Maui Guidebook

Seven Sacred Pools aka 'Ohe'o Gulch

Posted on 19. May, 2009 by Walker.

Oheo Gulch aka Seven Sacred Pools
(Photo taken when water flow was low)

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In a nutshell: The Seven Sacred Pools are the most popular attraction in East Maui. Beautiful waterfalls, pools, in an absolutely stunning setting. Easy access and full facilities.
Minuses: It gets crowded as the day goes on. Access to pools is closed off frequently in…

Pipiwai Trail & Waimoku Falls

Posted on 02. Jun, 2009 by Walker.

The top half of the Pipiwai Trail cuts though an immense and unforgettable bamboo forest

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In a nutshell: Pipiwai Trail is a treasure of the National Park System that passes through diverse scenery and culminates at the base of an absolutely spectacular waterfall.
Minuses: You’ll be sharing the trail with lots of other folks.
Sound-bite: [insert hollow…

Road to Hana – Quick Summary

Posted on 09. Nov, 2009 by Mark.

General Geographic Area: Road to Hana Maui

In a nutshell: The Road to Hana is the crown-jewel of Hawaii driving tours. Lush rainforest, dramatic and rugged ocean vistas, countless waterfalls and pools.
Minuses: If you get car-sick, there are going to be 600 opportunities to review your breakfast.
Sound-bite: “600 turns?!? More like one 50-mile-long turn…”

Just exactly where “The Road to…

Awapuhi Adventures

Posted on 19. Feb, 2010 by Mark.

Jumping into a tidepool

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In a nutshell: Highly personalized touring, hiking and adventures.
Minuses: High quality isn’t ever cheap.
Sound-bite: “We all felt like we had done something truly amazing, adventurous and memorable.”

Awapuhi Adventures is a small one-woman operation, and let me be the first to tell you that one woman is precisely who makes it so spectacular. Alicia (owner and guide) is a well versed naturalist and has such a passion for the island that is is infectious. Alicia also takes the time to understand your abilities, needs and desires before she designs the perfect adventure for you.

Since this is such a…Continue Reading

Maui Stables

Posted on 20. Jan, 2010 by Mark.

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Mana Foods

Posted on 22. Jan, 2010 by Mark.

Prime produce

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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

Valley Isle Excursions

Posted on 23. Oct, 2009 by Mark.

The guides are extraordinary and what sets Valley Isle Excursions apart.

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In a nutshell: Valley Isle Excursions’ knowledge, cultural understanding and genuine spirit of Aloha are second to none.
Minuses: Those who love to drive don’t get to!

Sound-bite: “The guide quality makes or breaks a guided tour to Hana”

First, I don’t care how long you are here, the Road to Hana is not to be missed. Now many folks will choose to drive the Road to Hana themselves – and if you love to drive challenging roads with stunning scenery, it truly is a driver’s delight. But if you’re not a confident driver, or want to focus on the sights while gaining a better understanding of what you are seeing, then this trip can be even more spectacular when taken with a knowledgeable guide.…Continue Reading

Hike Maui

Posted on 13. Jan, 2010 by Mark.

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Source Reiki Training

Posted on 15. Jan, 2010 by Mark.

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Wailua & Ke'anae Valley Hike

Posted on 26. May, 2009 by Walker.

Giant Fern

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In a nutshell: A nice 30-minute hike can turn into a spectacular multi-hour moderately easy-going hiking adventure. Graded un-paved access road passes for miles through an undeveloped Eden of Maui rainforest and watershed.
Minuses: Access may require permission from EMI. On weekends you could possibly encounter hunters and dogs (typically unhappy pit bulls bred to…

Wai’anapanapa State Park

Posted on 23. Jul, 2009 by Mark.

To get an idea of what is in store, this is the view from the parking lot.

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In a nutshell: Spectacular views of rugged shoreline, sea arches, black sand beach, and more.
Minuses: Swimming is marginal.
Sound-bite: “Sir, you should probably stand back from that blowhole.”

*NOTE* All photos in the Maui Guidebook can be clicked on to view a larger…

Anthony’s Coffee Co.

Posted on 06. Jul, 2010 by Mark.

Anthony’s Coffee Co. in Paia

Rating:
^{*how we rate restaurants}

Rated #1 North Shore Coffee Shop

In a nutshell: A funky, friendly and delicious mom-and-pop coffee shop.
Minuses: Can become busy.
Sound-bite: “The owner befriended me first time I set foot in the store.”

Continue Reading

North Shore Pilates

Posted on 10. Mar, 2010 by Mark.

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Jaws

Posted on 07. Dec, 2009 by Mark.

When the North Shore surf is big, Jaws is gigantic.

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In a nutshell: The biggest wave surfed in the world each year has been at Jaws more than any other place.
Minuses: The access road can be 4WD
Sound-bite: [crashing waves, cheers and helicopters]

Disclaimer on the rating: It is only “must-see spectacular” when the North Shore is having monster surf!

Jaws is…

Nemo Falls

Posted on 23. Jul, 2010 by Mark.

