And fine, a couple beaches.
The picture painted in most people ’s psyche when they think of Maui includes world - celebrated beach , surfboarding , scouting sea polo-neck , hopping on a catamaran with an island drink , and fundamentally anything that has to do with the water system . It ’s true , the beach are paradise — it ’s an island in the midsection of the Pacific Ocean , after all . And you ’d be remiss not to see out some of the pristine beaches like Ka’anapali , Kapalua , and Makena , to name a few . But there ’s way more to Maui than beaches .
Nicknamed the Valley Isle , small towns with personality of their own dot the central valley between Haleakala and the West Maui Mountains . Most do n’t recall of towns like Wailuku , as it is n’t on the beach , but what does exist there is one of Hawaii ’s nerveless cocktail barroom and a bento box blot that sells out on the habitue . In Haiku , charter a 20 - acre orchard with 20 of your close friend without smash the bank — or turn your speech sound off and exercise wellness at an off - the - control grid hotel .
If you ’re craving tranquil views , salient oyster shooters and smash burgers , views spit out of a catalogue , perfect atmospheric condition class - circular , and , okay , some of the populace ’s prettiest beaches , there ’s never been a better sentence to plan a trip to Maui than now .
The famous road to Hana.|Royce Bair/Moment/Getty Images
Hawaii is pop for good grounds , but tourists would be at a huge departure to not wage with the local finish and at least hear about protect the exceptional land while visiting . An promiscuous way to learn more while still experiencing all the beautiful nature is to head toKipuka Olowaluand Tennessean . The experience involves a trek around a Jurassic - Park - same plot of land in the Olowalu vale , where you ’ll immerse yourself in Hawaiian farming technique , the replanting of native species , and preserve acculturation . And then you’re able to get back to tally off all of the below .
Try a non-oceanfront hotel
Oceanfront property is abundant and always in requirement , but Maui has several more private best - kept secret ( that are still in tightlipped proximity to it all).Hotel Waileain the exclusive Wailea Resort ride 300 foot above ocean level with views of mountains , Hawaiian islands , and the sea . The 5 - star Relais & Chateau property is decently closemouthed to shops , beach , and luaus , but it feels humankind by from the action . It does n’t get much unspoilt than seeing the dayspring and sundown from an sea opinion rooms — and being within walking distance to one of Maui ’s effective bars : Birdcage Bar , where creative cocktails flow and lovebird make an appearance around sunset . The hotel stay the only luxury , grownup - only archeological site , and this means you do n’t have to worry about tiddler take up quality pool space .
Lumeria Maui , in Makawao , is one of Hawaii ’s hidden gems . It pegs itself as a tranquil health retreat , and rightfully so , since here you ’ll find yoga , speculation , healing arts , metaphysical study , saltation and bm , and many more class and programs . Do n’t expect TVs in the room , but do expect large crystals throughout the grounds — and a really gorgeous pool . When in Makawao , be sure to get toT. Komoda Store & Bakery , a local staple since 1916 , for donuts on a reefer .
Or book an entire estate on a 20-acre plantation
If you have the chance , rent outHaiku House , a sumptuousness estate of the realm situated on a 20 - acre plantation on Maui ’s North Shore . The berth include nine suite - way bedrooms and enough space to ramble around with give - or - take 20 of your closest friend ( or not ! ) . compare to other lavishness stamping ground and hotel , when broken down per someone , the average $ 6,500 per dark price tag is more attainable than it seems .
Learnthe art of Mālama(caring for the soil in the Hawaiian language ) viaCommon Ground Collective , a non - profit helping promote sustainability . Guests can roll up their sleeve and weed , plant , and harvest the fruit of the labor , such as Meyer lemons , pomelos , and avocado . A helping of payoff go to menage in need .
Take the other scenic route to Hana… and stay overnight
The Road to Hana is a coveted attraction , and the average tourist does the roundtrip drive in one daytime . That ’s cool and all , but expect it to take almost three hours to gain the finish communication channel , with around 620 - ish nauseating twist and turn along the 64.4 stat mi - long stretch that makes up Hana Highway . If you do n’t desire to spend six hr in the motorcar , hop-skip onMokulele Airlinesfor a 20 - min escape from Kahului Airport to Hana and cut out nausea - ville , plus see bird’s-eye panorama of the journeying from above — Keopuka Island and falls let in . ( you could rend a machine in Hana , but it ’s wise to book in progression as there are very few cars useable ) .
Whether you drive or fly , it ’s highly recommend to stay overnight and experience Hana the way most travelers do n’t . That means you may also slay heroic trails , like Waimoku Falls , in the a.m. before the rush of Clarence Day trippers surges . Hana - Maui Hotel ’s ocean cottages are a complete position to unplug and unlax while listening to the wafture crash in the distance . It ’s also passing tight to Black Sand Beach , Hana Gold Cacao Plantation , multiple waterfalls , lush tropic wood , and the lilliputian , charming Hana township .
solid food choice are limited , but that ’s the beaut of it , as you ’ll want to spend the majority of the time exploring and scary . If hunger strikes , there are a few substantial bets like Thai Food by Pranee , Huli Huli Chicken , Hana Ranch Restaurant , Hana Farms Roadside Stand(also serving pupus and pizza ) , and The Restaurant at Hana - Maui Resort ( as fancy as it gets ) .
