20 Awesome Things To Do, See And Eat In Maui, Hawaii

Maui Beach

A Maui vacation should encompass far more than sitting on the beach and soaking up the sun (although I was tempted to the minute I landed!). Maui has some of the most unique foods, drinks and activities in the world. So my advice to you is this, don't break out the lounge chair and sunblock until you've tried everything Maui has to offer.


What (And Where) to Eat

Spam Musubi (Photo credit: blogs.houstonpress.com)

Spam Musubi
This delicacy can be found at food carts, mini-marts and golf courses all over Maui. Wrapped in plastic and priced to sell, Spam Musubi is a piece of fried luncheon meat served with rice and wrapped in seaweed. Sushi for the masses!

Shave Ice
This is not your typical Snow Cone! True Hawaiian shave ice has the texture of newly fallen snow and is flavored with homemade syrups in a huge variety of flavors. Forget the sickeningly sweet concoctions of ice chunks served on the mainland; shave ice will ruin Snow Cones for you forever.

Lava Flow
This popular Maui cocktail packs a real punch! Made with light rum and Malibu as well as fresh fruits and juices, this libation is as fun to look at as it is to drink. Sold at restaurants and bars all over the island, this drink should not be missed.

Saimin
Did you drink a few too many Lava Flows last night? Locals will recommend a healthy dose of Saimin. This noodle soup has an amazing reputation as a hangover cure. Heaped with fish, meat, peppers and green onions, Saimin will cure what ails you!

Ahi Rainbow Tower, Mai Tai Lounge (Photo credit: WhatsCookingMaui)

Mai Tai Lounge
A trip to Maui would not be complete without a Mai Tai. Get it at the famous Mai Tai Lounge. Offering the only rooftop dining experience in Maui, Mai Tai Lounge offers a full menu in addition to stunning cocktails. Try the Ahi Rainbow Tower, a true feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds.

Hula Grill
Locals and tourists alike flock to the Hula Grill for a huge slice of flourless chocolate cake. You could go for dessert alone but you'd be missing what might be the best dinner on all of Maui. The crabcakes alone are worth the trip.

Gerard's
Gerard's offers great French food served under fairy lights on the outdoor lanai. The oyster mushrooms served in puff pastry shells offer a taste of the sea while the rack of lamb is simply amazing.

Haliimaile General Store
Dine in rustic beauty at a true don't-miss Maui restaurant. The menu, brainchild of chef Bev Gannon, is American eclectic meets Hawaiian traditional. Sometimes surprising and always delicious, Haliimaile General Store is a local favorite.

Things to See and Do

Submerged Volcano Crater, Molokini (Photo credit: MauiGuideBook.com)

Dive in a Submerged Volcano
A popular dive site off Molokini provides a great view of life beneath the sea. The walls of the submerged volcano create a living aquarium. Don't pay the extra baggage fees to bring your own equipment; rental gear is available at dozens of dive shops all over Maui.

Glass Bottom Boat Excursions
A glass bottom boat provides a great alternative to diving for those who don't want to get wet. Departing from locations all over the island, these excursions typically last from one to four hours.

See the Sun Rise From an Active Volcano
Book a tour, set the alarm and make sure the camera has plenty of extra batteries. Watching the sun rise over Haleakala is a true once in a lifetime experience. Be sure to turn off your camera flash once the sun begins to rise; flash pictures won't turn out.

Get an Adrenalin Rush
Zipline through a historic ranch! Phiiolo Ranch offers the longest zipline track in Hawaii. Catch great bi-coastal views of the Pacific on your way down the course.

Maui Luau

Go With the Flow
Make time for a nature hike. Visitors to La Perouse can hike along Hawaii's most recent lava flow.

Take a Ride
Horses can be rented at many of Maui's ranches. Take a ride on the beach or through the beautiful forests and plantations.

Have an "Alien" Experience
Try UFO parasailing over the ocean. Your UFO shaped parasail will look like an extraterrestrial craft to those watching from the beach.

Attend a Luau
This is practically a requirement in Maui. The Feast at Lele is a favorite of many tourists. Try the Lomi lomi Salmon. Skip the Poi.

Places to Shop

Maui Swap Meet (Photo credit: hawaiiantraditionstours.com)

Score a Great Deal
The Maui Swap Meet takes place every Saturday. From shark teeth to valuable art, you never know what you'll find.

Mall Experience
Queen Kaahumanu Center is Maui's biggest mall consisting over over 100 specialty shops, galleries and restaurants.

Go Wild (West, that is)
Makawao is an old cowboy town filled with unique boutiques. More touristy than practical, a visit to Makawao is a fun way to spend an afternoon.

Shop Like the Locals
There are numerous open air markets in Maui catering to tourists and locals alike. Usually populated with handmade goods and local art, these markets are a great place to get a deal. Most merchants are more than happy to haggle prices.

Queen Kaahumanu Center, Maui (Photo credit: queenkaahumanucenter.com)

Have you been to Maui? Did you do any of the things mentioned above? What are some things that you would recommend?

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