Maui
I’ve kept a running “Maui to-do” list in the Notes app on my phone for a looong time, and decided it was time to make it public. Most people tend to have a favorite Hawaiian island, and Maui is for sure mine - I get an immediate sense of calm every time I walk out of the Kahului terminal and feel the humidity and see the breeze flowing through the palm trees. I’ve been there as a child, teen, young adult, married, pregnant, and with children. I’ve stayed in Wailea, Kihei, Kaanapali, and Napili (probably also forgetting some areas), but point being that all of my favorite places to visit, eat at, and experience are all over the island. So my first recommendation would be to rent a car! And the rest are as follows…
Where to stay…
Kaanapali: The past three times in Maui, we stayed in condos at the Honua Kai. I would rate this place very kid-friendly. There is easy beach access, swimming pools with water slides, a Duke’s restaurant for easy food/drink, and you get the full kitchen and laundry deal in your room. We also stayed at the Eldorado many times when I was younger, which is also nice, but less kid-oriented.
Wailea: Stayed at the Grand Wailea on our babymoon in 2017 (which is right next door to the Four Seasons featured on White Lotus S1). Their shared beach is my favorite because there were turtles right off shore every day.
Napili: When I was a teenager, my family stayed at the Napili Kai, which is on a quieter and very pretty cove. Apparently their restaurant has a great happy hour.
What to see…
Iao Valley: First check to see if it’s open. If it is, totally worth seeing if you’re looking for a non-beach activity. The “hike” to see the Iao Needle close up is a reasonably easy set of stairs - our kids and their cousins did it without complaint. There is also a flat path around the valley with some historical information to read. Parking is $5 and another $10 for vehicles with 7 people or fewer.
Road to Hana: Ok - having done the entire thing with my parents and my sister when I was a teen…that one time was enough until maybe my own kids get older. BUT, you can customize your excursion by hitting certain stops and not spending all day doing the drive. My favorite stop is Ho’okipa Beach, where a ton of sea turtles come out of the water for a nap on the sand, and you can watch people windsurfing. To get there, you drive through the town of Pa’ia, which has fun stores and shave ice stops. Other stops that my husband and I have enjoyed were Twin Falls and the bamboo forest at Na’ili’ili-haele.
*As an aside, we have not gone to Haleakala volcano because we never plan far enough in advance for it, but it’s a popular attraction/place to see.
What to do…
Sunset/Nighttime Snorkel: While browsing to see if there was anywhere to do the manta ray snorkel at night on Maui (FYI there isn’t - you have to go to the Big Island), I stumbled across Zephyr Maui. They offer a handful of unique tours, one of which being a nighttime snorkel to a turtle cave. Small group tours (max 6 people for night snorkel), experienced guides, top safety, and TONS of turtles. Highly recommend this company.
Snorkel Boat: If you want a larger-scale snorkel experience, head out on a boat that goes to Molokini crater and other popular snorkel spots. We like to book ours with the Pacific Whale Foundation to help support the conservation work that they do.
Spa day at the Montage Kapalua: This has become a tradition for the adult ladies in the family - we go for a couple hours to use the facilities at the Montage spa, and then we get massages. The swimming pool at the spa is one of my all-time favorites because of its view and the sound of ocean breeze rushing through the palm trees. Even if the hotel you stay at has a spa, it’s worth going to the Montage. It has a calm and magical vibe.
Where to eat…
Probably my favorite category on this post!
Merriman’s ($$$$): One of my most favorite restaurants on earth. The food is great, the sunsets are stunning with a panoramic view of the sea, and I’ve never had a better mai tai anywhere else (the lilikoi foam!!!). We drive to Kapalua every trip to eat here. This past trip, we went twice. Trust me.
Monkeypod ($$$): There are two locations on Maui - one in Wailea, and one in Ka’anapali. This restaurant is also owned by the Merriman’s, so you can expect similar quality (and the same, delicious mai tai’s). The vibe is more family-friendly and casual, while Merriman’s is more upscale and a good romantic dinner spot.
Fish Market Maui ($$): A local fish market in Lahaina/Ka’anapali with fresh fish caught daily. For the nights that we aren’t going to a sit-down dinner, we usually order some ahi or mahi mahi to take back and cook at our condo. They also offer poke.
Pau Bakery ($$): If you want to support a new local business in Lahaina/Ka’anapali, please go here! It was only in its 2nd month of operation when we went in April 2025. They had delicious house-made empanadas, fresh sourdough loaves, and very yummy pastries. It’s an Argentinian style bakery/cafe, with space to sit inside as well.
Wow Wow Hawaiian Lemonade ($): This little spot in Kihei has a huge variety of house-made lemonades and fantastic acai bowls. We went probably 5 times during our baby moon in 2017, and then again in 2023 with the kiddos. My favorite açaí bowl was the Blue Hawaii, and our favorite lemonades were the Watermelon Mint and the PLG.
Cinnamon Roll Place ($): OMG…fresh cinnamon rolls baked daily! With icing and macadamia nuts, I mean, what else could you want?! They are so gooey and delicious that even when we stay in Ka’anapali, we make the drive down to Kihei at least once for these.
The Market ($$): Located in Wailea, great wraps and sandwiches. Not an actual market ;)
Nalu’s ($): Also located in Kihei, great little breakfast spot, nice and casual. We loved the macadamia pancakes.
