Kick Back in Kihei: Adventures in Southwest Maui

Whale Watching (Winter only) - If you’re there in the winter (December–March) you have the amazing opportunity to take a tour and learn more about humpback whales. Going out on a smaller raft allows you to be up close and personal. It often includes a hydrophone, which amplifies their underwater songs for you to hear. Here is a recommended tour that goes out from the Kihei Boat Ramp.

Haleakala National Park — (Though not located in West Maui, you can drive there from Kihei in a little over an hour.) Amazing volcanic landscapes, rain forests and cultural sites make this special place worth a visit. Many people plan their visit to enjoy a sunrise or sunset from the summit of Haleakala. Remember that it gets quite chilly at 10,000 ft elevation, so be sure to dress accordingly! Currently, anyone entering the park between 3 am and 7 am will need a reservation from the National Park Service in addition to the park entrance pass.

Snorkeling Molokini Crater - Two of the most exciting snorkeling spots on Maui are often combined into one half-day tour. Sea turtles and clear water can almost always be found at Turtle Town, a site right off the west coast at Makena Road. Here is a recommended tour that goes out from the Kihei Boat Ramp.

Helicopter Tours - Helicopter tours offer you the chance to see the spectacular scenery from a different perspective. Extremely safe and exclusive, these tours are certain to give you an unforgettable experience. The birds-eye view allows you to really appreciate these wild landscapes that are almost untouched by humans.

Visit the Island of Lana’i - Trilogy offers a full-day tour of this remote and unique island that departs from the Ma’Alaea harbor. If you’ve been to Maui a few times and are looking for something different and special, I highly recommend this tour!

Kamaole Beach Parks — All three of them (Kamaole I, II and III) are outstanding. They offer soft sand, clear waters, gorgeous sunset views and fun waves for boogie-boarding and snorkeling.

Keawakapu Beach — This is an amazing beach with soft sand and shade. This is another great place to watch the Hawaiian sunset. Green sea turtles can often be seen feeding near the rocks here, but please remember to keep your distance as they are a protected species!

Pro Tip! Download the Shaka Guide App and audio guides for driving all over the island. These use your GPS to give you guided narration, and provide so much context and history during your time spent driving.

Mama’s Fish House — Located in Paia but worth the drive, Mama’s Fish House is one of the most renowned and iconic destinations on all of Maui. It has extremely fresh seafood and breathtaking views. The setting and ambiance, along with excellent food and service, make this an extremely special and luxurious experience. Be sure to make your reservations ahead of time, as dinner sunset reservations can be booked up months ahead! Pro Tip: Arrive early. Make a stop at the Ho’okipa Beach Park to watch the turtles and surfers off the north shore.

Miso Phat Sushi — Not just a clever name, this spot offers fresh, high-quality sushi including rolls, sashimi and other specialty items along with great service. Get a few rolls for take-out and enjoy a chill sunset dinner on the beach.

Tommy Bahama (in the Shops at Wailea) – The Shops at Wailea has many dining and shopping options. Tommy Bahama is a great option that has both lunch and dinner, happy hour in the afternoons, and live music in the evenings. The coconut shrimp is to die for. The island-inspired dining experience will have you in the mood to order another Mai Tai.

Ko Restaurant (in the Fairmont Kea Lani) – Upscale Hawaiian-inspired cuisine, featuring a fusion of Asian and European flavors. The honey-crispy shrimp and seafood lau lau are the highlights of their menu.

Nalu’s South Shore Grill — Beloved local restaurant that offers bowls and banana-macadamia pancakes for breakfast. For lunch and dinner, fish tacos, huli huli chicken and burgers. They often have live music by local artists, creating the perfect ambiance for a casual meal.

Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman (in Whalers Village, Kaanapali) - Hawaiian comfort food in a casual, beachside eatery. Try the wood-fired pizzas, craft beers and mai tais with lilikoi.

Ululani’s Shave Ice — No trip to Hawaii is complete without shave ice, and Ululani’s is the BEST! Their ice is so fluffy, and their flavors are unique and natural, which makes this place an iconic must-do while you are on the island.