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Shop ’till You Drop in Maui

Shop ’till You Drop in Maui

By Skip Davis

Maui's major shopping areas have something for everyone. From small souvenir shops with tchoscke items to luxurious designer stores, the beautiful Hawaiian sky is literally the limit when it comes to Valley Isle's shopping. Most of Maui's oceanside towns have a major shopping center, along with mom-and-pop shops strewn along the towns' main drags.

Queen Ka'ahumanu Center

The largest shopping center in Maui is the Queen Ka'ahumanu Center in Kahului. The Queen Ka'ahumanu Center has over 100 retail stores, including the Valley Isle's only two department stores, Macy's and Sears. This shopping mall also has one of the most extravagant entrances – an open-air, canopy-style entryway that leads to an inner courtyard with palm trees. Queen Ka'ahumanu Center 275 W. Kaahumanu Ave. Kahului, HI 96732 808-877-3369 queenkaahumanucenter.com

Front Street in Lahaina

Historic Lahaina's Front Street is the town's main thoroughfare and laden with clothing stores, jewelry shops, art galleries and local mom-and-pop restaurants. Most of Front Street's shops and eateries are in early to mid-20th century buildings, which accentuates the city's historic value, or at the 505 Front Street shopping center. Front Street also provides oceanfront views for shoppers while they peruse Lahaina's stores.

Maui Swap Meet

Maui's largest flea market is the Maui Swap Meet, located in Kahului. This weekly event occurs on Saturdays at the parking lot of Maui Community College. The Swap Meet features vendors from all over the island and allows visitors to purchase arts and crafts items, paintings, clothing apparel, hand-crafted jewelry and accessories. Local restaurants also setup booths at the Maui Swap Meet to supply food and drink. Maui Exposition, Inc. dba Maui Swap Meet P.O. Box 1542 Kahului, HI 96733 808-244-3100 mauiexposition.com

Whalers Village

Located in the midst of Kaanapali's resorts, the Whalers Village reminisces on the history of West Maui's whaling industry by providing a multitude of purchasing options. This outdoor mall has a long promenade running through it and consists of boutique shops such as Louis Vuitton and Coach. Whalers Village promenade gives direct access to the ocean, allowing to you shop and walk along the beach in the same hour. Whalers Village Kaanapali, Hawaii 808-661-4567 whalersvillage.com

The Shops at Wailea

South Maui's largest shopping center is The Shops at Wailea in the heart of Kihei. This outdoor mall features courtyards and promenades with palm trees and tropical flowers. Arguably Maui's nicest shopping center, The Shops have upscale stores, including Gucci and St. John Boutique, and fine dining at Longhi's and Ruth's Chris Steakhouse. The mall is within walking distance of condos at the Grand Wailea resort. The Shops at Wailea 3750 Wailea Alanui Drive Kihei, HI 96753 808-891-6770 theshopsatwailea.com

Lahaina Cannery Mall

The only enclosed, air-conditioned mall in Maui is the Lahaina Cannery Mall. This mall was built in 1987 and features casual dining, fashion apparel shops and specialty stores. The Cannery also has a Safeway grocery store and Longs Drug Store. Perhaps the Cannery's most famous attraction is the not the shops, but the biweekly hula shows in the mall's central area. The shows are on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. Lahaina Cannery Mall 1221 Honoapiilani Highway Lahaina, HI 96761 808-661-5304 lahainacannerymall.com

Makawao

Upcountry's best shopping opportunities are found at the paniolo town of Makawao. This town has done a great job maintaining its historic value by preserving its buildings, where many of Makawao's shops are located. However, many of the historic buildings are home to modern art galleries, boutique stores, restaurants and craft shops. Modern shops do not exclusively dominate Makawao, though, as Maui's cowboys still buy much of their gear at the town's paniolo shops. Most of Makawao's shops are on the main street, Baldwin Avenue.

