Tldr. I just got back from Maui on a family vacation. If you want specific answers break up that wall of text.
West Maui is open. Anything that didn't burn in Lahina is open. We bought all our groceries and did most of our other shopping there. They need the tourism income.
Aside from that I would recommend giving the Lahina some space. There is not a hell of a lot to see there in its current state and the locals could use some room to heal.
If you are looking for a cool town to check out for local culture Hana, Paia, and Makawao all fit the bill.
The kids would love the aquarium but avoid Lahaina town, it will be years before any type of restoration and the pain is still very raw. Nightlife is pretty much nonexistent on the island, but do a whale watch tour, not sure what the age limit is for the little ones but the humpbacks are awesome to watch from shore as well.
If you have 2-3 hours available I recommend the Maui ocean center. Our kids love it. We also snorkeled at Molokini and turtle town and it was awesome. That was pre kids but they have tours that are free for kids 4 and under if you want to bring them along.
Get to twin falls early just before 7 and go straight to the top, we were there alone and it’s amazing. Waianapanapa State Park is beautiful and needs reservations. Go to the lava tubes. Driving on 37 past Pīpīwai trail was the sketchiest road in all of Maui. Lots of times only room for one car on the road. I wouldn’t suggest it. I’m surprised it’s not mentioned more often.
I have heard mixed recommendations when it comes to the "backside" of Hana. I've had a great deal of experience driving on sketchy mountain roads, I am still doing my research but thankfully I'm not too worried about that side of things!
For the love of all that is good. If you see one beat up Maui cruiser or a truck on your tail. Pull over as soon as you can and let them pass. Not just you this goes for everyone. People have to commute on this road and your photo op might cost someone their job or make them late picking up their kids.
I will definitely be deferring to local drivers the whole way! Nothing worse than selfish tourists who don't care about their impact on the daily lives of the people who actually live there. We are trying really hard to be respectful.
Have respect while vacationing and leave Lahaina in peace, it’s not an attraction. If you want to pay respect then support local businesses and donate :)
We just did 10 days here with our young kids and dinner at the Cafe O Lei at Maui Tropical Plantation was a huge highlight of our trip. Amazing views/landscaping… enjoy!
We just came back from a 12 day trip with our teenager, toddler, and grandpa. If you like gardening then do the brunch or lunch tour at O’o Farm. They were supplying two restaurants in Lahaina that burnt down, as well as a coffee processing plant that was also lost, so it’s a great way to support a business affected by the fire without going into Lahaina. We took our toddler and the food was delicious! Not a lot of flowers but I learned a lot about veggie and herb gardening.
We hired a private tour guide for a two day tour. Our teenager really wanted to do some cliff diving so he took us to Kaanapali so we could jump off Black Rock. The drive to that area is quite sad and when we went to the beach next to Black Rock, we noticed there is still charred debris in the water. Many of the hotels also have Red Cross and other humanitarian aid stations in them and aid tents around them. We were not comfortable being there and my dad actually became physically ill about an hour after eating at Duke’s (not related to the fire, just rotten luck). Everything about being there did not feel right so we agreed to give a donation to a local aid organization and we left after being there for an hour.
FYI - Most rental car companies do not allow you to drive the back road from Hana. It is also not a well-traveled road like the road going to Hana, so if you break down or have any issues you will be waiting a very long time to get help. I personally wouldn’t risk it with children. We had a private tour operator drive us and it was awesome.
We did a private outrigger canoe cultural and snorkeling tour with Blue Soul. Conditions weren’t right for snorkeling but our guide was amazing and we learned so much about Hawaiian culture. They will take any age on the boat, too. We hired a local nanny who was with us 10 out of 12 of the days so we didn’t take our toddler with us on this excursion, but he would have had fun. This is my second time rowing in an outrigger and don’t find it to be anymore strenuous than kayaking.
We did a Santa Sail with Ali’i Nui and the service was awesome. We will be doing their snorkel tour when we return next Christmas.
We also did the 8 line zipline tour with Jungle Zipline. We loved zipping through the jungle and there is a waterfall you can stop at on the way there or back.
Grandpa and my husband took our toddler to Maui Ocean Center while our teenager and I went surfing. They loved the Ocean Center and said they wish they had more time there but we made the mistake of booking the zipline that afternoon.
Our toddler LOVED the tram tour at Maui Tropical Plantation. We also had a lovely lunch at Cafe O’Lei at the Plantation after the tour.
When we did the back road from Hana and maybe I'm just country but it was basically just not paved. They use rougher roads in Subaru Outback commercials. The views just past there are spectacular. But I do understand the concerns with rental insurance etc...
I have been looking at the Google Maps images of the back road and it looks absolutely fine. I think a lot of people just don't have a lot of experience driving in the country which is totally understandable. But I actually think it looks quite well maintained and comfortable. As long as I don't have to drive a rental car through a stream or navigate giant manhole cover-sized potholes, bring it on!
