Sure, planning isn't what some people call fun but you gotta do it. To what degree may be different for everyone but one thing is clear: The more planning you do before your vacation, the less time you will lose while you are here. The Frog has seen so many visitors waste days of their precious vacation time trying to find out what is available and then scheduling around the availabilities. This isn't to say anyone should plan their whole vacation like a work schedule. There should always be plenty of time to do what feels right at the time. Just remember some things you may want to do require advanced reservations. It's also good to know where the best snorkel spots are and which good restaurant is closest to where you are staying and how to get there. We're in Hawaii and can help you with all of this.
Driving
Driving on Maui is a little different than most other places. There are no freeways on the island and 55 mph is that fastest speed limit. Most speed limits are slower than you would expect so watch them close. You will also notice that cars tend to pull out in front of you often. It may seem like they are not giving you enough time to stop safely, but before you cuss and blow your horn, take a look at the speed limit and your speedometer. You are likely driving too fast.
Horns are decidedly uncool on Maui. Obviously, if you are in a parking lot and someone is backing into you, you need to let them know. But no matter how wrong someone is in traffic, blasting your horn to let them know what you think is frowned upon. Remember the "Aloha Spirit" and relax. You are on vacation and should leave the stress behind. You'll notice "most" drivers will leave plenty of space between cars in traffic. Please do the same.
Local police do set up drunk driver checkpoints on a random basis for the safety of everyone on the island. To avoid tickets or accidents, take a cab if you plan to be out drinking. If you will attend a luau, remember there will be an open bar. For this reason, The Frog always advises those that drink to attend a luau that is close to where you are staying so you can take a cab home if you have no designated driver with you.
Most of Maui's highways have bicycle lanes and there are lots of bike riders. To avoid a ticket or a tragedy, stay within your lane. Especially when going around curves.
Shopping
You'll never have any trouble spending money on Maui. But there are a few tips The Frog can offer you to get the most for your buck. You can well imagine, a frog is always interested in saving greenbacks.
As The Frog sees it, there are two basic types of shopping on Maui. First, there are the essentials. These are the things you need for your condo or hotel. Groceries and beverages are the most notable expenses here.
While there are grocery stores near most of the hotels and condos they are pretty pricey. If you are a member of Costco, you would be well served by stopping by the Kahului store for those items you want to stock up on. Costco is near the airport and a very convenient first stop after you pick up the rental car. Just be sure that your accommodations will be ready and able to keep frozen or refrigerated items.
Entertainment
Performing Arts: Music and Theater
The island performing art scene is small compared to the fine art one, but locals definitely give it their best effort. The Maui Symphony Orchestra and Chorus perform often throughout the year in venues large and small. They fly in guest artists from Honolulu and the mainland for all major events, including an always well-attended Handels Messiah at Christmas time.
Voice, music and dance training are encouraged somewhat in Mauis youth, and there are a number of events that give young artists a chance to shine. Not to be outdone, the older would-be artistes have organized several performing arts organizations that stage various shows throughout the year. The Iao Theater is the home of Maui Community Theater, a local company that presents several shows yearly. The Maui Academy of Performing Arts is a school and a troupe, performing when and where it can. Surprisingly, the Baldwin Theater Guild (of Baldwin High School) receives some of the largest audiences on the entire island, packing in the crowds for spirited performances of music theater classics. The newest show to hit Maui is wowing the crowds and winning the hearts of critics and locals. Called 'Ulalena, it is performed nightly in the grandiose new Myth & Magic Theater. Activity brokers enthusiastically compare it to the famous Cirque du Soleil. While people who have seen Cirque can find no comparison (except that both choreographers are from Quebec,) the show is inarguably the biggest theatrical spectacle ever to hit Maui. It uses dance, music, theater and a multi-million dollar lighting system to tell the story of Mauis creation.
Concert Halls
When major acts come to Maui (which actually happens more often than one might think,) there is really only one place for them to perform: the Maui Art and Cultural Center. The outdoor amphitheater has a maximum capacity of 5,000--most of the seating being on the lawn. It has hosted acts such as Santana and Ziggy Marley. Also in the MACC is the Castle Theater. Its perfect for big-name dancers, lecturers or vocal acts that need an indoor stage.
Smaller acts can perform practically anywhere in Maui. Every major hotel has thousands of square feet of conference space, and the three major malls (Whalers Village, Lahaina Cannery and Ka'ahumanu Center) all have main stages which regularly host all kinds of entertainers.
