Maui Activities & Restaurants

Last updated: July 11, 2026

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  • Activity Bookings: Tom Barefoot’s Hawaii Activities (The largest selection of Hawaii Activities, more convenient and cheaper than buying directly from each company).
  • Beach Gear Rentals: Maui Vacation Equipment (Rents all kinds of beach products we might not have).

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🚗 Island Excursions & Driving Tours

Driving North

  • Ho’okipa Beach Park (2 miles from the cottage): A spectacular spot to watch the surfers and windsurfers. Also many turtles are coming out of the water and resting on the sand. While yellow taped and protected it is fun to watch them.
  • Tavares Beach (Next door to the cottage): Easier and more private to just walk from the cottage to next door Tavares Beach, you are guaranteed to see from 1 to 20 turtles.
  • Jaws (Pe’ahi): Famous big waves surf spot. It is only 20mn from the cottage. Only worth going between September and March when a huge swell is coming. In the cottage we have printed the directions.
  • Twin Falls: Not far from the cottage if you want a short hike at Twin Falls.

Driving to Hana

  • Drive Time: It takes us about 2 hours to get to Hana if you do not stop. It is fun to stop at lookouts, by waterfalls or food stands to buy banana breads, fresh coconuts or vegan ice cream at the mile marker 27.5. Drive carefully, pull over to let local pass, and obey the “where to” parking signs.
  • Waianapanapa State Park (Black Sand Beach): As you drive to Hana, your first main stop would be here. Entry and Parking Reservations are now required for all non-residents. For reservations go here.
  • Kahanu Garden: Just before Waianapanapa you could visit Kahanu Garden, it takes about 1 1/2 hours.
  • Hana Town: Hana Town has one grocery store, one small restaurant and one gas station! One nice hotel (Hana-Maui Resort) with an art gallery too.
  • Hamoa Beach: Just a few miles after Hana there is a beautiful turquoise water beach called Hamoa Beach. Very nice for a lunch break and a swim.
  • Pipiwai Trail & Seven Sacred Pools: Continue Hana Hwy (330) to the Pipiwai Trail & Waimoku Falls, also the Seven Sacred Pools at the Haleakala National Park Kipahulu District.
  • The Loop Drive (Hwy 31): Be brave and continue the loop around the island instead of turning around to come to the cottage (longer in distance but faster in driving). The road (31) is a little narrow and unpaved for a few miles (car rental companies discourage to drive it as there is no cell service back there) but once you make it around the lumpy bumpy there is a beautiful straight asphalt laid road.
  • En Route Stops: Now permanently closed is the historic Kaupo Store which is the start or end of the most challenging hike on Maui, the Kaupo Gap Trail, taking you in and out of the Haleakala crater. You will finally arrive at the Ulupalakua Winery, you can visit and taste, there is also a little store across the road, the Ulupalakua Ranch Store. Keep driving now Hwy 37 and you will end up between Kahului and Paia.

Driving “Up” (Haleakala Crater)

Sunrise at Haleakala Crater National Park is often noted as a highlight of their Maui vacation experience for many of our guests. We love it too. It has gotten so popular that the National Park Service is now taking reservations (for sunrise only) which, most likely will need to be made well in advance of your visit to be sure to get a space. Of course no one can guarantee the weather but if you are the least bit interested we suggest you make the booking at Recreation.gov.

  • Insider Tips: It requires an early departure so many of our guests make the journey the first morning of their arrival as they might be still a bit jet lagged and will wake up early anyway. We have a page in our welcome book in the cottage that gives you directions and times. It takes about 1h30mn to drive from Paia to the summit. Note that the sky is already spectacular and worth seeing before the sun peaks. Use the flash for portraits. And stay a little longer after the sunrise, the colors and shadows of the inside of the crater are wonderful.
  • 💡 Last-Minute Tickets: For those who like to decide at the last minute the Park releases a few tickets for sunrise a couple days before: “Another batch of tickets will also be available for reservation two days in advance, at 4:00 p.m. HST (Hawaii Standard Time) the day before arrival.”
  • Crater Hikes: From the summit you can hike Sliding Sands or drive down to hike down the switchbacks called Halemau’u Trail. See the Crater Hikes map. If you don’t want to commit to a big hike, Hosmer Grove Loop Trail is easy and short; it is not inside the crater but on the side in the midst of pine trees.