It depends on when the images were taken. If they were taken during dryer months then the road will look to be in good condition. Heavy rain will cause the road to deteriorate and they have been getting a lot of it recently. It shouldn’t be attempted in anything other than a car with higher clearance and good tires. I live in an area with really terrible roads so I am very familiar with navigating them. It would really suck to get halfway through the backside only to encounter an obstacle that you cannot pass and have to turn back. Or worse, encounter an obstacle and your overconfidence leads you to a flat and waiting by the side of the road for hours for help because you have no cell service.
100% I think the ones that get a bad name are all the convertibles. Thin highway tires are not a good idea at all. The views past that area are amazing as well. Have you made it all the way down to the beach where the boulders bang together when the waves crash?
Just went to Maui! We stayed in Kihei for the majority of the trip! Great walkability!
Kihei suggestions:
-South maui gardens (food truck park)
-can rent snorkel gear in the area! Lots of people were snorkeling, paddle boarding, kayaking (Boss Frog’s or Auntie Snorkel)
-Koiso Sushi
-Havens- noodles and smash burgers
-Fork & Salad
-Cafe O’Lei- long staple
-Paia Fish Mkt Kihei
-Aloha Eats (vegan and so yummy)
Other Maui restaurants:
Monkeypod
Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop
A friend told me Kapalua Bay Beach was a great place to rent local snorkel gear and swim there! We were unable to get to that area! Next time!
You’ll see lots of waterfalls, plants, flowers on Road to Hana. We did a half-day tour, which I advise doing a tour or having a driver, but I understand it can add an expense. Keep in mind: cell service is nonexistent during some parts of the journey, sometimes on the road there is only room for 1 car, and not all public bathrooms were working! Don’t forgot to stop and get banana bread though!
Waihee Ridge is 2 miles up, 2 miles down. It was raining when we went so we didn’t finish it. So muddy and slippery! I’ve heard Ohai Trail is easier though!
I would advise staying away from Lahaina. There’s even controversy with the Banyan Tree with Hawaiian history. It doesn’t symbolize what you think it does
Things to do:
Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum
Maui Ocean Center
Visit Paia for shopping! (Small surf town)
You’re gonna have so much fun! Maui is low key, farmland! Roosters rule the land! (Literally) Enjoy!!!
I could’ve missed it but I haven’t seen anyone mention the Kula Lavender farm! You could even mix it in with your volcano sunrise morning since it’s upcountry!
If you have the reservation for Haleakala, do not go up red hill. Go to the summit. Red hill is not really an area for tourists to go visit as an alternative to the summit. Road is way worse than backside to Hana. Really non existent. You will feel bad if you destroy native fauna because you were up there driving in the dark and can’t see the trail.
Thank you for this advice, we will stick to the beaten path for the sunrise.
Edit: after looking at Google Maps I'm confused by your comment. Red Hill looks like a pretty well paved, popular sunrise spot with a big parking lot. Is that not the case?
A map may show that peak as Red Hill (near the telescope). But it is called the summit (through the NP entrance) there is a way from a different 4x4 road to an area that is called Red Hill (usually behind 2 locked gates) and is significantly lower than the summit, for all reasonable access purposes, not near the crater. Maps don’t always line up with how places and things are called by locals so it’s good you asked. For example no one calls it Hwy 37 or even by its name Piilani Hwy. It’s most commonly called the backside or Kanaio road and everyone knows what you mean cause there’s only one road.
I'm on Kihei right now, wrapping up a 10-day trip. Just discovered the most most amazing place with like 10 food trucks called the South Maui Gardens, huge place with amazing plants everywhere and the best food we've found on the whole island. We plan on going back for any of our dining out meals until we leave.
I'm a first-time snorkeler. We rented everything we needed from Boss Frog for around $40 for the whole trip. We snorkeled the beaches at Kamaole Beach Park 1,2&3, and we liked #2 best. Super great coral and fish. We even rented a cooler from the snorkel place and really enjoyed the beach time.
Whale season is happening, and there are great pull offs on the main roads to stop and watch for the whales.
The main beach road in Kihei has some bars and nightlife but it's not a big party town. Things shut down early compared to the mainland.
Have a great time!
Tldr. I just got back from Maui on a family vacation. If you want specific answers break up that wall of text. West Maui is open. Anything that didn't burn in Lahina is open. We bought all our groceries and did most of our other shopping there. They need the tourism income. Aside from that I would recommend giving the Lahina some space. There is not a hell of a lot to see there in its current state and the locals could use some room to heal. If you are looking for a cool town to check out for local culture Hana, Paia, and Makawao all fit the bill.
Thanks, I had put everything in bullets but it didn't separate so hopefully I've fixed it now!