Clubs, Bars, Nightlife
Everybody knows, if its raging nightlife you're after, you should go... to Honolulu. That said, Maui does its best to rabble-rouse once the sun goes down. There are no full-scale nightclubs on the islands, but Casanovas and Tsunamis offer decent upscale club nights. Brewpubs Hapas (in Kihei) and Fish and Game (in Kahana) always have something going on, and on the right night it can be a lot of fun. Moose McGillycuddys and Cheeseburger in Paradise are two live-music bars that have been around forever; expect lots of drunk tourists and lots of forbidding-looking locals. Live Hawaiian music is presented everywhere, and recently theres been a surge in the popularity of live jazz, swing and ballroom. Among the best places for dinner and dancing are Longhis and Compadres.
Dining
Dining in Maui is overwhelming. There are seemingly hundreds of restaurants, each better than the last, gracing every corner and nook on the island. Culinary styles hail from around the world, and some styles are unique to Maui alone. In one week--and in one town--a visitor can feast on Thai and French cuisine, fresh game and fresh fish, sandwiches, burritos, and of course, a few scoops of ridiculously decadent ice cream. Several "dining guides" or "activity magazines" claim to offer unbiased information, but nearly all of them are advertisements. Large restaurants all publish partial menus in these books, allowing tourists to make informed decisions about gourmet dining, while smaller ones rely on word-of-mouth or foot traffic to bring in the business. No matter how long a visit to this island lasts, its impossible to visit every place that sounds good.
Ka'anapali:
Amidst the five-star hotels and designer boutiques of this famous resort, one can find any number of fabulous restaurants. Most of them fall a bit short of world-class gastronomically, choosing to offer ambience and affordable prices in lieu of top-tier culinary masterpieces. Old favorites such as Leilanis on the Beach feature live music, drink specials and amazing views. The lovely Hula Grill can't be beat for ambience--and the fresh seafood wins local awards, if not international ones. If seafood and steak are beginning to seem unappealing, eateries such as Basil Tomatoes and the Sheratons pricy Japanese place, Teppan Yaki Dan, offer tasty alternatives.
Buffets are big business in Ka'anapali. Unlike the ones found in Las Vegas, they are quite expensive, and the selection isn't as wide, but the quality of the food is much higher. The Westins Ko'Ala Barbecue & Seafood Buffet offers crab, fresh fish, sashimi and other delicacies. On the other end of the price spectrum, quick and cheap eats such as Jonnys Burger Joint and Mr Sub provide some relief for an overworked credit card.
Kahana, Kapalua, Napili:
Further along the coast the emphasis shifts from pleasing hungry crowds to pleasing educated palates. The people who visit the coast of West Maui are usually honeymooners, golfers or other discerning tourists seeking privacy and quality. Restaurants in these areas, especially in ritzy Kapalua, often earn four or five stars. Theres a cluster of good restaurants in the Kahana Gateway; namely Roys Nicolina, the Fish & Game Brewing Company and Rotisserie and for family dining, Outback Steakhouse. Two of the finest restaurants in the state of Hawai'i, the Plantation House and the Anuenue Room, are located in Kapalua, on the tip of the Western coast.
As far as nightlife goes, there isn't much of it in any of these towns. All the hotels have cocktail lounges, often with live music. The bar in the Brewpub is a good spot to relax over a microbrew. Neighborhood favorites such as Dollies are popular at any time of day or night.
Lahaina:
Lahaina Town is Mauis undisputed dining and drinking hot spot. The towns layout can't be beat: All the best places are within a few short blocks of each other, meaning if one place isn't working, its easy to walk to another. The challenge in Lahaina is simply deciding where to eat each meal; the choices are endless. Upscale restaurants range from first-class French, served at Gerards, to the cutting-edge Pacific Rim creations found at David Pauls Lahaina Grill or I'o. The Feast at Lele, presented on the beach outside Pacific'o, wins awards for the best cuisine and entertainment in Maui. For exotic Asian cuisine, try Bamboo. Ruths Chris serves a great steak every time, while Longhis lobster is simply to die for.
While not advertised as much, inexpensive options abound. Lahaina Coolers, a block down from Front Street, is popular with locals because of its food and its atmosphere. Cheeseburger in Paradise is a boisterous Front Street experience, as is Moose McGillycuddys. For a slice of pizza and a glass of Budweiser, head down to the Gabby's Pizzeria at the 505 Center, or try BJs Pizzeria a few blocks down. Each one of these places features live music most nights, and turns from a daytime restaurant to an after-hours bar.