Reference: Skip Davis (2012) Shop ’till You Drop in Maui
Retrieved from: http://www.goodliferetreats.com/maui/shopping/;

Author: Skip Davis

March 19, 2012

Dining in Maui: Tasting the Island’s Wonderful Flavors

Dining in Maui: Tasting the Island’s Wonderful Flavors

By Skip Davis

During your Maui stay, you obviously want to get a taste of the local flavor. All of Maui's towns have restaurants with local cuisines, but the island also has a surprisingly diverse selection of ethnic cuisines thanks to “mainland expatriates” who have setup shop in Maui. And don't forget to indulge yourself to at least one traditional Hawaiian luau while visiting the Valley Isle.

West Maui

West Maui's dining scene is an eclectic mixture of lavish four-star restaurants and casual eateries along the main streets of Lahaina, Kapalua and Kaanapali. Many of the upscale restaurants in West Maui are the signature establishments of luxurious resorts such as The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua and Outrigger in Lahaina. The diversity of pricey and inexpensive restaurants varies between local and ethnic cuisines.

South Maui

The dining scene in South Maui is a little more casual than West Maui, but it is not lacking in upscale restaurants either. Since it is more casual, though, South Maui has more choices in terms of local cuisine. South Maui is known for its golf courses and grabbing a bite to eat before or after playing a round is recommended.

North Shore

The North Shore of Maui is much more laid-back than its western and southern counterparts. This region's laid-back attitude is seen in its selection of restaurants. One of Maui's most famous restaurants, Paia Fish Market, is on the North Shore. However, North Shore is also home to traditional American, Asian and Mexican restaurants.

East Maui

Hana is the biggest community in East Maui and where most of the restaurants are. East Maui is more of a tourist destination for climbing or hiking Haleakala, but the beachfront community of Hana features casual restaurants with local and American fare. Some roadside restaurants are available along the Hana Highway in case you get hungry on a “Road to Hana” pilgrimage.

Upcountry

The restaurants in Upcountry are the most down-to-earth in all of Maui in terms of their service and menu options. Many of Upcountry's restaurants are farm-to-table eateries, meaning the menu items consist of local organic produce and meat.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Maui

While most restaurants on Maui offer tasty cuisine and a fun experience, only some earn the moniker as “the top-rated restaurants in Maui.” These restaurants have been lauded by critics and patrons alike for their menu specialties, ambiance and service. (read more)

Maui Luaus

Luaus are time-honored ceremonies and the Maui version of a grandiose party. At a luau, you can expect an excellent combination of fish or pork along with local wines and fruits. While dining, you are treated with live traditional music and dancing. The food is always plentiful at luaus, so eat to your heart's content and enjoy the luau's festivities.

Reference: Skip Davis (2012) Dining in Maui: Tasting the Island’s Wonderful Flavors
Retrieved from: http://www.goodliferetreats.com/maui/dining/;

Author: Skip Davis

March 13, 2012

Maui: Hawaii’s Valley Isle

Maui: Hawaii’s Valley Isle

By Skip Davis

Maui is known as the Valley Isle among its peers, largely due to its mountains' towering heights and the beautiful rainforest settings at the depths of the island's lush valleys. Vacationing in Maui offers access to these environs, not to mention coastal highways, awe-inspiring beaches and a culture as ancient as nature itself. When you are not relaxing in your dream Maui vacation home, engage yourself in the island's beauty, recreation, culture and culinary experiences.

Attractions

While Maui is not a big island, it is easy to get lost in the island's beauty and mesmerizing landscapes. Many tourists stick to one place on the island, but with some exploration you will discover parts of Maui that completely take your breath away. From snorkeling to whale watching and waterfalls to coastal highways, Maui brings the adventurous soul in all of us. (read more)

Recreation

Mountainous terrain. Consistent tidal waves. Coral reefs. Breathtaking waterfalls. The list goes on and on as to why Maui is one of the most sought after recreation spots in the world. Hire a guide or explore Maui on your own. Either way, you will surely be amazed by whichever adventure you wish to pursue. (read more)

Dining

During your Maui stay, you obviously want to get a taste of the local flavor. All of Maui's towns have restaurants with local cuisines, but the island also has a surprisingly diverse selection of ethnic cuisines thanks to “mainland expatriates” who have setup shop in Maui. And don't forget to indulge yourself to at least one traditional Hawaiian luau while visiting the Valley Isle. (read more)

