Maui Guidebook

West Maui – Quick Summary

Posted on 28. Sep, 2009 by Mark.

General Geographic Area: West Maui

In a nutshell: West Maui is home to loads of beautiful beaches, and the towns of Lahaina and Ka’anapali. To the north of this region, Ka’anapali and Kapalua boast plenty of higher-end condos and resort hotels, plus four word-class golf courses. Lahaina, the most-visited spot on Maui, is midway around the head…

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

Scotch Mist Sailing Charters

Posted on 11. Nov, 2009 by Mark.

Alongside other sailing boats that rarely raise sail, Scotch Mist II not only sails, but
really sails!

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In a nutshell: Fun, fast and quiet – with a crew that is in love with Maui and sailing – and in love with sharing them both with our visitors.

Minuses: I’m coming up empty on a minus here…
Sound-bite: “It is a beautiful night, would anyone mind if we take our time and head back late?“

If you have never been sailing, you’re in for a treat. From the boat (a meticulously maintained, super-fast Santa Cruz 50 sailing yacht) to the crew (in love with sailing, Maui, and sharing both with visitors) Scotch Mist is the kind of top notch operation… Continue Reading

Fish Market Maui

Posted on 23. Nov, 2009 by Mark.

Don’t judge a book by its cover!

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In a nutshell: The absolute freshest fish (prepared or not) in West Maui.
Minuses: Closes early.
Sound-bite: “I watched guys from a boat walk in and sell them their fish while I ordered!”

Fish Market Maui is a great escape from the pricey restaurants in the resort areas. This place is a…

Car Rental Hawaii

Posted on 06. Jan, 2010 by Mark.

Insider source for Hawaii rental car deals.

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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

Hike Maui

Posted on 13. Jan, 2010 by Mark.

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Lahaina Stables

Posted on 14. Jan, 2010 by Mark.

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Maui Eco Tours

Posted on 15. Jan, 2010 by Mark.

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Kapalua Resort Plantation Course

Posted on 02. Mar, 2010 by Mark.

Kapalua Plantation Course

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In a nutshell: Mecca-status course for serious golfers.
Minuses: $$$
Sound-bite: “The wide range of tees make this course as challenging as you want it to be.”

SUMMARY:
18 hole regulation | 73 par | 7,411 yards | 75.6 USGA | 140 slope | Driving Range | GPS | Resort Attire

DETAILS: Continue Reading

Kelii’s Kayak Tours

Posted on 13. Jan, 2010 by Mark.

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Die Hard w/Capt. Fuzzy

Posted on 22. Feb, 2010 by Mark.

Screen capture of 315# Pacific Blue Marlin (see video below)

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In a nutshell: Hard-core sportfishing.
Minuses: 3:00
Sound-bite: “Hey mister, is that a Florida Marlins logo on that-there baseball bat?”

DETAILS:
Alright, first of all this isn’t a trip for the kids. These are die-hard fishermen willing to take along the serious angler who isn’t interested in going halfway.

Captain Fuzzy Alboro is a well known, born and raised Maui fisherman and many come here seeking him out by name. Fuzzy knows where to go and when to go. (Speaking of when, you’ll be leaving before anyone else – at 3:00 AM…Continue Reading

Maui Hiking Safaris

Posted on 19. Feb, 2010 by Mark.

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Mendes Ranch

Posted on 14. Jan, 2010 by Mark.

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Skyline Eco Adventures

Posted on 12. Jan, 2010 by Mark.

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Ka'anapali Beach

Posted on 23. Jun, 2009 by lilikoi.

Ka’anapali Beach at the Ka’anapali Ali’i

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In a nutshell: Ka’anapali Beach is a mile-long, spectacularly perfect beach that is home to seven resorts, high-end shopping, various restaurants and activities.
Minuses: The true Hawai’i here has been replaced by a highly profitable replica.
Sound-bite: “What-ever. Louis Vuitton snorkel gear is so last-year.”

DETAILS:
Ka’anapali Beach runs from Black Rock to Canoe Beach, fronted by…

Black Rock (Pu'u Keka'a)

Posted on 23. Jun, 2009 by lilikoi.

Black Rock is great fun to jump from!

