Table of Contents

Route: Maui Loop

Theme: Island Escapes
Highlights: Road to Hana, Haleakalā National Park, Upcountry Maui, West Maui Mountains

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Introduction

Maui, often referred to as the "Valley Isle," is a paradise of diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and unparalleled natural beauty. This Maui road trip takes you on a journey around the island, offering different stays in some of Maui's most stunning regions. From the lush rainforests of Hana to the dramatic heights of Haleakalā and the pastoral charm of Upcountry Maui, each stop will immerse you in a unique aspect of the island's splendor. This journey is designed to capture the essence of Maui, where every turn of the road reveals a new facet of its breathtaking beauty.

Personal Insights from William Stanek:
"Maui is a place where the spirit of aloha is felt in every breeze, every wave, and every smile. Hui Cha and I have been fortunate to explore the island's many wonders, from the serene shores of South Maui to the wild beauty of the Road to Hana. This road trip is crafted to take you through the heart of Maui, allowing you to experience its diverse landscapes, rich culture, and the warm hospitality of its people. We hope this guide inspires you to slow down, take in the beauty around you, and truly connect with the magic that is Maui."

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Day 1: Arrival in Maui and Drive to South Maui

Morning: Arrival at Kahului Airport

• Overview: Upon landing at Kahului Airport, pick up your rental car and begin your adventure. Your first destination is South Maui, known for its stunning beaches, luxury resorts, and laid-back atmosphere. The drive takes you along the scenic coastline, offering beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean and the West Maui Mountains.
• Recommended Stops:
  • Maui Tropical Plantation: Located near the airport, this beautiful plantation offers a glimpse into Maui's agricultural heritage, with lush gardens, tropical plants, and a farm-to-table cafe.

Lunch Stop: Kihei, South Maui

• Lunch Recommendations:
  1. Nalu's South Shore Grill: A popular spot offering a menu of locally sourced dishes, including fresh seafood, salads, and burgers, with a casual, open-air setting.
  2. cafe O'Lei Kihei: Known for its creative Pacific Rim cuisine, including fresh fish, steaks, and salads, served in a relaxed, beachy atmosphere.
  3. Paia Fish Market South Side: Offering fresh, locally caught fish in a variety of dishes, including fish tacos, salads, and plates, with a laid-back vibe.

Afternoon: Explore South Maui

• Overview: After lunch, spend the afternoon exploring the beautiful beaches and charming towns of South Maui. This area is known for its calm waters, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying the sun.
• Recommended Scenic Stops:
  • Makena Beach (Big Beach): One of Maui's most beautiful beaches, known for its long stretch of golden sand, clear waters, and stunning views of the nearby islands of Molokini and Kaho'olawe.
  • Wailea Beach: A popular beach located in front of several luxury resorts, offering calm waters, excellent snorkeling, and beautiful sunset views.
  • Kamaole Beach Parks: A series of three parks in Kihei, offering sandy beaches, picnic areas, and great swimming and snorkeling opportunities.
• Photography Tips: "South Maui's beaches are some of the most picturesque on the island - capture the vibrant colors of the ocean, the golden hues of the sand, and the dramatic backdrop of the West Maui Mountains. Sunset at Makena Beach is a must for photographers, with the warm light creating stunning silhouettes and reflections."

Evening: Spend the evening in South Maui, where you can enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and perhaps take a sunset stroll along the beach.

• Dining Recommendations:
  1. Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman: Known for its farm-to-table dishes, craft cocktails, and live music, with a lively, relaxed atmosphere.
  2. The Restaurant at Hotel Wailea: Offering fine dining with a focus on local ingredients and creative cuisine, served in a romantic, open-air setting with ocean views.
  3. Maui Brewing Co. (Kihei): A popular brewery offering a range of craft beers and a menu of casual pub fare, including pizzas, burgers, and salads.
• Accommodation Options:
  1. Fairmont Kea Lani: A luxury all-suite and villa resort offering spacious accommodations, beautiful grounds, and direct access to Polo Beach.
  2. Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort: A chic, modern resort offering luxurious rooms, multiple pools, and stunning ocean views in the heart of Wailea.
  3. Mana Kai Maui: A beachfront condo-resort offering comfortable accommodations with fully equipped kitchens and beautiful views of Keawakapu Beach.

