Haleakala Volcano Sunrise – This is one thing you should consider for the first or second morning due to the jet lag you will be experiencing.  This natural beauty to see the sunrise through the clouds is magical.  Many people get engaged following this experience.  You can also take an option and bicycle down the hill, check with the concierge to set this up.  Altitude is 10,100.

 

Drive around the island– Some people have probably told you to take the road to Hana.  Lots of winding curves, lots of winding road, waterfalls, and fantastic foliage.  I personally like the drive North of Kaanapali and all the way around the top of the island that will bring you back to Wailuku.  Even though the paved road becomes a dirt road and there are warnings to use only four wheel drive vehicles, we have taken this trip in our rental car with no problem.  You will see some great areas to hike down to a beach or sit in the meadow and take in the magnificent ocean views.  For me, I prefer this trip instead of Road to Hana.

Up Country – Pa’ia Plantation Town.  Be sure to drive to the Kula area and plan on time to have breakfast of lunch at Kula Lodge.  Magnificent views of the island and coastal area.  At the same location are the Curtis Wilson Cost Gallery, Kula Marketplace and Upcountry Harvest Gift Shop.  Makawao, a paniolo town is enjoyable to walk around and see the local artists, shops and restaurants.  The Reeve Gallery has beautiful silk screen, pastel art work and the artist is on site most days.  Polli’s Mexican Restaurant is authentic and has the real deal margarita.  Be sure to plan to visit the Maui Farms for lavender fields (45 varieties); Ulupalakua Ranch home of the Maui winery.    O’o Farm is the exclusive farm for the I’O restaurant group and produces organic foods, book ahead a lunch tour.  808-667-4341 If you like goat cheese then be sure to take time to visit the enjoyable Surfing Goad Farm.  See the goats in this beautiful setting and taste the cheese.

Spa – Westin Maui Heavenly Spa is the largest spa on the West Side of Maui. Couples massage very popular and needs to be booked in advance.  Some treatments include lavender and other products from Maui.

Snorkeling – Right off of the beach at Sheraton Maui you will find a wonderful area to see the many tropical fish. 

Trilogy - Has a great half day snorkel trip to Molokini.  Highly recommend and can be booked at any concierge or activities desk at the hotels.

Hula Girl – This cateraman began service on Maui in 2008 for snorkeling and sunset cruise options.  While expensive the service and experience on the Hula Girl is exceptional.  The design of the boat is beautiful as well.

Golf - Enthusiasts already know about Kapalua and the Plantation Course.  Another good option is to take the ferry (45 minutes) from Lahaina over to Lanai and play the two courses.  Awesome.

Luau – Sheraton Maui does a good Luau a couple of nights per week, located ocean front.

 

Helicopter Rides – Always a good option for any island experience. 

 

Cliff Diving / Torch Lighting ceremony at Sheraton Maui!  This nightly tradition and ceremony is a must.  Sit back with a Mai Tai and enjoy the festivities and sunset.  Open to the public.

Whaler’s Village – Many options for shopping and dinning.  Hula Grill, McDonald’s, Pizza, Lehlani’s, ABC, Art Galleries, etc.

 

RESTAURANTS

 

Hula Grill– Located in Whaler’s Village, oceanfront.  Music, burgers, fish, salads, casual music.  Homemade sauces and ketchup!  Where to go for a beer / mai tai and relax.  Appropriate for families, couples. 

Basil Tomato - We discovered this on our honeymoon and enjoyed it so much we now have dinner here every trip.  Open for dinner only.  Awesome Italian food and wait until you see the sunsets.  Blue Whale cocktails for kids.

 

Roy’s Bar & Grill – Credited for establishing Pacific Rim Cuisine.  A little pricy, but servings are generous.  Located in Kahana Gateway Center  808-669-6999.

Lahaina Grill (formerly David Paul’s) – Voted the best Maui restaurant for 14 years in a row.  Excellent, creative menu, totally ala carte.  Expensive but memorable.  Reservations needed, dinner only.  127 Lahainiluna Road  808-667-5117

 

Cheeseburger in Paradise - With a name like this you know the burgers are going to be great.  Mai Tai’s with tropical rock ‘n’ roll make this a must for every visit to Maui.

Bubba Gumps – Located on Front Street in Lahaina.  Popular and affordable. 

I’O or Pacific’o  – Considered the fresh Pacific Cuisine for Maui.  Open for dinner only.  Located at 505 Front Street  808-661-8422.

