Maui Family Photographer Recommends Maui's Top Activities, Places to Stay & Cheapest Rental Cars
Are you starting to plan your trip to Maui?
Maui is a popular destination for many obvious reasons! Because it is so popular, it is important that you do as much of the planning ahead of time as possible so you don't miss out. Rental car, hotel/air bnb/condo, some of your restaurant reservations, all of your activities & Maui family photography services.
First Things First: Get Familiar with the General Areas of Maui
Maui is the second largest of the Hawaiian islands and is known for its stunning natural beauty, including pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and dramatic volcanic landscapes.
The island is divided into several distinct regions. On the island's west side, you'll find the popular resort areas of Kaanapali, Lahaina, and Kapalua. These areas are known for their beautiful beaches, luxury resorts, and vibrant dining and shopping scenes.
Moving towards central Maui, you'll come across the historic town of Wailuku, which is nestled at the base of the lush West Maui Mountains. Nearby, you can also explore the scenic Iao Valley State Park, known for its iconic Iao Needle rock formation and lush hiking trails. Both are near the Maui Airport.
Traveling to the north shore, you'll encounter the charming town of Paia, known for its bohemian vibe, eclectic shops, and excellent dining options. This area also serves as the gateway to the famous Road to Hana on the east side, a winding coastal road that offers breathtaking views and access to waterfalls, black sand beaches, and lush rainforests.
In the south, you'll find the sunny resort areas of Wailea and Makena, known for their luxury resorts, world-class golf courses, and stunning beaches.
Make sure to leave time to explore the scenic Upcountry region, which is characterized by rolling hills, farms, and ranches. Here, you can visit the charming town of Makawao, known for its cowboy heritage and vibrant arts scene.
Overall, Maui offers diverse experiences and landscapes within a relatively small area, making it easy to explore and enjoy everything the island offers.
Below is a basic map of Maui:
Kahului is where the airport is
West Side consists of Lahaina/Ka'anapali/Napili/Kapalua
South Side is Kihei/Wailea
North Shore is Paia/Kuau/Haiku
Also shown below is Haleakala and the Road to Hana (RTH)
(There's no road that goes all the way around the outside of the island, but it almost does.)
Maui's Best Activities and Top-Rated Companies
Vacation Photos are an absolute must! Don't come all the way to Maui and leave only to have photos on your iPhone. And let's be honest, most of them won't even have you in them! Take home the best souvenir and get your beautiful Maui family vacation documented by local Maui family photographer-Shayla Tiare Photography.
Rent a road bike or mountain bike from- Krank Cycles and bike down the Haleakala Skyline Trail or go to the Makawao Forest.
Whale Watching- Whale watching takes place from November to May. Peak season is mid-January-March. Pacific Whale Foundation and Ultimate Whale Watch offer premium excursions to witness the majestic humpback whales during their annual migration, providing educational and unforgettable encounters.
Snorkeling Tour- Maui Snorkeling, Trilogy Excursions, and Quicksilver Charters are highly regarded for their snorkeling tours to Molokini Crater and Turtle Town, providing exceptional marine life encounters.
Sunset Dinner Cruise- Alii Nui and Pride of Maui offer premium sunset dinner cruises with gourmet dining, live entertainment, and idyllic ocean views.
Helicopter Tour- Air Maui, Maverick Helicopters, and Blue Hawaiian Helicopters are among the top-rated companies offering breathtaking aerial views of Maui's lush landscapes and volcanic features.
Road to Hana Tour- Hoaloha Jeep Adventures
Aquarium/Maui Ocean Center- We are known for having a really beautiful aquarium that is actually worth going to.
Luaus- Old Lahaina Luau and Feast at Lele are renowned for their authentic Polynesian cultural performances, traditional cuisine, and captivating luau experiences set against Maui's stunning sunset backdrops. This is one of those activities that book up far in advance. If it is booked for your dates, make sure to get on the waiting list. Oftentimes, people will cancel, and you will get your reservation.
Surf Lessons- be sure to request Ina @ Maui Wave Riders
Rent a Moped and drive around Kihei
Zipline- Jungle Zipline, Skyline Eco-Adventures and Kapalua Ziplines provide exhilarating ziplining experiences over Maui's scenic valleys and forests, delivering an adrenaline rush for thrill-seekers.
Mini Golf at Ma'alaea- Maui Golf and Sports Park
Golfing- Wailea Emerald Golf Course, Kapalua Golf Course, Pukalani Country Club, The Dunes at Maui Lani
Paragliding- Paraglide Maui
Parasailing- UFO Parasail
Canoe Tour- Hawaiian Paddle Sports
Fishing Tour- Maui Fun Charters, Start Me Up Sportfishing
Scuba Diving- Maui Diving, Banyan Tree Divers Maui, and Lahaina Divers are top choices for scuba diving adventures, guiding enthusiasts to Maui's vibrant underwater realms and diverse marine ecosystems.
