My Tips for Visiting Maui

1. The best guidebook for descriptions, pictures and great ideas on what to do and where to stay is Maui Revealed blue guidebook – can be found at any bookstores and libraries. Check out their website also at wizardpub.com.

2. The Road to Hana is a great excursion (my favorite). It takes at least a full day to really enjoy, and is entirely worth it. It is one of the most lush and remote areas on the islands, with great views, awesome waterfalls, beautiful coastline, etc. It requires slow and patient driving on a narrow, winding yet magnificently beautiful road. The entire road is the experience, not so much the small town of Hana itself. Stop and see the sights along the way. To enjoy this area more fully, a few nights stay in the area can offer a great escape and exploration of nature. Great places / things to see on the road to or near Hana include:
a. Many roadside waterfalls with pools
b. Waianapanapa Black Sand Beach
c. Nahiku Road
d. Kaenae Peninsula
e. Hamoa Beach
f. Waioka Black Sand Beach (steep trail with rope)
g. Waioka (Venus) Pool
h. Oheo (7 Sacred Pools)
i. Pipiwai Trail to waterfalls and bamboo forest

3. Lahaina is a good shopping /dining /touristy area. Don’t spend too much time there if you want to see the real Hawaii. The best Luau is the Old Lahaina Luau, or the more intimate Feast at Lele. Kaanapali Beach, to the north has some nice areas, especially near Black Rock (by the Sheraton).

4. Great beaches are found all over, but some of the better ones are in the Wailea (south) area.

5. If the weather is clear, a very early morning drive to the top of Mt. Waialeale can offer an awesome sunrise view over the crater of this high, dormant volcano.

6. Iao State Park is a nice canyon drive with great walking paths in a beautiful environment.

7. Molokini is a small island you can take boat tours for great snorkeling and scuba diving.

8. Drive the narrow road around northwest coast to see the Nakalele blowhole and the Olivine pools (some rugged hiking), and Nahukuloa Village. Not as pretty as the Road to Hana, but great coastal scenery.

9. Great Beaches:
Northwest: Ka’anapali, Kapalua
South: Wailea, Makena
East: Hamoa, Waianapanapa

10. The locals use the term “Maui No Ka Oi” – meaning “Maui is the best”. In many ways this is true, because there is so much variety on this island. Just be careful not to get caught up in the tourist traps. There are plenty. But if you seek it, there is plenty of the real, natural and beautiful Hawaii as well.