Oct 8

Oct 8 Weekend on Maui

Maui Waui

(not wowie)

We island hopped to Maui for our 1 year anniversary. I heart Maui! It’s a little country like Kauai with more options as it is a larger island. As with any of the Hawaiian islands you will experience beautiful, scenic landscapes, but with Maui you are blessed to experience the lavender fields and Haleakala at sunrise, dainty, rock churches, and the road to Hana.

Because the island is large and we wanted to see and do things all over the island and didn’t want to waste precious time sitting in a car – we shore hopped. What I mean by shore hop is – we stayed on one side of the island for a time, then moved to another side staying at a different hotel the remainder of our trip. We stayed 2 nights in Kihei at the Maui Coast Hotel. The hotel offered free bike rental and we took advantage of it.

The 3rd night we stayed at Westin in Lahaina. It was a beachside hotel on a kid-friendly beach. Down a couple of hundred yards from the hotel is a rock wall. There you will find great snorkeling. See our full itinerary below.

Day 1

We woke up at 0300 and drove to Haleakala for sunrise. It was COLD at the top – dress warm!! It sounds contradictory since you’re in Hawaii, but trust me. Also, it’s quite a drive, but a must see! Get a pic of the silver swords while you’re there. *Jan 2018 update : you must make reservations now to experience sunrise: link here. (reservation fee $1.50 and entry fee $25)

Afterwards, we stopped at Maui Lavender Cafe – yummy hot chocolate/coffee after freezing up on Haleakala and a bathroom break.

Next we visited the Ali’i Kula Lavender fields-they have a store full of lavender lotions, soaps, chips, etc. The lavender fields were in bloom and the view was stunning.

Drove through Wailuku admired the town and churches

Visited Iao Valley

For dinner, we checked out an awesome fish taco truck north of Kihei right on the street near the gas station-cheap!!

Day 2

Headed North to Hana Highway-long drive, but must do!

Stopped at Hasegawa General Store

Pools of ‘Ohe’o or 7 Sacred Pools – *Jan 2018 update: sadly, the Pools of ‘Ohe’o are closed indefinitely due to safety concerns.

Waimoku Falls (across street from 7 sacred pools)

Maui Wine, Ulupalakua Vineyards

Back to Hotel, then to Lahaina

Dinner at Fleetwoods - Lahaina–Eat at Fleetwoods on the strip. It’s a very NICE restaurant! Suggestion - call to see when they have the Kama’aina discount (if you’re a resident of Hawaii).

Walk the oceanfront road-all sorts of restaurants, art galleries, stores, etc. (like a larger Haleiwa).

Day 3

Hit the beach for some snorkeling.

Checked out of hotel, then drove North, ocean-side.

Stopped at Honolua, Mokule’ia Bay – there was a taco truck, so we had lunch while over looking the beautiful bay!

I truly enjoyed Maui and the slower pace of the island life. We don’t get to experience that on Oahu (considering where we reside, work, etc.). I hope you’ll share your most favorite attractions when you return.