While Hawaii might be famous for its vibrant luau celebrations, active volcanoes, and affinity for Spam, some of the most intriguing facts about the islands are not typically broadcasted. From Hawaii's days as an avant-garde kingdom to building codes that reference palm trees, here are the top ten interesting things...
If you love the feel of soft, sun-warmed sand between your toes, then Maui — with 30 miles of beaches— is the place for you! There are plenty of lists out there proclaiming "Maui's Best Beaches," so I don't think you need yet another list from me. Instead, I'm going...
Trendy celebrity-chef restaurants, sprawling food truck villages, iconic fish houses, and roadside Hawaiian BBQ stands? YES, please! If you love food and drink, Maui will not disappoint. The island offers an astounding range of food choices and a variety of unique products that gastronomes will adore (pineapple wine or sugar...
IS MAUI SAFE? Maui is generally a safe place, both for visitors and those of us who live here. Our island welcomes nearly 3 million visitors each year, and the vast majority of those people experience nothing more distressing than a sunburn. However, I would be misleading you if I said nothing bad ever happens...
Whether you're a self-proclaimed "foodie," or are just looking for the best places to eat in West Maui that are reliably good and worth the price, we've got you covered! World-renowned chefs and culinary teams have built a distinct food scene here on Maui, integrating Hawaii's unique agriculture and produce...
Fresh produce just tastes different when it doesn't travel thousands of miles to get to you. Here in Hawaii, an estimated 85% of our food is imported! It is a terrible shame, as our 'aina (or land) is plentiful for harvesting some of the most delicious fresh fruits and vegetables...
There is always a learning curve when visiting a new place- and despite being part of the 50th state, Maui is no different. There are unspoken rules and hidden dangers that some first-time visitors aren't aware of. Be an informed visitor with these top 10 Maui vacation travel tips. (more…)
When I travel, I like to know where "the locals" eat, don't you? When you see a restaurant full of local residents, you know it's got to be good! So, as a Maui resident, I'm sharing my "go to" favorite Maui restaurants list. These are places where I (and my local friends)...
There is so much more to Maui than just beautiful resorts and beaches. Our island offers fabulous activities designed specifically for visitors, but to fully experience the heart and soul of the island -- the REAL Maui -- I suggest you step off the well-worn tourist path for a while. Explore...
[caption id="attachment_6899" align="alignright" width="425"] ©Polinahe Photography[/caption] One of the most memorable aspects of a visit to Maui is the opportunity to experience the rich Hawaiian culture and history of the islands. You cannot visit the Hawaiian Islands without, in some way, being exposed to its deeply-rooted heritage, whether through...
Every spring, the people of the Hawaiian Islands celebrate and honor Hawaii's ancient dance form, hula, at the annual Merrie Monarch Hula Competition on the island of Hawai'i. The Merrie Monarch has been likened to the Superbowl of hula. Hula dancers and enthusiasts alike are glued to their televisions, and...
Life in the Hawaiian Islands is unique in so many ways, and nothing captures that better than local signage! Here's a slice of island life, portrayed through Maui signs. You aren’t likely to see signs like these in YOUR hometown . . . unless you live in Hawaii! OUR...
There are lists and lists of things to do on our island, but there are also some things you shouldn't do on Maui. Maui is mostly all about "Do's," but as a local resident, I always share some important "Don'ts" with my friends and family members who are visiting. Now I'm sharing...
TOP THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT HAWAII While Hawaii might be famous for its vibrant luau celebrations, active volcanoes, and affinity for Spam, some of the most intriguing facts about the islands are not typically broadcasted. From Hawaii's days as an avant-garde kingdom to building codes that reference palm trees,...
Looking for the best shopping on Maui? Even if shopping is not a high priority on your Maui to-do list, you are likely to find something on the island that entices you to open that wallet—a unique handcrafted item, colorful Hawaiian clothing, islandy gifts for friends and family back home, or maybe...
Hawaii is the most racially diverse state in the U.S., and this cultural melting pot has cooked up a delicious and unique mix of Hawaii food choices. The original diet of the Native Hawaiians has been altered and augmented over the last 200 years by foods introduced by the arriving...
One of the pleasures of visiting our islands is discovering the many little facts about Hawaii that make this place so different from anywhere else. Of course, there is the obvious: we have beautiful weather here year-round, and the Hawaiian culture is completely unique in the world. But we also have our share...
When it comes to Maui wildlife, our island is remarkable both for what we have and what we don’t have. We DO have creatures that can be found no place else on earth; we DON'T have any land-based predators or snakes---with one tiny exception noted below. The Hawaiian Islands, located some 2,300...
Hawaii is the only state in the U.S. with two official languages: Hawaiian and English. English is the primary everyday language that is spoken in the islands, but when you visit Maui you will undoubtedly hear Hawaiian words, phrases, and songs. You might overhear some local people conversing in the beautiful, flowing...
Maui is a very easygoing place, and for the most part, people who live here are friendly, helpful, and welcoming to visitors. We love sharing the beauty and joys of our island, particularly with visitors who are polite, respectful of the Hawaiian culture, and accepting of “the local way” of doing...
Ever considered volunteering on vacation in Maui? In these days of ecotourism, many travelers enjoy doing a little volunteer work while vacationing. Why? Other than the obvious satisfaction of doing a good deed and having a positive impact on the place you are visiting, voluntourism offers other perks: a chance to...
Maui can be divided into a half-dozen island regions, each with a unique character and personality. Below is a Maui map and brief description of each of the island's regions, towns, and neighborhoods—a quick overview to orient you to the island. For additional help, see How To Choose Where To Stay...
Yes, there ARE cheap eats on Maui! Places where you can dine out and actually have some $$$ left over! Maui boasts a wide array of great restaurants, but eating out can be expensive here. If you're looking for inexpensive places to eat on Maui, here are some suggestions—eateries that...
