About this Video

• Video Title: Maui Things To Do - Top 10 Tips from a Local Resident
• Channel: Hawaii Real Estate
• Speakers: Eric West
• Duration: 00:15:05

Introduction

This video provides ten tips for tourists visiting Maui, Hawaii, from a local resident with almost ten years of experience on the island. The tips cover saving money, optimal travel times, best places to eat, top attractions, ideal beaches, turtle viewing spots, and safety advice. A bonus tip on surfing is also included.

Key Takeaways

• Save Money: Book trips in late August, September, or October; utilize Costco for groceries; rent condos with kitchens. Book directly through Airbnb or VRBO to avoid gap pricing.
• Best Weather: Stay on the leeward side of the island (Lahaina, Kihei, Wailea, etc.) for guaranteed good weather, especially during the summer.
• Whale Watching: For peak whale sightings, visit mid-February to late March.
• Dining: Explore local favorites like Paia Fish Market, Sansei Seafood Restaurant (Kapalua), and Miso Phat. For casual dining, Nalu's and Leilani's are recommended.
• Top Attractions: Consider a sunset sail at Kaanapali Beach (after May 15th), ziplining with Flying Hawaiian, and visiting Mama's Fish House (reservations recommended months in advance). Experience Haleakala National Park, preferably at sunset to avoid reservation hassles. Include an upcountry tour, visiting Makawao, Kula Farms, Tedeschi Winery, and the scenic Paula Küh viewpoint.
• Beaches: Explore Kapalua Bay, Napili Bay, Kaanapali Beach, Kihei beaches (Kihei, Kaopala, and Makena), and Big Beach/Little Beach.
• Turtle Spotting: Honolua Bay (near Napili Point), Black Rock (Kaanapali), and Ho'okipa Beach (summer months) offer excellent turtle viewing opportunities. Look for rocky areas and points.
• Last Day Activities: Visit Iao Valley and Kanaha Beach Park for windsurfing, kitesurfing, or stand-up paddleboarding.
• Safety: Respect the ocean; always use a floatation device and have a partner. Apply copious amounts of sunscreen and stay hydrated.
• Bonus: Surfing: Take a lesson, rent a board through a delivery service (like 808 Boards), and practice on the west side's beginner-friendly waves. Consider paddleboarding as an easier introduction to surfing, especially for older individuals.
• Bodyboarding: D.T. Fleming Beach (near Kapalua) is ideal for bodyboarding, especially for families with children. In the Kihei/Wailea area, consider Kaopala Beach.

The video recommends the following restaurants:

Fine Dining:

• Chemos (Front Street, Lahaina)
• Sorrento's (Wailea)

Budget Dining:

• Paia Fish Market (locations in Lahaina and Kihei)

Sushi:

• Sansei Seafood Restaurant (Kapalua)
• Miso Phat (Kihei)

The three beaches suggested for turtle watching are:

1. Honolua Bay (right in front of Napili Point condominiums)
2. Black Rock (Kaanapali)
3. Ho'okipa Beach

The caveat is for Ho'okipa Beach: Only visit this beach during the summer months, as the waves are too big in the winter.

The key recommendations for visiting Haleakala National Park are:

• Book in advance: Reservations are required, especially for sunrise viewing, and should be made through the National Park Service.
• Consider sunset: Sunset viewing is suggested because it offers equally stunning views without the hassle of making reservations and the early wake-up call required for sunrise viewing.
• Combine with an upcountry tour: A visit to Haleakala can be combined with an upcountry tour, allowing you to see Makawao, Kula Farms, Tedeschi Winery, and the Paula Küh viewpoint.

For a last-day activity, the video suggests:

1. Iao Valley: Visit this location for its beautiful spire, described as one of the most awe-inspiring places in the world.

2. Kanaha Beach Park (also called Airport Beach): This beach is great for windsurfing, kitesurfing, and stand-up paddleboarding. It's conveniently located near the airport.