Eat, See & Do: Favorites in Maui, Hawaii

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This is not the first post about Hawaii, as it is one of our favorite destinations. Though what makes this a special post is that it is authored by one of our readers who’s been living in Oahu for many years and knows Hawaii like the palm of his hand. I can personally say he has excellent taste and all his recommendations have been way above the highest expectations. And better yet – many of the venues recommended won’t be the typical touristic place, the tips are from a true Hawaii insider.

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Eat, See & Do: Favorites in Maui, Hawaii

By Eric for kristraveler.com

EAT

· Favorite little restaurant (by far):

Mala  Ocean Tavern (137 Front Street, Lahaina  (808) 667-9394)

It’s a little hole-in-the-wall literally on the water.  Best breakfast and sunset dinner you can have on Maui.  Owner uses all local, organic

ingredients with which to make magic. There are only about 6 or 7 tables outside on the waterfront, so call ahead and reserve a spot.

· Other cool places:

Lahaina Grill (127 Lahainaluna Road, Lahaina, (808) 667-5117)

On Lahainaluna Road, just 20 yds from Front Street.  For years acclaimed as best restaurant on Maui – fun, busy though a bit pricey.

Gerard’s (174 Lahainaluna Road, Lahaina, (808) 661-8939)

Also on Lahainaluna Road – quiet, most romantic spot in an old mansion.  Exquisite French cuisine.  Dinner only – very quiet, romantic.

Mai Tai Lounge – on the water on Front Street

Longhi’s – an old classic Lahaina place. Great steaks, great wine bar.

· Favorite Friday/ Saturday dinner place:

Hali’imaile General Store (900 Haliimaile Roadm, Makawao, (808) 572-2666) – Incredible food, fun atmosphere, on the way to upcountry Maui

SEE, SHOP & DO

· Favorite places to stroll:

Front Street, Lahaina

· Favorite place to stroll along the beach:

Kaanapali Beach – Lots of little shops at Whaler’s Village, cool restaurants along the beach path

· Favorite places to explore:

Pa’ia  Town – On North Shore of Maui. Pa’ia is an old plantation town-turned-hippie-surfer-artist town. Lots of art galleries, funky places to visit and to eat. My Favorite in Paia is Flatbread Company (89 Hana Highway, Paia, HI 96779, (808) 579-8989)

Makawao Town  (just upcountry from Pa’ia) – Old Cowboy town – only 2 – 3 blocks long. Lots of little art galleries, boutiques; cool weather & fresh air. Very close to Haliimaile General Store

Big Beach – if you have time, this is on Maui’s South / Southwest shore.  Incredible beach – and like the name says, it’s big – and feels like old Hawaii.

Kapalua Resort Golf Course – on the North Shore of Maui, world-class course where Mercedes Open is held every year

· Must do:

Drive up to top of Haleakala Crater: Ideally, leave at 4:00 am to arrive in time for sunrise from the top. Top elevation: 10,023 ft.  So take warm clothes. For the most adventurous, you can try a bike ride down Haleakala – a 30-mile, all-downhill bike ride – wheeeee! Requires an early start; locals get upset because bikes block traffic – so you may or may not like that part.

Whale Watching: We like the tour that goes on the large (25-person) Zodiac – we’ve gone on Ultimate Whale Watch. Very cool – zodiac boat makes it possible  to get “up close and personal” with whales. The whales approach you (boats are restricted from approaching the whales, but if they drift toward you it’s ok)

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About the Author:

Eric is an architect, born and raised in Brazil but lives in Hawaii. Avid traveler and former hotel executive – so very picky about his accommodations.

Favorite thing to do on a trip: photograph the experience so he can share it with others who may not be able to get there.

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