Very Good – Sheraton – Great food and drinks, see the Black Rock water diver at sunset before the show. Easy to walk to from Whalers Village and great show with fire. $125 a person for dinner and show.  This is one you could also easily walk by from 6-8pm and watch show from walkway as there are no shields. I went in 2015 and again in 2019.  I like the smaller and more intimate show (and everyone gets a fresh flower lei). www.sheratonmauiluau.com

Worst – Royal Lahaina Luau. Horrible food, watered down drinks. They sell it to families as the have a special kids buffet which was gross too. So you get lots of families that think this is kid friendly, but all the luaus are kid friendly. This Luau is not worth time, money or calories.  I will say in 2019, I met 3 different people who said this was a great luau and a expedia expert said it changed a lot in the past couple years…so MAYBE consider if one day.

Downtown Lahaina – This is just great to walk around, shop, eat and enjoy. Parking is always tough, so look for lots or street parking a few blocks from water. There is also a big validated lot behind the mini outlet mall. You can always go into any of the ABC stores to get a validation too.

• At far end of Lahaina, there is the largest Bayan Tree which is fun to walk around. There are usually local craft vendors selling things too.
• Outlet stores – easy shopping right off Front Street

Glass Blowing (heard studio burned in 2023, but I saw a new location may be opening up by the bypass road) – I came across Moana Glass at the art fairs in 2019 and did some more research and went in 2020. This was such a fun activity where you get to blow your own glass item. While it’s expensive it was worth the education, fun and item to take home. Item beginners can make range from $150-$250 and takes 30 minutes. We opted for 2 people each making own item and we had our own glass blowing teacher helping us make one item each. They also have Thursday night shows where the experts make big items and you can watch (and bring your own food and alcohol to have fun watching). It’s 6-9pm and could be a fun post dinner activity. www.moanaglass.com 808.763.6338 / 1000 Limahana Place, Lahaina

Hair Tinsel – (heard she left the island, but not sure if accurate…please let me know if you try her).  If the kids (or you) want to get hair tinsel, we found a local woman that came to our condo (or will meet where you want). She was great and would recommend her for sure. Contact Danielle Brill at 916-220-7827 or [email protected]

Maui Gold Pineapple Tour – I always wanted to do this and finally did in 2021.  It was really a great experience I would recommend.  Tour is upcountry and lasts 90 minutes and you get a tour of the fields, processing plant and get to take a airplane ready pineapple in a box home.  It’s located upcountry (closer to airport).  Few tours a day at 9:30, 11:45 and maybe after lunch.  Could be a good morning event before flying home.  Cost was $65 and worth it.  There is now a distillery there you can add a tour for $10 (do in advance as it was sold out for us).

A full day suggestion: We did the 9:30 pineapple tour, then had early lunch across street at famous Haliimaile General Store (recommend making a reservation).  From there drove to Makawao to walk/shop (including famous Stick doughnuts at the Makawo General Store and Maui Cookie Lady shop, continued to Lavender Farm, then Surfing Goat Farm and finished up at Maui Ocean Vodka.   See more details of these above.  Full but fun day.

Grocery Stores

• CostCo – There is a Costco right by the airport. So if you have a large group and want to stock up (get alcohol for the condo), worth the stop as the grocery stores are REALLY expensive in Maui. There is also a Kmart by airport and sometimes we will stop here for alcohol, basics for breakfast at the condo.
• Safeway in Lahaina – This is really the biggest grocery store and always busy but they have it all.
• Times Grocery – Closest larger grocery store in between Kaanapali and Kahana (1.5 miles from Kahana) if you don’t want to go all the way to Safeway. It’s a big grocery store with all you need.