More Maui

Maui Part Two

A tropical paradise like Maui can’t be contained to simply one blog post, and even two seems like inadequate. But I’ll give it a shot 😉

Wailea captured by Rojena @Flytographer

Stay:

For the first week of our stay, we enjoyed a spacious 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom condo at the new Westin Nanea resorts in Kaanapali. Clean, modern, all the amenities we needed with a gorgeous beach.

Our last three days we moved over to Wailea, and used our Fairmont President’s Club perks at the Fairmont Kea Lani . For a truly relaxing escape, this all suite resort delivered on all fronts. The one bedroom suite was spacious enough for our family of 5, and the grounds were immaculate and the resort fronted a gorgeous beach.

The lobby of the Fairmont Kea Lani

Sunset views poolside

Do: In my first post about Maui, I shared our tips for taking on The Road to Hana – a tropical, lush paradise of black sand beaches, eucalyptus trees and waterfalls galore. But this is also Maui:

Not Mars- bur rather Maui! Haleakala Crater

The Haleakala Crater is a breathtaking wonder! The journey up to the crater required a kit full of Gravol and anti nausea meds with plenty of crackers, and the high altitude (elevation is over 10,000 Feet!) does cause some altitude sickness – so come armed.

But the views were spectacular even as the clouds rolled in. It was as if we were on a different planet.

We used the GyPSy Guide to help navigate and entertain us on the way up.

Tips: Pack sweaters/jackets (its pretty cold up there!) and something to help with the high altitude.

For the more adventurous, you can do a bike tour with the Maui Bike Company, who can take you up to Haleakala and then you can ride your bikes all the way down. It’s easy coasting downhill, but caution – it’s also a small two lane road that is shared by lots of cars.

– Whale Watching : Maui’s shallow, warm waters are the perfect place for whale watching and we were lucky enough to be there just before the migration season was over. We did a whale watching excursion through Pacific Whale Foundation, and while we got some amazing sights of whales up close, it did cause some nausea issues for 1/2 of us which took away from the incredible sights. But we were also lucky enough to witness amazing whale sightings from shore! It was definitely a bucket list item checked off for me.

– Zip lining: A family favourite activity which was a first for us. We went through Maui Tropical Plantation because they allowed for kids as young as 5 to participate. Extra bonus, the plantation is home to The Mill House restaurant – perfect for a post zip line lunch or dinner.

– Beaches – Oh there are so many and each one is unique and beautiful. I highly recommend exploring as many as you can around the island. We loved the ones in Wailea, they are picturesque as you would imagine Maui to be and not as busy as Kaanapali. But also, the ragged shores of the in Kapalua give you the memorizing Dragon’s Teeth

Eats:

Maui is expensive for everything – especially food. If you have a place with a kitchen, it is easiest to stock up on food and cook most of your meals. There’s a Costco right by the airport so you can stock up right away. We loved the Foodland Farms for prepared meats and other items in Kaanapali, but the Safeway also did the job well.

Restaurants:

– Dukes in North Kaanapali beach which is right on the beach which is great for families.

– Whalers Village in Kaanapali has lots of choices

– Mama’s Fish House in Paia is AMAZING! Perhaps the very best on the island, it does require reservations as it is always busy (and pricey!) but so worth for a special occasion.
– The Mill House on The Maui Tropical Plantation is a farm driven restaurant with gorgeous views.

– Ko at the Fairmont Kea Lani: a fusion of Hawaiian, Chinese, Filipino, Portuguese, Korean and Japanese favourites!
– Nick’s Fish Market also at the Fairmont – delicious fresh fish dishes

Special Treat Tip:

Hawaii’s specialty is shaved ice. On the surface it looks like a simple snow cone, but it is a uniquely Hawaiian treat. Ulani’s in Maui is the best – they have a few locations.