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

Molokai: Maui County’s Timeless Island

Molokai: Maui County’s Timeless Island

By Skip Davis

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. Molokai's untamed wilderness, rugged landscape and gorgeous views can be divided into three areas: East End, West End and Central Molokai.

East End

The eastern end of Molokai is dominated by the Kamakou Preserve, home to the tallest mountain on the island – Kamakou. Standing at over 4,900 feet, Kamakou is a hotbed for hiking and ATV riding opportunities. The Preserve is also home to North Shore Pali, a series of towering cliffs overlooking the ocean; some of Pali's cliffs are 3,900 feet above the water. The northern end of East End features the Halawa Valley. The Valley is home to Murphy Beach, or 20-mile beach, a popular destination for snorkeling. Hiking trails are spread throughout the Halawa Valley.

Central Molokai

Central Molokai's northern coast is home to the Kalaupapa National Historical Park. The Park does not have any paved roads, making horseback or hiking your only means of travel. Riding along the oceanside cliffs of Kalaupapa is the highlight of visiting this park. As Molokai's largest city, Kaunakaki has a bevy of shopping and dining spots. The city is also home to one of Molokai's most memorable landmarks, the Kapuaiwa Coconut Grove. If fishing and boating is your thing, visit Central Molokai's Kaunakakai Harbor and have your choice of saltwater fish catches. Fishing opportunities are also had at the fishing ponds along the southern shores of Central Molokai.

West End

The western end of Molokai is the least visited part of the island. This is evident in the tranquility and open spaces of Papohaku, one of Molokai's most beautiful beaches. Papohaku Beach has pure, white sands and at three miles is one of Hawaii's longest beaches. Molokai's most unique shopping experience is in Maunaloa, a small plantation village in the heart of western Molokai's hills. Aside from Hawaiian-style tchochke souvenirs, Maunaloa features shops with hand-made kites made from the island's Big Wind Kite Factory and hula girl windsocks.

Getting There

Boat Molokai can be reached via charter boat, but be ready to shell out some money if you go this route. The more inexpensive way to get to Molokai by boat is riding the Maui-Molokai ferry from Lahaina in West Maui to the wharf in Kaunakaki. Air If you are flying from the continental United States, you must book a flight to Honolulu or Maui. From these airports, you can catch an Inter-Island flight to Molokai Airport in Kualapuu, located in northern Central Molokai. Something to Think About: Deciding on how to get to Molokai depends chiefly on your plans. If you are visiting Maui and want to see Molokai for one or two days, you should probably take the ferry. If Molokai is where you will spend the majority of your trip, take a plane.

Reference: Skip Davis (2012) Molokai: Maui County’s Timeless Island
Retrieved from: http://www.goodliferetreats.com/maui/attractions/molokai/;

Author: Skip Davis

March 1, 2012

Whale Watching in Maui: Witnessing Maui’s Large Mammalian Visitors

Whale Watching in Maui: Witnessing Maui’s Large Mammalian Visitors

By Skip Davis

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.

About Humpback Whales

Humpback whales are among the largest whale species in the world, growing between 40 to 55 feet long at maturity. These whales are noted for their knobby heads and unusually long pectoral fins. Humpbacks are also known for their “songs,” which are mantra-like sounds they make for up to 15 minutes at a time. It is believed the humpback's songs play an important role in mating, but even this remains unclear.

What Whales Do When They Visit Maui

So why do the humpbacks come to Maui? The humpbacks make the long journey to Maui for birthing. After birth, the humpbacks nurse their young in the warm waters of Hawaii. Not a bad place to grow up, eh? Also, humpback whales do all their feeding while they are in Alaska and live off reserved fat during their stay in Maui.

The Best Places to See the Whales

The two best harbors for whale watching are Lahaina and Ma'alaea. However, both harbors are on different ends of the island, so go to whichever spot is closer to you. Kihei and Wailea visitors should check out Ma'alaea and Kapalua and Ka'anapali are near Lahaina Harbor.

When to Go Whale Watching

As mentioned in the intro, the humpback whales appear in Maui's bays from November through May. Some whales arrive as early as October, depending on the year's climates. However, the whales do not come to Hawaii at one time, so sightings may be sporadic in November and December when they arrive, as well as April and May during their departure for Alaska. The best times to see the whales, or the “peak” season is late January through March. Try going out during the early morning hours when the water is still relatively serene.

Shoreline vs. Whale Charters

So should you watch whales from the shore or hire a whale watcher charter? During the winter, you should have no problem spotting humpbacks from the shore, especially during peak season. If you are in Hawaii in the spring or fall, though, hire a whale watcher. Whale watcher boats take you farther out in the Pacific, where whale sightings are almost a given. Also, whale watchers only go out if the waters are calm.

Reference: Skip Davis (2012) Whale Watching in Maui: Witnessing Maui’s Large Mammalian Visitors
Retrieved from: http://www.goodliferetreats.com/maui/attractions/whale-watching/;

Author: Skip Davis

February 23, 2012

Top Surfing Spots in Maui

Top Surfing Spots in Maui

By Skip Davis

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. Be sure to know the difficulty and tendencies of Maui's surf spots before grabbing your board and jumping into the water. The island's three primary surf spots are the North Central Shores, West Maui and South Maui.

