let us tell you about our favorite place

All of the best beaches, activities, and food Maui can offer! Keep in mind our wedding is held over a long weekend so the island may be a bit busier than usual. We recommend making reservations and plans ahead of arrival!

West maui

OLOWALU (our wedding location!)

Beaches:

  • - West Maui is where most locals learn to surf. If you would like to learn, you can set up lessons with Maui Wave Riders or other private instructors.

  • - Launiupoko Beach: An incredible spot for a long surf and beach day, topped off with a perfect view of sunset.

Food:

  • - Leoda's Kitchen and Pie Shop: A must stop when you're on the West Side. Known for their Seared Ahi sandwich and Banana Cream Pie. But you can't go wrong with anything you order here!

KA’ANAPALI

Beaches:

  • - Ka'anapali Beach: The large stretch along Ka'anapali shore, with plenty of space to relax and swim, as well as a wonderful walking path.

    - Black Rock Beach: At the "end" of Ka'anapali beach there is a portion of the stretch known as Black Rock. This is a great spot for swimming, snorkeling, and taking a jump off of Black Rock itself!

Shopping:

  • - Whalers Village: Great for shopping and dining right on the water!

Food:

  • - Monkeypod (West Side): A must visit for their farm to table meals and the famous Monkeypod Mai Tai. Stop by for Happy Hour for the best deals!

    - Hula Grill: A more touristy spot, but an institution. Enjoy live Hawaiian music and fresh fish dishes by the water.

    - Leilani's on the Beach: Similar vibes to Hula Grill and right across from it, minus the live music. However if you sit upstairs at sunset you get an excellent view!

KAPALUA/NAPILI

Beaches:

  • - Kapalua Bay: Gorgeous, soft, sandy beach!

    - Cliff House: No sandy beach access; however, a beautiful spot to visit and take a quick dip.

    - Honolua Bay: Famous spot for snorkeling, a rocky beach but a must visit for a quick walk through gorgeous greenery and a quick dip.

Activities:

  • - Kapalua Golf Course: For you golfers, home of an annual PGA tournament.

LAHAINA 💚

Lahaina is still slowly rebuilding after the devastating fires in 2023. Some restaurants and experiences here are slowly reopening, and we encourage you to visit and support if they are open for business. Lahaina Town itself is still closed to non-local traffic and we ask that you respect the local guidelines on visiting this historic part of the island.

SOUTH maui

KIHEI

Beaches:

  • - Keawekapu Beach: Hannah's favorite beach on island - a long stretch of gorgeous sandy beach with crystal clear waters and views of multiple islands. Also is a great walk!

    - Kamaole I, II, III: Beaches along the Kihei shore equipped with parking lots, lifeguards and showers. Kam II and III are personal favorites.

Food:

  • - Paia Fish Market (South Side): Casual dining of fresh fish plates and fish burgers (Ono Burger is to die for).

    - Nalus' South Shore Grill: A great spot for a quick casual bite in Kihei town.

    - Maui Brew Co: Delicious beer brewed right on island, come for happy hour or dinner!

    - Kihei Cafe: Iconic breakfast known for their fried rice and griddle dishes. Make sure to arrive early or be prepared to wait in line.

WAILEA

Shopping & Activities:

  • - Shops at Wailea: High end shopping with luxury stores and boutiques, as well as fun galleries and local brands.

    - Wailea Golf Course: Excellent course with beautiful views and great restaurant options.

Food:

  • - Monkeypod: The original location of the famous Monkeypod Mai Tai and local eats. We recommend making a reservation as it can get busy, but if you walk in you can enjoy a Mai Tai (or 2) while you wait for your table!

    - Lineage: Created by Chef Sheldon of Top Chef, the garlic noodles, lobster noodles, and fried chicken are must-haves.

    - Tommy Bahama: Attached to the store itself, a higher end spot for good food and drinks!

MAKENA

Beaches:

  • - Makena Beach (Bigs): We recommend heading to Big Beach 1st entrance where you will find a huge stretch of beach and gorgeous ocean. A must visit beach! Keep in mind that waves can get bigger here in the summer and it is known for a shore break - lifeguards are on duty but you should always stay aware when you are swimming here.

    - Little Beach: Maui's infamous nude beach and a favorite of Jonathan's. Just a quick hike over the rocks from 1st entrance and you're there. Sundays are extra special for their sunset drum circle.

Activities:

  • - La Perouse Bay: Past Makena you can drive through fields of lava from Haleakela's 1790 eruption - ending at La Perouse Bay. 4-wheel drive is ideal for making the drive out.

