My views do not necessarily reflect the views of my employer.
June 5, 2025
In February 2003, my family gathered in Maui to celebrate Wendy and Stu’s 10-year anniversary. I flew over from winter in New York City – about as far from Hawaii, in every way, as you can get. I had been working at the NBC Experience at Rockefeller Center and, even though I only worked there one day a week, I couldn’t stand it anymore, so I’d quit right before going on vacation. One morning, the Honolulu Bazaar featured a front-page photo of snow piled up to the traffic light right in front of Rockefeller Center. Reading that article from beachy-paradise rocked my world. I had it framed. Hawaii was a perfect place to slow down and warm up after the city’s freezing hustle and bustle. We took an unforgettable helicopter tour and declared Maui to be the epitome of the beach vacation I’d imagined. Since then, my family has returned to Maui (without me) a few times more than I have.
When I visited Maui on Coral Princess in 2023, I checked how close we were to Mama’s Fish House – a restaurant my family raved about. It was on the other side of the island, so I stayed in Lahaina and ate at the restaurant owned by Fleetwood Mac (where Wendy said the bartenders were as attractive as the food was delicious). Little did I know that Lahaina would be devastated by wildfires shortly after.
This time we docked in Kahului. A quick look at the map showed that Mama’s Fish House was much closer! When I told Wendy, she strongly encouraged me to go – and she is usually right about these things.
Looking closer, I saw it wasn’t quite as close as I thought it was- I could take an Uber or Lyft, or I could take a bus that came every 2.5 hours.
I decided to try the bus. I left the ship early to give myself plenty of time to get to the bus stop and get oriented. Well, I ended up getting there 25 minutes early. I didn’t want to wait for 25 minutes, so I hustled to grab a coffee, settled for an overpriced one I didn’t really want, and rushed back… just in time to watch the bus go by- 10 minutes early! I knew Hawaiian buses could be unreliable, but 10 minutes early was very strange.
I ordered a Lyft – and then saw a bus with the number I was looking for stop across the street -at the time it was meant to arrive. That’s when I realized I’d gotten turned around, read the map upside down and waited on the wrong side of the street. I laughed at myself and waited for my ride.
My Lyft driver was a local who’d grown up on Maui. He shared his favorite restaurants: Ogo – (a food truck-turned-affordable restaurant loved by locals, despite Google Maps saying it’s permanently closed), Tin Roof and Tobi’s Poke and Shaved Ice. I didn’t try them myself – because when I got to Mama’s, there was plenty of room at the bar.
One of our residents, Diana- who used to work as a tour guide on Maui- said the beach by Mama’s Fish House is one of the safest for swimming. I wore my swimsweet under my clothes.
I ordered the cocktail recommended by the bartender. It was light, gingery
I ordered an appetizer and an entree to be sure I would be sufficiently fed, but then the waitress brought out freshly baked bread and a thimble of mushroom soup… complements of the chef. Now I would have to try not to eat too much.
The appetizer was incredible.
For my entree, the bartender mentioned the curry was the staff favorite, but it seemed too hot of a day for curry. I was at a renowned fish place torn between scallops and some other seafood that I loved. But, as someone who has worked places, I ended up ordering the staff’s pick.
It was so good. I was soon struggling to finish it. Still, after a hot and spicy meal, there’s always room for something cold and creamy.
I could see why my family loved this place.
When I’d consumed as much as I could, I headed to the beach. I had more than an hour before the next bus arrived. I lay on the sand, but I was too full to get comfortable – whether on my back or stomach, the sand drew attention to how much I’d eaten. But it was so worth it.
This time I caught the correct bus (on the correct side of the street) and slowly meandered through the shops before heading back to my floating home.
Here is my Destination Presentation for Maui:
Kahului, Maui, Hawaii
Mahalo to Diana for all of her help and expertise! A lot of the points of interest on the Shaka guide app have Diana’s narrations.
Itinerary:
Kahului, Maui, Hawaii, USA
Arrival: Thursday, June 5 9:00am(Please allow time for port clearance)
Departure: Thursday, June 5 All aboard: 6pm Sail away: 7pm
We’re only there for 10 hours so use plan your time wisely.
