Destination Highlight: Maui, Hawaii

A place to start your planning including snorkeling, hiking, viewpoints, and restaurants

Snorkeling

  • Kapalua Bay: Kapalua Bay is a beautiful crescent-shaped beach with calm waters and an abundance of marine life. It offers excellent snorkeling conditions and a chance to see colorful fish and even sea turtles.

  • Napili Bay: The bay features clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and a diverse array of fish species. It's a family-friendly beach with a gentle sandy entry into the water.

  • Honokowai Beach Park: The reef just off the shore is home to various tropical fish, and you might also encounter sea turtles here. The park has picnic areas, making it a good spot for a beachside lunch.

  • Molokini Crater: Located a short boat ride from Maui, Molokini Crater is a partially submerged volcanic crater. Snorkelers can encounter an array of colorful fish. If you are looking for a guided tour of this beautiful snorkel destination this is my favorite! (Plus in the winter there are great whale watching opportunities!)

  • Honolua Bay: A marine reserve and one of Maui’s most renowned snorkeling spots. Spot vibrant coral, Sea turtles and a variety of tropical fish.

  • Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve: Protected marine reserve with snorkeling opportunities to explore rocky areas, coral formation and diverse range of fish.

  • Kahekili Beach Park (Airport Beach): Good for all skill levels. Explore tropical fish and sea turtles. 

  • Olowalu Beach: Explore vibrant coral formations and colorful fish. 

Viewpoints

  • Haleakala National Park: Enjoy stunning sunrise or sunset right from your car.

  • Wai'anapanapa State Park: You can drive up to the park and explore the black sand beach, sea caves, and blowholes easily. For a more adventurous experience, you can also take a short hike along the coastline to reach the Wai'anapanapa Sea Arch. The hike is relatively short, taking about 10-15 minutes each way.

  • Iao Valley State Park: Park and hike to reach the viewpoint overlooking the iconic Iao Needle. The paved trail is approximately 0.6 miles round trip and offers beautiful views of the valley and the needle.

  • Nakalele Point: This is a hike-up viewpoint, but please note that the trail can be challenging and potentially dangerous due to the rugged terrain and ocean conditions. The hike starts near the Nakalele Blowhole, and you'll need to navigate through rocky areas and steep inclines to reach the viewpoint. The hike is approximately 1 mile round trip.

Hiking

  • Haleakala National Park: Several hiking trails available with varying lengths. The most popular trail is the Sliding Sands Trail, which is approximately 11 miles round trip if you hike to the crater floor and back.

  • Kapalua Coastal Trail: The trail spans approximately 2.6 miles along the coastline, offering stunning views of the ocean and neighboring islands. It's a relatively easy and enjoyable walk, suitable for most fitness levels.

Restaurants

  • Mama’s Fish House: Known for its fresh seafood and stunning oceanfront location

  • Lahaina Grill: Fine dining highlighting Pacific Rim cuisine. 

  • Merriman’s: Showcases farm-to-table cuisine with focus on local ingredients

  • Monkeypod Kitchen: Known for its lively atmosphere and best Mai Tai. 

  • Star Noodle: Casual Asian fusion eatery known for creative dishes and vibrant flavors. 

  • Ka’ana Kitchen: Offers farm-to-table concept, showcasing the best of local ingredients

  • Lineage: Focuses on showcasing the diverse flavors of the islands through innovative dishes. 

  • For ideas on how to find other great restaurants during your trip check out How to Find Great Food in a New Destination

* I may receive compensation for products or services linked in this blog

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Destination Highlight: Kauai, Hawaii

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