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Day 2: South Maui to Hana

Morning: Begin the Road to Hana

• Overview: After breakfast, embark on one of the most famous drives in the world - the Road to Hana. This scenic drive along Maui's northeastern coast is known for its lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and dramatic ocean views. Take your time as you drive, stopping to explore the many sights along the way.
• Recommended Stops:
  • Twin Falls: A popular early stop on the Road to Hana, offering short hikes to beautiful waterfalls and natural pools where you can take a refreshing dip.
  • Garden of Eden Arboretum: A stunning botanical garden offering beautiful walking paths, exotic plants, and panoramic views of the coastline and waterfalls.
  • Waikamoi Ridge Trail: A short hike through lush rainforest, offering stunning views of the Hana coastline and a peaceful escape into nature.

Lunch Stop: Hana Town

• Lunch Recommendations:
  1. Hana Ranch Restaurant: Offering a menu of fresh, locally sourced dishes, including burgers, salads, and seafood, with a casual, open-air setting.
  2. Huli Huli Chicken (Koki Beach): A must-try local spot offering delicious, freshly grilled chicken with a side of rice and salad, perfect for a beachside picnic.
  3. Thai Food by Pranee: A popular food truck in Hana offering authentic Thai dishes, including curries, pad Thai, and fresh spring rolls, with vegetarian options available.

Afternoon: Explore Hana and Surroundings

• Overview: After lunch, spend the afternoon exploring the quiet town of Hana and its surrounding natural beauty. Hana is known for its untouched landscapes, tranquil atmosphere, and the feeling of stepping back in time.
• Recommended Scenic Stops:
  • Hāna Bay: A picturesque black sand beach offering calm waters, picnic areas, and stunning views of the surrounding coastline.
  • Wai'anapanapa State Park: Home to Maui's famous black sand beach, sea caves, and coastal hiking trails, this park is a must-visit for its dramatic landscapes and cultural significance.
  • Hamoa Beach: A beautiful crescent-shaped beach with soft sand and clear waters, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing in a peaceful setting.
• Photography Tips: "The Road to Hana and the town of Hana offer some of the most lush and dramatic scenery on Maui - capture the vibrant greens of the rainforest, the striking contrast of the black sand beaches, and the serene beauty of Hana's hidden coves. The coastal views at Wai'anapanapa State Park are especially stunning at sunrise or sunset, with the soft light highlighting the rugged cliffs and turquoise waters."

Evening: Spend the evening in Hana, where you can enjoy a quiet dinner and relax after a day of exploration.

• Dining Recommendations:
  1. Hana-Maui Resort Restaurant: Offering a menu of fresh, locally sourced Hawaiian dishes, with a focus on farm-to-table dining and a beautiful oceanfront setting.
  2. The Preserve Kitchen + Bar: Located at the Travaasa Hana, this restaurant offers a menu of Hawaiian-inspired cuisine with a focus on local ingredients, served in a relaxed, open-air setting.
  3. Hana Farms Roadside Stand: Offering fresh-baked goods, smoothies, and local snacks, perfect for a casual, on-the-go meal.
• Accommodation Options:
  1. Hana-Maui Resort: A luxury resort offering spacious accommodations, ocean views, and a range of amenities, including a spa, yoga classes, and guided cultural activities.
  2. Hana Kai Maui: Offering oceanfront condos with full kitchens and beautiful views, perfect for a peaceful stay in Hana.
  3. Heavenly Hana Paradise: A charming bed and breakfast offering comfortable rooms, a lush garden setting, and easy access to Hana's beaches and hiking trails.

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Day 3: Hana to Upcountry Maui

Morning: Explore Ohe'o Gulch and Haleakalā National Park

• Overview: After breakfast, visit the nearby Ohe'o Gulch (also known as the Seven Sacred Pools), a series of beautiful waterfalls and pools located within Haleakalā National Park. From there, begin your ascent to the summit of Haleakalā, Maui's highest peak and one of the island's most iconic landmarks.
• Recommended Stops:
  • Pipiwai Trail: A 4-mile round-trip hike that takes you through lush bamboo forests and past towering waterfalls, ending at the stunning 400-foot Waimoku Falls. This is one of Maui's most popular and rewarding hikes.
  • Ohe'o Gulch: Explore the series of pools and waterfalls that cascade down the lush valley. The pools are surrounded by lush greenery and offer a refreshing spot for a swim.
  • Haleakalā Summit: The drive to the summit takes you through a range of ecosystems, from tropical rainforest to barren volcanic landscapes. The summit itself offers breathtaking panoramic views of the island and beyond.
• Photography Tips: "The Pipiwai Trail and Haleakalā Summit offer some of the most dramatic and awe-inspiring landscapes on Maui - capture the lush beauty of the bamboo forest, the power of Waimoku Falls, and the otherworldly views from the summit of Haleakalā. Sunrise and sunset at the summit are especially magical, with the clouds below creating a sea of mist that makes you feel like you're on top of the world."

