Maui Travel Guide

 

One of the most requested things you guys asked for was a Maui trip guide! Drew and I have been three times so we have complied our favorites eats, beaches, drinks and things to do for you!


Where to Stay

Andaz at Wailea– Drew and I have stayed here twice now. This resort is absolutely beautiful and the location is amazing. There are multiple pools at the resort and one of them is super kid friendly with large shallow areas. The rooms are sleek and spacious and the beds are also super comfortable. The bathroom/shower area is also very spacious with a large closet. The rooms we have stayed in were ocean front which to me is a must. Waking up to the ocean every morning and drinking coffee on the balcony is the best. Also the sunsets are breathtaking on the Wailea side of the island. The Andaz staff is attentive and makes sure your needs are met at all times. Can’t recommend this resort enough!

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Romper/ Heels

AirBnb– This past tripped I worked with Airbnb to stay at a villa in Kihei for the second part of our trip. We loved staying in more of a beach town spot and it was super nice having a condo to ourselves. I highly recommend looking at Maui properties on Airbnb.

Other Notable Places- Grand Wailea, Four Seasons, Montage 

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TOP c/o | SHORTS | BAG c/o


Where to Eat

Wailea

Ka’ana Kitchen– This restaurant is located at the Andaz. We have eaten twice here for dinner and each time it has blown us away. The dishes that Chef Chance creates are a flavor explosion in your mouth. The dishes are a bit more adventurous, but the amazing staff will walk you thru them all. My favorite dish is the lamb ravioli, followed by the shrimp risotto.  This last trip it was hands down our favorite meal. Highly Recommend! Reservations- recommended

MonkeyPod– We had this recommended to us and it is easily in our top 3 favorites now. The drinks are amazing, the food is delicious and they also have a great kids menu. I also love the atmosphere too! Be sure to try the Ahi Tuna or Mahi Mahi! Reservations- recommended 

Paia

Mamas Fish House– This is always a go to of ours. I still remember our first experience 10 years ago and this last trip did not disappoint.  It is located on a stunning beach front property with an open restaurant setting.  My favorite dish is the lobster stuffed Mahi Mahi. This is a signature dish of theirs and it is as amazing as it sounds. My favorite appetizer is always the sashimi platter. They change it up from time to time, but the freshness and amazing flavors are always consistent. If you are hungry for dessert, get the black pearl. We found out that it is the most photographed dessert in the world! If you go to Maui, this restaurant is a must!  Reservations- A Must (and in plenty advance)

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Paia Fish Market– This is an indoor picnic style restaurant. The space is limited so if you are not willing it wait for a table, I would order it to go and head to the beach. Their fish sandwiches and fish tacos are delicious. Reservations – Do not take them

Flatbread– When I think of Maui, I never think pizza, but this restaurant changed my mind. The Mopsy’s Kalua Pork Pizza is a MUST while visiting Paia. The pizzas are made with local ingredients and homemade sauces. I am still thinking about this pizza as I type this. Reservations- stays busy, but not a must

Mana Health Food Market- We stopped by here to grab a sandwich before heading to Hana. They have multiple hot plate options as well, but their sandwiches are really really good!

Paia Bowls– The best Acai bowls on the island! Great stop before road to Hana trip.

Kihei

Kihei Cafe– hands down the best and most filling breakfast on the island. The portions are large and the prices are reasonable. I love their french toast topped with macadamia nuts and bananas as well as their homemade Corned Beef eggs Benedict. They also have the cutest kids whale pancakes! There is always a line, but it moves fast and they will always find you a place to sit! Reservations – Do not take them

Cinnamon Role Fair– If you like cinnamon rolls, make sure you hit up this spot for a quick breakfast. Drew had to go three mornings in a row because Olivia was obsessed!

808 Bistro- great breakfast spot and reasonably priced. Try the banana bread french toast and Eggs Benedict. Reservations – stays busy but do not need them. 

Foodline Poke– Grocery Store, but their Poke is fantastic!

Sansei- our favorite sushi restaurant on the island! You have to try the Panko crusted Ahi Sashimi… its to die for! Reservations- recommended 

Other Notable Places- 5 Palms, Coconuts, Matteos 

West Side- Lahaina 

Merimans – This is located past Lahaina in Kapalua. We read so many amazing reviews about this restaurant, one being that it had the best sunset view.  The outside area is only available for appetizers and drinks only. That did kind of disappoint me, but once the sun started setting, the lifted the sun shades and we got to take in the breathtaking view from our table. We tried numerous dishes and I loved everything I ate, but it did not blow me away like other restaurants I have experienced in Maui. I would definitely recommend this restaurant as the view it’s self is worth seeing! We plan on doing appetizers and drinks on our next trip! Reservations- A Must (and in plenty advance)

Mala Ocean Tavern– This located in Lahaina and a great spot for lunch. It is right on the water where you will see lots of boats too. I personally love their calamari, but their fish sandwich is also amazing. Reservations- recommended 

Ululani’s– Best frozen ice you will ever have! I recommend getting one of the homemade ice creams on the bottom of your ice. There are two locations, Lahaina and Kihei (Lahaina is the original location.)

