Upcountry: This will show you the rural side of Maui as
well as The Haleakala Crater, the world's largest dormant volcano. Drive back
towards the airport and follow signs for Highway 37 or the Haleakala Highway.
It is approximately a two hour trip from our condo. It is best if you go as
early as possible, cloud cover begins about 9:00 A.M. The summit tends to
get quite chilly, it will be about 30 degrees colder than at the condo. You
can check the weather by calling the park service at 871-5054. It would be
a good idea to go early and bring warm clothes. Along the way you will pass
through cattle country and have wonderful vistas of Maui. I recommend the
Kula Lodge, 878-2517. This a popular stop for a hearty breakfast or
lunch. Look for the carnation and protea farms. Upcountry you can also visit
Maui's only winery....Tadeschi Vineyards. The wines are made from fresh pineapple
juice, enjoy the samples. You might want to take a short trip over to Makawoo,
this Hawaiian town has many interesting art shops.
Lahaina: This is a must visit! Lahaina is about a 35 minute drive along a very
scenic highway. It was the capital of Hawaii and the seaport for whaling ships.
At one time over 400 hundred ships visited this town each year. Now the buildings
have been restored and there are several great restaurants, shops and watering
holes. It is the place for most night life on the island. I consider Lahaina
the tourist center of Maui.
Kaanapali: This area is just a few miles
beyond Lahaina and is the area for many large hotels, a wonderful beach, snorkeling,
and Whaler's Village Shopping Center.
Kaanapali Coffee Farms: Interested in seeing a where some of the best coffee is grown. Stop by the Kaanapali Coffee Farm and experience Maui's best. Then when you go home and you find you're missing that custom Hawaiian coffee stop by Fieldstone Coffee Roasters for 100% Kona coffee.
| Hana: The Hana drive is possibly the best and worst
trip to be made in the Hawaiian Islands. It's the best because the coastline
( pictures of coastline) and lush tropical bamboo forests are fantastic!
Now, it is the worst because the serpentine, narrow road makes over 600
twisting turns and crosses 56 tiny bridges......all in about 35 miles.
The Hana side of the island gets all the rain so there are several waterfalls
and natural swimming pools. |
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Near mile marker 11 is a good pool. I have been told that the path to the falls has been barricaded and access is difficult, but possible. Enjoy swimming
out to the waterfall and stand under it, it's great. You can also climb
to the top of the fall and hike back to another fall. There are not
many people that know about this one so it is very private, enjoy the
swim. Once you make it to Hana don't miss the Seven Sacred Pools. When
the water is high you can swim there too. The town of Paia is on the
way. This is my daughter's favorite town on Maui. It is a small "local"
town with some great shops, night spots, and restaurants.
One last comment
on the road to Hana. If you turn back after an hour or so you really
won't miss too much as the scenery doesn't change that much. We have
turned back on several occasions. Of course, you will not be allowed
to buy a "I survived the road to Hana" T-shirt in Lahaina. |
Some
other activities you might enjoy 
Iao Needle: This
is about a 25 minute drive from the condominium. This area has great hiking
and scenery. The lava formation protrudes about 1500 vertical feet. This is
a popular tourist attraction.
Lava flows:
Past Wailea and Makena about 25 minutes you will end up at the flows. As you
drive, keep towards the ocean, this is the old Makena road, and it winds in
and out of many coves passing old Hawaiian homes. This is where the lava last
flowed from Haleakala into the ocean. Not may tourists travel this way but
it is worth the visit. Be sure to look for Keawala'i, a quaint old ocean side
Hawaiian church and graveyard built in 1832.
Biking: A van takes you to the top
of Haleakala Crater. A bike is provided for you, then cruise 38 miles down
the crater. Great fun. Try the sunrise cruise with Maui Downhill. (My daughter
loved it).
Horseback riding:
Enjoy the beauty of the Haleakala Crater on horseback. Your trail guide will
lead you along the rim and follow the trail into the crater. Pony Express
Trail Rides does an excellent job. (My son loved it).
Scuba,Snorkeling
and Snuba:
There are many places to enjoy the underwater wildlife. Rental
gear is available all over the island. The lava outcropping you can see to
the right side of our beach is a great spot for snorkeling. It is probably
one of the best spots on the island. Scuba diving is enjoyed by all levels
of divers. I would suggest contacting "Boss Frog" at the Mana Kai activity desk.
Tennis: Free
tennis courts are located approximately one mile from the condominium. I suggest
the Wailea Tennis Center. Enjoy lunch and browse the classy tennis pro shop.