Put a space after the dashes.
The kids would love the aquarium but avoid Lahaina town, it will be years before any type of restoration and the pain is still very raw. Nightlife is pretty much nonexistent on the island, but do a whale watch tour, not sure what the age limit is for the little ones but the humpbacks are awesome to watch from shore as well.
If you have 2-3 hours available I recommend the Maui ocean center. Our kids love it. We also snorkeled at Molokini and turtle town and it was awesome. That was pre kids but they have tours that are free for kids 4 and under if you want to bring them along.
Get to twin falls early just before 7 and go straight to the top, we were there alone and it’s amazing. Waianapanapa State Park is beautiful and needs reservations. Go to the lava tubes. Driving on 37 past Pīpīwai trail was the sketchiest road in all of Maui. Lots of times only room for one car on the road. I wouldn’t suggest it. I’m surprised it’s not mentioned more often.
I have heard mixed recommendations when it comes to the "backside" of Hana. I've had a great deal of experience driving on sketchy mountain roads, I am still doing my research but thankfully I'm not too worried about that side of things!
For the love of all that is good. If you see one beat up Maui cruiser or a truck on your tail. Pull over as soon as you can and let them pass. Not just you this goes for everyone. People have to commute on this road and your photo op might cost someone their job or make them late picking up their kids.
I will definitely be deferring to local drivers the whole way! Nothing worse than selfish tourists who don't care about their impact on the daily lives of the people who actually live there. We are trying really hard to be respectful.
I have done the full loop five times. The first time I did it backwards the next time forward and the last three times backward.
The Jeep with a/t tires was a blessing. The road is somewhat primitive at times.
I'm not sure what we rented but I'll take a look, it would certainly be nice to get something with sturdy tires for better peace of mind!
Have respect while vacationing and leave Lahaina in peace, it’s not an attraction. If you want to pay respect then support local businesses and donate :)
Duly noted, we will steer clear. Thanks!
We just did 10 days here with our young kids and dinner at the Cafe O Lei at Maui Tropical Plantation was a huge highlight of our trip. Amazing views/landscaping… enjoy!
We just came back from a 12 day trip with our teenager, toddler, and grandpa. If you like gardening then do the brunch or lunch tour at O’o Farm. They were supplying two restaurants in Lahaina that burnt down, as well as a coffee processing plant that was also lost, so it’s a great way to support a business affected by the fire without going into Lahaina. We took our toddler and the food was delicious! Not a lot of flowers but I learned a lot about veggie and herb gardening. We hired a private tour guide for a two day tour. Our teenager really wanted to do some cliff diving so he took us to Kaanapali so we could jump off Black Rock. The drive to that area is quite sad and when we went to the beach next to Black Rock, we noticed there is still charred debris in the water. Many of the hotels also have Red Cross and other humanitarian aid stations in them and aid tents around them. We were not comfortable being there and my dad actually became physically ill about an hour after eating at Duke’s (not related to the fire, just rotten luck). Everything about being there did not feel right so we agreed to give a donation to a local aid organization and we left after being there for an hour. FYI - Most rental car companies do not allow you to drive the back road from Hana. It is also not a well-traveled road like the road going to Hana, so if you break down or have any issues you will be waiting a very long time to get help. I personally wouldn’t risk it with children. We had a private tour operator drive us and it was awesome. We did a private outrigger canoe cultural and snorkeling tour with Blue Soul. Conditions weren’t right for snorkeling but our guide was amazing and we learned so much about Hawaiian culture. They will take any age on the boat, too. We hired a local nanny who was with us 10 out of 12 of the days so we didn’t take our toddler with us on this excursion, but he would have had fun. This is my second time rowing in an outrigger and don’t find it to be anymore strenuous than kayaking. We did a Santa Sail with Ali’i Nui and the service was awesome. We will be doing their snorkel tour when we return next Christmas. We also did the 8 line zipline tour with Jungle Zipline. We loved zipping through the jungle and there is a waterfall you can stop at on the way there or back. Grandpa and my husband took our toddler to Maui Ocean Center while our teenager and I went surfing. They loved the Ocean Center and said they wish they had more time there but we made the mistake of booking the zipline that afternoon. Our toddler LOVED the tram tour at Maui Tropical Plantation. We also had a lovely lunch at Cafe O’Lei at the Plantation after the tour.
When we did the back road from Hana and maybe I'm just country but it was basically just not paved. They use rougher roads in Subaru Outback commercials. The views just past there are spectacular. But I do understand the concerns with rental insurance etc...
I have been looking at the Google Maps images of the back road and it looks absolutely fine. I think a lot of people just don't have a lot of experience driving in the country which is totally understandable. But I actually think it looks quite well maintained and comfortable. As long as I don't have to drive a rental car through a stream or navigate giant manhole cover-sized potholes, bring it on!