Lunch Stop: Kula, Upcountry Maui

• Lunch Recommendations:
  1. Kula Bistro: A popular spot offering a menu of Italian-inspired dishes, including pastas, pizzas, and fresh salads, with a focus on local ingredients.
  2. La Provence: A charming French cafe offering a range of pastries, sandwiches, and quiches, perfect for a light lunch in a beautiful garden setting.
  3. Grandma's Coffee House: Known for its delicious coffee and hearty breakfast and lunch dishes, served in a cozy, rustic setting with beautiful views.

Afternoon: Explore Upcountry Maui

• Overview: Spend the afternoon exploring Upcountry Maui, a region known for its cool climate, rolling hills, and charming small towns. Upcountry is home to farms, botanical gardens, and stunning views of the island's central valley and coastline.
• Recommended Scenic Stops:
  • Ali'i Kula Lavender Farm: A beautiful farm offering stunning views of the island, walking trails through fields of lavender, and a gift shop with a range of lavender-infused products.
  • MauiWine: Located at Ulupalakua Ranch, MauiWine offers tours and tastings of their unique wines, including pineapple wine, in a historic and picturesque setting.
  • Kula Botanical Garden: A family-owned garden featuring a wide variety of native Hawaiian plants, exotic flowers, and stunning views of the valley and ocean.
• Photography Tips: "Upcountry Maui offers a different perspective of the island - capture the rolling hills, the vibrant colors of the lavender fields and botanical gardens, and the panoramic views of the coastline. The light is softer in Upcountry, creating beautiful conditions for landscape photography, especially in the late afternoon."

Evening: Spend the evening in Upcountry Maui, where you can enjoy a farm-to-table dinner and perhaps take in the starry night sky from your accommodations.

• Dining Recommendations:
  1. The Mill House (Waikapū): Offering a menu of farm-to-table dishes with a focus on local ingredients, served in a beautiful setting with views of the West Maui Mountains.
  2. Kula Lodge & Restaurant: A popular spot offering a menu of Hawaiian-inspired dishes, including fresh fish, steaks, and salads, with stunning views of the island.
  3. Hali'imaile General Store: A beloved Maui restaurant offering a menu of contemporary Hawaiian cuisine with a focus on local ingredients, served in a historic building with a cozy atmosphere.
• Accommodation Options:
  1. Lumeria Maui Retreat: A luxurious wellness retreat offering elegant accommodations, yoga classes, and beautiful gardens, located in the heart of Upcountry.
  2. Kula Lodge: Offering charming accommodations with stunning views of Maui's central valley and the ocean, located in the cool, serene setting of Kula.
  3. Star Lookout at Lani Aina: A unique and secluded cabin offering breathtaking views of the stars and the island's landscapes, perfect for a peaceful escape in Upcountry Maui.

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Day 4: Upcountry Maui to West Maui Mountains

Morning: Drive to West Maui

• Overview: After breakfast, set out on a scenic drive toward the West Maui Mountains, a region known for its dramatic landscapes, beautiful beaches, and historic towns. The drive takes you along the winding roads of the West Maui coast, offering stunning views of the ocean and mountains.
• Recommended Stops:
  • Iao Valley State Park: A lush, verdant valley offering short hikes, picnic areas, and the iconic Iao Needle, a 1,200-foot rock formation that rises from the valley floor. The park is rich in cultural and historical significance, as it was the site of a famous battle in Hawaiian history.

Lunch Stop: Wailuku or Kahakuloa

• Lunch Recommendations:
  1. 808 on Main (Wailuku): A popular spot offering a menu of fresh, locally sourced dishes, including sandwiches, salads, and daily specials, with a casual, friendly atmosphere.
  2. Tasty Crust (Wailuku): Known for its local comfort food, including pancakes, saimin, and plate lunches, served in a classic diner setting.
  3. Julia's Banana Bread (Kahakuloa): A must-stop for the famous banana bread, along with other local treats and snacks, perfect for a picnic or on-the-go lunch.

