Upcountry: This will show you the rural side of Maui as well as The Haleakala Crater, the world's largest dormant volcano. Drive back towards the airport and follow signs for Highway 37 or the Haleakala Highway. It is approximately a two hour trip from our condo. It is best if you go as early as possible, cloud cover begins about 9:00 A.M. The summit tends to get quite chilly, it will be about 30 degrees colder than at the condo. You can check the weather by calling the park service at 871-5054. It would be a good idea to go early and bring warm clothes. Along the way you will pass through cattle country and have wonderful vistas of Maui. I recommend the Kula Lodge, 878-2517. This a popular stop for a hearty breakfast or lunch. Look for the carnation and protea farms. Upcountry you can also visit Maui's only winery....Tadeschi Vineyards. The wines are made from fresh pineapple juice, enjoy the samples. You might want to take a short trip over to Makawoo, this Hawaiian town has many interesting art shops.

Lahaina: This is a must visit! Lahaina is about a 35 minute drive along a very scenic highway. It was the capital of Hawaii and the seaport for whaling ships. At one time over 400 hundred ships visited this town each year. Now the buildings have been restored and there are several great restaurants, shops and watering holes. It is the place for most night life on the island. I consider Lahaina the tourist center of Maui.

Kaanapali: This area is just a few miles beyond Lahaina and is the area for many large hotels, a wonderful beach, snorkeling, and Whaler's Village Shopping Center.

Hana: The Hana drive is possibly the best and worst trip to be made in the Hawaiian Islands. It's the best because the coastline ( pictures of coastline) and lush tropical bamboo forests are fantastic! Now, it is the worst because the serpentine, narrow road makes over 600 twisting turns and crosses 56 tiny bridges......all in about 35 miles. The Hana side of the island gets all the rain so there are several waterfalls and natural swimming pools.
		Near mile marker 11 is a good pool. Enjoy swimming out to the waterfall and stand under it, it's great. You can also climb to the top of the fall and hike back to another fall. There are not many people that know about this one so it is very private, enjoy the swim. Once you make it to Hana don't miss the Seven Sacred Pools. When the water is high you can swim there too. The town of Paia is on the way. It is a small "local" town with some great shops, night spots, and restaurants. One last comment on the road to Hana. If you turn back after an hour or so you really won't miss too much as the scenery doesn't change that much. Of course, you will not be allowed to buy a "I survived the road to Hana" T-shirt in Lahaina.

Some other activities you might enjoy 

Iao Needle: This is about a 25 minute drive from the condominium. This area has great hiking and scenery. The lava formation protrudes about 1500 vertical feet. This is a popular tourist attraction.

Lava flows: Past Wailea and Makena about 25 minutes you will end up at the flows. As you drive, keep towards the ocean, this is the old Makena road, and it winds in and out of many coves passing old Hawaiian homes. This is where the lava last flowed from Haleakala into the ocean. Not may tourists travel this way but it is worth the visit. Be sure to look for Keawala'i, a quaint old ocean side Hawaiian church and graveyard built in 1832.

Biking: A van takes you to the top of Haleakala Crater. A bike is provided for you, then cruise 38 miles down the crater. Great fun. Try the sunrise cruise with Maui Downhill. 

Maui Ocean Center: Filled with fun and amazing underwater marine life, turtles, rays, sharks and other fascinating marine life found nowhere else on earth.  There are two restaurants and an outside eating area for brown bag lunchers. 

Horseback riding: Enjoy the beauty of the Haleakala Crater on horseback. Your trail guide will lead you along the rim and follow the trail into the crater. Pony Express Trail Rides does an excellent job. 

Scuba & Snorkeling: There are many places to enjoy the underwater wildlife. Rental gear is available all over the island. Scuba diving is enjoyed by all levels of divers. I would suggest "Makena Coast Charters", they depart from the marina just down the road and close to our condominium. (The activities desk can also provide information on scuba, & snorkeling).

Tennis: Four free tennis courts are located approximately 50-75 yards on the ocean front of our condominium. Great spot to play tennis and enjoy the ocean view and sunsets. Another option is the Wailea Tennis Center where you can enjoy lunch and browse the classy tennis pro shop.

