Maui vacation
 

We are traveling to Maui for 2 weeks in Apr-May. Would appreciate any help with: 1) restaurants owned by locals for breakfast and lunch; 2) farmers markets; 3) must see places; 4) secluded beaches. Thanks

Hi Natalee- I am going to watch the answers to your post since we might be going to Maui soon too.

We always ate breakfast in the condo, others recommended the Gazebo at Napili Shores, Slappy Cakes in Honokawai, Leoda's Kitchen and Pie Shop, Aloha Mixed Plate.

On the way to the airport, we stopped in at Zippy's and had breakfast. Too bad they were out of malasadas that day :(

For entertainment, we went to the Feast at Lele. Excellent food, drinks and entertainment. We also went to Warren and Annabelle's. Very fun and highly recommend.

Best meals, but $$$: Mala in Lahina, Haliimaile General Store in Makawao. $$ was Hula Grill in Kanapali, fun and good.

We didn't get to eat there, but my family loved Star Noodle in Lahaina and Longhi's in Wailea.

Lee Ann

http://www.ulalena.com/

I loved this show in Lahaina! It's kind of a Cirque de Soleil meets luau telling the history of Hawaii.

We like Honokowai Fish Market, Ohana Tacos, and the Sea House on Maui's west side. Would also suggest Barefoot Bar at Hula Grill, even though it's a bit more disneyesque. In Kihei, Kihei Caffe and Three's Bar & Grill are good, but I can't say if they're better than any other place with people lined up out the door. If you're on the south side around dinner time, try MiGrant at the Marriott. The owner/exec. chef there is the same guy who put the aforementioned Star Noodle on the map.

Thinking of beaches, Oneloa, along the Kapalua Coastal Trail between Kapalua and DT Fleming beaches is gorgeous, and rarely has more than a few people on it. But that's probably because it's not much good for swimming or snorkeling. On the south side, any beach south of Wailea would have fewer tourists, and the closer you get to La Perouse Bay, the better the snorkeling.

If you're staying west, check out the weekly Slack Key Show at Napili Kai. Wonderful low-key, local entertainment, usually including hula. Do happy hour at the Sea House or Point Bar at Merriman's before the show.

http://www.gohawaii.com/maui/guidebo...arkets-on-maui

I recommend the Maui Swap Meet in Central Maui. It is the largest and runs from 7 am to 1 pm Saturdays only. Lots of produce, local artisans, souvenirs, food, etc. Located on the harbor side of the UH Maui College campus.

If you are looking for organic produce, check the Upcountry Farmers Market. The vendors there are mostly local organic farmers selling produce, local honey, jams, fresh baked breads, kombucha, and Italian, Indian, Thai, Korean, Portuguese vendors selling ethnic food. Go early to the Upcountry one. Some vendors sell out quickly and shut down by 10 am or so. Located next to the Longs (CVS) drug store off Kula Highway.

the beach in Makena at the Makena Golf and Beach Resort (formerly Maui Prince Hotel-- which was lovely, simple and secluded) has an AMAZING beach that's super quiet. It's pretty far south, just about as far south as you can go. I think the beach is public but no one but the hotel guests frequent it.

GREAT snorkeling. Good as Tahiti.

Hit the gazebo at the Napili Kai for breakfast or lunch. Very reasonable prices for Maui. Here's a link to the views you'll enjoy:

http://www.napilikai.com/default-en.html

Pick up a copy of "Maui Revealed" for helpful information on just about everything in Maui:

http://www.hawaiirevealed.com/books-apps/maui-revealed

Do some snorkeling. Boat trips are nice, but you can snorkel just about everywhere from shore too. Grab a copy of "Mask, Fins, & Snorkel: The Adventure Guide to Maui's Best Snorkeling." It's the most up to date guide available.

http://www.mauisbestsnorkeling.com/

How do you know when restaurants are "owned by locals"?

Oops! Just realized I wrote that the Gazebo was at Napili Kai. It's at the other end of the beach. The Sea House is at the Napili Kai. Regardless, both are great....but the Gazebo can have long lines to get a table.

The Gazebo is great, but the line is long! Do we know the OP is staying on the west side? If staying south, Kihei Kaffe has great breakfasts.

Another vote for Star Noodle - we ate there twice on our last trip, once at a table and once at the bar (preferred the latter).