Discover The Real Maui: Go Local

Many visitors come to Maui to unwind and enjoy the amenities at one of the island’s beautiful resorts or hotels. While this idea of a perfect vacation is completely understandable, we also encourage visitors to get out and discover the people and places that make Maui’s culture so vibrant. In discovering the many wonders of Maui’s smaller towns and communities, you’ll not only connect with different aspects of this unique culture, you’ll mālama by supporting local mom-and-pop merchants.

Ha‘ikū

This serene village is situated about two miles inland from Maui’s north shore, embraced by a lush rainforest. Slow down and enjoy what might feel like a trip back in time.

On the way in, you’ll find rolling green hills and farms with pastures full of goats and horses. Arriving in town, you’ll discover friendly local merchants, resident artists and a limited but memorable choice of food options.

Once you’ve explored town, you’ll have an opportunity to develop a deeper sense of kuleana (responsibility) for our island’s delicate ecosystems with a hike to the secluded beauty of Twin Falls. When you’re ready to head out of the area, be sure to visit Ho‘okipa Beach Park, where—if conditions are right—you’ll be treated to a show from the many expert wind and kite surfers who flock to this shore.

Pā‘ia

Just four miles into your drive to Hāna from Kahului, you’ll discover the historic town of Pā‘ia on Maui’s north coast. Divided into Lower Pā‘ia and Pā‘ia, this hospitable community was once a booming plantation town during the heyday of Maui’s sugar cane industry. Today, Pā‘ia is a town of colorful, rustic storefronts filled with local art galleries, one-of-a-kind shopping boutiques and restaurants.

Grab a fish burger at the popular Pā‘ia Fishmarket, then head to Ho‘okipa Beach, the “windsurfing capital of the world.” During the winter, big north shore waves make Ho‘okipa Beach a magnet for world-class windsurfers and kite surfers. Watch the pros compete or swim and sunbathe in the calmer summer months. Another popular Pā‘ia beach is H.A. Baldwin Beach Park, which features a baby beach with a lagoon.

Note that during the winter, wave conditions can be extremely dangerous so it is your kuleana to follow all safety signs.

Discover Lānaʻi

Lāna‘i City

Just three miles north of the airport, Lāna‘i City was founded in the early 1900s as a plantation town at the center of the island’s booming pineapple industry. In its heyday, Lāna‘i was responsible for 75 percent of the world’s pineapple production, and the fruit is still celebrated in the city’s annual Pineapple Festival. Located in Lāna‘i’s central highlands and at an elevation of 1,700 feet, Lāna‘i City is noticeably cooler than coastal areas of the island.

Many of the shops, restaurants and businesses of Lāna‘i City are found near Dole Park. This grassy spot is a popular place for locals to gather, meet and picnic. The towering pines lining the park provide just the right amount of shade on a sunny afternoon.

Keahiakawelo

Much of Lāna‘i is uninhabited wilderness, accessible only by fourwheel drive vehicle. In the dry, shadeless center of the island you will find Keahiakawelo (the fire of Kawelo). According to Hawaiian tradition, Kawelo was a Lāna‘i kahuna (priests) who protected the people of Lāna‘i from the ill-intentions of Lanikaula, a Moloka‘i kahuna. This region used to be covered in native dryland forest, but environmental degradation due to invasive ungulates and subsequent erosion has resulted in the arid landscape you see today. The setting sun casts a warm orange glow on the rocks, illuminating them in brilliant reds and purples. And on a clear day, visitors can see the islands of Moloka‘i and O‘ahu. Please respect this intriguing natural wonder and sacred site: Do not stand or sit on the rock formations, and the removal or stacking of rocks is disrespectful. Access Keahiakawelo by hike or four-wheel drive.

Discover Molokaʻi

Kaunakakai

In the central town of Kaunakakai, an absence of traffic lights takes you back to a simpler time, virtually unchanged since the early 1900s. This charming paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) town is also the island’s main harbor, where some locals still fish for their dinner.

The town’s main strip, Ala Malama Avenue, was named after the nearby house used by King Kamehameha V in the 1860s. Take a slow stroll to discover the shops and boutiques of its business district. You might want to join the crowd of locals and visitors alike at Kanemitsu’s Bakery, who line up daily for piping-hot loaves of bread. Be sure to order their famous onion-and-cheese bread or slather a half loaf with jelly, butter, cream cheese or cinnamon. It’s a Moloka‘i must.

Other local Kaunakakai eateries and shops include Friendly Market, Mrs. K’s Lunch Counter, Pascua’s General Store and the Moloka‘i Pizza Café. And don’t forget the Saturday outdoor market, perfect for a Moloka‘i day trip.

Maunaloa

This small, charming plantation village set in the hills above the coast is the only town in West End. The Maunaloa area is near two popular Moloka‘i beaches, Pāpōhaku Beach and Kapukahehu Beach on the western coast and is also a great place to find rental condominiums and cottages.

You’ll also find a unique shop and galleries in Maunaloa including the famous Big Wind Kite Factory. You’ll discover everything from Hawaiian Chili Pepper windsocks to high-performance stunt kites here. Go on a tour of the factory or take a free kite-flying lesson. Many of their kites are handmade right on Moloka‘i and make perfect gifts that can only be found in Maunaloa.

Maui Friday

Town Parties

Check out the unique art and history of Maui’s diverse communities at Maui Friday Town Parties. On the second and fourth Friday of the month, different towns host a festival with music, food and entertainment.

Visit mauifridays.com for more details…don’t miss this great event if you’re visiting on a Friday!

• Second Friday: Lāhainā

• Fourth Friday: Kīhei