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

The Top-Rated Restaurants in Maui

The Top-Rated Restaurants in Maui

By Skip Davis

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. The following restaurants have been rated by noted publications such as AAA, Forbes and Travel+Leisure magazine.

Spago

Spago is the well-known creation of master chef Wolfgang Puck with locations in Las Vegas, Beverly Hills, Colorado and now at the Four Seasons Resort Maui in Wailea. This restaurant has been give a four-star rating by Forbes and four-diamond rating from AAA. The menu fuses traditional Hawaiian dishes with the California cuisine Puck is known for. Spago has lanai seating overlooking the ocean and serves dinner every night. Reservations are recommended. Spago  3900 Wailea Alanui Wailea, Maui, HI 96753 808-874-8000 fourseasons.com

Gerard's Restaurant

Located in the heart of historic Lahaina, Gerard's Restaurant is the signature dining area for the small, but cozy Plantation Inn. This restaurant offers fabulous views of the Pacific, but still retains a traditional Maui charm in its dining room. Gerard's offers a brilliant fusion of fresh seafood from the ocean and French offerings, including the tasty Basque fishermen's stew with ahi tuna. The restaurant is a four-star restaurant, according to Forbes. Gerard's Restaurant  174 Lahainaluna Road Lahaina, HI 96761 808-661-8939 gerardsmaui.com

Son'z Maui at Swan Court

The Hyatt Regency in Maui is home to the swanky Son'z Maui at Swan Court. Founded in the early 1980s, Son'z Maui provides one of the most romantic ambiances in all of Maui. The dining area overlooks the Hyatt's man-made lagoon, where moonlit often hits the lagoon's still waters. Frommer's names Son'z Maui as one of its top Maui restaurants. In spite of all this, the Son'z has a relaxing, unpretentious atmosphere with great customer service. Son'z Maui at Swan Court 200 Nohea Kai Drive Lahaina, HI 96761 808-667-4506 sonzrestaurant.com

Sarento's on the Beach

Sarento's on the Beach is an AAA four-diamond rated restaurant located on the South Maui shores of Kihei. This highly-rated restaurant is a member of the Tri-Star Restaurant Group and sister establishment to the luxurious Son'z Maui at Swan Court. According to Gayot, Sarento's on the Beach provides some of the best Italian specialties on the island, including the luscious tiramisu dessert. Valet parking is available and making reservations in advance is recommended. Sarento's On the Beach 2980 South Kihei Road Kihei, HI 96753 808-875-7555 sarentosonthebeach.com

Paia Fish Market

While it is not on the top of any established lists from AAA or Forbes, Paia Fish Market is one Maui's most popular restaurants and it would be remiss to leave it off this list. Where elegance is missing – you have to order your food at the front counter – tastiness more than makes up for it. Paia Fish Market is known for its uber-tasty and revered fish burger, a mahi mahi sandwich served with fries. According to Travel+Leisure magazine, the Fish Market is super casual and you can get away with wearing swim wear. Paia Fish Market  2 Baldwin Ave. # A Paia, HI 96779 808-579-8030 paiafishmarket.com

Reference: Skip Davis (2012) The Top-Rated Restaurants in Maui
Retrieved from: http://www.goodliferetreats.com/maui/dining/top-restaurants/; https://docs.google.com/a/goodliferetreats.com/viewer?url=http://insidescoopsf.sfgate.com/files/2012/01/4dr.pdf; http://www.startle.com/property/gerardrsquos-restaurant; http://www.frommers.com/destinations/hawaii/0781020003.html; http://www.gayot.com/restaurants/sarentos-beach-kihei-hi-96753_16hi01117-02.html; http://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-guide/paia/restaurants/paia-fish-market-restaurant;

Author: Skip Davis

March 13, 2012

Molokini: Discovering Maui’s Underwater Crater

Molokini: Discovering Maui’s Underwater Crater

By Skip Davis

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.

Snorkeling and Diving

Molokini has become Maui's favorite spot for snorkeling and diving, thanks to the crater's abundance of marine wildlife and crystal clear waters. The clarity of Molokini's waters allows divers to see 100 feet below the ocean's surface. Molokini's crescent shape also prevents the waters from being to choppy, making your diving and snorkeling experience all the more pleasant. If you are an experienced diver, you should check out Molokini's outer perimeter, known as the Outer Wall. Ocean currents carry divers along the outer wall, giving you further access to Molokini's “outer rim” wildlife and marine plants. Snuba Tours A new form of diving, snuba, is a combination of snorkeling and diving techniques. Snuba tours provide scuba diving equipment, such as weights, flippers and diving masks. Instead of relying on an oxygen tank for air, though, divers breathe through a long hose from tanks on their tour boat. Snuba diving is a good bridge between snorkeling and scuba diving.

The Locals

The term “locals” refers to Molokini's wildlife and plants, not the crater's human inhabitants – there are none. Molokini's coral reefs harbor approximately 250 wildlife species, including fish, stingrays and moray eels. One advantage of Molokini's tourism is wildlife are accustomed to humans swimming near them and do not scurry away. Along with Molokini's wildlife are over 100 types of algae plants nearly 50 coral species. Molokini and 77 acres surrounding the crater are part of Hawaii's marine life conservation districts. Capturing or feeding any of the crater's wildlife is strictly forbidden. Walking on Molokini crater is also prohibited.

How to Get There

The only practical way of reaching Molokini is chartering or taking your own power boat from the Maʻalaea Harbor and Kihei Boat Ramp. Do not attempt to kayak from the ramp to Molokini as the wave currents are too strong.

