A few years ago, I set sail to what in my opinion, is the most amazing place on earth. Oh, and by
set sail, I actually mean I saved up all my money, bought a one way ticket to Maui, and didn't realize then that when I ran out of money, I wouldn't be able to by a plane ticket home. Oh well, right? Who in their right mind wants to come home from paradise anyways, especially when you live in hell(Phoenix). Okay, I digress. Back to the point of this post. While in Maui, having the time of my life, I definitely didn't spare any adventure. Here I'm putting together my most favorite things to do, while in the land of da kine.
First things first...When you fly over and land at Kahului Airport, make a trip south to the other side of the island, via Mokulele Highway. You'll drive through miles of sugar cane crop, and go right past the Sugar Mill. I urge you to roll down the windows, and take a big sniff. At first, it smells a bit like dog doo, but as you get used to it, it starts to smell like popcorn. Seriously, it does! I grew to love the smell, and I still miss it quite often.
After you arrive on the south side of the Island(where all the fun is at), go west to Lahaina, or a few miles east, to Kihei, Wailea, or Makena. There is no shortage of things to do in Lahaina, but it was never really my "thang", if you will. WAY TO TOURISTY. Anyways, if you head to Kihei, have lunch at Pizza Madness. It's a true local pizza goodness gem.
After you eat your pizza, head next door to Maui Dive Shop. Rent or buy everything you'll need for your water fun. Maui Dive Shop also offers snorkel cruises you can go along on, and they promise a very fun time. Their main boat, the Ali'i Nui can often times be seen out and about on the water. If your a diver, Elua is a super convenient location. You can suit up, and just walk on in. No shortage of sea turtles, eels, and the state fish, humuhumunukunukuapua'a. Say that ten times fast.
If you like to head out at night for a drink and some shenanigans, head to the Triangle in Kihei. Okay, so there is no place actually named the "triangle", but its a couple bars on a corner lot, that kinda make up the general shape of a triangle. That's not the point. The point is, it's fun. They have a Tiki Lounge, and Irish Pub, and a couple other random establishments. Oh, and the Irish Pub, called Dog and Duck, has trivia nights, and the whole bar plays. Very fun.
If you are a hiker, and love the outdoors, then I I highly suggest two things. First and foremost, Swinging Bridges hike in Waihe'e. This is the most fun I have ever had on a hike. In my whole life. I felt like I was in a jungle movie. And when you reach the end, oh my god. Pure glory. There is truly no other way to describe this hike. IT WILL MAKE YOU BELIEVE IN GOD, and I'm obsessed with it.
The end of the hike, AMAZING.
There are millions of things to do outdoors in Hawaii, and my second suggestion for the outdoorsy type, is the Maui Zip Line.
Enough said!
When you run out of money, the very best thing to do, is free! Just head to the beach, my favorite, and a local hang out, is Charley Young beach. I can't tell you how many hours I hung out here. It's perfect, and there is a great little shade tree you can sit under. Thank god I never had to sleep under it. What, you think I'm kidding? Some people do(sleep under it).
This is only a teeny tiny fraction of the amazing things Maui has to offer, and they are purely based on things I like to do, because I'm selfish. However, if you prefer things more glitzy or glamy, or you are curious about what else Maui offers, then feel free to comment this post, and I'll answer any questions you have.