Golf: Golf is absolutely fantastic on Maui. All of the courses are open to the public on Maui. If it is possible, call a day ahead for tee times and try to play in the mornings. The trade winds seem to blow ashore in the afternoons. You can rent clubs at the courses. There are 15 courses on Maui. At Wailea, there are three courses, so take your pick. These courses are always highly rated by Golf Digest. Next, the cources at Makena, Kapalua, Sandlewood, and Pukalani. A special golf treat is on the island of Lanai. The boat leaves out of Lahaina. Call "Expeditions Of Maui" and they will take care of everything for you. Play golf at the "Challenge Of Mannelle" or the "Experience Of Koele". The course at Mannelle, is ocean side, thus more scenic, with much less chance of rain than upcountry "Koele". Everything that you have read about these courses is more than true. A life time golf experience.

Fishing: When visiting Lahaina walk along the harbor, right behind the Pioneer Inn, pick a boat and set up a charter. The boat crews are very friendly.

Sailing: There are many boats available that sail out near the surrounding islands of Molakai, Lanai, and Kahoolawe. These trips are occasionally combined with meals or a sunset cruise accompanied by cocktails. Sail boats can be chartered out of Lahaina harbor.

Windsurfing & Kitesurfing: Maui holds the world championship windsurfing competitions and is known as the windsurfing capital of the world.  You can enjoy countless hours watching wind and kite surfers from our condo ocean front.  Or you can rent equipment and wind/kite surf directly on Maui South Shore from our ocean front.  A favorite spot of wind and kite surfers.

Hawaiian Luau: Get into the Hawaiian spirit of a luau. Enjoy the authentic Hawaiian dancing, music and food. They are great fun. The Renaissance Wailea Beach Resort and the Maui Marriott put on a terrific show.

Restaurants
Main course price ranges:	under 20 "$"	20-30 "$$"	30-50 "$$$"

Mama's Fish House-This is an old style Hawaiian setting, and is by far the best fish house on Maui. It is about 30 minutes from the condo, located just outside of the small town of Paia. $$$

Hailimaile General Store - 575- 2666. Heading "up country" on the Haleakala Highway (37). About 30 minutes turn left at the Hailimaile Cut Off. Outstanding dining. Dishes for all tastes. Highly recommended. Not "resorty", very relaxed, Maui upcountry. $$$

Kimo's - Located in Lahaina, this is a nice outside waterfront restaurant and has a great bar. Kimo's always has good food. $$

Cheeseburger in Paradise- This is a knock off of Jimmy Buffet's restaurant in Key West Florida. Lots of fun, live music, located upstairs on Front Street in Lahaina. $

Five Palms Beach Grill- This is located just down the road form our condo. Fantastic sunsets, excellent food and service.  Can not go wrong to dining here for a special occasion $$$   This is Barb's absolute favorite, eating on the terrace, enjoying the sunset with an after dinner stroll down the beach. (Without the kids!!) 

Kea Lani Hotel- This is a great place for a special buffet breakfast. Enjoy your meal pool side at an unusual hotel. Very nice. Located in Wailea about 15 minutes away from our condominium. $$

"Take Out" and Deli: Also located in the Kea Lani Hotel. There is an excellent Deli that has a super variety of "take out" food. The deli is on the pool level. Just what you need when you want to "eat in" but don't want to cook. $

Swan Court- For the classy, very special occasion, excellent setting, food and service,enjoy the Swan Court. This was featured on "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous" TV show. This restaurant is in the Hyatt Hotel at Kaanapali, about a 40 minute drive. $$$

Seawatch- Seawatch, is first class all the way. They have excellent service and food. The ambiance is wonderful inside or outside with ocean views available. Seawatch is located at the Emerald Golf Club in Wailea about 10 minutes from our condominium. $$$

Makawoo Steak House- This is a very quaint restaurant in an old Hawaiian town, located upcountry about 40 minutes away. $$

 last update to this page: 12-22-06