Maui Wowi

My girlfriend is going to Maui tomorrow and asked me what some of our favorite things on Maui were. Here is where I share those things.

Favorite guidebook:

The Maui Revealed Book. Seemed really accurate, good directions and we agreed with their reviews. (Also liked them for the other islands). This book makes decision-making and finding places so much easier. Pick up at Wal-Mart or any drug store.

Beaches we loved:

Big Beach (near Makena) It is everything you want a Hawaiian beach to be. Beautiful sand that goes on for miles, big waves, good snorkeling. (Watch out for Little Beach just over the cliff - the nude beach - we took a peak from the cliff and it seemed like mostly gay couples. Mitch may have been a bit disappointed :)

Secret Beach (I think it is in the book and it explains how to find it). Brandi and Sterling told us about this little gem of a beach...

Amanda, Emmie and Max at Secret beach:

Local Dining we loved:

Makena Grill right near Secret Beach - lady with a simple little stand and she makes ono grinds (delicious food)! Great stop for lunch. She can be cranky - don't get on her bad side. She gives you bigger servings if you are sweet!

Breakfast in Kihei at the Kihei Caffe - so yummy! Right across the street from the beach with outdoor dining. We had to go twice.

Lasater's Hale: Our friends the Lasaters live on Maui in Kihei so look them up and tell them we said hi! They make a wonderful Hawaiian Prime Rib Christmas dinner!

Mitch's favorite thing is getting shave ice (he's addicted). We tried several places but finally found the best one - on the strip in Kihei that was a yellow building not too far from the Kihei Caffe. Wish I could remember the name of it. Be sure to ask for ice cream on the bottom and snow cap on top (cream poured on). We love tigers blood (like a strawberry piano colada). Yummy!!! Any place you go will do the ice cream and snow cap - it's a must.

Oh yeah - one of the yummiest breakfast treats on the islands = malasadas. Not sure the best place to get them on Maui, just check any bakery. (On Oahu Leonards Bakery is THE place for malasadas). They need to be freshly made. They are a Portugese fried bread rolled in sugar - like a cross between a donut, a scone, and a beignet. Pure deliciousness.

Amazing Hikes/Sights:

Road to Hana - BEAUTIFUL! We can't wait to go back and spend days and days along this road. Be sure to hike in bamboo forests/waterfalls (the book details hundreds of hikes so just pick one that sounds interesting and your level). We hiked up a couple of small waterfalls and ended up seeing some pretty amazing large waterfalls.

We took a nice easy walk/hike in the Ahihi Kinau Natural Reserve south on Hwy 31 until you can't drive any further (close to Makena). We loved that one! Very beautiful. Lots of black volcanic rock and pure white rock. Great fish around there and excellent snorkeling (it is a reef).

Mitch arranged and took this very artistic photo entitled "Haole on Maui":

(A self-portrait?)

This is just the tip of the iceberg (should I say volcano?) of Maui - a good place to start. Aloha!

What are your favorites on Maui?