Driving South

  • Ocean Tours: You have many choices to whale watch from Tour boats or you can choose to have a private outrigger tour but you have to paddle!
  • Beaches: Snorkeling on the South Shore, our favorite beach is Maluaka Beach next to the Makena Golf & Beach Club (ex Prince Hotel). I find some shells and the water is pretty clear. Paako Cove or Secret Cove is this adorable little beach, famous for wedding pictures. In winter, a beautiful beach with turquoise water is Big Beach, everybody’s favorite. In summer, beware the surf is monstrous and dangerous but spectacular for watching body boarders.

Driving West (West Maui Mountains)

Now that you have gone around one side of the island through Hana, you might want to try to drive around the West Maui Mountains: the way to do it is clockwise from Paia, Lahaina, Kapalua, to Wailuku. It is better to do it clockwise as at some point the road is narrow and you want to be the one against the mountain and not the one on the edge of the cliff! Some guests say it is scary due to the narrowness of the road.

  • Road Closures: Check the Hawaii DOT Road Work when you plan to drive around the West Maui so you don’t suddenly get stopped half way and have to turn around!

🎟️ Luaus, Activities & Entertainment

  • Luaus: Highly popular and a great cultural experience. The most famous traditional option is the Old Lahaina Luau (Hawaiian style). You can compare options and book directly through Tom’s Barefoot.
  • Maui Ocean Center (Maalaea): A beautiful aquarium showcasing Hawaii’s sea creatures. Great for adults and children alike. Plan your visit at the Maui Ocean Center.
  • Maui Golf Sports Park: Located right next to the aquarium; features fun activities and mini-golf. Check out the Maui Golf Sports Park.
  • Haku Maui (Makawao): Learn to create your very own authentic lei at this wonderful shop in Makawao. Book a workshop at Haku Maui.
  • Hali’imaile Distilling Company: Take a tour to see how local spirits are crafted. Book tours directly at the Hali’imaile Distilling.
  • Makai Glass Maui: Located right next to the distillery. If you go upstairs, you can watch incredible live glass art work being done from the balcony and ask questions to the artists. See their art gallery at the Makai Glass.
  • Island Helicopter Tours: For the ultimate tour of the island by helicopter, look into Blue Hawaiian Helicopters, Sunshine Helicopters, or Maverick Helicopters.

🏃‍♂️ Sports, Fitness & Outdoor Adventure

Snorkeling

  • Cottage Gear: We have some guests’ left-over equipment in a box in the garage—feel free to see if there is a pair that fits you! If you cannot find your fit, most rentals are located in Kihei.
  • North Shore Snorkeling (May to September): When the surf is down on the North Shore, you can easily snorkel right in front of our property (access via the little beach next door) or at Ho’okipa (the right side looking at the ocean). There you will not only see lots of turtles sleeping on the sand, but you will be able to swim with them while they are feeding.
  • South & West Shore Snorkeling: You will see nicer coral and a wider variety of fish if you go to the West and South sides.
    • West Side: Napili Bay and Kapalua Bay are small, accessible, and easy bays for snorkeling. Honolua Bay is absolutely beautiful.
    • South Side: In between Kihei and Makena, I like to go to Maluaka Beach (on the left side when you look at the ocean). If you continue down the coast of Makena, you will arrive at the Ahihi Kinau Reserve.
    • Tours: The ultimate experience is to go on a professional Snorkeling Tour through Tom’s Barefoot.