Hike Maui- for a guided hike. I highly recommend this because they will keep you safe.
Maui Wine- Ulupalakua Ranch- Wine Tasting
Resort Pass- Andaz & Fairmont Kealani buy a cabana for the day and enjoy the amenities without the price tag of staying the night.
Spa- Spa Montage Kapalua Bay, Grand Wailea Resort & Spa (I think it is under construction right now)
Free or Nearly Free Maui Worthwhile Activities
Iao Valley- Non-residents are charged a small parking fee. (Visit the first parking lot to see the heritage gardens and then drive up to the main parking lot at the top)
Ali'i Kula Lavender Farm- $3 per person. Or support the Maui Food Bank and donate a non-perishable food item per person for admission to be waived.
Haleakala- For sunrise (between 3-7 am) it is required that you get reservations in advance. If you can't manage to get one, then go to Sunset. It is also very beautiful! You can also do a paid sunrise tour to get around having to get a reservation. (Linked under Maui's Top Activities).
Shaved Ice- Don't forget to get shaved ice! Ululani's Hawaiian Shaved Ice has several locations around Maui.
Road to Hana (RTH)- Remember, it is the experience, not the destination. Enjoy the ride and plan to stop all along the way. I also recommend going all the way around so you're not coming back the way you came. The backside of Maui is very beautiful. Plan to be on the backside for sunset if you're out for the day. Don't forget to stop at famous Aunty Sandy's Banana Bread Stand in Keanae on the way there!
Olinda Forest- Easy, Beautiful Walking Hike
Makawao Forest- Hike or Bike Ride. There is a beginner, intermediate & advanced biking pump track.
Beach!
Ho'okipa- to see the Hawaiian Sea Turtles
Jaws/Peahi to see the big waves during the winter months- 4x4 is a must, or find a local and pay to hop on a quad.
Kula Country Farms- depending on the time of year- strawberry picking or pumpkin patch & year-round, they have a farm stand.
Nakalele Blowhole
Snorkeling (directly off shore)- Ahihi-Kina'u Natural Area Reserve (see video below), Honolulu Bay (on a calm day), Oluwalu
Kapalua Costal Trail
Hiking- Explore Maui's stunning natural landscapes through various hiking trails such as the Waihou Spring Trail or the Waihe'e Ridge Trail, offering breathtaking views of the island.
Accommodations
Resorts have the highest price tag and strictest rules. If you can afford them, great! If not, don't worry! Condos are also a great option.
Condo Accommodations:
Check out Tropical Bound Condo Rentals for legal condo rentals, best prices & excellent customer service. They service areas across South Maui, West Maui, Big Island & Kauai.
West Maui (Lahaina, Ka'anapali, Napili, Kapalua)
Hyatt Ka'anapali Resort
Westin Ka'anapali Resort
Honua Kai- Great choice for a condo!
Ka'anapali Beach Hotel- Lower priced hotel with great quality and excellent walking location!
South Maui (Kihei, Wailea)
Grand Wailea Resort- The ultimate hotel for the kids. Their hotel pool is the BEST one on Maui. It is the largest and has the most slides.
Andaz Resort
Fairmont Kealani Resort
Four Seasons Resort
Maui Coast Hotel- Lower priced hotel with great quality and excellent walking location!
Kamaole Sands- Great choice for a condo
Places to Eat
Not all dining takes advanced reservations, but I highly recommend making reservations well in advance for Mamas Fish House, Fleetwood's, Lahaina Grill, Merriman's & Star Noodle at sunset. If you didn't make reservations, try showing up before or after the typical lunch or dinner rush. You won't have a problem getting a table in most places without much waiting, especially during hours outside of the “normal busy eating hours.” Mama's Fish House & Merriman's will most likely be unavailable without a reservation.
Central -Kahului & Wailuku
My Thai- Very possibly the best Thai Food I have EVER had! It will even convert someone who doesn't like Thai Food.
Las Pinatas of Maui- Close to the airport and super easy. Yummy Mexican food with a friendly atmosphere.
62 Market- Excellent burgers & service is great!
Cafe O'lei @ The Mill House & Maui Tropical Plantation- Beautiful scenery while you enjoy lunch or dinner. Buy duck feed in the gift shop and feed the ducks or plan to go on their zipline BEFORE eating lol..
North Shore- Paia & Haiku
Paia Fish Market- Well known and a great but busy option for lunch.
Mamas Fish House- By far the most popular and hard to get into restaurants on Maui.