Food:

  • - Jaws Taco Truck: Often parked outside of or in Bigs Entrance 1 is the Jaws Taco Truck known for their excellent fish tacos to enjoy on the beach.

downtown

WAILUKU (Hannah’s Hometown)

Activities:

  • - Shopping along Main Street in Wailuku offers a variety of boutiques in a quaint part of town.

    - ‘Iao Valley: Head up to 'Iao for a picnic and a short hike through the valley, topped off with a dip into the fresh streams. There are two entrances for 'Iao - the lower one is more for picnicking while the top one is where you can hike and swim. Make sure to get a reservation for the second (top) entrance!

  • - Maui Tropical Plantation: Beautiful grounds to peruse, with great local gifts and produce, as well as an on-site restaurant.

Food & Drinks:

  • - Wailuku Coffee Roasters: Excellent coffee and croissant sandwiches to start your day, with great coffee to bring home as well!

    - Ichiban Okazuya: A classic Japanese style plate-lunch. Must tries are the Chicken Katsu, Potato Mac Salad, and Teriyaki Chicken.

    - Esters Fair Prospect: A great spot in downtown Wailuku for a craft cocktail - a favorite spot of Jonathan's!

    - Sam Sato’s: A local spot in industrial Wailuku for amazing dry-mein, chow-fun, and adzuki bean manju. Only open for breakfast/lunch so make sure to arrive early and be ready to wait in line.

WAIHE’E

Activities:

  • - Waihe’e Ridge Trail: A gorgeous hike around the ridge of the North side of the West Maui Mountains. This is a bit more of a strenuous hike but pays off with gorgeous views!

KAHULUI

Food:

  • - [Tasaka] Guri Guri: Famous local sorbet offering only 2 flavors - strawberry and pineapple. Always ask for a mix of the flavors!

    - Tin Roof: Also created by Chef Sheldon, Tin Roof is a great spot to hit for your first meal on island or before you head back to the airport, offering takeaway bento-box style meals.

Northshore

PA’IA

Beaches & Activities:

  • - Pa’ia Bay: A stretch of the Northshore beach accessible from Pa'ia Town itself for swim.

    - Baby Beach: A perfect beach for a swim with the family, nestled in residential Spreckelsville and often shielded from wind and waves.

  • - Baldwin Beach: The largest stretch of beach, great for a swim and a long walk - you can go from Baby Beach all the way to Pa'ia Bay via Baldwin Beach.

  • - Shopping in Pa’ia Town: Home to some amazing boutiques, good eats, and a beachy vibe! Great for finding unique souvenirs.

Food:

  • - Pa’ia Fish Market: The original location of the world’s best fish plates and fish burgers!

    - Flatbread: Family style flatbread pizzas with tons of flavors to choose from, heaping fresh green salads, and a killer brownie sundae.

    - Cafe Des Amis: Known for their crepes - both sweet and savory - in a sweet courtyard setting on Baldwin Ave.

    - Mana Foods: Maui's PREMIER health food store, with fresh delicious produce, an iconic hot food bar, and amazing mini pies.

  • - Roselani Ice Cream: A beloved ice cream brand in Hawaii, with a storefront for scoops! Kona Mud Pie is a must try.

KU’AU

Beaches:

  • - Ho’okipa: A great spot for watching the surf from above the break at the lookout point. You can often see resident turtles here! Recommended not to surf, unless you're an expert!

Food:

  • - Mama’s Fish House: Arguably Maui's best restaurant - iconic dishes, fresh fish caught right off the shore of the restaurant daily, and a mean Mai Tai. Make sure to get a reservation months in advance, they book quick!

HA’IKU

Activities:

  • - Bamboo Forest Hike: A beautiful hike through Maui's largest bamboo grove. Be prepared to hike across streams and up muddy slopes, however your reward is a stunning waterfall at the end of the trail for a swim!

    - Rainbow Eucalyptus Grove: Directly across from the Bamboo Forest is a huge Rainbow Eucalyptus grove - well worth walking through.

  • - Twin Falls: A less strenuous hike (more of a walk) where you are rewarded with not one, but two waterfalls along the way! Also has a great farm stand with fresh fruit and banana bread in the parking lot. Requires entrance fee!

Food:

  • - Nuka: One of Maui's best sushi restaurants - make sure to grab a reservation!

  • - Maui Kombucha: The best Kombucha you will have in your life! Grab a mason jar of your choice flavor and prepare to get "booched".

upcountry

MAKAWAO

Activities:

  • - Olinda Forest Hike: Stroll through an easy loop in Olinda forest, and hike the switchbacks if you’re feeling up to it!

    - Pi’iholo Ranch Zipline: For the more adventurous crew - zipline through Maui's upcountry forests.

