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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Valley Isle Excursions

Last updated 23. Oct, 2009 by Mark.

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

Rating:

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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Car Rental Hawaii

Last updated 24. Dec, 2010 by Mark.

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

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Hamoa Beach

Last updated 11. Aug, 2010 by Mark.

Hamoa Beach

Rating:

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

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

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Waipio Bay 2BR/Studio Cottage

Last updated 13. Apr, 2013 by Mark.

Guest (second) bed windows

Contact: ~Waipio Bay 2BR Studio
Book: Online booking form

2 Bdrm / 1 Bath (Sleeps up to 6)

Lowest Advertised Rates:
March – December*: $165/nt. 7+nts (2-6 nts: $188/nt.)
January* & February: $199/nt. 7+nts (2-6 nts: $219/nt.)
*Christmas/NY Time: $269/nt.

Beds:
2x Queen + Twin futon, Pack-n-play

Amenities:
| Fully Equipped Kitchen | BBQ | Full Private House & Yard | Outdoor Shower | Hillbilly Hot-Tub | Washer/Dryer | TV/DVD | Roku, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu | WiFi Internet | VoIP Wireless Phone | iPod Dock …

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Anthony’s Coffee Co.

Last updated 27. Dec, 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.”

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Windward Garden

Last updated 03. Jan, 2011 by Mark.

Windward Garden B&B

Contact: Windward Garden Inquiry

Sleeps 2-10; 1, 2 or 3 Bedroom B&B

Amenities:
| Breakfast | Tropical Gardens |
| Off Grid | Ocean Views |
| Scenic Hiking Trails |
| Full Kitchen | Dish network |
| DVD | Sirius | Washer | Dryer |
| Internet | Towels & Linens |
| Beach Accessories | BBQ |

Price Range: $135-$400

If you’re a fan of traditional Bed & Breakfasts and staying at the edge of Maui’s rainforest sounds like your dream vacation, pinch yourself …

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