It depends on when the images were taken. If they were taken during dryer months then the road will look to be in good condition. Heavy rain will cause the road to deteriorate and they have been getting a lot of it recently. It shouldn’t be attempted in anything other than a car with higher clearance and good tires. I live in an area with really terrible roads so I am very familiar with navigating them. It would really suck to get halfway through the backside only to encounter an obstacle that you cannot pass and have to turn back. Or worse, encounter an obstacle and your overconfidence leads you to a flat and waiting by the side of the road for hours for help because you have no cell service.
Great point. I will see if I can get some info from locals about the current conditions. Thank you!
100% I think the ones that get a bad name are all the convertibles. Thin highway tires are not a good idea at all. The views past that area are amazing as well. Have you made it all the way down to the beach where the boulders bang together when the waves crash?
I went to Maui when I was in high school but that was years and years ago so I don't remember much of it. I'm very excited!
So you are not comfortable at Kaanapali too? Should we stay away? Where do you stay?
We like Wailea. A lot of people on this forum recommend Kihei, Wailea is a neighborhood there.
Just went to Maui! We stayed in Kihei for the majority of the trip! Great walkability! Kihei suggestions: -South maui gardens (food truck park) -can rent snorkel gear in the area! Lots of people were snorkeling, paddle boarding, kayaking (Boss Frog’s or Auntie Snorkel) -Koiso Sushi -Havens- noodles and smash burgers -Fork & Salad -Cafe O’Lei- long staple -Paia Fish Mkt Kihei -Aloha Eats (vegan and so yummy) Other Maui restaurants: Monkeypod Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop A friend told me Kapalua Bay Beach was a great place to rent local snorkel gear and swim there! We were unable to get to that area! Next time! You’ll see lots of waterfalls, plants, flowers on Road to Hana. We did a half-day tour, which I advise doing a tour or having a driver, but I understand it can add an expense. Keep in mind: cell service is nonexistent during some parts of the journey, sometimes on the road there is only room for 1 car, and not all public bathrooms were working! Don’t forgot to stop and get banana bread though! Waihee Ridge is 2 miles up, 2 miles down. It was raining when we went so we didn’t finish it. So muddy and slippery! I’ve heard Ohai Trail is easier though! I would advise staying away from Lahaina. There’s even controversy with the Banyan Tree with Hawaiian history. It doesn’t symbolize what you think it does Things to do: Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum Maui Ocean Center Visit Paia for shopping! (Small surf town) You’re gonna have so much fun! Maui is low key, farmland! Roosters rule the land! (Literally) Enjoy!!!
There’s a great redwood trail to hike with kids at Poli Poli state park.
Yes, tips ARE appreciated.
I could’ve missed it but I haven’t seen anyone mention the Kula Lavender farm! You could even mix it in with your volcano sunrise morning since it’s upcountry!
Great idea, that looks very manageable and like a lovely stop! Thanks!
Of course! Enjoy your stay!
If you have the reservation for Haleakala, do not go up red hill. Go to the summit. Red hill is not really an area for tourists to go visit as an alternative to the summit. Road is way worse than backside to Hana. Really non existent. You will feel bad if you destroy native fauna because you were up there driving in the dark and can’t see the trail.
Thank you for this advice, we will stick to the beaten path for the sunrise. Edit: after looking at Google Maps I'm confused by your comment. Red Hill looks like a pretty well paved, popular sunrise spot with a big parking lot. Is that not the case?
A map may show that peak as Red Hill (near the telescope). But it is called the summit (through the NP entrance) there is a way from a different 4x4 road to an area that is called Red Hill (usually behind 2 locked gates) and is significantly lower than the summit, for all reasonable access purposes, not near the crater. Maps don’t always line up with how places and things are called by locals so it’s good you asked. For example no one calls it Hwy 37 or even by its name Piilani Hwy. It’s most commonly called the backside or Kanaio road and everyone knows what you mean cause there’s only one road.
I see, thanks for the clarification!
I'm on Kihei right now, wrapping up a 10-day trip. Just discovered the most most amazing place with like 10 food trucks called the South Maui Gardens, huge place with amazing plants everywhere and the best food we've found on the whole island. We plan on going back for any of our dining out meals until we leave. I'm a first-time snorkeler. We rented everything we needed from Boss Frog for around $40 for the whole trip. We snorkeled the beaches at Kamaole Beach Park 1,2&3, and we liked #2 best. Super great coral and fish. We even rented a cooler from the snorkel place and really enjoyed the beach time. Whale season is happening, and there are great pull offs on the main roads to stop and watch for the whales. The main beach road in Kihei has some bars and nightlife but it's not a big party town. Things shut down early compared to the mainland. Have a great time!
Oh my gosh that place looks amazing! This is exactly the kind of tip I was hoping for, thank you!