Things to Do

•  Road to Hana
  
  The snaking, cliffside Hana Highway can be a battle for drivers used to open freeways and wide roads, but the scenery found along every mile of the trip is more than worth the skinny, winding road. Waterfalls, lush valleys, mountain streams and truly spectacular ocean views are common along the route. If you've ever wondered if those paradise-postcard locations are real, a drive to Hana will confirm that they are.
  
  Hana Highway
  Hana, HI 96713  Map
  Phone: 808-871-7711
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•  Haleakala Crater
  
  Large enough to fit the entire island of Manhattan in its depths, Haleakala Crater is deceptively massive. Various trails descend from the rim and track across the crater floor, where visitors find cinder cones the height of skyscrapers and lava tubes that plunge deep into the inactive volcano. For the tourist with time, a hike across the crater is a solid two-day adventure through unimaginable scenery. In fact, the landscape is so surreal, astronauts once trained here to accustom themselves with the moon's surface.
  
  Haleakala National Park
  Hana, HI 96713  Map
  Phone: 808-871-7711
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•  Twin Falls
  
  Once a local secret, Twin Falls has recently found itself on visitors' radar, and for good reason. An easy hike through pastoral scenery leads to either pine or paper-bark forests, depending on which waterfall you want to see. Though accessed via two different trails, both waterfalls are spectacles of water cascading into deep, cool freshwater pools surrounded by rain forest thickets.
  
  Ho'olawanui Stream past Mile Marker #2 on Highway 360
  Hana, HI 96713  Map
  Phone: 808-871-7711
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•  Bike Riding from the Haleakala Crater
  
  The crack of dawn isn't something many of us experience, but if there is one time in your life to set an early alarm, it is to watch the sun rise over the 10,023-foot Haleakala from the crater's rim, then bike down 22 miles to the deep-blue waters of the Pacific Ocean. A number of bike companies lead trips down the mountain, and even if you're in less-than-marathon shape, don't worry, nearly the entire bike ride is downhill and requires barely any pedaling.
  
  Haleakala National Park
  Hana, HI 96713  Map
  Phone: 808-871-7711
  
  

•  Snorkel Trip to Molokini
  
  The tiny atoll of Molokini is nothing more than the rim of a sunken volcano, but because of the marine life that has congregated on this crescent-shaped sanctuary, it has become one of the premier snorkeling spots in the world. A number of charters depart from ports on Maui and take snorkelers and scuba divers for the short ride to this fish-rich waters that surround the island.
  
  Island of Maui
  Kahului, HI 96732  Map
  Phone: 808-871-7711
  
  

•  Golf in Kahului
  
  Majestic golf courses carpet Maui from the seaside towns of Kihei, Wailea, Lahaina, Ka'anapali and others, to the mountain towns of Kula and Pukalani. Each course provides unparalleled scenery, so no matter how high your handicap, a day on the links is still relaxing. In all, 15 courses are available for Maui golfers.
  
  Island of Maui
  Kahului, HI 96732  Map
  Phone: 808-871-7711
  
  

•  Makena (Big Beach)
  
  Makena, also known as Big Beach, is the largest white sand beach on the island. The beach is just far enough from resorts to be easily accessed without having to deal with large crowds. The waves that break on shore are popular with bodyboarders, though during larger sets the waves are best enjoyed from the sand. For the more daring, Makena abuts Little Beach, where sun worshipers enjoy UV rays in the buff.
  
  Makena Alanui Road
  Kihei, HI 96753  Map
  Phone: 808-871-7711
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•  Tedeschi Vineyards
  
  Ulupalakua Ranch is dismissing the notion that all good wine is born from grapes alone. In fact, the ranch's pineapple wine is turning heads and filling glasses. The ranch is set on the rich soil of Haleakala's slopes overlooking the entire valley.
  
  Kula Highway
  Kula, HI 96790  Map
  Phone: 877-878-6058
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•  Watch the Windsurfers in Paia
  
  The cliff-enclosed beach of Ho'okipa, found near Pa'ia, is a haven for windsurfers. Special conditions funnel wind over the water's surface as a coral reef forces waves to break in near-perpetual sets - the perfect combination for professional windsurfers looking to go big. Viewing areas, a white sand beach and even picnic sites make it easy to watch these athletes in action.
  
  Mile #9, Hana Highway
  Paia, HI 96779  Map
  Phone: 808-572-8122
  
  

•  Iao Valley State Park
  
  In the forested recess of the West Maui Mountains is one of the island's most easily accessed waterfalls and natural streams. Iao Valley, a site where the last great Hawaiian battle took place, is now a surreal garden of lush plants and river-sculpted rock formations such as the obelisk-like Iao Needle. Paved hiking paths lead visitors around the park and past taro patches, native plants and scenic overlooks.
  