North Central

Paukukalo Beach If you are a beginner on the North Central shores, check out Paukukalo Beach near Wailuku City. The best time to catch waves at this beach is mid-tide during the winter. Paukukalo Beach caters to ripper short boards and can get crowded. Watch out for stepping on sea urchins and some of the beach's rocks. Kuau Pipes The Kuau Pipes is a moderate surf right off Hana Highway, near Kuau Cove. While Kuau's waves are not as rough as some of Maui spots, the paddle out requires some experience as do some of the larger swells. Kuau Pipes' waves are consistent whether it is high or low tide. Shark sightings happen from time to time, so take caution. Jaws One of Maui's most notorious surfs is Jaws, located in the Peahi Valley. Only world-class surfers need apply. In the winter, the waves at Jaws are fast and require tow surfing. Some waves rise over 50 feet tall, not to mention sharp rocks are present.

West Maui

Olowalu Perhaps the easiest surf in West Maui is Olowalu, just south of the community that goes by the same name. Although the ocean floor has sharp coral at this beach, most of the waves are suitable for beginners. Some of the larger waves require a little more experience. Olowalu is best suited for longboards. 1000 Peaks 1000 Peaks is a surf beach in Ukumehame Stae Park, approximately five miles south of Lahaina. Like Olowalu, longboards are the norm for this beach. 1000 Peaks is reserved for intermediate surfers or beginners looking to step up their game. While it can be semi-crowded on the weekends, 1000 Peaks is usually isolated. Napili Bay Located on Maui's Northwest shore, Napili Bay is an experienced surfers beach about 20 minutes north of Lahaina. This surfing spot is for shortboarders and produces powerful, hollow waves. Only surf at this location during mid to high tide. Winter is the best season for surfing Napili Bay. Napili Bay also has a strong undertow and sea urchins.

South Maui

Cove Park The easiest surf in South Maui is Cove Park, located near the Maui Vista Resort and South Kihei Road. Summertime is the best time for hitting Cove Park as this season provides favorables waves during high and low tides. Pull out your longboards for this beach. Only downside to Cove Park is it gets crowded on the weekends. Makena Beach Also known as “Big Beach,” Makena Bach is located in Makena State Park just south of Kihei. Only locals come to this beach, which serves as a great spot for intermediate surfers and offers challenging waves for beginners. Use a shortboard for Makena Beach's waves. Sharks have been known to swim in this area. Maalaea Freight Train The Maalaea Freight Train is an experienced surfer's spot on the east side of Maalaea Harbor. Known for having one of the world's fastest right breaks, the Maalaea Freight Train tends to break off at a nearby jetty during large southern swells. Only come to this beach if you are experienced and bring a pin-tail surfboard with you.

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

Author: Skip Davis

February 16, 2012

Maui Fishing Tips

Maui Fishing Tips

By Skip Davis

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.

Fishing Charters

If you are not familiar with the waters surrounding Maui, it is probably best to hire a fishing charter. Charter companies know the lay of the ocean and supply you with rod-and-reels, fishing line and live or dead bait. Nearly all of Maui's oceanside towns have fishing charters.

Spearfishing

Spearfishing is a variant from the traditional rod-and-reel fishing. Instead of casting from a boat, this ancient method of fishing requires you to dive into the water and hurl your spear at unsuspecting fish. Most tourists hire a local spearfishing guide to take them into safe waters with abundant fish. All spearfishing charters supply you with snorkeling or diving masks mechanically-operated spears – except in jurisdictions where this is illegal – and flippers for swimming. Most spearfishing techniques, such as snorkeling or deep diving, require you to hold your breath while underwater. Eastern Maui and the North Shore are the usual locations for spearfishing, but some West Maui spots are great for spearfishing, too. Spearfishing near the Northern Shores is recommended during the summer, when East and West Maui experience tense southern swells.

Types of Fish in Maui

Milkfish The milkfish is a bright, silvery and grows up to 5 feet long. You can recognize milkfish by their deep fork tail. Milkfish are commonly found in sandy areas and reefs. Due to their curiosity, milkfish are easy catches if you time it right. All milkfish must be 1 foot long to harvest. Weke Also known as yellow goatfish, weke are often seen in large schools and easily scared away if you are not careful. When spearfishing, let them come to you and strike quickly. All harvested weke must be 8 inches long. Uku The gray snapper, locally known as the uku, are found in deeper waters. After complete moon cycles, you can find uku closer to shore than usual. Uku must be 2 pounds to harvest. Toau The Toau is also known as the blacktail snapper and are an invasive species in Maui. Since they are not native to Maui, no weight limits are required for harvesting. Toau are found near rocks and coral reef holes. This fish hangs out with schools, so casting or spearing for this fish often breeds success.

Regulated Sites

Certain bays and inlets and Maui have restrictions on bag limits, fish and fishing techniques enforced by the Hawaii Division of Aquatic Resources. The primary reason for these limits are protecting native fish populations. Kahului Harbor Located on Maui's North Shores, Kahului Harbor prohibits you from netting for fish except for akule; you also need a license for net fishing. You are limited to catching 50 marine life per day, except for baitfish and akule. You must check-in at on-site fisher stations before entering Kahului Harbor. Kaho`olawe Island Reserve The Kaho`olawe Island Reserve is right of the Southwest shores of Maui. Fishing is forbidden on this island unless you have permission from the Kaho`olawe Island Reserve Commission. Kahekili The Kahekili Herbivore Fisheries Management Area is by the northern end of Ka'anapali. In this area, the fish you cannot kill are rudderfish, parrotfish or surgeonfish. You are also prohibited from removing sea urchins from the water.

Reference: Skip Davis (2012) Maui Fishing Tips
Retrieved from: http://www.goodliferetreats.com/maui/recreation/fishing/;

Author: Skip Davis

February 16, 2012