Terminal Address:
Pier 1 – 130 Ala Luina Street, Kahului HI 96732
Intro:
Aloha and welcome to Kahului, the bustling harbor town that serves as the gateway to the island of Maui, often called The Valley Isle for its lush valleys, towering mountains, and golden coastlines. Though Kahului itself is more commercial than scenic, it’s your launchpad for discovering one of the most beloved islands in Hawaii.
Maui is known for its jaw-dropping landscapes, from the Road to Hāna and ʻĪao Valley to the sunrise atop Haleakalā and the world-class beaches of Wailea and Kāʻanapali. Whether you’re here for nature, culture, or food, Maui delivers with a relaxed pace and unforgettable beauty.
So whether you’re sipping fresh coconut juice by the sea or driving a winding road through a rainforest, Maui offers a deep connection to the land—and a warm dose of aloha.
Why Are We Here?
Maui is a treasure trove of natural wonders and traditional Hawaiian culture. It’s where volcanic peaks meet cascading waterfalls, and quiet plantation towns lead to luxury resorts and surf-friendly beaches.
Kahului itself may be Maui’s commercial center, but the real magic lies just beyond: you can visit the sacred ʻĪao Needle, taste fresh banana bread along the Road to Hāna, or witness the sunrise from the 10,000-foot summit of Haleakalā. For those staying closer to port, stunning beaches and cultural experiences are just a short ride away.
History:
Maui has been inhabited by Native Hawaiians for over a thousand years, with fertile valleys that supported large populations through taro farming and fishpond aquaculture. King Kamehameha I fought several battles on Maui during his quest to unify the Hawaiian Islands.
The ʻĪao Valley is one of Maui’s most sacred sites. It was the location of the Battle of Kepaniwai in 1790, a bloody clash that helped secure Kamehameha’s control of the islands.
In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Maui became a center for sugarcane and pineapple plantations, drawing laborers from China, Japan, Portugal, and the Philippines—shaping the multicultural island we know today.
Today, Maui honors its history through preserved cultural sites, restored fishponds, and community efforts to revive traditional Hawaiian practices like hula, canoe building, and taro farming.
On Arrival:
We arrive in Kahului on Thursday, June 5th at 8:00 a.m., and depart the same evening at 6:00 p.m. This is a docked port, so you’ll step right off the ship onto land.
Near the Pier:
Shopping & Essentials:
- Queen Ka‘ahumanu Center – Full-service mall with shops, restaurants, and entertainment.
- Walmart & Costco – Large retailers for essentials and souvenirs.
- Longs Drugs – Nearest pharmacy (part of the CVS family).
- ATM Access – Available at most large stores and the mall.
Food Trucks:
A variety of local food trucks can often be found near the harbor and around town—perfect for a quick and authentic Hawaiian meal.
Closest Beach: Kanahā Beach Park – Just east of the harbor and near the airport. Known for windsurfing, kiteboarding, and its mile-long stretch of soft white sand.
- Access via Hana Highway (Route 36)
- Ample parking available
Nearest Golf Course: The Dunes at Maui Lani Golf Course
- Address: 1333 Mauilani Parkway, Kahului, HI 96732
- Public, links-style course offering a unique Maui golf experience.
Getting Around:
Taxis:
Readily available outside the terminal for convenient transport into town or to nearby attractions.
Ride Shares (Lyft & Uber):
Available near the harbor, though they cannot pick up directly at the ship. You’ll need to walk a short distance—Whole Foods is a common pickup spot.
Tip: Check pricing in advance—Turo, a peer-to-peer car rental service, may be more cost-effective for the day.
Turo:
Rent a personal vehicle through the Turo app. Some hosts will drop the car off at or near Whole Foods, which is within walking distance from the pier.
Public Transit – The Maui Bus:
For budget-friendly travel, the Maui Bus stops near the harbor and connects to Kahului and beyond.
- Fare: $3.00 (Cash only)
- Includes 2.5 hours of unlimited transfers
This is a great option if you’re comfortable navigating a local bus system and want to save money.