  • - Shopping in Makawao Town: Filled with gorgeous boutiques! Another great place to do some shopping or find a unique souvenir.

Food:

  • - Freshies: Great spot to stop for breakfast or lunch!

    - Casanova: If you're craving Italian, this is one of Maui's better spots for pasta and Italian fare!

    - Komoda’s Bakery: Donuts on a Stick - best donuts you'll ever have.

HALI’IMAILE

Activities:

  • - Hali’imaile Distilling Compnay: Take a tour and try a tasting of local Maui spirits.

  • - Hui No’eau Arts Center: Great stop to check out local artists' work and do some gift shopping.

Food:

  • - Hali’imaile General Store: An excellent, nicer meal to enjoy - a favorite of local families for celebrations.

PUKALANI

Food & Drink:

  • - Marlowe: Pizza! A newer addition to Maui’s food scene, and nominee for James Beard!

    - Mahalo Ale Works: Fun locally brewed beers with a great view of the valley.

  • - Pukalani Superette: A great stop for takeaway hot bar - known for their chili chicken and manapua.

KULA

Activities:

  • - Ali’i Lavender Farm: Tour the vast lavender fields, try lavender themed pastries and drinks, and enjoy a gorgeous view of the valley.

    - Maui Ocean Vodka: Maui's vodka distillery, you can take a tour or enjoy tastings, cocktails, or even lunch!

  • - Surfing Goat Dairy: Meet some adorable goats and sample fresh goat cheese - a must try is the pizza cheese!

- Thompson Road: Technically in Keokea - and where Oprah resides, a beautiful road to take a walk with valley views.

Food & Drink:

- La Provance: Amazing brunch and takeaway pastries - croissants, mochas, and eggs benedict are a must.

- Grandma’s Coffee Shop: Technically in Keokea - grab a quick breakfast before headed to Thompson Road for a walk! Hannah's favorite is their belgian waffle!

ULUPALAKUA

Activities:

  • - Maui Wine: It’s no California wine country, but Maui Wine serves up an excellent local tasting!

    - Ulupalakua Ranch Store: A fun stop before/after Maui Wine for some souvenir shopping and a bite to eat. Their Maui Cattle Beef Chili and Maui Cattle Burgers are to die for.

HALEAKELA

Maui's highest point (11,000ft+) and a dormant volcano.

Activities:

  • - Sunrise: You will need a reservation and an early wakeup but the views are worth it!

  • - Hiking/Camping: You can day-hike Sliding Sands Trail (Hard, 11+ Miles) or make an overnight trip out of it and stay in the crater for the night.

  • - Biking: Tour groups offer the opportunity to bike down the winding road from Haleakela.

hana

A full day should be dedicated to Hana! A few tips from us:

  • - When driving to Hana, we would suggest starting from the Northshore of Maui, and eventually driving back the same way you came after passing 7 Sacred Pools, as opposed to doing the loop. The roads can get a bit treacherous when you come out on the Kanaio side. The full loop is gorgeous and worthwhile. If you're feeling more adventurous make sure to check to ensure the roads are open.

  • - If you get easily carsick, pack some ginger chews and roll the windows down - they don't make the "I survived the road to Hana" shirts for nothing!

  • - Pack lots of snacks and have a good meal for the day before you head out. Hana town has a few small restaurants, food trucks, and ranch stores worth exploring and trying while you're out there, but it is a small and isolated community so things may not always be open.

Activities:

  • - Aunty Sandy's: A must stop for famous banana bread and walk around the coast in Ke'anae

- Ching's Pond: Crystal clear fresh water ponds for hiking and swimming (for our more adventurous guests)

- Red Sand Beach: Enjoy the gorgeous, secluded Red Sand Beach (for our more adventurous guests)

- Hamoa Beach: Hana's famous black sand beach - a large gorgeous stretch with very swimmable waters - a must when you visit Hana!

- 7 Sacred Pools: Gorgeous waterfalls and stunning pools! May require your national parks pass as it is one of Haleakela's ecosystems.

found throughout the island

Maui's best poke and local snacks can actually be found at grocery stores, gas stations, and liquor stores throughout the island.

- Foodland: Our favorite place to grab a poke bowl and a chicken musubi! Head to the fresh fish counter to find an array of poke you can build your bowl with.

- Tamura's Liquor: Another excellent spot for grabbing poke, typically sold in fractions of pounds - try the limu (seaweed), its the best here!

- Minute Stop: Fried Chicken and Chicken Musubis

- 7-Eleven: Onigiri and Bentos

- Longs Drugs: Stock up on classic local snacks for your stay and before you head home - mochi crunch (tomoe arare) , li-hing mui powder and candy, kona coffee, guava jam, you name it!