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In a nutshell: Black Rock is at the north end of Ka’anapali Beach, and is a great place to cliff-jump into the ocean, and snorkel.
Minuses: The uncoordinated may experience an up-close once-in-a-lifetime lava experience.
Sound-bite: “Wooohoooo!” [SPLASH!]

DETAILS:
Black Rock was formed from one of the last-gasp lava flows on this side of the…

Kahekili Beach Park

Posted on 15. Jul, 2009 by Mark.

The reef is right there, visible from the beach.

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In a nutshell: Drive-up snorkeling convenience on a wonderful, less-than-crowded resort beach.
Minuses: The plus is the minus: ocean entry directly onto reef.
Sound-bite: “Welcome to McSnorkels, may I take your order?”

DETAILS:
This beach is the Northern most beach in the Ka’anapali Beach Resort, but is less crowded and commercialized than its sister…

UFO Parasailing

Posted on 30. Nov, 2009 by Mark.

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Trilogy Excursions

Posted on 03. Dec, 2009 by Mark.

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Hawaii Ocean Rafting

Posted on 13. Dec, 2009 by Mark.

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Maui Eco Adventures

Posted on 15. Jan, 2010 by Mark.

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Nakalele Blowhole

Posted on 15. Feb, 2010 by Mark.

A tall blast at high tide.

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In a nutshell: Blowhole and scenic rugged coastline hike.
Minuses: If you’re not sure-footed parts of the trail can be challenging.
Sound-bite: [hssssst....BLAST!]

If you’re looking at the map below, first thing you’ll notice are two parking areas with trails to the blowhole. If you’re less mobile or traveling with little ones, the closer area at…

Luckey Strike Charters

Posted on 22. Feb, 2010 by Mark.

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Bad Ass Coffee Co.

Posted on 30. Nov, 2009 by Mark.

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Royal Ka’anapali Golf Course

Posted on 01. Mar, 2010 by Mark.

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Honolua Bay

Posted on 24. May, 2009 by Walker.

Honolua Bay, view towards beach

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In a nutshell: Honolua Bay is a spectacular place to snorkel or dive, if you know where to go.
Minuses: Beach uses are mediocre.
Sound-bite: “Honey, your back is really red…”

DETAILS:
Honolua Bay is part of a Marine Life Conservation District, so there is no fishing (or taking of any natural resources, including marine life…

Lahaina Town

Posted on 11. Jul, 2009 by Mark.

Ocean walk in Lahaina Town.

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In a nutshell: An oddly eclectic mix of history, restaurants, T-shirt shops, fine art galleries and gold-by-the-foot, Lahaina is the quintessential “old-time-sea-town-turned-tourism” with a uniquely Maui twist.
Minuses: It’s crowded!
Sound-bite: “Come talk to me about “fractional ownership!”

DETAILS:
The second most visited spot in Maui, Lahaina is compact and crowded. It is also the only full-featured, walkable…

Napili Beach aka Napili Bay

Posted on 14. Nov, 2009 by Mark.

Napili Beach is postcard perfect

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In a nutshell: A less crowded, low-key resort beach with a much more family feel than many in West Maui.
Minuses: Parking can be difficult.
Sound-bite: “What is the definition of resort, anyway?”

DETAILS:
Napili Beach is on Napili Bay, a sandy cove nestled in a lower-end resort (compared to Ka’anapali) which is itself nestled in a residential…

Hilo Hattie

Posted on 03. Dec, 2009 by Mark.

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Lahaina Divers

Posted on 03. Dec, 2009 by Mark.

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Pacific Whale Foundation Eco Adventures

Posted on 22. Dec, 2009 by Mark.

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Paragon Sailing Charters

Posted on 05. Jan, 2010 by Mark.

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Ironwood Ranch

Posted on 19. Jan, 2010 by Mark.

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West Maui’s North Shore – Kapalua to Wailuku

Posted on 24. Jan, 2010 by Mark.

Steep, narrow, cliff-edge driving.
Hint: The car and Jeep are on the same short stretch of road.

