Master magician Warren Gibson has earned rave reviews from guests around the United States. Now Warren, together with the ghostly piano player Annabelle, is enchanting audiences nightly in downtown Lahaina. The key elements of this spectacular night are delicious Pacific Rim cuisine, a tableside opening act, a comfortably elegant ambiance and, of course, some world-class magic.
A fascinating museum that features riveting interactive displays, video exhibits on flat-screen televisions, live demonstrations, and a plethora of artifacts, maps and photographs, this museum endeavors to keep alive the rich culture and bonhomie that is native to the area. There are precious curios and other symbols of the Native Americans that inhabited the lands. Aiming to preserve Lahaina's heritage and history, this veritable treasure trove enables visitors to deconstruct the region's cultural fabric and immerse themselves in its rich past. You can also learn about the town's natural features and heritage here.
Along with Wailea, this is the resort hotspot of the island. Ka'anapali is Maui's equivalent of Waikiki Beach. The entire beach is open to the public. Access is available through resort grounds, as are public restrooms and showers. Plenty of shops and restaurants are located right along the strip. The sands are warm and gold; the water is clear and flat. A major Ka'anapali landmark is Black Rock, once known as Soul's Leap, this rock is still a popular jumping point for locals and particularly brave visitors and also a popular snorkeling location.
Regarded as one of Hawaii's best luaus, this West Maui spectacle has been featured in National Geographic Traveler and many other publications. It recently moved to a new, larger location, which is modeled after an old-fashioned village and specially designed to showcase the ancient arts featured onstage. Entertainment includes musical presentations, hula dances, craft demonstrations and more. A lavish buffet featuring roasted pork is accompanied by tropical drinks. Check out the website for more information.
Top-notch entertainment and perfectly prepared cuisine make this a premiere Maui attraction. A little island history: Lahaina used to be known as Lele. In those long-ago days, gala royal feasts were held along the beach. They featured the best food, music and dance of the island. This is a reconstruction of the ancient royal celebrations. Executive Chef James McDonald presents a mouth-watering array of specialties representing all the regions of Polynesia.
If you visit downtown Lahaina, you are sure to come across this tree and if you did not plan on visiting downtown Lahaina, you should change your plans just to explore this major landmark. The tree is well over 100 years old, and will probably endure for hundred more years. It is 60 feet (18.38 meters) high and covers 200 feet (60.96 meters) of space. With 12 trunks and several hundred drooping branches, it looks more like a miniature jungle than anything else. Locals make crafts under its shade, kids swing from the branches and tourists stare in amazement.
If you cannot manage to move to the island, arrange a tour through this company. With more than 15 years of experience providing adventure/eco-tours, these people are expert guides. They can take you into the heart of the rain forest, under waterfalls, to the summit of Haleakala and down into the crater. Prices are reasonable for a half-day hike. Call or check the website for more information.
There are six sailing catamarans in this fleet. They depart from Ka'anapali, Lahaina Harbor and the neighboring island of Lana'i. All of the excursions are named "Discover." There is the highly reputed "Discover Lanai," which departs from Lahaina Harbor and sails to breathtaking Hulopo'e Beach, returning to Maui in the afternoon. The "Discover Kaanapali" includes five hours of sunning, sailing and snorkeling in the warm waters off the West Maui Coast. "Discover Scuba" caters to novice divers.
Combine a snorkel cruise with a trip to Molokini and a detour at nearby Turtle Town (home of the sea turtles), and you have got an irresistible excursion. This company only takes small groups and is operated by a Coast Guard Captain with almost 20 years of experience; he and his crew take pride in their ecological awareness. The Seafire is new to South Maui, and is highly recommended by tour guides if you are staying in Kihei or Wailea. Call for prices and to make reservations.
Guide Randy shares a wealth of natural history, geological and botanical lore, and island folklore while leading hikers through Maui's magnificent wilderness. Several half-day and full-day hikes are offered, many to areas not usually visited by tourists. The "easy" three-mile Haleakala Waterfall Hike is appropriate for children. Several treks in the West Maui Mountains explore more remote, rugged, rainforest terrain. Snacks and minimal gear is included in tour prices. Discounts are available; check out the website for more information.
This national preserve is the site of the famed, otherworldly Garden of the Gods. Also located on the arid, dry plateau is the state's largest remaining dryland forest. The preserve is nearly 600 acres, and contains a number of extremely rare plants and trees. George Munro took the first steps to save the forest in 1920. His efforts have been perpetuated by community group Hui Malama Pono O Lana'i, which still looks after the preserve today. Only self-guided tours are available. A short, popular trail is located just off the main road leading to the Garden of the Gods. Admission is free.
According to Hawaiian legend, a beautiful girl named Pehe once lived with her husband in the sea caves on Lanai's coast. A freak storm occurred while the man was away; by the time he returned his wife had drowned. He scaled a rock islet off the shore, buried his wife on it, and then committed suicide by jumping off it into the angry waters below. The rock is now known as Pu'upehe, after the maiden, or Lover's Leap, after her bereft husband. It can be viewed from a plateau at the southwestern point of Manele Bay. Boats going in or out of Manele Harbor also get a good view of it.