Cafe Des Ami- Known for their crepes
Flatbread- Pizzeria with the very best and most creative pizzas!
Nuka- My personal favorite sushi restaurant. Very fresh fish!
Upcountry- Makawao, Haili’imaile, Kula
Haili'imaile General Store- Don't be fooled by the name. This is a beautiful fine-dining restaurant. Open for lunch & dinner.
Casanovas- Delicious Italian food.
Freshies- Ultimate breakfast spot! Traditional American breakfast with alternative vegan friendly options available.
Grandmas Coffee House- Another amazing upcountry breakfast spot.
Kula Lodge- Beautiful views and fireplace lodge vibes
West Maui- Lahaina, Ka’anapali, Kapalua, Napili
Leoda's Kitchen and Pie Shop- Known for their amazing pies! This is on your way to the west side. Located in Oluwalu.
Moku Roots- Waste-free plant-based vegan restaurant! So yummy!
Slappy Cakes- Super fun breakfast spot for kids. Each table has a skillet to make your own pancakes. Very busy- get there before they open to assure yourself a skillet table.
Hula Grill Ka'anapali
Duke's Beach House
Leilani's on the Beach
Monkeypod- Excellent food and Happy Hour
Merriman's- Sunset dinner spot with an ocean view! Be sure to get reservations.
South Maui- Kihei, Wailea, Makena
Piko Cafe- Super cute and easy-going breakfast spot in Kihei
Kihei Caffe- Busy, busy, busy for a good reason. Affordable and delicious! Go early or later than the breakfast crowd.
Nalus South Shore Grill- Crowded and popular for a good reason- another excellent breakfast spot in Kihei.
Paia Fish Market South Side
Kinaole Grill Food Truck- Excellent Seafood
Sprout Vegan Cafe- My new favorite vegan cafe on Maui!
Da Kitchen- To get "local kind grindz" this would be the place.
Three's Bar and Grill
Coconut's Fish Cafe- Best known for their fish tacos!
Monkeypod- VERY BUSY location in Wailea but worth it- especially for Happy Hour- try their famous Mai Tai.
Fabiani's Bakery and Pizzeria- Fine Italian food & baked goods.
Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar- Another excellent choice for sushi.
Maui Brewing Company- Great food and locally made beer.
Manoli's Pizza Company- Upscale pizza restaurant.
Nutcharee's Authentic Thai Food- My favorite Thai food in Kihei. They also have a food truck in Hana.
Lineage- World-famous Chef Sheldon created a fine dining version of all our favorite local dishes.
Cafe O'lei Kihei
Spago @ The Four Seasons Resort
Ferraro's @ The Four Seasons Resort
Morimoto Maui @ The Andaz
Kaana Kitchen @ The Andaz
Rental Car
This can be tricky... Renting a car in Maui can be very expensive depending on the time of year you choose to come. Besides the obvious Google search to find mainstream rental agencies, here are some other options:
Kihei Rental Car- This is a budget-friendly option. They have great weekly rate options.
Turo- Local residents rent out their vehicles on an app called Turo.
Facebook- You can check Facebook Marketplace for locals renting out their own cars. You can also check Maui's Facebook visitor groups.
Craigslist- Check Craigslist for rental car listings.
Local Shopping
Wailers Village (Ka'anapali)
High-end shopping malls and restaurants.
Easy food court.
Kids climbing area and splash pad
Shops at Wailea (Wailea)
High-end shopping mall and restaurants.
Saturday Swap Meet (Kahului in the University of Hawaii Parking Lot)
Fun and affordable place to shop. They have everything from jewelry & local souvenirs/crafts to food and produce.
Saturday Farmers Market (Near Longs, Upcountry)
Similar to the Saturday swap meet but focused more on food and produce rather than fun things to buy. It would be worth going to both.
Grocery Shopping
General Food
Safeway (Kahului/Lahaina/Kihei)
Bulk Food
Costco (Kahului)
Health Food
Mana Foods (North Shore/Paia)
Whole Foods (Kahului)
Don't Forget to Pack...
Bathing Suit & Cover Up
A light, waterproof rain jacket. Just in case! It usually isn't "cold," but you may want a way to keep dry in case of rain.
Warm clothes if you plan on going to Haleakala for sunrise.
Rubber slippers that can get wet. High-end supportive slippers, Olukai. Less supportive but still super cute Havaianas.
Reef Safe Sunscreen- ThinkBaby for your body and Raw Elements for your face. Both rub in surprisingly well for being reef-safe.
Lightweight Hat for Sun Protection
Tennis Shoes
Reusable YETI water bottle
Super Long Phone Charger Cord for Hotel and Car