Canoeing

  • Kihei Canoe Club: Our guests just went here to participate and discover traditional outrigger canoeing and said it was a lot of fun. Check out their visitor program at the Kihei Canoe Club website.

Surfing, SUP, Windsurfing & Kitesurfing

  • Gear Rentals: The main local stores to buy and rent are HiTech Surf Sports, Aqua Sports Maui, and Kanahaakai. If you decide to surf and need to rent a board, Island Surfboard Rentals delivers directly to the cottage!
  • Lessons: For surfing and kitesurfing lessons, we recommend Kody Kerbox at Rivers to the Sea.
  • Seasonal Surf: In the summer, most surfing is done in Kihei (20–30 mins from here) and towards Lahaina. Ho’okipa (2 mins away) has some small waves too.

Golfing

  • Pukalani Country Club: The closest course to the cottage (20 mins) — and no wind! It features a great view over the island. Book a tee time at the Pukalani Country Club website.
  • The Dunes at Maui Lani: Beautiful course located in Kahului, 20 minutes from the cottage. See rates at The Dunes at Maui Lani website.
  • Kahili Golf Course & King Kamehameha Golf Club: These two are still on this side of the island, about 30 minutes from the cottage. Visit Kahili Golf Course and the private King Kamehameha Golf Club.
  • Waiehu Municipal Golf Course: Probably the cheapest public golf course on Maui. It is 35 minutes away and can get windy, but sits right on the ocean. View booking details on the Maui County Waiehu Golf.
  • 💡 Booking Tip: You can make reservations and find lower prices through TeeOff or Golf Now.
  • Club Rentals: Check out the Roger Dunn Golf Shop.

Hiking & Biking

  • Cottage Resources: If you like to hike, we have a book in the cottage with all the different hikes, including the top 10 Hikes in Maui.
  • Thompson Road: A beautiful walk on a paved dead-end road with spectacular views and barely any cars. Park at Grandma’s Coffee House (nice muffins and drinks), walk up 100 meters towards the hospital, and you will see Thompson Road on your right.
  • Makawao Forest: Another great trail close to the cottage. It offers a wonderful shaded hike, great for walking or mountain biking.
  • Baldwin Beach: My favorite thing to do is walk Baldwin Beach, which is just 5 minutes from the cottage. It’s a two-mile beach—walk to the end to find “Baby Beach,” where you can swim laps in completely flat water.
  • Tavares Beach: The little beach next door is walking distance and great to go dip to help you wake up or later in the day to cool down. Turtles are sleeping on the sand, and about as many as 30 show up at night.
  • Camping & Cabins: For information on how to get a permit and locations of authorized camping sites, see details here.
  • Bicycle Rentals & Tours: There are 3 stores nearby that rent bicycles and offer guided tours: Maui Sunriders Bike Co. (has regular e-bikes), Maui Cyclery in Paia, and Krank Cycles in Makawao.

Animal Lovers & Bird Watching

  • Maui Humane Society: Missing your pet? Go take advantage of their program that allows visitors to take a shelter dog out for a day of fun! Learn about the program at the Maui Humane Society.
  • Cat Cafe Maui: Located at the Queen Ka’ahumanu Shopping Center. Book online at the Cat Cafe Maui.
  • Bird Watching: Right in the yard, look for the adorable, tiny Mejiro (Japanese White-eye)—they come in groups and you hear them constantly singing and talking to each other before you see them! We also have Cardinals, Egrets, the Golden Plover, and the loud Mynah bird. For dedicated tracking, check out the Kanaha Pond in Kahului, the Boardwalk in Kihei, or Hosmer’s Grove up on the mountain.

