I am spoilt by the white sandy beaches and shallow turquoise waters in South-east Asia; hence, Maui beaches weren’t love at first sight. But with a few electrifying experiences, I have a special place for Maui in my heart. Also, thanks to some TV programs Hawaii was one of my childhood dream destinations: a far-away paradise in the middle of the Pacific where you land to be greeted by beautiful orchid garlands and Mai tais.
Here’s why you should spend a week in Maui Hawaii: deep-blue waters, towering waves, gentle Humpback whales, curious green sea turtles, hula, black and red sand beaches. And find out why Hawaii has been nicknamed the rainbow state.
Our itinerary (Fly-in) Kahului —> Kaanapali (4days&4nights) —>Kihei (3days&3nights) —>Kaanapali (fly-out)
After a scenic airport landing in Kahului, we headed to get our first Hawaiian meal in Da Kitchen Cafe: fried spam musubi (yes that’s right, it’s called spam!) and loco moco which is rice topped with egg, gravy, and meat. Oh wait, did I tell you that nobody welcomed us with orchid leis (garlands). Sadness. 🙁
Four nights in Kaanapali
We drove the Honoapiilani highway past lush green hills and sugarcane fields to our hotel in Kaanapali. Kaanapali is situated close to the historic whaling town of Lahaina and has numerous staying options. Our abode for four nights was an ocean front room with a view of the island Molokai.
Hawaii does not have water bungalows; instead, there are three kinds of rooms – partial ocean view, ocean view, and oceanfront.
Sheraton’s beach-side near the bar is a great place to watch the cliff dive ceremony from the sacred Pu’u Keka’a (Black rock) to the Pacific. It is also a great snorkeling spot.
In our four days stay in Kaanapali, we went on a sunrise whale watching trip with Pacific Whale Foundation (NGO that conducts whale research), enjoyed a luau (traditional Hawaiian feast) at the Old Lahaina luau (this is where we received our orchid garland welcome), dived in Molokini crater, and snorkelled in the coves near Black Rock and Kapalua bay.
Whale watching is a must if you are in Maui during the months between December and May. During these months Maui is a whale watcher’s paradise. In fact, Maui is a designated sanctuary and is one of the most important whale habitats. Humpbacks migrate to Hawaii every winter to give birth, nurse their calves, and to mate. In summer, they go to their feeding grounds in Alaska.
We saw and learnt about different whale movements: splashes, blows, breaches, tail-slaps, and also heard the whales through a hydrophone. This is one of my most memorable moments.
Luaus are a great way to watch Hula and also sample Hawaiian cuisine. Performances and music at the Old Lahaina luau are excellent, but I can’t say the same about their food. Here you have the links to other luaus.
Kimo’s in Lahaina town has good food with great views. While having lunch at Kimo’s we saw whale breachings.
Be on the lookout towards the waters (AuAu channel) between Lanai, Maui, and Molokai; it is one of the best place to watch whales.
Food at Star Noodle is also good, but expect long lines.
Most of our time we spent chilling on champagne colored sands on the palm-tree lined beach of Kapalua bay, which easily became our favorite beach. Kapalua bay is where we saw the beautiful green sea turtles (Honu in Hawaiian) up close.
Another place where we enjoyed spending our time is Napili bay. If you head towards Napili bay during morning hours, Gazebo is a pretty good place to grab breakfast; wait times can be insane though.
There are ferry services from Lahaina harbor to the islands of Lanai and Molokai. There is a well-known shipwreck beach and the otherworldly rock garden called ‘Garden of Gods’ in Lanai.
Three nights in Kihei
On the fifth day we drove down south to the small town of Kihei and stayed there for three nights. On the way we stopped at Kealia pond national wildlife refuge and Kihei beach. Kihei is a popular beach to watch/photograph/do kite surfing and sailing.
One place which we weren’t tired of going to – Coconut’s fish cafe. Their fish tacos are excellent. And for delicious and fresh poke bowls (Hawaiian fish salad) visit Eskimo Candy. Yes, it’s a seafood place not a candy store.
The following day early morning we drove to Haleakala national park to watch a breath-taking sunrise over the edge of the crater rim.
Reach the summit well in advance; the first ray of the sun and the golden lining on the clouds is what you shouldn’t miss. Dress in layers. This place is super cold and windy.
Around evening we drove to Makena beach state park to be greeted by giant teal waves at Big Beach. Next to it is Little beach, Maui’s not-so-secret nude beach, separated from Big beach by a lava outcrop.
A trip to Maui is incomplete without taking the road to Hana, a doozie of a drive ruled by hairpin bends and single lanes at many places.
Our favourite place along this route is Wai’anapanapa state park— beautiful black-sand beach with clear blue ocean and bright green vegetation around.
Ho’okipa beach at the start of Hana highway is a renowned windsurfing site. It is here that we saw the endangered Hawaiian monk seal.
Check here for travel tips on your road to Hana drive and sights by mile marker. Look out for rainbow eucalyptus on the way.
I would recommend staying in Hana overnight to enjoy this drive leisurely. Accommodations are limited, so you should reserve in advance.
If you are on a splurge, a helicopter ride would be remarkable to see the many sights Maui has to offer from up above.
(We spent a week in Maui in March 2014)
Planning on hopping on to the Big Island of Hawaii as well? Click here to see the best hikes Big Island Hawaii has to offer.
Wow! Really stunning photos! Cool 🙂
Thank you Aryan.
I felt the same as I have been living in East Africa so Maui was not like out of this world awesome…but it has a special place in my heart. We rented a car and took the trip to Hana…ah, just unbelievable! Next time, try the helicopter tour. It is expensive but worth it. After looking at your photos I want to go there again! Nice photos, Anna!
Yeah I loved Hana too! Thank you. ?
Oh, lovely Maui! Thanks for taking me back to my favorite place 🙂
Oh is it! What makes Maui your favorite place? 🙂
Everything. I love tropical places and beach life and Maui was just the best place I’ve visited. We stayed at a beach that was very quiet right then (slightly off-season maybe), the weather was perfect, not too hot at all, the water was clear. We saw huge green turtles swim with us there and went surfing. Love that there are also shops and all the modern conveniences if you need something. Really laid-back atmosphere, great food… Many beach destinations are over-crowded or over constructed, whereas Maui felt quite real somehow.
That’s nice! Yeah, the fearless green sea turtles; it was my first time seeing them so close. They are beautiful!
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