Shopping

Maui's major shopping areas have something for everyone. From small souvenir shops with tchoscke items to luxurious designer stores, the beautiful Hawaiian sky is literally the limit when it comes to Valley Isle's shopping. Most of Maui's oceanside towns have a major shopping center along with mom-and-pop shops strewn along the towns' main drags. (read more)

Nightlife

The nightlife in Maui is vibrant, but it may be a vibrancy you have never seen anywhere else in the world. Travelers can find an ample amount of dance clubs and lounges in Maui's major urban areas. Maui is also an island of tradition, which makes for sensational cultural events such as festivals, luaus, live beachside music. If you are with a loved one, walking along Maui's moonlit shores is an experience you will never forget. (read more)

Sports

Maui's mountains and beaches serves at the mesmerizing backdrop for some of the world's most beautiful golf courses. Play where the champions play in courses designed by golfing legends such as Robert Trent Jones and Arnold Palmer. Maui is also home to tennis clubs and the prestigious Maui Invitational, an NCAA basketball tournament featuring the best teams in college hoops. (read more)

Transportation Info

At 727 square miles, Maui is not the world's largest island and fairly easy to navigate around. Arriving to Maui is easy enough with Kahului Airport, the Hawaiian Islands' second-busiest airport, and the airport provides an ample amount of rental car selections. You can also take ferries on and off the island and an assortment of bus or bicycle tours. (read more)

Reference: Skip Davis (2012) Maui: Hawaii’s Valley Isle
Retrieved from: http://www.goodliferetreats.com/maui/;

Author: Skip Davis

March 3, 2012

10 Places to Visit During Your Maui Vacation

10 Places to Visit During Your Maui Vacation

By Skip Davis

While Maui is not a big island, it is easy to get lost in the island's beauty and mesmerizing landscapes. Many tourists stick to one place on the island, but with some exploration you will discover parts of Maui that completely take your breath away. From snorkeling to whale watching and waterfalls to coastal highways, Maui brings the adventurous soul in all of us.

1) Whale Watching

Maui is the final destination for humpback whales in their annual migration from Alaskan channels. Most humpbacks can be seen in Maui during the months of November through May. Charter a boat or watch the whales from Maui's shorelines. (read more)

2) Historic Lahaina Town

The charming seaside town of Lahaina is one of the Maui's oldest settlements and offers vacationers a glimpse of what life was once like on the island. Aside from historic sites, Lahaina's restaurants, art galleries and fun shops make the city one of Maui's most visited attractions. Make sure to check out Ulalena, a theatrical interpretation of Hawaii's rich and colorful history. (read more)

3) Haleakala Crater

Outdoorsy types will definitely want to visit the Haleakala Crater, the remnants of Maui's largest dormant volcano. The Crater is accessible via horseback riding and hiking trails. Also, there may not be a better place to watch the sunrise than from Haleakala Crater. (read more)

4) Iao Valley

The Iao Valley is home to one Hawaii's most iconic and ancient landmarks: the Iao Needle. The Needle is a must see while in Maui and without a doubt the centerpiece of Iao Valley State Park. Going to Iao Valley not only gives you access to one of Hawaii's most beautiful landmarks, but you also stand in the midst of a historic site where an epic battle took place long ago. (read more)

5) Molokai

Get a taste of what Hawaii once was by chartering a boat to Molokai. The natural beauty of Molokai remains untouched and unspoilt by modern urban development. The island of Molokai is just northwest of Maui and reachable by boat or airplane. (read more)

6) Molokini

Perhaps Maui's best snorkeling spot is Molokini, the remnants of an ancient volcano now plunged beneath the Pacific Ocean. Located in the Alalakeiki Channel, Molokini is the perfect place for fish and marine plant life to foster. Thus, scuba divers and snorkelers have the pleasure of seeing one of Maui's most beautiful marine ecosystems at Molokini. (read more)