  Iao Valley Road and Highway 320
  Wailuku, HI 96793  Map
  Phone: 808-871-7711
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Dining

•  Kula Lodge Restaurant
  
  Situated in Kula atop Haleakala, the highest volcano on Maui, Kula Lodge Restaurant overlooks the entire Valley Isle. Carpeted fields of sugarcane and pineapple cover the valley floor, while the Pacific Ocean hems the valley's sides, all of which is seen from a window seat at the restaurant. After a meal or before seating, guests can walk the gardens or visit the art gallery found on restaurant grounds.
  
  15200 Haleakala Highway
  Kula, HI 96790  Map
  Phone: 808-878-1535
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•  Roy's Kahana Bar & Grill
  
  Sure, Roy's can now be found throughout the continental United States, but its roots are in Hawaii. This restaurant's Hawaiian-fusion cuisine is legendary, and in the state where it all started, diners find the source of ingredients and recipes that inspired a culinary empire.
  
  4405 Honoapiilani Highway
  Lahaina, HI 96761  Map
  Phone: 808-669-6999
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•  Hali'imaile General Store
  
  Don't let the name fool you, this isn't really a general store; it's an award winning restaurant that serves some of the best-tasting lunch and dinner items in all of Hawaii. The restaurant draws heavily from its home state, not only in its use of locally grown produce, but also in the architecture itself. The restaurant was constructed to resemble a sugarcane plantation general store from the turn of the century, hence its apropos name.
  
  900 Hali'imaile Road
  Makawao, HI 96768  Map
  Phone: 808-572-2666
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•  Komoda T Store and Bakery
  
  The small, pastoral town of Makawao was once famous for paniolos (Hawaiian cowboys). Today, it's famous for a singular bakery. Heralded as the best bakery in the Hawaiian chain, this family-run business is an early-morning must. Their signature creation is the stick donut, but if you want an order of this glazed treat, show up early - no matter how many they bake, these donuts sell quicker than hot cakes.
  
  3674 Baldwin Avenue
  Makawao, HI 96768  Map
  Phone: 808-572-7261
  
  

•  Mama's Fish House
  
  Checkers Downtown has won many accolades for its fine cuisine and unparalleled service. Zagat has named Checkers Downtown one of the top American Cuisine Restaurants in LA and was rated no. 7 of the top restaurants in LA by Gourmet Magazine.
  
  799 Poho Place
  Paia, HI 96779  Map
  Phone: 808-579-8488
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Family

•  Glass-Bottom Boat Tour in Kahului
  
  If you want to see marine life in their natural habitat but just don't want to get wet, consider a glass-bottom boat tour. A special viewing area cut into the bottom of the boat and covered in high strength polyurethane provides a literal window into the Pacific Ocean. Often, professional divers will bring up specimens from the sea floor onto the boat for an even more up-close encounter.
  
  Island of Maui
  Kahului, HI 96732  Map
  Phone: 808-871-7711
  
  

•  Horseback Riding in Kahului
  
  When the Spanish first encountered the Hawaiian Islands, they introduced Hawaii to the horse. Since the equine infusion into island life, ranchers and farmers have been using horses for work and play. Today, a number of horseback rides are offered. Among the most popular are those originating in Kula, high atop Haleakala, where riders meander through thick pine forests and open fields.
  
  Island of Maui
  Kahului, HI 96732  Map
  Phone: 808-871-7711
  
  

•  Sugar Cane Train
  
  Maui was once one of the largest producers of sugar in the world. While production has slowed, the sugar culture is still thriving. A ride on the Sugarcane Train harkens to the days when sugar reigned supreme. Riders on the historic steam locomotive are treated to a guided tour of cane fields, plantations and stunning island scenery.
  
  975 Limahana Place, Suite 203
  Lahaina, HI 96761  Map
  Phone: 808-667-6851
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•  Whalers Village Museum
  
  It's hard to believe now, but from 1825-1860, Lahaina was a bustling whaling town. The Whalers Village Museum takes you back in time through the eyes of an ordinary sailor or "whale man". It was man versus the whales and the elements. The forecastle of a whaling ship has been recreated, where 25 men lived cramped together for voyages that lasted as long as five years. Other exhibits include antique ornaments and utensils made from whale ivory and bone, and one of the world's largest scale models of a whaling ship. The museum also has a prized collection on 19th century scrimshaw - pictures finely carved on whale teeth and bone, then rubbed with ink to bring out the design.
  
  2435 Ka'anapali Parkway, Building H-6
  Lahaina, HI 96761  Map
  Phone: 808-661-5992
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•  Maui Ocean Center
  
  There are plenty of fish in the sea, but seeing them all in a lifetime is nearly impossible unless you pay a visit to the Maui Ocean Center. The state-of-the-art aquarium houses a variety of sea life just steps from the ocean. Be sure to take a moment in the jellyfish room, where a darkened, backlight-lit room illuminates iridescent jellyfish floating angelically in a tubular tank.
  