Afternoon: Explore West Maui

• Overview: Spend the afternoon exploring the stunning landscapes and charming towns of West Maui. This area is known for its dramatic cliffs, lush valleys, and beautiful beaches.
• Recommended Scenic Stops:
  • Nakalele Blowhole: A natural wonder where ocean waves are forced through a narrow lava tube, creating a dramatic geyser-like effect. The surrounding coastline offers rugged beauty and panoramic ocean views.
  • Honolua Bay: A beautiful, secluded bay known for its excellent snorkeling and vibrant coral reefs. The bay is surrounded by lush forest and offers a peaceful escape into nature.
  • Kapalua Bay: A crescent-shaped beach with soft sand and calm, clear waters, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing in a tranquil setting.
• Photography Tips: "The West Maui Mountains and coastlines offer some of the most rugged and dramatic scenery on the island - capture the power of the ocean at Nakalele Blowhole, the vibrant underwater world of Honolua Bay, and the serene beauty of Kapalua Bay. The late afternoon light creates beautiful conditions for photography, with soft, warm tones and long shadows."

Evening: Spend the evening in West Maui, where you can enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and perhaps take a sunset walk along one of the beautiful beaches.

• Dining Recommendations:
  1. Merriman's Kapalua: A fine dining restaurant offering a menu of farm-to-table dishes with a focus on local ingredients, served in a stunning oceanfront setting.
  2. The Plantation House: Known for its creative, contemporary Hawaiian cuisine and breathtaking views of the ocean and golf course, perfect for a romantic dinner.
  3. The Gazebo Restaurant (Napili): A popular spot for breakfast and lunch, offering delicious, hearty dishes with a beautiful oceanfront setting. Be sure to try the macadamia nut pancakes!
• Accommodation Options:
  1. Montage Kapalua Bay: A luxury resort offering spacious accommodations, multiple pools, and stunning ocean views, located in the heart of Kapalua.
  2. Napili Kai Beach Resort: A charming beachfront resort offering comfortable accommodations, beautiful gardens, and easy access to Napili Bay.
  3. Kapalua Villas Maui: Offering spacious, fully equipped villas with stunning views of the ocean and golf course, perfect for a relaxing stay in West Maui.

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Day 5: Return to Kahului and Departure

Morning: Explore More of West Maui

• Overview: After breakfast, spend your final morning exploring more of West Maui, whether by visiting one of the beautiful beaches, hiking in the West Maui Mountains, or exploring the historic town of Wailuku.
• Optional Activities:
  • West Maui Loop Drive: A scenic drive that takes you around the northern tip of West Maui, offering stunning coastal views, charming small towns, and the opportunity to explore some of the island's more remote areas.
  • Waihee Ridge Trail: A moderately challenging hike that offers breathtaking views of the West Maui Mountains, lush valleys, and the ocean. The trail takes you through a mix of forest and open ridges, with panoramic views at the summit.

Lunch Stop: Kahului

• Lunch Recommendations:
  1. Tin Roof Maui: A popular spot offering local comfort food, including poke bowls, saimin, and plate lunches, perfect for a quick and delicious meal before your flight.
  2. Da Kitchen: Known for its hearty portions of Hawaiian comfort food, including loco moco, kalua pork, and chicken katsu, served in a casual, no-frills setting.
  3. Poi by the Pound: Offering traditional Hawaiian dishes, including poi, lau lau, and lomi lomi salmon, with a focus on authentic flavors and local ingredients.

Afternoon: Departure from Kahului

• Overview: After lunch, return your rental car and prepare for your departure from Kahului Airport. Take a moment to reflect on your journey around Maui, where you've experienced the island's diverse landscapes, rich culture, and the warm spirit of aloha.
• Photography Tips: "Before you leave, take one last opportunity to capture the beauty of Maui's landscapes - the views from the West Maui Mountains, the vibrant colors of the beaches, and the serene beauty of the island's lush valleys. These final photos will be a lasting reminder of your unforgettable journey around the Valley Isle."

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Conclusion

Reflections from William Stanek:
"This road trip around Maui has taken us on a journey through the island's many wonders, from the lush rainforests of Hana to the dramatic heights of Haleakalā and the serene beauty of Upcountry Maui. Each stop has offered something unique, whether it's the tranquil beaches of South Maui, the rugged coastlines of West Maui, or the rich cultural heritage found throughout the island. Hui Cha and I have always been inspired by the diversity of Maui's landscapes and the warmth of its people. We hope this guide inspires you to explore every corner of the island, to connect with the spirit of aloha, and to create memories that will last a lifetime."