Yoga, Somatics & Massage

  • Yoga Studios: Yoga is everywhere, especially in Paia. Check out Iyengar Yoga Maui or the Maui Yoga Shala.
  • Somatics with Lisa Cary: What I would highly recommend if you have any sore body parts. She teaches every Friday at 3:00 PM, and also sells her class videos and audios. Check out her website at Lisa Cary Somatics; few people know about Somatics!
  • In-Cottage Massage: If you are in need of a sports massage, Twila (808-575-2801) will come directly to the cottage. She can set up the table inside or on the covered lanai.
  • Local Spas & Salons: You can go to Ashiatsu Maui in Paia and get an intense ashiatsu (barefoot massage)—ask for Pati. For ultimate relaxation, Scape Maui (massage, sauna, cold plunge) and Salt Spa Maui (massage, head spa, waxing) are two wonderful mini-spas in the heart of Paia.

🌽 Farmers’ Markets & Local Farms

  • Upcountry Farmers Market (Lower Kula): Very very nice. We buy organic veggies, fruits, coffee, honey…. and a great variety of prepared food. Go early… 7am on Saturdays to get first choice. Jamie is the only one selling the freshest fish you have ever eaten, usually mahi or ahi (tuna), sold out by 8! See details at the Upcountry Farmers Market website.
  • O’koa Farms: If you miss the market, O’koa Farms is a daily market which offers organic produce.
  • Po’okela Church Market: There is another market on Wednesday mornings at the historic Po’okela Church in Makawao.
  • Maui Bees (Kula): You can learn more about bees, pick your own organic vegetables and buy the best cow and goat yogurts and eggs in Kula at Maui Bees.
  • O’o Farm (Kula): Get a tour and Luncheon at O’o Farm, pick your salad, visit the coffee farm while your lunch is prepared (highly recommended by guests).
  • Surfing Goat Dairy (Kula): A fun stop to visit the goats and taste cheeses at Surfing Goat Dairy.
  • Lavender Farm: Visit the beautiful Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm upcountry.

🍽️ Maui Restaurants

The Maui by the Sea cottage is located just 1/2 mile from Paia Town (which features over a dozen restaurants spanning Fish, Crêperies, Argentinian, Mexican, Peruvian, Japanese, Pizza, Vegan, Raw, and Thai cuisine). It is also 1/2 mile in the other direction from the world-famous Mama’s Fish House.

Local Staples Near the Cottage

  • Mama’s Fish House: Fine dining just down the road. We actually prefer lunchtime because it is not as crowded and you can fully enjoy the incredible beachfront view. Reservations are highly recommended many months in advance! Book via the Mama’s Fish House.
  • Mana Foods (Paia): A wonderful local health food store and deli (which I prefer to Whole Foods!). They close at 8:30 PM. See their daily specials on the Mana Foods.
  • The Kuau Store: The closest store to the cottage, located right between us and Mama’s Fish House. It is a small deli store with smoothies, coffee, juice, poke, and lunch plates. Open from 6:30 AM to 7:30 PM. Check out The Kuau Store.
  • Take-Out Poke: If you are looking for a bigger variety of fresh poke (raw fish prepared the local way) to take out, you will find some at the seafood counters in Foodland and Safeway.

Paia Restaurants

  • Belle Surf Cafe – Best morning coffee! A cozy and quiet space located in the middle of Paia behind the San Lorenzo store (it can be a bit hidden to find!). Check the menu at Belle Surf Cafe.
  • Cafe des Amis – Has a beautiful little courtyard and offers delicious curries as well as sweet and savory crêpes. Closes at 8:30 PM. Visit the Cafe des Amis.
  • Artisan Ice Cream – Located right next to Cafe des Amis; absolutely delicious local take-out ice cream! See flavors at Artisan Ice Cream.
  • Paia Fish Market – Great fish tacos! You order at the counter and they call your name. There is always a long line but it goes fast. Closes at 9:30 PM. View the menu at Paia Fish Market.
  • Flatbread Pizza – Fantastic clay-oven wood-fired pizzas using local ingredients. Closes at 10:00 PM. See their pies at the Flatbread Company.
  • Wabisabi – Offers excellent Soba noodle dishes and sushi in a cool, casual location. Explore their options at Wabisabi Soba & Sushi.
  • Vana Paia – Open for dinner only. Excellent sushi menu and craft cocktails. Book a table at Vana Paia.
  • Lima Cocina + Cantina – Flavorful Peruvian food and drinks right in town. View their menu at Lima Cocina + Cantina.
  • Tobi’s Shave Ice & Poke – Located across the street from Paia Bay Coffee; very popular for its local poke bowls and classic shave ice. Check out Tobi’s Poke & Shave Ice.
  • Nylos – Offers an exquisite multi-course dinner. It is expensive but completely amazing according to our guests (reservations strictly needed). Book your fine dining experience at Nylos Maui.
  • See the full list and links of all Paia Restaurants here.

