Central Maui | Maui Guidebook

Central Maui – Quick Summary

Posted on 29. Sep, 2009 by Mark.

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General Geographic Area: Central Maui

In a nutshell: Central Maui is the isthmus between West Maui and Haleakala. It is also where most business gets done on Maui. Visitors will pass through here several times, usually on the way to somewhere else.
Minuses: The Pu’unene Sugar Mill spewing smoke from its stacks into the blue sky sure is a…

Car Rental Hawaii

Posted on 06. Jan, 2010 by Mark.

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Insider source for Hawaii rental car deals.

Rating:

In a nutshell: Insider/wholesale pricing on rental cars.
Minuses: Online rental process is not real-time.

Sound-bite: “Are you sure these rates are correct?”

Okay, this one of those situations where it pays to know someone local. Maui truly plays by its own set of rules – and those locally connected pay less…Continue Reading

Summary
Wholesale car rental

Location
Airport Terminal

Phone
866-300-7116

Web
http://www.carrentalhawaii.com

Price
Wholesale

Mana Foods

Posted on 22. Jan, 2010 by Mark.

3

Prime produce

Rating:

In a nutshell: The best natural food store on Maui. Better food, selection & pricing than the chain supermarkets.
Minuses: Parking.
Sound-bite: “Absolutely the best Calamari salad I ever ate.”

What makes Mana Foods #1 is that they’re well beyond just being “the local natural foods store.” They carry the island’s widest selection of the highest quality fresh…Continue Reading

Summary
Best market on Maui

Location
49 Baldwin Ave, Paia

Phone
808-579-8078

Web
http://www.manafoodsmaui.com

Price
Best on Maui

AlexAir Birds of Paradise

Posted on 23. Mar, 2010 by Mark.

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Doors off!

Rating:

In a nutshell: The only optional doors-off helicopter flight in Maui.
Minuses: Some folks think this is a substitute for driving the Road to Hana – don’t make that mistake, do both!
Sound-bite: [...speechless...]

Stunning views of the untouched remote areas of Maui. Many of these places can only be seen by helicopter, and that is something you’ll never forget. Even if you’re on a tight Maui budget, you…Continue Reading

Summary
A-Star & Hughes 500 helicopters.

Location
Kahului Airport #108

Phone
888-418-8455

Web
http://www.helitour.com

Price
$89 – 300+

Haleakala Bike Company

Posted on 18. Mar, 2010 by Mark.

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Downhill Bikers starting at Haleakala Summit.

Rating:

In a nutshell: Half the price of the competition, plus you won’t be herded like cattle.
Minuses: Riding on Maui’s narrow winding roads can be dangerous, especially if you haven’t been on a bike in a while.
Sound-bite: “We were so smug and thought ‘HA!’ every time we passed by one of the crowded guided…
Continue Reading

Summary
Haleakala downhill bike tour.

Location
Pickup or Haiku Marketplace

Phone
808-575-9575

Web
http://bikemaui.com

Price
$55 – $115

Aqua Adventure

Posted on 13. Dec, 2009 by Mark.

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Rating:

Summary
Half-day snuba & snorkel charter w/Molokini, “turtle arches” and whale watching (in season) along the way.

Location
Slip # 51, Ma’alaea

Phone
808-573-2104

Web
http://www.mauisnorkelsnuba.com/

Price
$75 – $150

Action Sports Maui

Posted on 05. Jan, 2010 by Mark.

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Rating:

Summary
Comprehensive, intermediate & advanced wind/kite/sail lessons. Note: rating reflects intermediate and advanced lessons.

Location
Kanaha Beach & Kihei

Phone
808-871-5857

Web
http://www.actionsportsmaui.com

Price
$80 – $1000+

Maui Coffee Roasters

Posted on 24. May, 2010 by Mark.

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Maui Coffee Roasters

Rating:

Rated #1 Coffee Shop
in Central Maui

In a nutshell: Reasonably priced fresh-roasted local coffee – and tasty food to go with it.
Minuses: One location, outside the resort areas.
Sound-bite: [the frothing sound of steaming cappuccino milk]

Maui Coffee Roasters has two things you’ll rarely find side-by-side in Maui: Reasonably priced, and top-notch quality. Located in the center of…Continue Reading

Summary
Coffee house & deli counter

Location
444 Hana Hwy, Kahului

Phone
808-877-2877

Web
http://www.mauicoffeeroasters.com

Price
Inexpensive

Second Wind Sail & Surf

Posted on 02. Dec, 2009 by Mark.