Hotel Wailea, Relais & Châteaux
Get your fill of sushi and smash burgers
There ’s a lot more to Maui ’s food vista than trailer bowls and Mai Tais ( which btw , hail from California , not Hawaii ) . Hawaii is a melting pot of culture , so the food is quite exciting if you ’re willing to slue off the puzzle way . There are too many to list but here ’s a substantial start .
riotous casual : Chef Sheldon Simeon’sTin Roofstill remain a must - stop en route to the aerodrome for the fertile chow chow fun and spicy chicken sandwich alone . Smash Warren Earl Burger in Hawaii ? You depend . Zach Soto , a former fine - dining chef , openedHavensinside a Shell gasolene station in Kihei and has a dial - up carte with everything from saimin ( Hawaii ’s noodle soup ) , sushi , mouthwatering burger , oyster “ chili watah ” shooters , and crazy tots ( white potato yearling with kimchi and furikake ) .
epical views and gravid solid food : It would be hard to beat a prettier sunset than atPacific’Oin Lahaina . seldom do the horizon , food , and cocktails all stand out in equal parts , but with chef Isaac Bancaco ’s local and seasonally driven eats — plus bar manager Mari Howe ’s cocktails — the eating house attain the uncommon trifecta exception . The deep-fried poulet with malasadas is a dishful that will get with you forever . lust alimentary paste and an ocean view?The Four Seasons Resort Maui at Waileais home toFerraro ’s Bar atomic number 99 Ristorante . This vibrant , undefended - melodic line Italian eating house give off Tuscany - sports meeting - Hawaii vibes with unmatched views . But Chef Michael Patria crushes with the carry ( deucedly awesome pizza pie and pasta ) and the unexpected ( hearts of ribbon “ ceviche ” and a seafood cobb salad ) .
Haiku House Maui
Breakfast : Chef Lee Anne Wong’sPapa’ainaat the Pioneer Inn in Old Lahaina is a tangible coup d’oeil into sourcing topically . The menu is ever - deepen and everything is dynamite — from the breakfast ramen to the luau frypan , and obviously the macadamia junkie ricotta pancakes . If you do n’t bear in mind wait a bit , Baked on Mauiin Haiku is a fun spot in the Upcountry with phenomenal parched good and skillet egg dishes .
Find a food festival or private outdoor dinner
Four Seasons Resort Mauiat Wailea just brought back the annualFour season Maui Wine & Food Classicover Labor Day Weekend ( September 2–4 , 2022 ) with a Michelin - starred chef lineup and keen wines . The twelfth annualHawaii Food & Wine Festivalis one of the longest solid food fete and take place on the islands of Hawaii , Maui , and Oahu from October 20 to November 6 , 2022 — it ’s a standout way to see what each island has to offer .
Kiawe Outdooris like the alfresco dinner party of your pipe dream , where three thing clash : fire Hawaiian outdoor ardor cooking , heroic wine-coloured hand selected by Yeshua ( an advanced sommelier ) , and conversation under the stars . You could advert one of the ongoing select planned dinners or opt for a completely customized dinner party with Quaker . Dinners give visitors the hazard to try invading species like Axis cervid , which is sluggish cooked over Kiawe wood . It ’s unlike any other dining experience on the island .
For 30 days now , Celebration of the Artshas accept spot atThe Ritz - Carlton Maui , Kapalua . Each April local artisans , cultural practitioners , chefs , filmmakers , cultural panelist , and more gather for a weekend of educational activities and events . It ’s a beautiful way to check more about Hawaiian culture in a really lively environment . Koran tickets early , as this is a sought after weekend for locals !
Hana-Maui Resort
Spend the day in Wailuku
Often overlooked by visitors , Wailuku , at the foot of the West Maui Mountains , is a coolheaded township to explore where tourist traps do n’t exist . After browsing the boutiques — don’t missNative Intelligence(a cultural retail boutique ) , Rebecca Lowell Art , and Turnbull Studios & Sculpture Garden — pop byShikeda Bento Patisseriefor standout bento boxes and sweets . Wash it all down next door at Esters Fair Prospect , an authentic tropical cocktail stripe possess by Jessica Everett and Suzanne Navarro . In addition to serving tasty little bites and pupus , the authoritative daiquiri , withSugarcane Dane ’s Maui Cane Syrup , will give you a real sense of position . If you ’re thirst sushi , though , make your way over to the BYOB , no - reservation - necessitate Umi Sushi .
Pacific’o On The Beach
Kiawe Outdoor
Peter Unger/Stone/Getty Images