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In a nutshell: Rugged shoreline, scenic vistas, and cliff-edge driving you’ll never forget.
Minuses: If you’re not a confidant driver parts of this drive could be your worst nightmare.
Sound-bite: “what do you mean back up!?!“

Most visitors will travel in and out of West…

Lahaina Farms

Posted on 25. Feb, 2010 by Mark.

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Ka’anapali Kai Golf Course

Posted on 01. Mar, 2010 by Mark.

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Slaughterhouse Beach and Mokule’ia Bay

Posted on 21. Feb, 2010 by Mark.

Winter surf break at Slaughterhouse

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In a nutshell: A dramatic cliff-framed marine sanctuary bay with large surf in winter.
Minuses: Water can get murky if it has rained recently.
Sound-bite: “Will we get Slaughtered surfing here?”

DETAILS:
The name “Slaughterhouse Beach” comes from two slaughterhouses that used to be located on the ranch above this beach over 40 years ago.…

Aerial Sportfishing Charters

Posted on 22. Feb, 2010 by Mark.

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Kapalua Resort Bay Course

Posted on 02. Mar, 2010 by Mark.

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Olivine Pools

Posted on 15. Nov, 2009 by Mark.

Olivine Pools later in the day

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In a nutshell: The Olivine Pools are several tidepools located on barren lava along the ocean’s edge on the back-side of West Maui.
Minuses: Terrain on the short hike is unforgiving to those who are not sure-footed.
Sound-bite: “Olivine?”

DETAILS:
Olivine pools is located on a stretch of remote area that has no sandy beaches or easy…

Atlantis Submarines

Posted on 30. Nov, 2009 by Mark.

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Kobe Japanese Steak House

Posted on 03. Dec, 2009 by Mark.

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Reef Dancer

Posted on 22. Dec, 2009 by Mark.

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Kapalua Resort Ziplines

Posted on 13. Jan, 2010 by Mark.

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Expeditions Maui-Lana’i Ferry

Posted on 15. Jan, 2010 by Mark.

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Start Me Up

Posted on 22. Feb, 2010 by Mark.

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Finest Kind Sport Fishing

Posted on 22. Feb, 2010 by Mark.

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Royal Hawaiian Surf Academy

Posted on 30. Nov, 2009 by Mark.

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Boss Frog’s Dive & Surf

Posted on 30. Nov, 2009 by Mark.

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Royal Lahaina Luau

Posted on 02. Dec, 2009 by Mark.

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Sugar Cane Train

Posted on 30. Nov, 2009 by Mark.

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Mr. Sub

Posted on 30. Nov, 2009 by Mark.

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Maui Princess Cruises

Posted on 14. Dec, 2009 by Mark.

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Lahaina Baby Beach (aka Pu’unoa beach)

Posted on 16. Feb, 2010 by Mark.

Lahaina Baby Beach

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In a nutshell: Shallow and safe for little kids because of the offshore reef.
Minuses: Very poor swimming.
Sound-bite: “Hey, it’s nicer than the beach in Atlantic City!”

There is also a (much higher rated) Baby Beach on the North Shore.

DETAILS:
Lahaina’s Baby Beach is mostly visited by local families with young children. The beach is protected by…

Teralani Sailing

Posted on 11. Nov, 2009 by Mark.

America II

Posted on 11. Nov, 2009 by Mark.

Gemini Charters

Posted on 11. Nov, 2009 by Mark.

Island Star Sailing Excursions

Posted on 14. Dec, 2009 by Mark.

Alamo

Posted on 06. Jan, 2010 by Mark.

Dollar Rent A Car

Posted on 06. Jan, 2010 by Mark.

Avis

Posted on 06. Jan, 2010 by Mark.

Budget Car Rental

Posted on 06. Jan, 2010 by Mark.

Enterprise

Posted on 06. Jan, 2010 by Mark.

Hertz

Posted on 07. Jan, 2010 by Mark.

National Car Rental

Posted on 07. Jan, 2010 by Mark.

Aloha Toy Store

Posted on 07. Jan, 2010 by Mark.

Foodland

Posted on 25. Jan, 2010 by Mark.

Safeway

Posted on 25. Jan, 2010 by Mark.

Times Supermarket (was Star Market)

Posted on 26. Jan, 2010 by Mark.

Open Eye Tours

Posted on 22. Feb, 2010 by Mark.

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