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Rating:

Summary
Inexpensive and close to the airport.

Location
111 Hana Hwy., Kahului

Phone
808-877-7467

Web
http://secondwindmaui.com/

Price
Inexpensive

Paragon Sailing Charters

Posted on 31. Aug, 2010 by Mark.

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Paragon II at Molokini

Rating:
^{*how we rate vendors}

Rated #1 Molokini Snorkel Boat

In a nutshell: These guys really know how to sail!
Minuses: Food is a lower priority than beer. (Maybe that’s a plus?!?”)
Sound-bite: “They raised the sails quickly and we were soon traveling at 20 knots!”

Read Full Article

Summary
They do a lot of real sailing, which sets them above the competition who mostly rely on motors to get around.

Location
Maalaea & Lahaina Harbors

Phone
808-244-2087

Web
www.sailmaui.com

Price
$50 – $150

Mendes Ranch

Posted on 14. Jan, 2010 by Mark.

0

Rating:

Summary
Horseback riding on family owned & operated ranch.

Location
3530 Kahekili Hwy, Wailuku

Phone
808-871-5222

Web
http://www.mendesranch.com

Price
$90 – $130

Blue Hawaiian Helicopters

Posted on 23. Mar, 2010 by Mark.

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Rating:

Summary
A-Star & Eco-Star helicopters.

Location
1 Kahului Airport Rd. #105

Phone
808-871-8844

Web
http://www.bluehawaiian.com/maui/tours

Price
$130 – $400+

Sunshine Helicopters

Posted on 07. Nov, 2009 by Mark.

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Rating:

Summary
A-Star &
Eco-Star helicopters.

Location
Kahului Heliport

Phone
808-270-3999

Web
www.
sunshinehelicopters
.com

Price
$165-400+

Trilogy Excursions

Posted on 03. Dec, 2009 by Mark.

0

Rating:

Summary
Fleet of six mid-size sailing catamarans, sailing out of Central and West Maui

Location
Maalaea Harbor & Kaanapali Beach

Phone
808-874-5649

Web
http://www.sailtrilogy.com/

Price
$50-200

Aloha Blue Charters

Posted on 13. Dec, 2009 by Mark.

0

Rating:

Summary
Molokini Crater trips, whale watches and bottom fishing charters.

Location
Slip 37, Slip 37, Maalaea

Phone
808-298-1812

Web
http://www.alohabluecharters.com/

Price
$40 – $140

Friendly Charters – Lani Kai

Posted on 13. Dec, 2009 by Mark.

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Rating:

Summary
Snorkeling and snuba to Molokini, “Turtle Town” & “Coral Gardens”

Location
Maalaea Harbor, Maalaea

Phone
808-244-1979

Web
http://www.mauisnorkeling.com/

Price
$60 – $110

Strike Zone

Posted on 22. Feb, 2010 by Mark.

0

Rating:

Summary
They offer both bottom & sport fishing charters.

Location
Maalaea Harbor

Phone
808-879-4485

Web
http://www.strikezonemaui.com

Price
$130 – $170

The Dunes at Maui Lani

Posted on 26. Feb, 2010 by Mark.

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The Dunes At Maui Lani

Rating:

In a nutshell: Challenging true old-world-style links course..
Minuses: Wind.
Sound-bite: “I swear they would have shined my shoes if I asked them to.”

Location
1333 Maui Lani Parkway, Kahului

Phone
808-873-0422

Web
http://www.dunesatmauilani.com

Price
$75 – $125

Maui Sunriders Bike Co.

Posted on 05. Feb, 2010 by Mark.

0

Rating:

Summary
Haleakala downhill bike tour.

Location
71 Baldwin Ave, Paia

Phone
808-579-8970

Web
http://mauibikeride.com

Price
$30 – $100

Amigo’s Kahului

Posted on 30. Mar, 2010 by Mark.

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Rating:

Summary
Fast and made-to-order tacos, flautas, carnitas, egg burritos and huevos rancheros, among other authentic dishes.

Location
333 Dairy Rd., Kahului, HI 96732

Phone
808-872-9525

Web

Price
Inexpensive

Costco Wholesale

Posted on 25. Feb, 2010 by Mark.

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Rating:

Summary
Just like every Costco – quality, but bulk. For visitors the biggest draw are bulk water, drinks & booze. They also have…

Location
540 Haleakala Hwy, Kahului

Phone
808-877-5248

Web
http://www.costco.com

Price
Bulk

Da Kitchen Cafe

Posted on 09. Aug, 2010 by Mark.

