Maui is more touristy that I like. The culture (except around the eastern coast) feels more like California than Hawaiian: go-go, play hard, have lots of fun, rather than a more lay back and enjoy life as it comes to you. If you are looking for recreation rather than relaxation, Maui would be a great destination.
ACTIVITIES:
Swim and hang out on a beach
Stop by the overlook for Ho’okipa Beach Park and see the amazing surfers
Hawaii Nature Center, 875 Iao Valley Road, Wailuku 808-244-6500. Museum open 10am-4pm. Rainforest walk is at 11:30am and 1:30pm we days, 11:00 & noon on weekends. The walk takes two hours. The museum is good for 6-14 year olds for 30-60 minutes.
Take a boat trip and see Dolphins, Whales, turtles, and/or Fish. http://www.pacificwhale.org/ is well regarded.
Maui Ocean Center Aquarium, Maalaea Harbor Village. Nice aquarium focused mostly on local fish. Much smaller than Monterey Bay aquarium… but the fish are much more colorful.
Drive up the Volcano. The drive, the park its set in, and the view at the top is worth it. You drive above the clouds and its a very different Maui from the shoreline. If you hike down into it take lots of water and sunscreen. Check weather: 1/3 of the time the top is socked in and you won’t get much of a view. There are a number of companies which provide bikes and rain gear to cruise down the Volcano.
FOOD:
I have found Bruce & Kolleen’s Maui Restaurants & Maui Dining Guidefairly helpful.
Roy’s Kahana Bar & Grill – Pacific Rim, Kahana Gateway, 4405 Honoapi ‘ilani Hwy (808/669-6999). Good. Mostly a dinner place. Kid friendly (two appetizers provided, but pasta only option for non meat eaters.)
Maui Bake Shop & Deli
Spago at 4 Seasons Resort, Wailea, 879-2999. Dinner only. In and out doors with nice view. Nice menu, extra choices for kids.
David Paul’s Lahaina Grill, 667-5117. Signature is tequila shrimp with firecracker rice which is excellent.
Kula Lodge. Decent food with a great view down from the Volcano. 377 just before 378. 878-153
Chez Paul.
Hali’imaile General Store – New Hawaiian. 900 Hali’imaile Rd, Hali’imaile (808/572-2666). This place is close to airport. In the middle of nowhere, so get directions before attempting.
PacificO – 505 Front Street, Lahaina, 667-4341
IO, 505 Front Street Lahaina, 661-8422. New pacific rim.
The Gazebo, a breakfast shack, walking distance from Napili Kai, near Kapalua. Great macadamia nut pancakes.
Manana Garage, 33 Lono Ave, Kahului 873-0220 (ka’ahumanu intersection across from Chevron). South american with pacific rim ingredients. Theme around 1960s garage. A small toy box provided to kids which is an old toolbox.
Anuenue Room, Ritz-Carlton Kapalua Hotel. Try the lamb and Grand Marnier / Chocolate souffle.
Nick’s Fishmarket. Kea Lani Resort, Wailea, 879-7224