Witnessing:
ʻĪao Valley State Monument
- Īao Needle:
A 1,200-foot-tall natural rock pinnacle rising from the valley floor. From the top viewing area, you can often spot your cruise ship in the harbor below!
- Replica Cultural Homes:
Near the base of the trail, you’ll find reconstructed homes representing various ethnic groups that shaped Maui’s history. This area is popular with local families for picnicking. - Rainforest Hike:
A moderate walk through a tropical rainforest setting:- Approx. 65 steps down from the parking area
- Steep in places, but manageable for most guests with proper footwear
- Ends at a giant, photogenic tree at the valley floor—great photo opportunity.
Important Visitor Info:
- Distance from Pier: ~10 minutes by car
- Admission: Reservation and paid parking required
- Reservations: Book in advance at the Hawai‘i State Parks website (recommended to reserve the day before your visit)
- Hours: Typically open from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Haleakalā National Park
- Upcountry Maui, home to Haleakalā (hah-leh-ah-kah-lah) — the largest dormant volcano in the world
- Famed for sunrise above the clouds
- Hike through alien-like volcanic landscapes on trails inside the crater
- Hosmer Grove Trail – Easy loop near the summit, with native plants and introduced trees
- Home to the Haleakalā Observatory, which:
- Takes solar measurements
- Helps monitor global weather patterns
Road to Hāna
Often called one of the most beautiful coastal drives in the world, the Road to Hāna is an unforgettable journey through some of Maui’s most breathtaking scenery. This legendary highway winds through lush rainforests, past plunging waterfalls, black sand beaches, and dramatic ocean cliffs.
- The Hāna Highway stretches 52 miles from Kahului to Hāna.
- It includes 620 curves and 59 narrow bridges, most of which are one lane wide.
- The road hugs the coastline on one side and rises into jungle-covered mountains on the other — it’s truly a bucket list experience.
This adventure is best done as part of a guided tour, especially if you’re only visiting for the day. Driving it yourself can be stressful due to the narrow, twisting roads and limited pull-offs.
Tour Pricing:
Expect to pay around $250–$275 per person for a full-day guided excursion.
Highlights Along the Way:
- Twin Falls – A great photo stop with short hikes and waterfall swims
- Aunt Sandy’s Banana Bread – A must-try local favorite, warm and fresh from the oven
- Black Sand Beach at Waiʻānapanapa State Park
- Bamboo Forest – A serene, otherworldly walk through towering bamboo groves
- Lava Rock Coastlines – Unspoiled, dramatic views of Maui’s volcanic heritage
Learning:
To deepen your understanding of Maui’s culture, check out:
- Bailey House Museum (Hale Hōʻikeʻike) – Located in Wailuku, this historic home offers insights into missionary life and Hawaiian history.
- Maui Arts & Cultural Center (MACC) – Hosts Hawaiian music, hula, visual arts, and cultural festivals year-round.
- Heritage Gardens at Kepaniwai Park – Celebrate Maui’s diverse immigrant communities with landscaped gardens and historical replicas.
- Maui Ocean Center – Located nearby in Maʻalaea (about 25 minutes from the ship), this top-rated aquarium showcases native Hawaiian marine life and ocean conservation.
Some excursions include visits to native Hawaiian farms, where you can learn about taro cultivation, lei-making, and lauhala weaving.
Exploring:
Maui Tropical Plantation – Just a 15-minute drive from the pier, the Maui Tropical Plantation is a beautiful and relaxed spot to experience Maui’s agricultural heritage in a scenic, family-friendly setting.
Set against the backdrop of the West Maui Mountains, this working plantation features:
- Botanical Gardens – Stroll through lush gardens showcasing tropical flowers, fruit trees, and native plants.
- Tram Tour (additional cost) – A narrated, 40-minute ride through the plantation with stops to see bananas, pineapples, coconuts, and other crops up close.
- Farmers Market & Coffee Tasting – Browse locally grown produce, handmade goods, and enjoy Maui-grown coffee from their on-site roastery.