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Rating:

Summary
Giant portions of artery-clogging local food.

Location
425 Koloa St #104, Kahului, HI 96732

Phone
808-871-7782

Web
www.da-kitchen.co...

Price
Affordable

Maui Fun Charters

Posted on 22. Feb, 2010 by Mark.

0

Rating:

Summary
25′ Farallon Cabin Cruiser; As the name suggests, this is a great option for family. Not for the serious sport fisherman. Bottom fishing charter & also offers private hire for snorkel and whale watch.

Location
Maalaea Harbor

Phone
808-572-2345

Web
http://www.mauifuncharters.com

Price
$139/ea. or $699/private

Ba-Le Sandwiches (Kahului)

Posted on 06. Apr, 2010 by Mark.

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Rating:

Summary
Vietnamese meets French inside a sandwich. "...baguettes with crisp, crumbly crusts and pillowy insides, filled with pressed meats and crunchy julienned vegetables."

Location
270 Dairy Rd., Kahului, HI 96732

Phone
808-877-2400

Web
www.ba-le.com

Price
Affordable

Maui Classic Charters

Posted on 15. Dec, 2009 by Mark.

0

Rating:

Summary
They operate both a medium & large catamarans offering Molokini snorkel, dolphin locating, snuba, snorkeling other locations & whale watches

Location
Maalaea Harbor

Phone
800-736-5740

Web
http://www.mauicharters.com/

Price
$35 – $75+

King Kamehameha Golf Club

Posted on 01. Mar, 2010 by Mark.

0

Rating:

Summary
18 hole regulation | 72 par | 6,584 yards | Driving Range

Location
2500 Honoapiilani Highway, Wailuku

Phone
808-249-0033

Web
http://www.kamehamehagolf.com

Price
$180*

'Iao Valley State Park

Posted on 07. Jun, 2009 by Walker.

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View looking out toward the parking lot, and Wailuku beyond. (click photo to see detail)

Click photo for a detailed view.
(Love the shaka!)

Rating:

In a nutshell: ‘Iao Valley is a treasure that is easily accessed by anyone. While you probably wont spend an extended period of time here, it is a must-see.
Minuses: Official trails are minimal. Not a whole lot to do for most visitors after you’ve seen the main…

Hi-Tech Surf Sports

Posted on 30. Nov, 2009 by Mark.

0

Rating:

Summary
Maui-based surf shop; board rentals

Location
Kahului & Paia Locations, Kahului & Paia

Phone
808-877-2111

Web
http://www.surfmaui.com/

Price
varies

Maui Golf & Sports Park

Posted on 30. Nov, 2009 by Mark.

0

Rating:

Summary
Mini golf, bumper boats, X-Treme Trampoline & rock climbing

Location
80 Ma’alaea Rd., nest to Ocean Center, Ma’alaea

Phone
808-242-7818

Web
www.mauigolfandsportspark.com

Price
$15 on up

Down to Earth

Posted on 30. Nov, 2009 by Mark.

0

Rating:

Summary
Natural food store – vegetarian only.

Location
305 Dairy Rd., Kahului

Phone
808-877-2661

Web
http://www.downtoearth.org/

Price
Premium priced

Las Pinatas

Posted on 02. Dec, 2009 by Mark.

0

Rating:

Summary
Fast & cheap Mexican food, close to the airport.

Location
395 Dairy Rd., Kahului

Phone
808-877-8707

Web

Price
Inexpensive

Maui Ocean Center

Posted on 14. Dec, 2009 by Mark.

0

Rating:

Summary
Aquarium focused on Hawaii’s unique underwater world.

Location
192 Ma’alaea Rd. , Ma’alaea

Phone
808-270-7000

Web
http://www.mauioceancenter.com/

Price
Adult:$25 Child:$18

Pacific Whale Foundation Eco Adventures

Posted on 22. Dec, 2009 by Mark.

0

Rating:

Summary
Not-for-profit dedicated studying & protecting marine environment. They offer a wide range of tours. Largest operation in Maui.

Location
Maalaea Harbor Village & Lahaina

Phone
1-800-942-5311

Web
http://www.pacificwhale.org/

Price
$25 on up

Alive and Well

Posted on 26. Jan, 2010 by Mark.

0

Rating:

Summary
Prepared foods are where they really shine. You might feel blind-sided after leaving their supplement section.