Golf: Golf
is absolutely fantastic on Maui. All of the courses are open to the public
on Maui. If it is possible, call a day ahead for tee times and try to play
in the mornings. The trade winds seem to blow ashore in the afternoons. There
are two sets of clubs you may use at the condominium. One set is an excellent
set of "Pings". However, you can also rent clubs at the courses.
There are 15 courses on Maui. I have been playing golf on Maui for over 20
years, so I have rated them according to personal preference. I enjoy Wailea,
there are three courses there, so take your pick. These courses are always
highly rated by Golf Digest. Next, I would recommend Makena,Kapalua,Sandlewood,
and Pukalani. A special golf treat is on the island of Lanai. The
boat leaves out of Lahaina. Call "Expeditions Of Maui" and they
will take care of everything for you. Play golf at the "Challenge Of
Mannelle" or the "Experience Of Koele". I recommend Mannelle,
as it is ocean side, thus more scenic, with much less chance of rain than
upcountry "Koele". Everything that you have read about these courses
is more than true. A life time golf experience.
Fishing: When
visiting Lahaina walk along the harbor, right behind the Pioneer Inn, pick
a boat and set up a charter. The boat crews are very friendly.
Sailing: There
are many boats available that sail out near the surrounding islands of Molakai,
Lanai, and Kahoolawe. These trips are occasionally combined with meals or
a sunset cruise accompanied by cocktails. Sail boats can be chartered out
of Lahaina harbor.
Windsurfing: Maui
holds the world championships windsurfing competitions and is known as the
windsurfing capital of the world.
Hawaiian Luau: Get
into the Hawaiian spirit of a luau. Enjoy the authentic Hawaiian dancing,
music and food. They are great fun. We have been told that the Grand Wailea
and the Maui Marriott put on a terrific show. This is second hand information,
as we have not been to one in years.
| Restaurants: These are a few of our favorites.
|
| Main
course price ranges: |
under
10
"$" |
10-20
"$$" |
20-30
"$$$" |
$31+
"$$$$" |
Joes - Located at the Wailea tennis center. This is owned by the Hamilimaile General Store and has a similar menu. Very nice setting and good food. Give them a call because at times they have "buy one, get one free" early bird specials. $$$
Mama's Fish House-This
is an old style Hawaiian setting, and is by far the best fish house on Maui.
This was Sinatra's favorite on Maui. It is about 30 minutes from the condo,
located just outside of the small town of Paia. $$$$
Hailimaile
General Store - 575- 2666. Heading "up
country" on the Haleakala Highway (37). About 30 minutes turn left at
the Hailimaile Cut Off. Outstanding dining. Dishes for all tastes. Highly
recommended. Not "resorty", very relaxed, Maui upcountry. $$$
BUBBA
GUMP- 889 Front Street, Lahaina. A fun place, lots going on. Some
tables have an ocean view. Hamburgers, fish & chips etc etc. $$.
Menu - Click
Here. Official Web Site - Click
Here
Kimo's -
Located in Lahaina, this is a nice outside waterfront restaurant and has a
great bar. Kimo's always has good food. $$$
Cheeseburger Island Style-
This is a knock off of Jimmy Buffet's restaurant in Key West Florida. Lots
of fun, live music, located upstairs on Front Street in Lahaina. You can also visit their second restaurant named "Cheese Burger" locally in the Shoppes at Wailea. $$
Five Palms Beach
Grill- This is located right here in our condo. Fantastic sunsets, excellent
food and service. Click
Here for more information. $$$$
Kea Lani Hotel-
This is a great place for a special buffet breakfast. Enjoy your meal pool
side at an unusual hotel. Very nice. Located in Wailea about 10 minutes away
from our condominium. $$$
Tommy Bahama's -
For a classy casual atmosphere serving Island cuisine and tropical drinks. Located in the Shoppes at Wailea. $$$
Seawatch-Seawatch, is first class all
the way. They have excellent service and food. The ambiance is wonderful inside
or outside with ocean views available. Seawatch is located at the Emerald
Golf Club in Wailea about 10 minutes from our condominium. $$$$
Makawoo Steak House-
This is a very quaint restaurant in an old Hawaiian town, located upcountry
about 40 minutes away. $$$
"VERY LOCAL JOINTS"
Maui Taco - Just up Kihei Road a few minutes. Known for their fish taco. Honestly they are really good.
Eskimo Candy - Up Kihei Road, turn right at the Maui Dive Shop. This is a Maui fish wholesaler that has a small cafe attached.
Kihei Cafe - Great, generous breakfasts and fresh baked goods.
Call
1-800-990-Maui ( EST ) or E-Mail us
Melbourn's
Maui Miniguide
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