Haiku Restaurants

  • Aloha Aina BBQ – Located on your right before you get to Haiku town; features excellent smoked meats and live music after 5:00 PM. You can eat outside at the picnic tables or order by phone. Check them out at Aloha Aina BBQ.
  • Nuka – A beautiful sushi bar and Japanese restaurant. Very, very nice and busy at night! See details at the Nuka.
  • King’s BBQ – A unique fusion of BBQ and Chinese flavors. Great big local plate lunches, perfect for takeout. Order online via King’s BBQ & Chinese Food.
  • Colleen’s – Located at the cannery; great for breakfast, burgers, and their famous lemon bars! See the menu at Colleen’s at the Cannery.
  • Baked on Maui – Located further down Hana Hwy on West Kuiaha at the Pauwela Cannery. A wonderful restaurant open for breakfast and lunch with a great outdoor patio. Check out Baked on Maui.

Makawao Restaurants

  • Hali’imaile General Store – Located on the way up to Makawao; a beautiful historic menu by Chef Bev Gannon. Make reservations at Hali’imaile General Store.
  • Casanova – A delicious Italian restaurant right in Makawao town, open for dinner and a great weekend brunch. Visit the Casanova Makawao.
  • Makawao Public House – Dinner only; wonderful pub ambiance with high-quality food. Browse the pub menu at Makawao Public House.
  • Satori – A fantastic, farm-to-table food truck serving excellent sushi. Check out Satori Sushi Maui.
  • T. Komoda Bakery – Famous for their cream puffs, donuts on a stick, butter rolls, and pastries. Opens at 7:00 AM until 4:00 PM (or until sold out!). Closed every Sunday and Wednesday. Check out Komoda pastries.

Pukalani & Kula Restaurants

  • Ocean Vodka Organic Farm (Pukalani): You can dine outside sitting on lawn chairs or picnic tables with a spectacular, panoramic sunset view over the island. Plan a visit to the Ocean Organic Distillery
  • Marlow (Pukalani): A fantastic pizza place specializing in Neapolitan-style sourdough pizzas. Check out their wood-fired menu at Restaurant Marlow.
  • Mahalo Aleworks (Pukalani): A great new local craft brewery located right next to Marlow. There are also lots of food trucks across the street! Look up what’s on tap at Mahalo Aleworks.
  • Tun’s Kojima (Pukalani): Great sushi and Japanese cuisine. Find them at Kojima’s Sushi.
  • Kaleis Lunch Box (Pukalani): Excellent local Hawaiian style lunch boxes. Check their location at Kalei’s Lunch Box.
  • Kula Bistro (Kula): Fantastic food; we love to sit outside under the garden trellis. View their dishes at the Kula Bistro.
  • La Provence (Kula): Outstanding French pastries and outdoor mountain seating. Note: Cash or check only.
  • Grandma’s Maui Coffee (Keokea): Historic upcountry stop for great coffee, breakfast, and treats. Look them up at Grandma’s Coffee.