Location
Kahului

Phone
808-877-4950

Web
http://www.aliveandwellinmaui.com

Price
Higher-priced

Waiehu Municipal Golf Course

Posted on 01. Mar, 2010 by Mark.

0

Rating:

Location
200 Halewaiu Rd, Waiehu

Phone
270-7402

Web
http://www.mauicounty.gov/facilities.aspx?search=1&CID=30&RID=157&Page=detail

Price
$25 – $55

L&L Drive-Inn (Wailuku)

Posted on 08. Apr, 2010 by Mark.

0

Rating:

Summary
Extensive menu & cheap eats. Hawaiian local food is a comfort-food jambalaya of all the cultures you find in Hawaii.

Location
790 Eha St., Wailuku, HI 96793

Phone
808-242-1380

Web
www.hawaiianbarbe...

Price
Affordable

Waihe’e Ridge Trail

Posted on 16. Jan, 2010 by Mark.

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One of the many spectacular views into Waihee Valley

Rating:

In a nutshell: Hike into the clouds, with spectacular views.
Minuses: Fairly steep 2.5 miles, can be slippery back down.
Sound-bite: [Birds singing]

This is a nice hike with spectacular views. The photos here don’t do the views full justice. Every direction you look, you’re treated with a different view – lush rainforest…

Fernando’s

Posted on 02. Dec, 2009 by Mark.

0

Rating:

Summary
Good fast Mexican food close to the airport.

Location
270 Dairy Rd., Next to Borders & Sports Authority, Kahului

Phone
808-873-7759

Web

Price
Inexpensive

Posted on 01. Mar, 2010 by Mark.

0

Rating:

Location
360 Pukalani St , Pukalani

Phone
572-1314

Web
http://www.pukalanigolf.com/

Price
$27 – $79

Hawaii Nature Center

Posted on 30. Nov, 2009 by Mark.

0

Rating:

Summary
Interactive Nature Museum & Rainforest Walk

Location
875 I’ao Valley Rd., I’ao Valley, Wailuku

Phone
808-244-6500

Web
http://www.hawaiinaturecenter.org/visiting/

Price

Maui Tropical Plantation

Posted on 30. Nov, 2009 by Mark.

0

Rating:

Summary
Orchard tours & shops

Location
1670 Honoapiilani Hwy, Wailuku

Phone
808-244-7643

Web
http://www.mauitropicalplantation.com/

Price
$5-15

Pride of Maui

Posted on 03. Dec, 2009 by Mark.

0

Rating:

Summary
Best reason to go on this boat is if you’re looking for a fairly reasonable “booze cruise” out of Central Maui. They also offer Snorkeling, Whale Watching, Scuba, Snuba & Molokini trips, but there are better options.

Location
Maalaea Harbor, Maalaea

Phone
877-867-7433

Web
http://www.prideofmaui.com/

Price
$30-90

Maui Tacos (Ka’ahumanu)

Posted on 09. Apr, 2010 by Mark.

0

Rating:

Summary
Maui Tacos is a mixture of Mexican and Local flavors. The food here is OK. Definitely better than Taco Bell; a convenience meal rather than a destination.

Location
Kaahumanu Center, 275 W. Kaahumanu Ave., Kahului, HI 96732

Phone
808-871-7726

Web
www.mauitacos.com...

Price
Affordable

Spreckelsville Beach

Posted on 08. Jun, 2009 by lilikoi.

0

Windsurfer launching at Sprecks Beach with a view down the Spreckelsville Beaches

Rating:

In a nutshell: Spreckelsville Beach is a long string of rarely-used beaches and tidepools, largely in a raw, natural state. Frequently used by fishermen and windsurfers. Regular-old-tourists probably don’t want to bother.
Minuses: Directly in flight path of Kahului Airport. Camp One end of beaches…

Flyin Hawaiian Zipline

Posted on 13. Jan, 2010 by Mark.

0

Rating:

Summary
Zip Line tour in Central Maui

Location
1670 Honoapiilani Hwy (Maui Tropical Plantation), Wailuku

Phone
808-249-2777?

Web

Price
$185 – $200

Kahului Airport (OGG)

Posted on 10. Jun, 2009 by Walker.

0

Ticket Counters at OGG

In a nutshell: It is a small airport, likely refreshingly uncrowded, relatively quick & easy. Likely the only one you’ll need on Maui.
Minuses: It is an airport.
Sound-bite: “Please remove your shoes.”

DETAILS:
Kahului International Airport (OGG) is the main airport for Maui, and unless you have some significantly unusually compelling reason, it is where you should…