Reference: Skip Davis (2012) Molokini: Discovering Maui’s Underwater Crater
Retrieved from: http://www.goodliferetreats.com/maui/attractions/molokini/;

Author: Skip Davis

March 1, 2012

Snorkeling Destinations in Maui

Snorkeling Destinations in Maui

By Skip Davis

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 underwater experiences memorable. Certain Maui beaches have more shallow water and are better snorkeling spots than others.

Honolua Bay

Located in Maui's Northwest corner, Honolua Bay is in the heart of a marine reserve, making it illegal to fish for any of wildlife here. The water is extremely calm at Honolua Bay, thanks to towering cliffs blocking the wind. Most of Honolua Bay's fish are on the right side of Honolua Bay, since this is where most of Bay's reefs are. So venture to the right side of the bay before jumping into the water. Fish Seen at Honolua Bay butterfly fish parrot fish damsel fish surgeon fish moorish idol tang wrasse box fish flag tails cardinal fish

Kapalua Bay

Kapalua Bay is on the Northwest corner of Maui and forms a C-shape. Two reefs surround the bay, making Kapalua ideal for snorkeling. The water visibility at the north end of the Bay is much clearer and home to more fish than other parts of Kapalua. Kapalua Bay is great since it is hardly ever crowded. Fish Seen at Kapalua Bay perch chub trigger fish Humuhumunukunukuapuaa (the former Hawaii State Fish) goat fish porcupine fish hawk fish scorpion fish

Turtle Town Maui

As its name suggests, Turtle Town Maui is the place to go snorkeling if you want to see Hawaiian green sea turtles. Turtle Town is the long stretch of coastline between Black Sand Beach and Nahuna Point in South Maui. This beach is also known as Maluaka Beach. The beach's turtles and fish are found near the Turtle Town's rocky area; this is where the coral reef begins. Turtles are usually found in the deep waters, but some make their way to the shallow end. Fish Seen at Turtle Town goat fish snapper hawk fish jacks big eye scad trumpet fish cornet fish needle fish parrot fish damsel fish

Ahihi Kinau Reserve

Located in South Maui, the Ahihi Kinau Reserve offers protection for its native fish and invertebrates. This protection allows you to see marine wildlife undisturbed in their habitat. Ahihi's reef is unique since it is intermingled with lava rock, which creates seemingly limitless holes for fish to dwell. Swim to the northern end of the Reserve and you should see various turtle species near Ahihi's first rock formation. Fish Seen at Ahihi Kinau Reserve jacks needle fish goat fish snapper hawk fish damsel fish surgeon fish tang wrasse squirrel fish

Snorkeling Tips

1) Be sure to apply sunscreen before snorkeling as your back will constantly be exposed to the sun. 2) Hire a guide when you go snorkeling. Not only do guides know the area like the back of their hands, they can let you know what to see and what to avoid. 3) Avoid touching marine wildlife for your safety and the animals' safety. You would not like it if someone tried to reach out and grab you, would you?

Reference: Skip Davis (2012) Snorkeling Destinations in Maui
Retrieved from: http://www.goodliferetreats.com/maui/recreation/snorkeling/;

Author: Skip Davis

February 16, 2012

Windsurfing Beaches in Maui

Windsurfing Beaches in Maui

By Skip Davis

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. However, the winds only occur at certain beaches on the North Shore and South Maui. Knowing which beach to go to can be a time saver.

North Shore

Kanaha Beach Beginner windsurfers should try their luck at Kanaha Beach Park, where the northeast tradewinds and a long sandy beach make for easy launches. Winter, spring and fall are when the winds are most active at Kanaha. There are some winds during the summer, but the waves are relatively flat compared to other seasons. Beginners should stick to the waves on Kanaha's lower reef, while waves on the upper reef prove to be quite vigorous at times. Summertime is actually the best time to windsurf the upper reef, when swells are wind generated. Spreckelsville Beach After learning the basics of windsurfing, you may want to challenge yourself by going to Spreckelsville Beach, approximately 20 minutes east of Kanaha. However, be sure you are ready for the winds at Spreckelsville, also known as “Sprecks,” which are some of the mightiest gusts on the North Shore. Be sure to avoid the exposed reef near the launching site. A word to the wise: Be careful of going to Sprecks' outer rim, which has towering waves over 30 feet tall. Hookipa Beach The easternmost windsurfing spot on the North Shore is Hookipa Beach, which also offers the most advanced set of waves on Maui's north side. Be sure you have lots of experience before windsurfing in Hookipa. If you are experienced enough, though, you will have the pleasure of enjoying some of the most consistent waves and wind in Maui. Just be cautious of surfers at Hookipa Beach. Local etiquette requires surfers to have the “right-of-way.”

South Maui

Kihei Beach Located in the Maalaea Bay, Kihei Beach is reserved for intermediate to experienced windsurfers. The waters at Kihei Beach are flat for most of the year, except for southern swells in the summer. If you are not familiar with the area, do not windsurf Kihei Beach alone. Wind gusts escalate up to 35 miles per hour, making the waves choppy at times. It is best to seek advice from local sailors before going out. Maui Sunset Named after Kihei's upscale condo complex, Maui Sunset is an advanced sailor's windsurfing spot. Part of the reason for needing experience is Maui Sunset's relatively small launch area, which passe through a small channel of water. Also, off-shore fishing ponds are the cause of shallow conditions during low tide. Masses of seaweed and coral add to the equation. However, the reason for windsurfing Maui Sunset is the consistent winds you receive once you sail beyond the beach's shoreline.

Reference: Skip Davis (2012) Windsurfing Beaches in Maui
Retrieved from: http://www.goodliferetreats.com/maui/recreation/windsurfing/;

Author: Skip Davis

February 16, 2012