Top 10 Things To Do in Maui

I miss Maui! I have to admit, I am having huge withdrawal symptoms for not being able to travel to the islands this past year due to the pandemic. But I understand, it is for the right reasons. There is something about Hawaii, that draws me to the islands every year with never-ending cravings for more! Perhaps it’s the exhilarating feeling of isolation in the middle of the pacific ocean or the ease of a short flight from the West Coast - “it’s just good for the soul”! If you are a frequent visitor like me or it’s your first time in Hawaii, a stay in Maui is a must. Whether you seeking high adventure - surf, kayak, snorkel, hike; looking to find spots less traveled, or simply to laze around on the beaches, Maui has it all.

As you consider slowly and safely to make your way back to Maui now or later in 2021, take a look at my Top 10 things (in no particular order) to do and eat in Maui. (Note: There are endless choices in Maui, so I will keep updating this as I travel resumes)

Tip: As you know traveling in 2020 has been severely hampered by the global pandemic. At the time of writing this blog, Hawaiian Islands welcomed back out of state visitors starting October 15th, 2020 by easing restrictions on quarantine as long as one tested negative for Coronavirus. I sincerely hope both visitors and locals help each other to revive the Hawaiian economy. So, before your travel, please check your country and state of Hawaii’s for latest updates on travel advisory. Travel Safe!

Choice Health Bar (Lahaina and Paia)

The Choice Health Bar has the quintessential local island, hippie vibe offering outrageous vegan-friendly superfood, cold-pressed fresh juices, and the best acai bowls. If you are tired of your hotel food and want something fresh and healthy (even if you are not vegetarian), I am sure you will love this place. The OG Acai Bowl and Macadamia Nut Cold coffee are to die for. This is always our first stop upon arriving in Maui and seriously we eat here at least one meal daily during our stay. The staff is super nice and always sharing their recipes. Two main locations - Lahaina, Just of Hwy 30), West Maui) and Paia (north shore) and a small outlet at Whalers Village in Lahaina.

O’o Farms & Ali’i Kula Lavender Farms (Upcountry)

Make a day trip to O’o Farms and Ali’i Kula Lavender Farms in Upcountry Maui. O’o Farms offers an early morning coffee tour or farm-to-table lunch tours with great seating out in the farms. You can drive or walk (16min) to the Lavender farms down the street as well.

Tip: Pacific’O is farm to table restaurant in Old Lahaina Town owned by O’o farms and offers fresh local seafood and organic produce. A lovely family sunset dinner is while a bit pricey is a must during your visit.

Mill House Restaurant - Farm to Table

Mill House is a modern farm-to-table restaurant offering plantation food and craft drinks. It’s situated just off Hwy 30, on the sprawling Maui Tropical Plantation, and surrounded by lush green Waikapu Valley. You can enjoy the several organic farms and coffee roasting houses and for the kids, there is even a small train ride and kid-friendly zip lines. Recommend making advanced reservations for the restaurant.

Tip: Add this stop if you planning to go to Iao Valley tropical hiking.

Haleakala Downhill Cycling

Biking down from 6,500 feet on the slopes and switchbacks of Haleakala - the largest volcano in Maui is simply exhilarating and a must-do (assuming you don’t have the obvious restrictions!). My favorite is the Sunrise tour (2 AM pickups from the hotel). I did this back in 2003 I think. You get to see the starry skies, followed by a gorgeous sunrise. Then suit up and bike down at your pace. They serve breakfast at the end of the tour in the historic town of Makawao. Other options are half-day express (self-guided). Note: All equipment including safety gear is provided by the tour company

Ali’i Maui Outrigger Canoeing (Ka’anapali)

Ali’i Maui outrigger canoeing offers and exciting and family-friendly canoeing in the open waters near Ka’anapali Beach. There are conveniently located at the Westin Ocean Resort Villas-North. The guides are super fun and easy. You get to paddle for 1.5 hours, race with other canoes, and near the Black Rock on Kaanapali you get to swim in the waters and even take a jump off the Blackrock.

Rent Paddleboards and Snorkeling gear

Rent paddleboards and snorkeling gear at affordable prices especially if you staying for 3 or more days on the island. Gives you flexibility and freedom to take your gear wherever you like and use it whenever you want without the hassle of renting by the hour. My take - even if you don’s use it for a day or two…it still more cost-effective. My favorites - for paddleboards go with Island Surfboard Rentals (ask for Yuval!) - they deliver and pick right from your hotel, and for Snorkeling, beach, or bike gear try Boss frogs dive n surf shop.

Zipline

Zipline is amazing fun for adults and children alike. Great way to see the island beauty from high above. We first tried it in Costa Rica - which is the gold standard. However, Maui offers some great options - Kapalua Zip Lines in Kapalua, Skyline Ziplines in Kaa’napali, and Skyline Haleakala in Upcountry Maui (on our wishlist). These experiences require advance booking and plan for 3+ hours depending upon the number of ziplines you choose.

Pai’a - North Shore Maui

Paia is a small town on the North Shore of Maui with a Hippie vibe (read - healthy foods, and lots of surfing!), trendy shops, cafes, and quaint bed n breakfast places to stay. Unfortunately, most people zip by while driving to Hana! It’s less touristy, not overpriced like the other resort areas of the island - so make a day out of it. Hang out at Baldwin Beach, grab some healthy lunch from Mana Foods, or acai bowl at Choice Health Bar or if you feel like some seafood then try Pai’a Fish Market. Finally, be sure to visit Kim Mcdonald’s art studio for custom-painted surfboards! (Note: This is on my wishlist)

Golf & Tennis at Kapalua and Ka’anapali

If you are into golfing nothing like spending a few hours on these two great golf courses in West Maui. Ka’anapali Golf course - affordable, more forgiving, and great views of Kai (Ocean) and Makua (West Maui Mountains). Kapalua Bay Golf course is a championship golf course and probably one of the best in Hawaii. Both Bay Course and Plantation courses are spectacular, and are known for the 17th hole - the only hole to play over the ocean in Maui. Both locations have excellent tennis centers and you can get a lesson with a pro or sign up to play with a tennis buddy.

Tip: For non-golfers or tennis players, Kapalua are offers access to great hiking and quick bites at the Honulua Store on the Kapalua Bay Plantation.

Road to Hana

If you are feeling adventurous, then a full day (perhaps overnight stay) scenic road trip to Hana should be in your top 10. There are some amazing waypoint stops including botanical gardens, coffee farms, hiking, lava tubes, waterfalls, and more. I went to Hana almost 15 years ago and clearly remember driving on the many switchbacks and of-course jumping in the water pools for a refreshing dip. Hoping to revisit soon!

Tip: Get the Road to Hana app for audio and visual offline guided app. Note: While I have not used this I hear great reviews.