For those who don’t celebrate all things winter and on the contrary find it rather depressing, a break in these months is more than necessary to ensure sanity. While there are many sunny destinations to choose from, I’ve found that Maui satisfies much of my travelling criteria, having everything from the obvious amazing weather and beaches to rich culture and history, spectacular agritourism and dining and golf and many other outdoor sports. Conveniently, Maui is also now a rather short direct flight from Vancouver via Westjet, taking a mere five and a half hours.
Maui is named the Valley Isle because of the valley that lies between the two volcanoes and the actual name Maui comes from the demigod that brought the Hawaiian Islands up from the bottom of the ocean. It’s the second-largest of the Hawaiian Islands at almost 2,000 square kilometers and the island has a rather diverse landscape and varying climates depending on the areas, but the temperature is always rather mild ensuring your holiday will be a warm one.
There are many sub-regions in Maui and I’ve found my favourites, so here’s a snapshot of where to stay, eat and what to do in a selection of the available spots. If you are travelling to Maui I would suggest breaking up your time to spend some nights in a few different spots.
Wailea Resor
On Maui’s southern sunny coast lies Wailea Resort, a well planned accommodation rich community. Here you’ll want to check into the Fairmont
Kea Lani, which is a spectacular oceanfront resort on 22 acres of land. At the Kea Lani there’s a full service spa, fine and casual dining (kids too), three swimming pools as well as some great cultural programs such as Hawaiian canoe rides and language programs. Don’t miss dining at the onsite Ko Restaurant, a gem with plantation inspired cuisine, or venture offsite to Gagnon’s.
Nearby golfing is a must for those into the sport, and the Shops at Wailea offer over seventy boutiques, galleries, shops and dining spots. Also check out Sweet Paradise Chocolates and the wine and cheese shop, Guava Gouda and Caviar along with their adjoining wine bar, Stuey’s, all three located at the Wailea Gateway Center.
Lahaina
In West Maui you’ll find Lahaina, one of the most densely populated towns in Maui, full of shops, dining and even a bit of night life. Stay outside of the main drag in nearby Napili at the Napili Kai Beach Resort. The resort is home to some of the best swimming and snorkeling beaches on Maui, has full kitchens and barbeque areas and four swimming pools, a putting green, hula lessons and bocce.
Stroll on the nearby ocean side path towards Kapulua and be sure to book a service at the Ritz Carlton’s Spa at Kapulua where the treatments are based on native Hawaiian healing techniques using local herbs and plants.
You may not want to leave the resort, but pull yourself away and venture into Lahaina to visit the art galleries such as the Old Jail Gallery or the Martin Lawrence Galleries. Stop for lunch and sample craft beer at Maui Brewing Company or check out Cilantros for some amazing authentic Mexican. At night Pacific’O, Gerard’s Restaurant or David Paul’s Island Grill are at the top of my list for fine dining.
Ka’anapali
Another busy resort area located where sugarcane fields once were farmed is Ka’anapli, a beachside resort with plenty of shops, restaurants and activities to keep you occupied. Here the Ka’anapli Beach Hotel, billed as Hawaii’s “most Hawaiian hotel” has reasonable rates, dozens of complimentary Hawaiian activities and a funky poolside bar and great Sunday brunch.
In the area head to Whaler’s Village for some shopping and be certain not to miss local designer Maggie Coulombe’s boutique woman’s clothing shop and drinks and snacks at nearby Hula Grill. You’ll want to get a bit of exercise and check out the sites as you walk along the beach walkway and at night the Hyatt Regency’s Drum’s of the Pacific Luau is one of Maui’s best.
Top 10 Must-dos in Maui
Whale Watch
Visit MauiGrown Coffee Company Store
Attend the Maui Onion Festival (May 2013)
Golf Maui
Shop (Shops at Wailea, Whaler’s Village, The Lahaina Cannery Mall)
Drink Maui Brewing beer
Watch the sunset at Haleakala volcano
Drive the road to Hana
Visit Maui’s Aquarium
Tour Maui’s Winery at Ulupulakua Ranch
By Cassandra Anderton