- Shopping & Dining – Explore artisan shops or enjoy a meal at The Mill House, known for farm-to-table dishes with incredible views.
- Zipline Adventure – For the adventurous, there’s a zipline course offering bird’s-eye views of the plantation and nearby mountains.
This is a great option if you want to enjoy Maui’s beauty without venturing too far or dealing with winding roads. It’s also ideal for families or guests looking for a relaxed, easygoing day.
Makawao Town -Nestled on the slopes of Haleakalā, Makawao is Maui’s charming upcountry “cowboy town,” blending paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) heritage with an eclectic, artsy vibe.
Once a ranching hub, Makawao is now known for its laid-back atmosphere, historic wooden storefronts, and vibrant art scene. It’s a great spot for strolling, shopping, and sampling local flavors.
Highlights include:
- Art Galleries & Studios – Browse unique works by local artists, including glassblowing, painting, and sculpture.
- Boutiques & Artisan Shops – Find handmade jewelry, clothing, and island-inspired décor.
- T Komoda Store & Bakery – A local institution famous for cream puffs and stick donuts—worth the stop!
- Paniolo Heritage – You might even spot real cowboys riding through town or catch a rodeo event if you’re lucky.
Getting There:
Makawao is about a 40-minute drive from the port. It pairs nicely with visits to nearby lavender farms, botanical gardens, or Haleakalā National Park. This quiet, elevated town offers a cooler climate and a slower pace—perfect for guests looking to explore Maui’s lesser-known, culturally rich side.
Twin Falls
Just a 45-minute drive from the ship, Twin Falls is the perfect introduction to the lush beauty of the Road to Hāna without committing to the full drive. This family-friendly spot features a short hike through a jungle trail, leading to multiple waterfalls, freshwater pools, and a bamboo forest.
Highlights include:
- Three scenic waterfalls with opportunities for wading or photo ops
- Lush hiking trail with tropical plants and bamboo groves
- Local food truck at the entrance—try the fresh coconut or smoothies!
- Pay-to-park lot (cash preferred)
- Restrooms and basic amenities available
Keep an eye out for:
- The nēnē goose (Hawai‘i’s rare and endangered state bird)
- The ʻāhinahina (silversword), a rare plant that blooms once in its lifetime—up to 90 years!
Twin Falls offers a taste of Maui’s wild side—without the time commitment of the full Road to Hāna. It’s ideal for nature lovers seeking waterfalls and rainforest views close to Kahului.
La Perouse Bay
Located at the southern tip of Maui in the ʻĀhihi-Kīnaʻu Natural Area Reserve, La Perouse Bay is home to Maui’s most recent lava flow, dating back to the late 1700s from Haleakalā. This otherworldly landscape of rugged black lava fields is unlike anything else on the island.
What to Expect:
- A scenic coastal drive through jagged lava fields
- A very hot, dry hike over uneven terrain (best in early morning—bring water, sun protection, and sturdy shoes)
- Views of tide pools and dramatic lava rock coastline
- One of the best places to spot Hawaiian monk seals—a rare and protected species
- Limited shade and facilities—this is raw, natural Maui
La Perouse Bay is a striking contrast to Maui’s lush jungles, offering a glimpse of the island’s volcanic origins. It’s an unforgettable stop for geology buffs, wildlife watchers, and anyone seeking off-the-beaten-path adventure.
Explore More of Maui:
Whether you’re after adventure, shopping, or relaxation, there’s something for everyone just a short drive from Kahului:
North Shore Gems:
Paʻia Town
A laid-back surf town with bohemian charm, art galleries, cafes, and boutique shops. Great for people-watching and picking up unique souvenirs.
Ho‘okipa Beach Park
Just outside Paʻia, this is a world-famous spot for wind and kite surfing. Watch the pros take on the waves—or if conditions are calm, take a dip in the protected tide pools.
Mama’s Fish House
This iconic oceanfront restaurant is known for fresh, island-caught seafood and outstanding views. There’s even a small beach out front where you can swim. Reservations for dining are often booked months in advance—but the beach is always open.
