Maui is one of six main Hawaiian Islands (the others being Kauai, Oahu (where Honolulu is), Molokai, Lanai, and the island of Hawaii (also known as the “Big Island”). Each island has its own personality and things to love about it. Maui is my favorite because it is a great balance of nature and outdoor activities while also having a lot of great restaurants and towns to visit. I have also seen the most amount of turtles on Maui- like every time you get in the water!
I love doing a lot of research before trips. Here is my list based on what I found and things that I can personally recommend.
I have a map at the very end to show you where everything is!
If you do go to Maui- send me your snaps! I would love to live vicariously through you 🙂
Food
- Morimoto– You go here for the sushi and sashimi but everything we had was excellent. We had the wagyu beef carpaccio, kakuni (pork belly), and an assortment of sushi rolls and sashimi. The fish is so fresh, it will melt in your mouth! Located in the Andaz Maui hotel, Wailea.
- Fleetwood’s on Front St– This is a rooftop bar with live music and my favorite place for a cocktail! The “1944 Mai Tyler” is their take on a Mai Tai and it has house-made lilikoi (passion fruit) foam on top. Located on Front St in Lahaina.
- Coconuts Fish Cafe: The BEST fish tacos!
- Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop: Please get the chicken & waffles! We went back two days in row for these… they are that good. And then get one of each of their pies. We especially liked the Olowlu Lime. Located off the main highway in Lahaina.
- Mama’s Fish House: Good food, fun décor, great view. A little touristy. Located in Paia on the east side of the island.
- Aloha Mixed Plate: Our AirBnB host recommended this place and we have gone back multiple times on each trip! I think they have the best coconut shrimp 🙂 Great for a casual quick bite and affordable!
- Hula Grill Kaanapali: This restaurant is part of a hotel but they have live music and you can put your feet in sand while eating at a table.
- Paia Bowls: For your acai fix!
- Maui Wine: They make wine from pineapples! I enjoyed the tour and the tasting.
- Maui Brewing Co: I do not consider myself a beer drinker but this place is fun to visit. The flights come in a cupcake pan (note to all the bakers out there)! The pineapple beer is good on tap but not good in cans.
- Tin Roof: This is not someplace that you would just stumble upon, it is a little hidden but worth the trek! It is close to the airport so get this on your way in or on your way home.
- Ono Gelato: Nice picnic area in the back facing the water. I liked the “Sandy Beach” flavor with peanut butter and graham crackers!
- We haven’t been to these places yet but I have heard good things:
Leoda’s Pie Shop 
Beer flight served in a muffin tin! 
Fish tacos with 17 fresh ingredients! 
Get the “Sandy Beach” gelato! 
Acai bowl at Paia Bowls 
Wagyu beef carpaccio at Morimoto 
Hula Grill- sit under a hut with your toes in the sand 
Chicken & Waffles at Leoda’s 
Cocktails at Aloha Mixed Plate
Activities
- Haleakala Crater at sunrise including a self-guided tour biking down: It is worth it to see the sunrise at least once in your life! If you are coming from the mainland, it is best to do this your FIRST morning there since the time change will be in your favor (you have to get up SUPER early). A few things to see on your way down:
- Lavender farm
- Kula Market Place
- The town of Makawoa- Cool town for shopping. I love the Jordanne gallery
- Sunset Cruise with Sail Trilogy (Note: This company also does volunteer reef clean-ups on the Blue Aina)
- Kayak snorkeling with Maui Kayak Adventures– We LOVED this!!! Very informative and relaxed tour guide, saw lots of turtles, and they take professional pictures of you underwater. Highly recommend.
- Standup Paddleboard Yoga
- Lunch Tour at O’o Farm: This was so fun! You learn about their farm, handpick your fruits and veggies and then the chef on site makes your lunch in a wood-burning oven. They also do a coffee tour which was informative.
- Hikes
- Waihee Ridge Trail: Really beautiful but it can get cloudy. I think it is best to do it earlier in the morning.
- Kapalua Coastal Trail: There is a big black rock at the end that is fun to jump off. Another spot for turtles!
- Pipiwai Trail to Waimoku Falls and then down to the 7 Sacred Pools for swimming. If you are doing the Road to Hana, I definitely think this is worth the stop!
Kapalua Coastal Trail 
Waiting for the Sunset Cruise
Helpful tips
- Wear reef sunscreen if you plan on getting in the water. Normal sunscreen blocks UV rays from the coral and the coral needs UV in order to live! This one was our favorite reef-safe sunscreen because it went on the smoothest: https://hawaiiansol.net/
- Snorkel Bob’s is the spot to get your snorkel gear! Affordable, reliable, friendly staff.
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