Queen Ka'ahumanu Center is the island’s premiere shopping and entertainment destination. The home of Maui’s only department stores, Sears and Macy's, plus more than 100 shops and restaurants, from cool island-style boutiques to such national names as American Eagle Outfitters, Pacific Sunwear, Foot Locker and Borders Express. It's the place where Maui folks and Maui visitors get going with a gourmet cappuccino, savor fabulous cuisine at Ruby’s Diner or Koho Grill & Bar, or chow down on fun international fare in the Queen’s Market Food Court. And it's where you can enjoy hot Hawaiian music on the Queen’s Stage, and treat yourselves to an ice-cream and a movie. So join them for some real local aloha.Steppingstone Playhouse, home of Maui Academy of Performing Arts (MAPA)is located on the second floor near the Macy's home department.
Located behind the Mana Kai Maui Hotel on the border of Wailea and Kihei, this beach is small but still fairly popular. It offers spectacular sunning and great facilities. Beach parking is also available. The half-grass, half-sand beach is less than a minute's distance from the parking lot. As far as swimming goes, this is a good place to get refreshed, but not particularly good for water sports. There's a great deal of lava rock just below the surface, and although the waves tend to be small, getting knocked against the rock is still a danger.
Wailea, in South Maui, is one of the most breathtaking resort communities in the world. The air is perfumed with island blossoms, the beaches (all of them public-access) are white sand, and the resorts are architectural wonders. Marvel at the palatial Eastern-themed Fairmont Kea Lani Resort or the understated elegance at the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea. Shopping in this area is decidedly upscale. The best place to go is The Shops at Wailea, which offer high-end stores such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Tiffany & Co, to name a few.
Tightly bound to the lissome eastern coastline of Maui, the iconic Road to Hana navigates through a motley of mesmerizing scenery, all packed into a 64.4 mile (103.6 kilometer) long drive that extends from Kahului to Hana. Around every corner, there is a slice of deep azure waters to encounter, a variegated expanse of close-knit jungles that hold mysterious worlds, and an enchanting mix of waterfalls, beaches and jade groves that are a mere hairpin-curve away. As one drives along the merrily winding coastline, frothy waves kick and crash against the side of the steep cliff, and nature's sounds lead the way. As many as 600 curves are wrapped into the serpentine embrace of this scenic road, and nearly 59 one-lane bridges mark the roadway. While this uninterrupted highway to Hawaii heaven and its deep cliffside curves may have one's stomach in knots, the visual reward that remains a constant throughout the journey caps off this remarkable drive.
This is not your average snorkel cruise. It offers you the opportunity to see the Kanaio Coast and some of the most amazing natural scenery on the island. Lava arches, sea caves, turtles, dolphins and other undersea life are all a part of these half-day tours. The Kanaio tour visits pristine coves and bays, as well as volcanic formations and excellent snorkeling. Molokini tours steer clear of heavily touristed areas, seeking out pristine waters and unique views. Tours depart from the Kihei boat ramp. Tour packages include all equipment, drinks and lunch. Call for reservations and other details.
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.
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.
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 dive company has been a part of the Maui diving community for more than ten years and, during that time, has consistently made customer satisfaction a priority. The goal is that every dive lives up to customers' expectations. To that end, divemasters are prepared to meet every reasonable request. More than 20 dive sites are available through Ed Robinson's, so customers do not have repeat experiences (unless they so choose, of course). Certification courses and private charters are also offered.
Owned and operated by cattle ranchers from the Azores, this ranch offers tours of the scenic, isolated West Maui Mountains. The tour guides lead small groups through taro fields and rain forests, straight down to the Pacific Ocean. A few different tour options are available. Two "Aloha Rides" depart daily; each lasts two hours. A longer ride is also offered, and you have the option of adding a full barbecue lunch if you pay a little more. A deluxe helicopter-horseback combination tour is offered in conjunction with Sunshine Helicopters. Call for more information.
This is not your average snorkel cruise. It offers you the opportunity to see the Kanaio Coast and some of the most amazing natural scenery on the island. Lava arches, sea caves, turtles, dolphins and other undersea life are all a part of these half-day tours. The Kanaio tour visits pristine coves and bays, as well as volcanic formations and excellent snorkeling. Molokini tours steer clear of heavily touristed areas, seeking out pristine waters and unique views. Tours depart from the Kihei boat ramp. Tour packages include all equipment, drinks and lunch. Call for reservations and other details.