Maui Guidebook

Road to Hana – Quick Summary

Last updated 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 Hana” begins and where it ends is subject to some debate. For my guide purposes, I usually start in the North Shore (Paia area) and end at what …

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North Shore – Quick Summary

Last updated 25. Oct, 2012 by Mark.

General Geographic Area: North Shore Maui

In a nutshell: The North Shore is less developed, less crowded with plenty of world-class beaches.
Minuses: Doesn’t cater commercially to resort-oriented tourists.
Sound-bite: “That guy playing in Charley’s looked and sounded exactly like Willie Nelson!”

The exact boundaries of the North Shore are not well defined, and there is overlap between Central Maui, Upcountry Maui and the Road to Hana. Even in my guide info, I often duplicate North Shore articles in Road to Hana categories since this is how the majority of …

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Pipiwai Trail & Waimoku Falls

Last updated 01. Apr, 2012 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 percussive sounds of bamboo striking one another]

DETAILS:
Taking into account the easy accessibility, the Pipiwai Trail offers, hands-down, the all-around best of East Maui’s most dramatic stream and waterfall hikes.

This …

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Pools of ‘Ohe’o (aka Seven Sacred Pools)

Last updated 02. Feb, 2012 by Walker.

The Pools of ‘Ohe’o, (HNP Kipahulu)

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In a nutshell: The Pools of ‘Ohe’o (pupularly called 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 very crowded as the day goes on. Access to pools is closed off frequently in wet weather.
Sound-bite: “Is that guy really going to jump from there?”

Tip: Call 808-572-4400 Option 2 on the day of your trip to find out if the pools are open. …

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Valley Isle Excursions

Last updated 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

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Maui Stables

Last updated 20. Jan, 2010 by Mark.

Rating:

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Hamoa Beach

Last updated 11. Aug, 2010 by Mark.

Hamoa Beach

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In a nutshell: A beautiful crescent beach with a reliable surf break.
Minuses: Currents can be strong.
Sound-bite: “Am I sticking out too far in the road?”

This beach is often ranked up there with the famous beaches in the resort areas of Maui, and deservingly so. A postcard-perfect 100′ wide by 1000′ long crescent.

Hamoa Beach is surrounded by cliffs, with two points of public access – stairs leading down from the hotel shuttle dropoff and a small service road at the other end. (walk, don’t …

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Should I Stay on Maui’s North Shore?

Last updated 19. Jun, 2012 by Mark.

Baby Beach (North Shore)

Do any of these describe you?

- Usually active on vacation
- Plan on seeing it all
- Love hiking, waterfalls & adventure
- Prefer being closer to nature
- Seek authenticity in travel
- Plan lots of surfing/windsurf/kiteboard
- Escape touristy hustle and bustle
- Enjoy experiencing how people are living alternative/green/natural lifestyles
- Like to get away from it all – but still be close enough to drive back in

Summary
Maui’s North Shore is less developed, less crowded, has cooler days, and is …

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Mana Foods

Last updated 05. Sep, 2012 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

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Awapuhi Adventures

Last updated 31. Jul, 2010 by Mark.

Jumping into a tidepool

Rating:

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

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