TOP 7 sights on Maui

 

 



1. Waimoku Falls at the end of Pipiwai Trail
            At the end of the Road to Hana in the Haleakala National Park, take the 4 mile roundtrip hike to Waimoku Falls. This tall 400 foot waterfall surprises you as you reach the clearing at the falls rock bed. If that's not enough, the hike there through dense bamboo forest will take your breath away and create just enough of an on edge feeling to keep you on your toes through the slightly damp, muddy path. Stand in the forest and listen as the wind knocks the hallow trees against each other and smell the fresh guava that falls from the trees at the beginning of the trail. Then on the way back enjoy the Seven Sacred Pools of 'Ohe'o that the Pipiwail stream feeds and end by swimming in the refreshing waters near the shoreline. A must do!

      TIPS:

• Haleakala NP requires an admission fee of $10 per vehicle which is good for 3 days admission. The trail begins at the same spot as the seven sacred pools.
• Parking is a lot better than along the Road to Hana sites.
• Road to Hana takes at least 2.5 hours from the start to get to the NP and trailhead.
• Sturdy nonslip shoes recommended. We did it in our "slippas" (Hawaiian for sandals/flip-flops) but were slipping along the boardwalks built through the bamboo.

Seven Sacred Pools

Waimoku Falls

Pipiwai Trail
 



Bamboo forest

 

2. Snorkeling Molokini and Triology Excursions

           Molokini is a sunken volcanic crater which makes for perfect snorkeling in the reef below. Triology Excursion takes you there on a sailboat with relaxing netting to lay on out front and try your hand at the wheel steering this beautiful boat. Breakfast, lunch, snacks, and ice cream all served to you by the great staff along with refreshments. Go early for less people and enjoy seeing a turtle or two!

 

 



3. Haleakala National Park

          Haleakala crater for sunrise. Though sunrise is for tourists, sunset, just as beautiful, is more for the locals. Make sure you are on time! We planned 20 extra minutes and spent it at the entrance to the park where you pay your $10 3-day pass. Got right to the top with tons of cars parked everywhere. We parked on the road and did a morning jog to the summit just as the sun peeked over the clouds. It's cold! Coldest I have been in Hawaii at 49 degrees F. Wear a jacket and bring a blanket.

 

 

 

4. Zip lining/Lavendar farm breakfast

          Skyline Eco Adventures ziplining offers adventures through the trees on Haleakala or soar over the waters in Ka'anapali! Across from Haleakala base is the Maui Lavender farm with slow service but lavender breakfasts including cinnamon roll icings, teas, toasts, along with lotions, soaps and other lavender beauty products for purchase.

 

     TIPS:

• Book direct or online and save 10% off

5. Road to Hana

           Road to Hana is more about the journey than the destination. 42 miles of road etched into the mountainside. Without starting early in the morning, it is nearly impossible to get to the end with daylight to hike the Pipiwai trail if you stop at all the stops along the way. The stops along the way vary in price and type of experience. Wai'anapanapa State Park houses black sand beaches with hidden caves, blowholes, and picnic area. Parking can be difficult but definitely worth a stop! Stop at Halfway to Hana and get delicious homemade banana bread for $6 and a Hawaiian Sun juice makes a great snack! At Koki Beach, you find Maui's red sand beaches and at Hamoa Bay, exquisite white sand beaches.

 

     TIPS:

• Public restrooms are always a little less to desire with lack of toilet paper, cleanliness, and paper towels or soap. Bring toilet paper with you and hand sanitizer.
• Pick up a map at the airport. GPS is not always accurate and a map will tell you where the stops are along the way!
• You can drive back the forbidden road to the south side of the island. It is a pretty drive, but narrow and dirt. Only one point which is like driving through a river bed so don't drive it after rain. Otherwise if you are from the country you should have no problems.
• Garden of Eden is $15 a person, doesn't seem worth it.

 



Black Sand Beach

Koki Beach

 

6. Travel head of Maui island and visit Lahaina

          Lahaina is a beautiful town with quaint Front street shopping and small town life. Just down the road is fantastic Leoda's Kitchen and Pie Shop with tuna ahi and homemade lime pie. This restaurant offers a vintage feel with homemade fresh food at a reasonable price. The rest of the drive is small, narrow roads with beautiful views and small art galleries along the way where locals welcome you with friendly conversation. Along the way are tide pools to hike and swim in as well as blowholes. Leilani's fish tacos have been talked up a bit. Remember that fancy dinning is upstairs and casual dinning is downstairs on the beach. Otherwise it's an awkward situation asking for the downstairs menu.

7. Wailea beaches for sunset

          Sometimes all you need is sand between your toes, the heat of the sun on your skin, and the beauty of the sun setting over the ocean. Wailea is the southernmost shore with Big Beach/Makena Beach accompanied by Little Beach, where nude sunbathers often frequent. Moose McGillycuddy's for great Friday special of fresh fish and chips (mahi mahi) with a Kona brew (Hawaii's own brewing company).

 

 

Honorable Mention:

1. Whalers Village - nice built up tourist area with a fancy shopping mall. Expensive.

2. Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum - 6 rooms in an old house with simply displays. Save your $10 unless you feel like giving a donation

Other sources:
http://www.hawaiiweb.com/maui.html
Pick up the Maui Island Guide & Driving magazine at the airport for great eats and a map!