7) Paia

Windsurfing is a favorite pastime in Maui, especially in the North Shore town of Paia. Paia is home to two of the most revered windsurfing spots in Maui, Sprecklesville and Hookipa. This city is also a popular spot for the hippie culture, which creates an abundance of eclectic shops and art galleries. Make sure to grab a bit to eat at “Fish Market,” home to some of the island's best Hawaiian cuisine. (read more)

8) Road to Hana

The Road to Hana is on the must-do list of many Maui vacationers. Also known as the Hana Highway, the Road to Hana offers views of the Pacific Ocean like no other highway can. Taking this road leads you to the Kipahulu Reserve, which provides photo ops for beautiful waterfalls, towering rainforest trees and majestic valleys. (read more)

9) Upcountry

Not many tourists think of mountains when they come to Maui. However, the majority of Maui is made of mountains and the land in these ranges is known as the Upcountry. Take a horseback riding tour with local Hawaiian cowboys – known as paniolos – or attend the Fourth of July rodeo in Makawao, one of the last surviving paniolo towns in Upcountry. (read more)

10) Atlantis Submarine

Enjoy a mix of high-tech and natural marine beauty by hopping onboard the Atlantis Submarine. Atlantis Submarine has been featured in National Geographic and provides views of coral reefs and aquatic wildlife at over 100 feet below sea level. (read more)

Reference: Skip Davis (2012) 10 Places to Visit During Your Maui Vacation
Retrieved from: http://www.goodliferetreats.com/maui/attractions/;

Author: Skip Davis

February 23, 2012

Top Recreation Activities in Maui

Top Recreation Activities in Maui

By Skip Davis

Mountainous terrain. Consistent waves. Coral reefs. Breathtaking waterfalls. The list goes on and on as to why Maui is one of the most sought after recreation spots in the world. Hire a guide or explore Maui on your own. Either way, you will surely be amazed by whichever adventure you wish to pursue.

Hiking

Maui's diverse terrain lends itself as a hiker's dream come true. Rainforests, mountains, beaches and the 400-foot Waimoku Falls are what lay in store for the most adventurous hikers. Whether you want to hike for a few hours in the morning or tackle an all-day trek, Maui has a long roster of hiking trails waiting for you. (read more)

Biking

Escalating mountain trails and seaside paths encourages thousands of mountain bikers to flock to Maui on an annual basis. The land formations in Maui offer bikers vantage points not seen anywhere else in the world. (read more)

Horseback Riding

Maui's mountains provide a fantastic setting for horseback riding excursions. Horseback riding is deeply entrenched into the culture of the Maui's Upcountry region. As a result, tour companies are available for visitors with riding interests. (read more)

Surfing

Maui is one of the world's ultimate destinations for surfing. The Valley Isle has numerous surfing spots around the island, each with varying levels of difficulty. Hence, you do not have to be an experienced surfer to tackle the waves of Maui. However, some surfing spots require expertise and are dangerous if you are a novice. Be sure to know the difficulty and tendencies of Maui's spots before grabbing your board and jumping into the water. (read more)

Windsurfing

Due to Maui's yearly winds – known as the “trade winds” locally – the island is a popular destination for windsurfers. Both of Maui's volcanoes create a funnel for the trade winds, which makes the wind speed incredibly strong at some of Maui's beaches. Knowing which beach to go to can be a time saver. (read more)

Fishing

Maui's island habitat makes it an ideal haven for saltwater fishing. Aside from the traditional cast and reel, spearfishing is a popular sport in Maui. Guided spearfishing tours and fishing charters are available if you want the aid of someone who knows the area's best spots. Some of Maui's fishing spots are government-regulated and have restrictions on the type of fish you may catch. (read more)

Snorkeling

Maui's crystal-clear waters and diversity of marine wildlife make the island a true snorkeling destination. The coral reefs and warm water temperatures are a pleasant combination that will make your snorkeling experience a memorable one. Certain Maui beaches have more shallow water and are better snorkeling spots than others. (read more)

Reference: Skip Davis (2012) Top Recreation Activities in Maui
Retrieved from: http://www.goodliferetreats.com/maui/recreation/;

Author: Skip Davis

February 15, 2012