  192 Maalaea Road
  Wailuku, HI 96793  Map
  Phone: 808-270-7000
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Nightlife

•  Kahului
  
  Kahului is Maui's main town and can be considered the island's city center. The majority of locals live and work in this town, and the bars and clubs found here cater to the kama'aina (local). But, that doesn't mean everyone isn't welcome. If you're tired of hanging out with other tourists, a night on the town of Kahului will provide a true Maui experience of drinking and dancing with island natives.
  
  Kahului
  Kahului, HI 96732  Map
  Phone: 808-871-7711
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•  Kihei
  
  Kihei's after-hours scene stretches across the town's entire coastline. Nearly every hotel worth its salt has its own restaurant and club, but even if you're not a guest, they encourage you to stop by and share the dance beats of other visitors looking for a memorable night out.
  
  Kihei
  kihei, HI 96753  Map
  Phone: 808-871-7711
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•  Wailea
  
  Abutting Kihei is the slightly more upscale Wailea, where the majority of the five-star resorts are found. Independent clubs aren't the norm here, but hotel clubs go above and beyond expectations. And, as with other hotels on Maui, no matter how ritzy, the clubs are open to more than just posh guests. If you opted for a more economic accomodation option, clubbing it up at one of Wailea's hotels is an exciting way to see how the other half lives.
  
  Wailea
  Kihei, HI 96753  Map
  Phone: 808-871-7711
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•  Front Street
  
  When the sun goes down on Front Street, the nightlife heats up. Normally a family-friendly stretch of city, Front Street turns into a haven for the 21-and-older crowd when dance clubs and bars turn the music up. A number of clubs are located seaside or have upstairs dance floors that provide revelers with views of moonlit bay.
  
  Front Street and Shaw Street
  Lahaina, HI 96761  Map
  Phone: 808-871-7711
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•  Kaanapali
  
  A bit removed from other major towns, Kaanapali is a true resort town, where hotels line sandy beaches and golf courses stretch out along the base of a volcano. It's also where hotels host some of the island's best DJs and live acts that set music in motion for the pulsating masses on the dance floor.
  
  Ka'anapali
  Lahaina, HI 96767  Map
  Phone: 808-871-7711
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Shopping

•  Pa'ia's Town Center
  
  The small seaside town of Pa'ia is a conglomeration of new-age hippies and blue-collar sugarcane workers. This odd mix creates a town with a multihued shopping experience, where surf shops intermingle with clothing boutiques selling hemp-made clothing.
  
  Corner of Hina Avenue and Nihau Street
  Kahului, HI 96732  Map
  Phone: 808-579-8293
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•  Queen Ka'ahumanu Center
  
  The de facto shopping center for locals, Ka'ahumanu Shopping Center in Kahului is a tented mall with both name-brand department stores and only-in-Hawaii shops. This local favorite is devoid of tourist traps, so discerning shoppers can be confident they're getting a decent deal.
  
  275 West Ka'ahumanu Avenue, Suite 1200
  Kahului, HI 96732  Map
  Phone: 808-877-3369
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•  Maui Swap Meet
  
  While a swap meet might not sound glamorous, the Maui Swap Meet, held every Saturday in Kahului, is the best place to find the biggest bargains on souvenirs and Hawaiiana. Vendors from around the island pack the grounds and offer everything from island antiques to intriguing foods. For a new taste, look for stalls selling babinka, a Filipino sweet rice treat that eats like a chewy candy bar.
  
  Pu'unene Avenue between Kamehameha Avenue and Wakea Avenue
  Kahului, HI 96733  Map
  Phone: 808-877-3100
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•  Lahaina Cannery Mall
  
  Lahaina's largest shopping complex, the Cannery Mall, is housed in a corrugated-metal building along Pi'ilani Highway, the main road leading to this popular coastal town. You won't find large department stores here, but you will find smaller shops selling clothing and keepsakes. If you arrive during the weekend, a children's halau (hula group) may be performing on the mall's main stage.
  
  1221 Honoapiilani Highway
  Lahaina, HI 96761  Map
  Phone: 808-661-5304
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•  505 Front Street
  
  On the northernmost reach of a shop-laden Front Street in Lahaina is 505 Front Street, an open-air shopping area that has a tendency to be overlooked by visitors. This shopping area certainly deserves attention, as clothing shops, art galleries, restaurants and coffee houses can all be found here and are often much less crowded than their shopping neighbors to the south.
  
  505 Front Street
  Lahaina, HI 96761  Map
  Phone: 808-667-2514
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