The bottom half of Nemo Falls

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In a nutshell: A beautiful unknown waterfall and pool.
Minuses: Access may be restricted by EMI.
Sound-bite: “Wow, a handrail!”

Warning – Those not experienced with Maui safety and EMI access issues should not attempt this hike.
Read the EMI Page.

Getting to Nemo Falls requires a fairly easy ~1/3 mile hike through the…

Baby Beach (North Shore)

Posted on 15. May, 2009 by lilikoi.

Baby Beach (North Shore)

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In a nutshell: A dramatically beautiful beach, not just for kids. Protected lagoon for swimming.
Minuses: Can get very windy in the afternoons.
Sound-bite: “E hau`oli e nâ `ôpio o Hawai`i nei.”

There is also a beach called “Baby Beach” in Lahaina.

DETAILS:
Baby Beach is a beautiful protected lagoon beach just outside of Paia on the…

Na'ili'ili Haele Stream & Waterfalls

Posted on 27. May, 2009 by Walker.

Na’ili’ili haele waterfall #3 (or #2, depending how wet it has been.)

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In a nutshell: Na’ili’ili Haele, for most, will be a nice short hike to two or three waterfalls and pools. The more able hikers will be rewarded with more significant sights.
Minuses: Access may be restricted by EMI. Longer hikes become increasingly difficult to nearly…

Waikamoi Stream & Waterfalls

Posted on 28. May, 2009 by Walker.

A visitor stands at the top of Waikamoi Stream’s small waterfall, just a few steps from the road.

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In a nutshell: A drive-up stop, one waterfall and pool are right next to the road. The second, larger waterfall and pool just upstream are impressively beautiful, and tragically underrated by other guidebooks.
Minuses: Unpredictable flow; also unpredictable visitor…

Maui Eco Adventures

Posted on 15. Jan, 2010 by Mark.

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South Pacific Kayaks

Posted on 30. Nov, 2009 by Mark.

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Ka’eleku Caverns aka Hana Lava Tube

Posted on 15. Jan, 2010 by Mark.

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Cafe Mambo

Posted on 02. Dec, 2009 by Mark.

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Red Sand Beach (Kaihalulu Beach)

Posted on 23. Jun, 2009 by lilikoi.

Red Sand Beach is a dramatically beautiful place.

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In a nutshell: Red Sand Beach is a dramatically beautiful place that you’ll likely never forget.
Minuses: The short hike to the beach is hazardous.
Sound-bite: “Has the Mothership departed without me?”

DETAILS:
Red Sand Beach is a dramatic and beautiful place unlike any you’ve likely ever seen. The ocean here is always a deep,…

Baldwin Beach Park

Posted on 16. May, 2009 by lilikoi.

Baldwin Beach

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In a nutshell: Baldwin Beach Park is a beautiful, long white-sand beach. A favorite with locals. Fully equipped with lifeguards, bathrooms, showers, barbecues, picnic tables and a covered pavilion. Considered to be among the top shorebreak boogie-boarding and bodysurfing breaks in Maui. There are also protected swimming areas on both the East and West…

Baldwin Cove

Posted on 16. May, 2009 by lilikoi.

Baldwin Cove

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In a nutshell: Beautiful sand beach in season. Out of season it is also dramatic to behold. Frequented by many free-spirits; ladies can go topless here.
Minuses: Parking can be tough on weekends. Parts of the year the beach vanishes.
Sound-bite: “…every little thing, gonna be alright.”

DETAILS:
A large jetty of boulders at the cove’s edge, combined…

Twin Falls

Posted on 20. May, 2009 by lilikoi.

Twin Falls

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In a nutshell: Twin Falls is the first easily accessible string of waterfalls and pools on the Road to Hana. It also has one of the better snack stands on the journey. Twin falls is typically underrated by guidebooks, and is a worthy stop.
Minuses: You must budget your time properly here if you are…

Lower Puohokamoa Falls

Posted on 08. Jun, 2009 by lilikoi.

Lower Puohokamoa Falls at low-flow.

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In a nutshell: Lower Puohokamoa Falls is a tall, cascading waterfall that the vast majority of people will, at most, view from a distance. Extreme hikers can take a treacherous hike to a spectacular views and pool at the base.
Minuses: Access to view and hike may be on private land. Hike…

Haleakala’s Back Side: Kipahulu to Ulupalakua

Posted on 09. Sep, 2009 by Mark.

Much of the road is a lumpy, bumpy, narrow patchwork of asphalt laid down over years, one shovel at a time.

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In a nutshell: If you like the road less traveled, continuing on past Hana around Haleakala is an adventure worth taking. In about the same amount of time as it would take you to go back…

Hi-Tech Surf Sports

Posted on 30. Nov, 2009 by Mark.

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Ho’okipa Beach Park

Posted on 11. Aug, 2009 by Mark.

The Mecca of windsurfing: Ho’okipa

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In a nutshell: Ho’okipa Beach is a world-renowned surfing spot with dramatic and impressive surf (and surfers!)
Minuses: Not a great swimming beach.
Sound-bite: “Woahhhh, epic day, brah!”