Kahului & Wailuku Restaurants

  • Tin Roof: Incredibly popular local comfort food by Chef Sheldon Simeon. **Take out only** and there is always a line, but it goes fast and is worth it! Order ahead on the Tin Roof Maui .
  • Restaurant Matsu: Casual, beloved local Japanese joint and sushi bar. Find details at Restaurant Matsu.
  • Tanaka Ramen: Very good Japanese-style ramen located at the Maui Mall. Check out Tanaka Ramen & Izakaya.
  • Oao Sushi: Another excellent, highly-rated sushi restaurant. Explore their menu at Oao Sushi.
  • Las Piñatas of Maui: A fantastic casual option for local Mexican food. Check the menu at Las Piñatas of Maui.
  • Acevedos Hawaicano Cafe: Incredible local fusion plates. See their food truck style options at Acevedos Cafe.
  • Fuego Steak House: An excellent Argentinian restaurant with outdoor dining. Look them up at Fuego Steak House.
  • Bistro Casanova: Wonderful Italian food right in Kahului. Make a reservation at the Bistro Casanova.
  • A Saigon Cafe: A hidden gem for Vietnamese cuisine; our guests love it and I do too. Find directions to A Saigon Cafe.
  • SixtyTwo Marcket: Fresh, seasonal farm-to-table cuisine in Wailuku. Check their seasonal menu at SixtyTwo Marcket.
  • The Empanada Lady: Serving delicious Caribbean food in a private little courtyard. Check out The Empanada Lady.
  • Tiffany’s Maui: Legendary local spot serving classic, family-style comfort foods. View the menu at Tiffany’s Maui.
  • Sam Sato’s: Famous for their iconic “dry mein” noodles, saimin, and turnovers. Open for breakfast and lunch.
  • Stillwell’s Bakery & Cafe: A great local bakery with beautiful French-style desserts. Browse pastries at Stillwell’s Bakery.
  • Cafe O’Lei at The Mill: Beautiful restaurant at the tropical plantation, decorated by the same designer who styled Mama’s Fish House. Book a table at the Cafe O’Lei.
  • 💡 Central Food Trucks: Food trucks are more and more popular! There are more than a dozen food trucks parked across the street from Costco, and La Poblana is an authentic Mexican food truck parked right in the Lowe’s parking lot.

Kihei & Wailea Restaurants

West Side Restaurants

  • Seascape Restaurant (Maalaea Harbor): Located down the stairs next to the Ocean Center aquarium. Seated outdoors under a covered deck overlooking the harbor and Haleakala crater—great before sunset! Book a spot at the Seascape Restaurant .
  • Havens Harborside (Maalaea): Located right down below the harbor; excellent fish and burger restaurant. See the menu at Havens Maui.
  • Moku Roots: A fantastic, creative vegetarian and zero-waste restaurant. Check out their menu at Moku Roots.
  • Honu Oceanside & Mala Ocean Tavern: Located right by the ocean down Front Street. It is simpler, away from the heavy crowds, and offers easy parking. Book tables at Honu Oceanside and Mala Ocean Tavern.
  • Star Noodle: A highly popular combination of fresh Asian specialty noodles and shared plates right on the water. Book well in advance via the Star Noodle.
  • Leilani’s on the Beach (Kaanapali): Sitting right next to the beach with live music playing around sunset. Visit the Leilani’s.
  • Monkeypod Kitchen (Kaanapali): Great vibrant spot; I had a delicious pizza here! Look up menus at Monkeypod Kitchen.
  • Joey’s Kitchen (Kaanapali): Excellent, casual local and Filipino fusion food. See details at Joey’s Kitchen Whalers Village.
  • The Sea House (Kapalua): Highly recommended for the incredible view—it sits right on a beach with turquoise water. Book a table at the Sea House Restaurant.

Let us know if there are other things you are thinking about and we will be happy to help! And when you get here and experience some great activities or restaurants, please share them with us so we can pass on the information to future guests.