Maui, repeatedly voted “Best Island in the World” by readers of Condé Nast Traveler and Travel & Leisure magazines, lives up to its paradisiacal reputation. Maui inhabitants are justifiably proud of their island. You will often here them brag, “Maui No Ka ‘Oi,” (Maui is the best.) Who can argue?
The Technicolour sunsets, leaping whales, crashing surf and palm-studded beaches are free, but how do you make the most of your vacation dollars? Read on. (All prices approximated in US dollars.)
The “cheap thrills” save list
Take the Kaanapali Trolley
Home to several world-class hotels, condominiums and vacation club resorts, a beachfront shopping complex, 36 holes of championship golf and what has been called “the best beach in America,” there’s probably something to suit every one at Kaanapali.
Incidentally, Kaanapali, once the playground of Hawaiian royalty, was the first planned resort community in Hawaii. They got a lot of things right. You can stroll along a beach path from one property to another and over to Whaler’s Village for some retail therapy and plenty of fine dining choices. Or hop on the free trolley that goes to the various hotels, Whaler’s Village and into Lahaina.
www.kaanapaliresort.com
Vintage Maui
One of oldest resorts in Kaanapali, the décor at the Royal Lahaina with vintage quilts, paintings of Maui flowers and Hawaiian scenes and carved outrigger canoe paddles, makes you feel like you’re really in Hawaii and not a modern “cookie cutter” hotel franchise. Choose from a large room in the twelve-storey tower, each with balcony overlooking the beach or a cute cottage. Unlike some hotels, where guests need a map to find their way around, everything here is easily accessible and the beach is one of Maui’s best. Treat yourself to a massage at the spa; ask for Jessica, who has all the right moves.
The property has eleven tennis courts, an ice cream parlour and a terrific store that stocks a wide selection of wines and other snacks. The hotel also hosts an evening luau complete with roasted pig, drinks, traditional dancing and drumming. www.royallahaina.com
Monkey Business
The Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman at Whalers Village mall opened in 2017. Savour views of the sunset while you sip what’s been touted as Maui’s best Mai Tai, a rummy wonderful cocktail topped with passion fruit foam. Lobster devilled eggs are fabulous as is the platter of raw tuna, coconut ceviche and spicy calamari. I also recommend the macadamia nut-crusted mahi mahi. Leave room for the mile-high banana cream pie. Happy hours at Monkeypod are from 3 to 5:30 and 9 to 11 p.m; reservations recommended. www.monkeypodkitchen.com
Easy as ABC
You’ll find branches of ABC stores all over Maui. This is the place to stock up on snacks, wine, beer and Hawaiian souvenirs.
Kahuna of the Kitchen
Just up the hill from the Cannery Mall in Lahaina, Star Noodle has a casual vibe but the Asian food is seriously delicious. Garlic noodles and pad Thai top my list of favourites. Be sure to ask about the “cocktail of the day” or experiment at the sake bar. They do take-out. www.starnoodle.com
Hawaiian plates
Joey’s Kitchen, new to Whalers Village on the lower level, serves up simple Hawaiian and Filipino fare, such as beef short ribs, mac & cheese and pork belly at reasonable prices. www.joeyskitchenhimaui.com
Cliff Divers and Hula Lessons
Get a seat just before sunset at the Cliff Dive Grill on the grounds of the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa. Order a Black Rock lager and enjoy the traditional cliff diving ceremony in honour of Maui’s Chief Kahekili who took this leap many moons ago. You might pick up a few moves from the hula dancer too.
Alchemy
Maui’s got the coolest kombucha bar where they ferment about 14 delicious flavours, including lemongrass/mint/basil and mango tango—all from local ingredients. At Alchemy, you can try a flight of four for $14. Kombucha is an effervescent fermentation of sweetened tea highly regarded as a health tonic. It has been credited with strengthening the immune system, benefiting the digestive system, detoxifying, and heightening energy levels. Alchemy also serves healthy fresh food. The fish tacos get rave reviews.
www.valleyislekombucha.com
Fond of Fond
According to chef/owner Jojo Vasquez, Fond has several meanings, but the one I like is a chef’s term for the good bits that stick to the bottom of a roasting pan. Fond (in Napili) serves some unusual breakfast dishes. Try the spicy shakshuka (eggs, cooked in a spicy cumin-spiked tomato sauce) and the fruit salad with fresh coconut, pineapple and lychee. www.fondmaui.com
The “you only live once” splurge list
Fire up the Hawaiian Fun
Situated on 16 acres of Maui’s North Kaanapali Beach, The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas is designed to provide a relaxing haven replete with culturally inspired programs and authentic Hawaiian experiences. At the Cultural Center, I participated in two classes: lei making and a ukulele lesson. I learned that the Portuguese brought the ukulele to Hawaii during the days of the sugar cane industry.
Voted “Best New Restaurant, 2018” at the ‘Aipono Awards, Mauka Makai is a culinary experience celebrating the farming and fishing culture of Ancient Hawaii. On Thursdays, the chef runs Fire Up the Fun cooking demonstrations with two dishes and two cocktails included for just $25. www.marriott.com
Dinner in a Canoe?
Roy Yamaguchi is one of Hawaii’s most famous chefs. At Roy’s Kaanapali, located in the Kaanapali golf clubhouse, tuck into a healthy breakfast of avocado toast with shaved Parmesan, tomatoes and poached eggs before your round. For dinner, try Roy’s Dim Sum Canoe for Two containing pork and shrimp lumpia, baby back ribs, ahi poke, shrimp sticks and chicken potstickers. www.royshawaii.com
Stellar Sushi
On an island renowned for fresh fish, Japengo restaurant at the Hyatt Regency Maui was voted Best Sushi and Best Pacific Rim Cuisine at the 2015 ‘Aipono Awards. Consider the Lahaina Roll with shrimp tempura and asparagus wrapped in some magical mystery ingredients. The Korean pancake stuffed with shrimp, lobster, crab and calamari is fabulous—but so it everything else on the menu. The dramatic and chic atmosphere complements the cuisine, especially if you snag a table outside on the patio beside the waterfall. www.maui.regency.hyatt.com
Whalers Village
Maui’s most upscale mall in the middle of Kaanapali, Whalers Village has recently been renovated and expanded. If you’re looking to replace your Louis Vuitton suitcase, this is the place. When you need a shopping break, head to the Hula Grill for some pupus (appetizers) and a refreshing cocktail. Try the crab wontons. www.whalersvillage.com