Kama'ole Parks I, II, & III
Kama'ole II is just across the street from our condo and a gorgeous place to swim, snorkel, or just sit and watch the sunset. All 3 parks are along Kihei and great. Enjoy!
Ulua Beach
One of our favorite beaches to explore and snorkel.
Maui Beach Map
(click on map for larger version)
Lahaina
Front Street
Hawaiian history seeps from every aspect of historic downtown Lahaina. Spend some time strolling Front Street, the main drag of this seaside area pact with wonderful restaurants, galleries and little shops selling everything from sun hats to Hawaiian gold. Whether perched on the ocean's edge, tucked into an historic inn, located up a side street or down an alley, you're sure to find a special spot amongst the restored wooden buildings here that will charm you beyond belief. Add to this charm the warm tropical breeze off the ocean, pure sunshine and some live acoustic guitar music coming from any one of the many outdoor eateries here, and you've got the magic of Lahaina.
Haleakala National Park
Phone: 808.572.4400
East Maui is dominated by the largest dormant volcano is the world, the 10,000 ft Haleakala.
A visit to Haleakala is worth your while. There are fantastic hiking trails across the volcano's moonscape crater floor and, for all you early risers, Haleakala's crater rim offers a perfect place to watch the sun rise. The windward side of Haleakala is beautifully lush, wet and rugged. It's skirted by the justly famous, coastal Hana Highway which passes tropical jungle, roadside waterfalls and quiet country towns. The Western slopes of Haleakala have some of Maui's finest countryside, with cloud forests, rolling greens hills and landscaped gardens and wineries. There's also great hiking in the nearby Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area in the Kula Forest Reserve.
Maui Ocean Center
192 Ma'alaea Road
Phone: 808.270.7000
The Maui Ocean Center, the largest tropical aquarium in the western hemisphere is located on three acres of beautiful oceanfront property and a "must see." Pay a visit to this world-class, state-of-the-art aquarium, built to highlight the islands' vibrant, abundant and unusual sea life. Indoor and outdoor exhibits include a walk-through tunnel that allows you to come face-to-face with sharks, a turtle lagoon, a sea jelly exhibit, a whale discovery center and a spectacular coral reef display that mirrors the scenery down under. Through browsing fish? You can also dine at the center's Ma'alaea Seascape Restaurant, which overlooks the harbor, and shop for souvenirs in the Maui Ocean Center Store. Admission for adults is $18.
Road to Hana
Phone: 808.661.0031
A must see when coming to Maui. However, be warned, it's quite a drive. Talk about the LONG AND WINDING road. We have the "Road to Hana" CD tour at the condo so no need to buy one - unless you want to take one with you. Please leave it for the next guest.
The Road to Hana, which leads you to the town of Hana, is an experience in itself. The Road to Hana follows an ancient Hawaiian trail through rain forests, lush with ferns and flowering trees, along the northeastern coast of Maui to black-sand beaches and small towns damp from tropical showers. This road is isolated from the rest of the island and winds you through the last bit of undeveloped tropical land on Maui. Spectacular waterfalls, the rugged Hana shoreline, and some of the best beaches on the island only begin to describe what awaits you on this journey.
On your journey, check out Puohokamoa Falls (at the 11 mi/18 km marker), a great place to stop for lunch and a swim, Keanae Arboretum (at the 16 mi/26 km marker), where paths through a tropical garden put dozens of native plants and flowers before you, Keanae Peninsula (just past the arboretum) for a great view of Haleakala) and Waianapanapa State Park (around the 30 mi/48 km marker), where dripping caves and a black-sand beach provide a great place to cool off with a swim and admire the surroundings. Finally, you'll arrive in the town on Hana, where cottages with colorful flower boxes line the damp streets and the air smells of sweet orchids. The rolling hills of Hana descend to Hana Bay, where you can walk along the beach or visit the town's recently reopened tropical botanical garden, Kahanu Garden.
Please be warned that the Road to Hana is a rugged journey and not for the faint of heart. There are many hairpin turns along the way. Prepared to spend the entire day going and
coming, as there's a lot to see and do along the way. Although the signs just outside Kahului read Hana 50 mi/80 km, the more than 50 one lane bridges, 600 turns and 25 mile per hour speed limit, make the trip to Hana about 3 1/2 hours long. Leave for your journey with a full tank of gas and plenty of snacks and cold drinks. Don't forget to bring a bathing suit and towel, as you'll want to swim in the many waterfall-fed pools along the way.
The Sugar Cane Train
975 Limahana Place Suite #203
Phone: 808.667.6851
Even though sugar cane is no longer being cultivated in Maui, The Sugar Cane Train still chugs along agricultural fields, keeping the history of the sugar cane that was such an important part of West Maui, alive. Ride The Sugar Cane train roundtrip between Lahaina and Kaanapali to enjoy a one hour scenic journey, a 30 year old attraction in Maui, guided by a singing conductor. As you power through six miles of beautiful scenery in Maui's up-country, learn about the Maui of yesteryear and the Maui of today. While on this vintage steam engine train, keep your eyes peels for whales along the coast! If you're feeling thirsty aboard the train, you can order some delicious and sweet coconut milk, served up in a real, whole coconut. The Sugar Cane Train Company also offers a barbeque dinner train on Thursday evenings at 6PM. On the Paniolo (Cowboy) Express, guests enjoy a full barbeque at the Kaanapali station before boarding the train for a great ride. The Paniolo Express is $59 round trip. Regular rides on The Sugar Cane Train are $15 round trip. All aboard!