Curator’s statement
Maui is a truly special destination where every glance unveils opportunities for adventure and discovery. The island's rich cultural heritage is deeply intertwined with the land, making it an ideal setting to explore the majestic volcanoes, diverse geological formations, and vibrant marine life. Maui offers a tapestry of experiences that connect nature with education. This unique blend inspires a profound appreciation for nature and the lessons it can teach us.
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Things to do in Maui
Lava fields
The primary lava fields on Maui are located at La Perouse Bay (Keone‘ō‘io) in South Maui, showcasing the rugged, and jagged volcanic rock landscapes that resulted from Haleakalā's last eruption. To reach this remarkable area, visitors can travel south from the Kihei/Wailea region. While accessible by car, travelers should be prepared for a narrow road once they enter the lava fields, adding to the sense of adventure as they navigate this breathtaking terrain. Exploring this unique geological wonder provides an educational opportunity to teach Maui’s volcanic history and rock formation. This trip wouldn’t be complete without wandering along the water's edge looking for marine life in the rocks and shallow waters. This is a common place for visitors to view dolphins, so bring your binoculars.
Maui Ocean Center
Though it may seem like an obvious choice, the aquarium offers an abundance of sights to discover. Its combination of indoor and outdoor spaces allows visitors to explore at their own pace and truly appreciate everything on display. No visit is complete without taking a stroll through the impressive 54-foot-long tunnel, where sharks, stingrays, and tropical fish glide overhead. Be sure to inquire about their scavenger hunt for kids upon arrival, as it will guide you through all the aquarium’s highlights. I would recommend enjoying this spot in the mornings, as you will find fewer crowds.
Whale watching
If you travel to Maui between December and April, reserve a whale watching cruise with Sail Maui to experience the beauty of these magnificent creatures up close. With the recent reopening of their Lahaina harbor, you can catch a boat from there or from MĀ’ALAEA harbor, which is conveniently closer to Kihei. Most tours last about two hours and include light snacks and beverages. The spacious boats feature nets at the front for comfortable seating, which was the boys' favorite spot and offers excellent views from almost every side. We appreciated the crew's extensive knowledge of whales and marine life; we spent the morning observing mother and baby whales, and they even dropped a microphone into the ocean so we could listen to the sounds below the surface.
Ulua Beach
This quarter-mile-long stretch of beach is perfect for both relaxation and enjoying the ocean. Ulua Beach is an excellent destination for beginner snorkelers, boasting calm, clear waters and a vibrant rocky reef system where you can easily spot turtles and colorful reef fish. The sandy entry makes it ideal for all skill levels, with an abundance of marine life even close to the shore. While the beach can get crowded in the late morning and early afternoon, arriving early or planning your visit for the late afternoon will help you avoid crowds.
Hoʻokipa Beach
If you're having trouble spotting turtles, take a drive north to Hoʻokipa Beach, where you'll find dozens of turtles basking in the sun on the right side of the beach. The afternoon and evening are the best times to see the most turtles. During our visit, we enjoyed discussing the turtles' life cycles and learning how to respect their space by observing from a distance, ensuring that these wonderful creatures can thrive in their natural habitat.
Places to eat & drink in Maui
Mai tai from MonkeyPod
Monkeypod Kitchen
Be sure to visit Monkeypod during happy hour to enjoy fantastic deals on drinks, pizza, and select entrees. All of their fish is caught and brought to the restaurant the same day. If you love tropical cocktails, don’t miss their famous mai tai, which features a delightful honey-lilikoi (passionfruit) foam. This refreshing drink is a mix of Old Lahaina light and dark rums, macadamia nut orgeat, orange curaçao, and fresh lime juice, shaken with ice, and topped with the foam. You will not be disappointed!
South Maui Gardens
If your group cannot decide on what to eat, hit up South Maui Gardens. This is tucked back off the main road in Kihei and features a variety of food trucks and an abundance of tables and grassy areas to enjoy.
Maui Brewery
They have two locations to choose from: West and South Maui. The Kihei location is situated on a hill, offering stunning views of Kihei and the surrounding landscape. This location features a fantastic green space for kids to play and roam freely, making it a family-friendly spot. True to its name, the brewery boasts an impressive selection of choices on tap. I recommend securing a table outside to savor their live music, which takes place daily from 6-8 p.m.
Kihei Caffe
This has become a beloved tradition for us every time we visit the island. We always choose the original location in north Kihei. There's something special about dining outdoors with chickens and birds wandering around. If you're visiting with kids, be sure to order the whale or turtle pancakes—these generously sized treats are always a hit with the little ones. Given its popularity, it's wise to plan for an early visit on a weekday to secure a seat.
Flatbread Company
Located in Paia, this must-visit spot is on the north side of the island, making it the perfect place to stop after a stop at Hoʻokipa Beach for some turtle watching. They focus on crafting delicious wood-fired pizzas using locally sourced ingredients, ensuring high-quality food in a vibrant atmosphere. You can't go wrong here, whether you're looking for great vibes or exceptional dishes. If you're a pizza lover, I highly recommend trying the Mopsy's Kalua Pork!
Need to know
Embrace the slow pace of island life. Take the time to appreciate the stunning natural beauty, rich culture, and strong sense of ohana that Maui is known for.
Travel Advisor
Melissa Cazier
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