South Maui: Kīhei & Wailea
Known for sunny weather, golden beaches, bars, and beachside shopping, South Maui is perfect for relaxing or grabbing lunch with a view.
- Kīhei – More casual, family-friendly beaches and local food trucks
- Wailea – Upscale resorts, fancier shops, and elegant beachfront restaurants
West Maui Adventures
Lahaina
Historic town with a meaningful new chapter—visit the memorial fence lined with flags honoring the community impacted by the 2023 fires. A place of reflection, remembrance, and resilience.
Honolua Bay
One of Maui’s best snorkeling spots, surrounded by lush cliffs. Crystal-clear water and abundant marine life—great for strong swimmers.
ʻĀleʻaleʻa Pools & Nakalele Blowhole
Natural lava rock formations with powerful sprays and swirling tide pools. Beautiful but dangerous—watch from a safe distance.
Kāʻanapali Beach & Black Rock
Home to world-class resorts and cliff diving at Black Rock. Popular beach with great swimming and snorkeling.
Tip: Parking is about $24—arrive early to get a spot.
Snorkeling at Molokini Crater
An unforgettable snorkeling experience at a crescent-shaped, partially submerged volcanic crater teeming with marine life. Best reached by boat tour from Mā‘alaea Harbor (25 mins from Kahului).
Upcountry Maui: Escape to cooler elevations and a slower pace:
- Lavender Farms – Walk fragrant fields, sip lavender tea, and enjoy panoramic views
- Surfing Goat Dairy – Sample local cheeses and learn how they’re made
- Botanical Gardens – Explore tropical and native flora in serene garden settings
- Ocean Vodka Distillery – Tour the facility and enjoy tastings with a view
- MauiWine – Taste pineapple wine and traditional varietals at this scenic estate
King Kamehameha Golf Club
Located near the plantation areas, this upscale golf course offers panoramic views of the island and a serene playing experience.
Shopping:
Maui’s shopping scene balances artisan charm with island-made quality. Look for:
- Made in Maui products – Including locally made soaps, honey, jams, woodwork, and clothing.
- Maui Specialty Chocolates – Home to beloved mochi and handmade chocolates.
- Native Intelligence in Wailuku – A cultural store offering authentic Hawaiian-made goods, books, and tools.
Popular take-home items include Kona coffee, macadamia nuts, tropical fruit jams, and handmade jewelry crafted from local materials.
Tasting:
Maui offers a wide range of flavors, from roadside stands to five-star restaurants. Must-tries include:
- Fresh Poke – Found in grocery stores, cafes, and seafood counters island-wide.
- Kalua Pig – Smoked underground and often featured in plate lunches or luau meals.
- Banana Bread – A Road to Hāna staple. Look for Aunt Sandy’s or Halfway to Hāna stand.
- Loco Moco – A local favorite of rice, burger patty, fried egg, and gravy.
- Garlic Shrimp – Best from North Shore food trucks like Geste Shrimp Truck near Kahului Harbor.
For dessert, try:
- Coconut Cream Pie – Especially from Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop.
- Malasadas – Portuguese-style doughnuts from Home Maid Bakery in Wailuku.
- Shave Ice – Ululani’s offers finely shaved ice with tropical syrups and mochi toppings.
Don’t forget to sip:
- Maui Brewing Co. craft beers, pineapple wine from MauiWine, or a refreshing mai tai made with local rum.
Travel Tips
- Sun Protection – Use reef-safe sunscreen (required by law in Hawaii).
- Footwear – Bring shoes suitable for hiking, beach walking, or waterfalls.
- Hydration – Carry water, especially on long drives or hikes.
- Respect Sacred Sites – If you see a sign that says “Kapu” (forbidden), it’s a traditional site—do not enter.
- Wildlife – Observe sea turtles and monk seals from a distance—they are protected species.
- Weather – Rain is common in jungle areas—bring a light rain jacket just in case.
Safety Reminders
- Maui’s waters can be unpredictable.
- Riptides occur even when seas look calm—don’t go beyond waist-deep.
- Look for lifeguard flags before swimming.
- Calm, family-friendly beaches include Kanahā and Ho‘okipa.