Other Notable Restaurants- Star Noodle, Aloha Mixed Plate, Lahaina Grill

Best Drinks

Wailea

Andaz Pool Bars– Our favorite drink of the trip was the Upcountry Buck. The Andaz has so many amazing refreshing drinks but they can be on the pricer side (but well worth it!)

Monkeypod– This was Drew’s favorite spot of the trip. Their Mai Tais have a yummy pineapple foam on top. They also make an incredible basil, ginger gimlet.

Humuhumunukunukuapua’a- fantastic Mai Tai and an amazing place to watch the sunset.

Kihei

Streetside Tiki Lounge– This is a small lounge with a bigger outside patio. We loved their margaritas and they also serve delicious pizza too! A great spot to sit and relax after the beach.

Paia

Mamas Fishhouse-  I love their Mai Tais because they are more on the lime side opposed to the super sweet side. Their tropical drink menu is outstanding and their staff is incredibly knowledgable.

Milagros– If you are looking for Tex Mex in Maui, this is the spot. We did not eat here besides their salsa and guac but their margaritas are AMAZING!


Best Beaches

Wailea

Andaz/Grand Wailea/Four Seasons– all three of these resorts are located near each other and have beautiful beach fronts. The sand is more of your traditional sand and you can see amazing sunsets at each of these.

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Big Beach– About 4 miles down the road in Makena you will find Big Beach. This beach is STUNNING and BIG! the water is a beautiful turquoise and the waves were a little rough at times but it just depends on what time of day you visit. This is a great beach to watch sunsets or take long beach strolls.

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Hana

Hamoa Beach– ok you guys, this is a little slice of heaven in Maui. We were BLOWN AWAY by this gorgeous beach. The sand is grey and they call it salt and pepper. The waves can get rough here depending on what time you come, but the shallow area is rather large. Just watch for drop offs! I could have stayed here ALL DAY LONG! Worth the drive and a must if you are ever on this side of the island.

Red Sand Beach– This beach is a little rocky to get to. You have to walk up and around a mountain edge. I have never seen anything like it and the sand is really gorgeous. It is located in Hana and you will probably need to ask around on how to get there.

Waianapanapa Black Sand Beach- While this sand is really cool to see, it is not one of my favorite beaches. It is always crowded and the beach front is small. I would make plans to stop here if you are driving to Hana, but do not expect a relaxing time. Be sure to wear proper shoes as this beach can be very rocky.

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Paia

Baldwin Beach– I also loved this beach because of the unique sand. It reminded me of birdseed and felt so cool on your feet. This beach also has a great area for kids where the waves do not get rough. It is a pretty large beach and perfect for families.

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SWIM | BAG

Ho’okipa Surf Park- Great place to watch local surfers and around 5:00pm sea turtles come to shore!

Kihei

Kamaole Beach Park– This beach usually stays pretty busy as it is located smack dab in the middle of the beach town. It is a good size, but get their early if you want a spot to sit and relax.  The waves here were not bad for Olivia and we loved that it was so close to all the lunch spots.

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Ka’anapali

Black Rock Beach- we have visited this beach multiple times and loved it each time. The waves can get pretty aggressive here. It is also right by multiple resorts so it stays very busy. There are rocks that people jump off of and Drew has seen a large sea turtle while swimming! You can public park at the Sheraton hotel and walk. We also heard this is a great place to snorkel.

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Other Things and Tips

Best Luau– OId Lahaina Luau is hands down our favorite!

Road to Hana- This is a day trip and I recommend getting the audio guide at an ABC store. It will help you locate all the amazing stops along the way. Visit the 7 sacred pools the bamboo forest and more!

Allow time for Traffic– if you are traveling from the Wailea or Kihei side of the island to Lahaina around 4-6, it will take you an hour to an hour and a half to get to your location.

Shopping– Best area for designer is Shops of Wailea and best area for boutiques is Paia!

Haleakala– We did not get the chance to do this and seriously regret it! Starting in February you have to have reservations for your car to go, or they will not allow you to go. You will have to leave around 3:30-4am to get there by sunrise and DRESS WARM. This will be at the top of our list on our next trip to Maui.

Ok that rounds it up! We tried to cover all of our favorites without completely overwhelming you! If you guys have any questions at all, do not hesitate to email me! Maui holds a special place in our hearts and if you are planning a trip there, we would love to make it the best trip for you!

Have a great weekend! xoxo Tara

 

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5 thoughts on “Maui Travel Guide

  1. Kat Marie

    My husband and I will be visiting Maui in June for our ine year anniverssary. Can’t wait to check out some spots from your guide. Looks like you had a wonderful time in Maui. Thanks for sharing! <3

  2. the cape on the corner

    gorgeous photos. i absolutely loved our time in maui, to me it is the quintessential hawaiian island. we stayed in kahana, a little past kanappali, and we found ourselves going back almost every night to kapalua bay beach. we saw a few weddings taking place on it, too.
    b

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