For most, Ho’okipa Beach is a place to watch the best surfers effortlessly play with the ocean in a way that mere mortals can only dream of. Besides being…

Paia Secret Beach

Posted on 17. May, 2009 by lilikoi.

Paia Secret Beach

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In a nutshell: If you like to get naked (or watch people getting naked) this is a good place to go. Relatively private and out of the main-flow of people, rarely anyone but folks who live here end up at this beach.
Minuses: People who would be better off keeping their clothes on.
Sound-bite: “Eh,…

Paia Bay

Posted on 17. May, 2009 by lilikoi.

Paia Bay

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In a nutshell: Paia Bay is a destination if you are an accomplished boogie-boarder. A long, nice beach with an excellent near-shore surf break. Overall, this beach doesn’t have enough to attract most other visitors.
Minuses: The park and bathroom area can be dirty, and sometimes attract vagrant types.
Sound-bite: “Eh brah, shreddin’ `em!”

DETAILS:
Paia Bay is…

Tavares Beach (aka Lamalani aka Blue Tile House Beach)

Posted on 08. Jun, 2009 by lilikoi.

Postcard perfect.
Tavares beach is practically unknown except among locals.

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In a nutshell: Tavares Beach is a pretty, long, scenic sandy white beach with easy access and ample parking. Good for swimming, rock jumping, surfing and windsurfing. Virtually unknown to visitors, it is usually uncrowded (even sometimes empty) during the week. Tavares is a favorite among locals…

Ke’anae Arboretum

Posted on 24. Jul, 2010 by Mark.

Rainbow Eucalyptus grove in the Keanae Arboretum

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In a nutshell: A six acre arboretum and botanical garden with many unique specimens.
Minuses: They can’t get the taro to grow.
Sound-bite: “Let me get a photo of you hugging the tree!”

If you appreciate exotic flora, this small, free-of-charge state-owned arboretum is a must stop on the Road to Hana.

I’m…

Kuau Mart

Posted on 25. Jan, 2010 by Mark.

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Kuau Cove – (Beach at Mama's Fish House)

Posted on 24. May, 2009 by lilikoi.

Kuau Cove at high tide

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In a nutshell: Kuau cove is a scenic beach most will only see if they go to Mama’s Fish House for dinner. Besides a pre-dinner photo-op, it is a great beach for little ones and anyone that loves to explore sealife in the tidepools.
Minuses: Not really suitable for swimming beyond a…

Ke’anae Peninsula

Posted on 29. Jul, 2010 by Mark.

The Ke’anae shoreline is as rugged as it is picturesque.

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In a nutshell: An old Hawaiian village sits on a dramatic finger of lava.
Minuses: No beaches or swimming.
Sound-bite: “Is it the third Sunday?”

The Ke’anae Peninsula is a dramatic half-mile long finger of newer lava sticking out from the cliff line of the Hana Highway. Well before…

Waikamoi Nature Trail

Posted on 07. Jun, 2009 by lilikoi.

The sign reads "QUIET: trees at work."

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In a nutshell: Waikamoi Nature Trail is an easy short-stop on the Road to Hana. Good for non-hikers. A nice quick-stop that many will appreciate.
Minuses: Not among the long list of “spectacular” on this road. No waterfall.
Sound-bite: “Worthwhile place to spend 20 minutes.”

DETAILS:
Okay, you know the quiet little shy…

Haipua’ena Falls

Posted on 23. Jul, 2010 by Mark.

Haipua’ena Falls

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In a nutshell: An easily accessible waterfall and pool.
Minuses: Not a standout.
Sound-bite: “I’ll get to the second falls if it kills me!”

A pool suitable for swimming and a small waterfall are what lie a shot stroll from the road.

While it is nothing spectacular, it is still a refreshing place to take a dip.…

Ching's Pond (aka Blue Sapphire Pools)

Posted on 03. Jun, 2009 by Walker.

No psychologist needed – jumping feet first here means this guy is at least partially sane.

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In a nutshell: Very photogenic spot to get photographed doing something life threatening. Ching’s pond is probably a skip for all but the pathological cliff-diver seeking an impressive photo.
Minuses: Doesn’t offer much more than a daredevil’s photo-op and drinking beer…

Kaumahina State Wayside

Posted on 03. Jun, 2009 by Walker.

Good thing the Colonel doesn’t know about this place.

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In a nutshell: Toilets, tables, a couple trails and a nice view.
Minuses: Not much more to offer than what you just had in the car, other than a stationary place to eat and a (sometimes arguably) more optimal place to relieve yourself.
Sound-bite: “Mommy, I gotta go number…

Ekahi Tours (Road to Hana)

Posted on 23. Oct, 2009 by Mark.

Temptation Tours (Road to Hana)

Posted on 24. Oct, 2009 by Mark.

Polynesian Adventure Tours (Road to Hana)

Posted on 24. Oct, 2009 by Mark.

Roberts Hawaii (Road to Hana)

Posted on 24. Oct, 2009 by Mark.

Jungle Tours Maui

Posted on 19. Feb, 2010 by Mark.

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