The Blue Hula Guidebook

When it comes to driving the Hana Highway on Maui, it's the journey, not the destination, that is the main attraction. There are few words that can describe the beauty of this drive with its cliffs cloaked in green and lush valleys bursting with waterfalls. You can do a tour or drive yourself to Hana. Check online for tips and suggestions when planning your day to Hana. It's worth downloading the Shaka or Gypsy app for a toured guide.

Towering over the island of Maui and visible from just about any point, Haleakala Crater is a force of nature. At 10,023 feet above sea level, this dormant volcano offers a breathtaking range of landscapes—and skyscapes. Many visitors wake up early to drive to the Haleakala Visitor Center, the best spot to watch the most spectacular sunrise on earth. Reservations are required for sunrise viewings.

The Molokini Crater offers the best diving and snorkelling in the world. Several local companies offer tours to the underwater volcano islet. But if you're looking for a drive to location, we'd suggest Chang's Beach in Wailea where you can swim with some turtles. Or if you're up for a longer drive, Honolua Bay has a large coral reef with lots of fish and turtles. For you local snorkel gear visit Snorkel Bob's

Whale watching is from December - April. The 45-foot-long Pacific humpback whales congregate in large numbers in the shallow Auau Channel between Maui, Molokai, and Lanai—making Maui whale-watching tours some of the best in Hawaii. We highly recommend the Whale Watch Boat Tours with the Pacific Whale Foundation.

An unassuming town on the North Shore, Paia has great restaurants, interesting shops, and the best natural food store on the island. Paia has managed to avoid becoming touristy and it is still largely populated by a diverse mix of colorful and eccentric people with a bohemian vibe.

We recommend Rivers to Sea Surf Lessons that take place just outside of Lahaina at Guardrails located at Mile Marker 19 off Highway 30. Ask for instructor Sharky Maui! Rivers to the Sea provides private one-on-one, semi-private and group Maui surf lessons, all private, in a location away from the crowds.

This somewhat rainy valley is surrounded by lush peaks, home to one of Maui’s iconic landmark, the 1,200-foot Iao Needle created by erosion of the softer rock around it over many millennia. While most people don’t spend an extended period of time here, it is a must-see and a treasure that is easily accessed by anyone. There are wide paved walkways, steps, and signage with historical information. It is also dramatically scenic and particularly well suited for older folks and kids.

A eclectic mix of history, great restaurants, T-shirt shops, fine art galleries and gold-by-the-foot. Front Street is a stretch of pedestrian-friendly sidewalk & road. Lahaina is the quintessential “old-time-sea-town-turned-tourism” with a unique Maui twist. Lahaina has a “busy vibe” and is worth the drive over for a day trip. All you need to do is park your car nearby, then enjoy a relaxing stroll down the street. The Banyan Tree Park is also located in the town.

A bucket list for experienced surfers! Ho’okipa is Mecca to the windsurfing world. There are professional windsurfing competitions held here, and on just about any day with wind you can watch pros doing their thing. Overall, swimming is secondary to other attractions here, as safe swimming options are somewhat limited. If you’re considering getting in to surf or sail here, you should be skilled enough for the conditions.

We think everyone should see a Luau while in Hawaii. The Luau, is a Polynesian and ancient Hawaiian ritual, is a popular social gathering meant to unite the people of a town in celebration of a significant life event or achievement, The Grand Wailea Hotel and The Marriott Resort in Wailea or the Old Lahaina Luaua in Lahaina are all great options.

The Lahaina Banyan Court Park is located in historical Lahaina Town located next to the harbor. The park featuers one the largest Banyan trees which is more than a century old! This tree is a living witness of history, celebrations and festivals commemorated by its people.

The Maui Ocean Center is an aquarium located in Maalaea, Maui. Explore underwater adventure with exhibits on coral reef habitats, sea turtles, stingrays, sharks, and humpback whales, among others. Enjoy the glass tunnel as you watch sea creatures swim above and around you.