Maui Hawaii Updates

One of our favorite boardwalks is in Kaanapali.  You can walk from Hanakao'o Beach Park all the way to Duke's Beachhouse Restaurant next to the Aston Mahana and Honua Kai Konea hotels.  It's a long walk with many resorts in front of it.  You also wrap around the Sheraton at Black Rock.  If you walk from one end to the other, you're looking at at least an hour each way.  Some of it will be covered by trees, but most of it runs alongside the ocean and offers full sun.

There are plenty of spots to stop for drinks and food.  We love this walk for sunset or in the early morning when the sun isn't as strong.  When on the south side, there's a similar long walk along the ocean in Wailea.  You have to cross beaches here and there, but a lot of it is composed of paved path along the water and resorts.

On of Maui's most acclaimed high chiefs was Kahekili (ruled circa 1766-1793,) who excelled in the game of "lele kawa," or cliff jumping.  He gained respect from many warriors for his leaps from Pu'u Keka'a, as most were frightened of the spirits who lived in the area."

The Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa is built into the beach side of Black Rock.  each night you can watch the torch lighting ceremony and cliff dive.

You can see the Kai Kanani coming into shore from the morning snorkeling trip to Molokini.  The Kai Kanani is one of our favorite vessels in Maui waters because it's a stable, roomy catamaran and is the only boat allowed to make beach entries in Makena.  The great location combined with the easy access to Molokini makes the Kai Kanani the best choice for snorkeling Molokini.

This was a perfect day to be on the beach (not that it's a rare thing on Maui!)  We hope you like the photo.  By the way, this was taken with an iPhone.  Pretty amazing, huh?

Hello, we are heading to Maui Dec30-Jan10. Never been there before and have some questions.

We are staying at Menehune Condos. We have two kids 15-18 girls.

I will have an electric scooter along, walking long distances don't agree with me. Are there some beaches that have paved paths down to them or along them that would user friendly? Also which restaurants are good to try, looking for some real Hawaiian type places that are reasonable. Next for the kids Zip lining and snorkeling what do you suggest.

Since I'm being a pain which sites or scenic ares should we take in? Finally shopping which area for this, just shops, t shirts, swim suites sun dresses that sort of stuff,maybe shops near beaches with eating places just to spend a afternoon relaxing,

Anything you might suggest as a must do?

Thanks!

DALE

Aloha Dave!  

That's quite a lot of questions.  Menehune Shores has a beach just south of the property, but the best beaches are in south Kihei, Wailea, and Makena which necessitate you driving.  Most beaches are just off the road.

We have some fantastic restaurants here on Maui.  Here's a good list of our favorite Maui Restaurants.  Check out Da Kitchen for true Hawaiian Plate Lunch.

For all other activities, check out this list of best Maui activities.

Iao Valley is great to visit.  Also, check out the Road to Hana if you're feeling adventurous.  Great waterfalls there.

Lahaina town is best for shopping, but Makawao is fun too (but that town is Upcountry and not near the beach.)

Be safe on your scooter and wear a helmet.  Aloha!

Ulua Beach is just south of Mokapu Beach in Wailea. This little beach is great for when the wind is blowing side-offshore since there are trees on the north side of the beach.

When you arrive, you'll notice loads of scuba divers dropping off their gear. The reefs on the north side of the beach have some excellent shore diving opportunities. If you dive further than the first reef, you'll find a turtle cleaning station. We've seen up to 8 turtles at a time having their shells cleaned by small colorful fish. Once we even saw a huge manta ray feeding on some plankton brought out from the full moon the night before.

If there are large waves (either south or west swell), you'll want to be careful swimming, and snorkeling/diving is Ill-advised.

Hello,
 
I love your website, and I am hoping you might be able to help with some information.  My Girl Scout Troop is going to Maui this summer to help with Habitat for Humanity.  There will be either 9 or 10 of us in total.  We were hopeing to either rent a large passenger van, or maybe there is a company that will drive us as needed?  We are going to be staying in a church for most of our stay, but want to sightsee at night after working all day and we have the weekend to sightsee.  Could you help suggest the best way to travel with this # of people.  Either rent 2 cars, or a large van, or is public transportation recommended?  We don't want to be stuck somewhere because the transportation has shut down.  We will be working until 4 everyday so won't get out until after 6ish each night after getting cleaned up.
 
I appreciate any help you can give.  Also, I would love some information on sightseeing.  We of course are on a budget as Girl Scouts, but want to see a volcanoe, waterfalls, the beaches, and whatever else you would recommend.  We are so excited to visit and to be a part of Habitat for Humanity.
 
Thank you,
Sonja

Wow, Sonja!
That sounds amazing!  It's great to hear you're doing this!

What exactly will you be doing for Habitat for humanity?  If you send me photos and info, I'd love to blog about your troop and give your cause some exposure online.  We have some pretty powerful websites with a lot of traffic.

As far as transportation, the bus system is public, but not great if you want late night tansport.  I would contact some of the local car/van rental companies and give them your story to see if you can get some donations or major discounts.  I'm sorry I'm not more help.

Sun sets around 6pm, so you won't be seeing much if you do your sightseeing at this time.  Hopefully you can get a few days off while you're here, or maybe you can do some of your work at night?  Maui is a daytime place.  Or perhaps you can get up early to do things.  Haleakala Crater is amazing, but its a long drive and you'll need half a day.  Waterfalls are pretty far too (on the way to Hana).  Beaches are pretty easy access and all over.  Here are a few links:

Maui Activities
Haleakala
Maui Beaches

I hope this helps.  Please keep us updated!
Aloha,
Maui Information Guide

What a day! After all the rain, we deserved a good day in the sun. Big Beach, Makena, Maui