Longhi’s in Lahaina is very popular, but may be a little over rated.  Like it for breakfast and lunch.  Corner location looking out to ocean.  888 Front Street  808-667-2288

Lappert’s Ice Cream – A must, at least twice a day.  The ice cream is 100% real and they have locations on each of the islands.  It started on Kauai.  On Maui it is located in Lahaina Town on the main street.  You will certainly enjoy going into the town for dinner and art gallery viewing.  One night a week they have a gallery walk with wine, which of course helps sell art!

Tropica – If you want to have one memorable dinner on Maui then it should be at Tropica, located at the Westin Maui.  Again, we love this restaurant. May want to make a reservation to be sure of a great table.  Ask for Loraine to be your server, she knows me well and even serves a special Pineapple Martini every visit.  There is new seating along the beach front.

Merriman’s– Original to the big island this restaurant opened on Maui in 2008 and is very popular.  A must for dinner.  Incredible oceanfront location in Kapalua with excellent service and menu.  Reservations suggested, request outside seating. 

Kula Lodge – Located in the upcountry surrounded by a beautiful private garden.  My suggestion is to visit this restaurant following a sunrise trip to Haleakala.  THE BEST macadamia pancakes.  Open for lunch and dinner as well.  Due to limited seating reservations are suggested.

Hali’imaile General Store – This restaurant is always recognized as among the best on Maui.  Original menus using farm fresh cuisine.  Among the favorites to try:  creative salads, shrimp, short ribs, Meyer lemon rosemary chicken.

Sansei – Looking for Sushi then this is your place.  Located a Kapalua Resort and Kihei.  Dinner only.

Mama’s Fish House – Everyone will talk about Mama’s as the best fish on the islands and they are correct.  Business has been operating for 34 years.  Be prepared for an expensive meal.  My recommendation is to go for lunch.  Beautiful setting with oceanfront views.  Reservations are a must, 808-579-8488.  Stop on the way back from Hana for lunch. 

 

Grandma’s Coffee House: Grab a freshly baked pastry and a hot cup of organic coffee at Grandma’s. The coffee is grown, harvested and roasted by the staff. Don’t miss the 100-plus-year-old roaster.

 

T. Komoda Store & Bakery: Get here early if you want a chance to try one of their fresh baked pastries. A doughnut on a stick? Who could resist?

 

Leilani’s: Situated on spectacular Ka’anapali Beach, at Leilani’s you can literally see where the fish on your plate came from. The menu varies by the season, but it is always fantastic.

 

Gannon’s would be worth the visit if just for its amazing view, but the food here is just as spectacular.

 

Mama’s Fish House Restaurant: Fresh fish is served up daily at this Maui staple. It’s always jumping here, so have Team Traterra call ahead for a table.

The Pineapple Grill: Dishing up great Pacific Island cuisine on the 18th hole of The Bay Course at Kapalua Resort, this place is a hole in one (sorry, I had to do it).

Star Noodle: Looking for some good ramen? This intimate spot offers a variety of excellent dishes from Pad Thai to Udon.

Aloha’s Mixed Plate: A ton of variety, Aloha’s dishes are inspired by the cuisines of Hawaii’s various ethnic groups. 

 

 

EXAMPLES OF FISH

Ahi – Tuna.  Best served when quick broiled and served with teriyaki sauce, or just sliced and eaten raw as sashimi.

Mahimahi -   Moist, flaky, mildly flavored, sweet light pink fish when cooked turns white.  Best prepared baked with macadamia nuts and topped with white wine and lemon butter.

Ono – Means good in Hawaiian.  This is a white flaky, delicate, sweet, lean fish.  Best prepared broiled with lime butter.

Lehi – Silver Mouth Snapper.  Very tasty and stronger flavor than other local fish.  Tasty when poached with white wine and caper sauce.

Onaga – Long Tail Red Snapper.  Premium of snappers and local favorite.  Best prepared breaded, sautéed in white wine and butter.

Opakapaka – Pink Snapper.  Moist and delicious.  Have sautéed and topped with tarragon sauce. 

Ulua – Commonly considered as Pompano.  Request it to be breaded and grilled with fresh lemon. 

Have a great trip in Paradise!

Contact one of our Hawaii Akamai Specialists
First Choice Travel and Cruise
2120 East Moreland Blvd Suite K
Waukesha, WI 53186
262-542-5955 / 800-896-4360