The most popular place for breakfast is Gazebos, but the wait can be outrageous. Compadres also serves a decent breakfast, and Cheeseburger in Paradise recently introduced a breakfast menu, served from 8 a.m. For the tastiest cinnamon buns in town, one must head down a few blocks to Buns of Maui, in the Lahaina Center. At least once, it is absolutely crucial to try an authentic local-style plate lunch at Aloha Mixed Plate.
Ma'alaea:
The largely undeveloped harbor town of Ma'alaea, located between Kihei and Lahaina, is developing a reputation among savvy tourists and affluent locals. There are only a few restaurants here, but they're all noteworthy. Buzzs is famous for its enormous, sweet Tahitian prawns and award-winning crème brulee. The Ma'alaea Waterfront is harder to find, but has earned rave reviews for its fresh fish, which are caught fresh daily and prepared nine different ways.
Kihei:
Dining options in Kihei range from five-star to five-dollar. Along the seemingly never-ending strip that is South Kihei Road, at least 40 restaurants, large and small, vie for the local and tourist dollars. For high-end dining, A Pacific Café in Azeka II is a perennial favorite.
Mid-range restaurants abound on South Kihei, ranging from Jamesons at the Maui Coast Hotel to Margaritas, which is actually in North Kihei. Sensei offers some of the best sushi in Maui. In terms of nightlife, the local vote goes to Hapas Brew Haus, where each night brings a different theme.
People who are trying to eat cheap on Maui won't find a better place than Kihei. Among the best inexpensive eateries are Kihei Caffe, Maui Tacos and Alexanders. The Coffee Store is a great place for a chilly espresso drink any time of day.
Wailea:
The South Side equivalent of Ka'anapali boasts a wealth of fine dining options--and very little else. All of the hotels have at least two gourmet restaurants; some have more. Standouts include Humuhumu at the Grand Wailea, Nicks Fishmarket in the Kea Lani, and for buffet dining, the Palm Court at the Renaissance Wailea. For Sunday Brunch, the Maui Prince puts on a fabulous spread. Less expensive options are few and far between. Joes Bar & Grill, owned by the creators of the Hailemaile General Store, promises to become a favorite right away.
Kahului:
Its not always easy to figure out where to eat in Kahului. The town is spread out, and except for the two major malls, restaurants aren't in any one location. Probably the best known restaurant in Kahului is Marcos, followed by Kohos--the quintessential family restaurant. Many small eateries are scattered throughout Kahului, but they are not distinctive in any way. If you happen to be in the neighborhood and are hungry, stop at any one of the locally owned taco shops, plate lunch stands or Thai places for a quick bite.
Wailuku:
Surprisingly, though Wailuku is as local and un-beautiful of a town as Kahului, it has a number of excellent restaurants, mostly ethnic. If you can find your way to either A Taste of Saigon or Saigon Café, you won't be disappointed. Saengs Thai is delicious and inexpensive--not to mention central.
Pa'ia:
Health food nuts should make Pa'ia their first, last and only stop for dining. The health-conscious restaurants far outnumber the unconcerned ones in this charming little town. Whether you're enjoying enormous breakfasts at Charleys, vegetarian curry at Bangkok Thai, or perhaps packing a picnic lunch at--where else? Picnics--you're sure to get something delicious, fresh and healthful. At dinnertime, the Pa'ia Fishmarket is a delicious and inexpensive option.
Just outside of Pa'ia one will find a true Maui legend, and a must-visit for any self-respecting gourmand. This is Mamas Fish House. The cuisine, ambience and service are legendary--and deservedly so. A meal here is an unforgettable experience.
Makawao, Kula, Pukalani:
There are only a few destination restaurants in rural Upcountry Maui. On the road to Haleakala there are two standouts: the Hali'imaile General Store and the Kula Lodge. In Makawao Town, theres only one place to go for night time entertainment: the famous Casanovas. If its more of a peaceful occasion, make reservations at the Makawao Steak House. Last (but not least) is the Hana Restaurant. It is more than a two hour drive from Pa'ia or Kula, but for people who happen to be in that part of the rainforest, its not one to miss.
Restaurants on Maui change constantly. The booming economy and optimistic attitudes of restaurateurs make the island dining scene entertaining, diverse, and very hard to keep up with! At the time of this article, several restaurants are planning to open, while several others are planning--more quietly--to close the doors. Dining in Maui is only as much of a science as you make it. If you're just looking for a good time, a quick bite, or a pretty meal, trust your own judgement.
