Ferry ride to Lanai:  How many day trips do you know of that involve getting in a boat and traversing the Pacific Ocean? Wake up early and head to the Lahaina harbor to catch the first ferry over to Lanai.  The total ride will take about 45 minutes, and if you are lucky, a school of spinner dolphins will escort your boat into the Lanai harbor. From the harbor, take a five minute walk over to Manele Bay (once voted one of the most beautiful beaches in the world).  Enjoy some great snorkeling in the bay and then make your way over to the rental car company to take out your very own 4×4 Jeep.  Once converted from pedestrian to off-roading adventurer, take pleasure in exploring dirt roads that lead to various scenic points on the island.  Once your day on Lanai is complete, board the ferry back to Maui for sunset!  Read about my personal Lanai trip itinerary in 2011 here.

Road Trip around the West Maui Mountains: I am sure you have heard about the road to Hana and how scary it can be.  You may have even purchased a shirt that reads “I survived the road to Hana.”  The road to Hana will look like the landing strip of an international airport when compared to parts of the trip around the West Maui Mountains. The road basically hugs the meandering coastline, and is wide enough to accommodate one car.  For the safest journey, I would recommend starting the drive on the Lahaina side, since you will be hugging the mountain on any sort of pullouts required (you will face scenarios where you or an oncoming car will have to reverse to a safe pullout).   The views along this side of the island are very beautiful and there is even a fun art gallery along the way that provides a perfect pit stop from the nervy drive.

Coastal Walk in Kihei: This trip idea should only take you a morning or afternoon, but it may wear you out for the remainder of the day. The coastline between Ma’alaea and Kihei is pretty much unobstructed.  You can walk about five or six miles without ever leaving the pleasure of waves crashing up on the shore.  Get a friend to drop you off in Ma’alaea and walk back to your car parked in Kihei.  Search for shells along the walk, wave to the three or four people you will pass along the way, and simple enjoy having a beautiful Maui coastline all to yourself.  The below map show the coastline I am talking about.

Here is my list of top recommendations (in no particular order):

Haleakala Bike Ride:  Where else on the planet can you bike down the side of a volcano?  Hundreds of tourists on Maui wake up extra early each morning on Maui to be bused to the top of Haleakala volcano to watch the sunrise over the Valley Island.  After the cameras are put back in their protective cases, the tourists strap on their helmets and begin the descent down the volcano into the surf town of Paia on bikes.  For those worried about traffic, the road the tour takes is actually a background that does not see too many vehicles.  The sunrise bike ride tour will cost you about $100, but I can’t think of a better way to travel 10 miles and descend over 3000 vertical feet!

Surf Lessons: If you come to an island, expect to get wet!  There are plenty of surf companies (an now stand up surf companies) that offer lessons in Kihei and Lahaina.  A popular beach for lessons in Kihei is Cove Park (right along South Kihei Road). You will see a collection of surf company vans parked at Cove’s parking lot, with information on how to sign up for lessons.  In Lahaina, your best bet for lessons would be just to left of Lahaina Harbor. Both surf spots are very “beginner friendly”, with a collection of newbies in waste deep water.  Most all the surf companies also guarantee that you stand up and catch a wave, or the lesson is free!

Zipline Adventures: Most tourists are surprised to learn that the first zipline tour in America was opened up on Maui. The Maui Skyline Eco Adventures has been sending tourists screaming down wires for 10 years now. There are two sets of zipline courses that the tour company operates (one on each side of the island).    I have personally experienced the Haleakala zipline location, and it was absolutely worth the fee.

Cave Spelunking:  OK, the title of this active adventure is a little deceiving.  You won’t actually need to repel any walls or worry about getting lost in a labyrinth of pits and chasms.  The Hana Lava Tube is an underground natural cave that lava used flow through many many years ago. The tube runs through private property and the owner has been capitalizing off the geographic wonder ever since discovering it. For about $11 you will be given a flashlight and hard hat and pointed toward the entrance of the cave.  As you go deeper and deeper into the cave it literally becomes pitch black and is actually quite cool!

Swinging Bridges Hike: A collection of rickety old suspension bridges can be found along a hike in Waihe’e Valley.  The hike used to be little known ten years ago, but word-of-mouth and the internet have put this hidden gem of a hike on the map.  Parking is limited to about 10 cars and there is a small toll booth that charges hikers around $5 to $10 each. I would recommend getting to the trail before noon to assure that you are able find parking.  Bring your swimsuit because there is a great watering hole at the end of the trail!

[Image source: Big Kahuna Adventures Maui]

 Roberts Hawaii has about 30 different tours on Oahu, ten on Maui, five on Kauai and six on the Big Island, appealing to a variety of tourists and local needs and tastes. The tours are quite organized and your tour guide will be knowledgeable, informative, fun, and know a lot of local trivia and stories.  People from all over the world book tours with Roberts Hawaii.  You just might end up meeting some new friends from another part of the globe.

You can book online at www.robertshawaii.com or call their toll free number 1-800-831-5541 to reserve your spot on any of their tours before you even step foot in the Hawaiian Islands.  Roberts Hawaii will give you an experience you won’t soon forget and enough memories for a lifetime.

One Roberts Hawaii tour that looks very interesting to me is the all day expedition to Hana.  For those that have never been to Maui before, Hana is a remote town located on the eastern coast of Maui.  The road to Hana passes beautiful waterfalls, thick rainforests, and hundreds of old one-lane bridges. The drive is absolutely beautiful, but for the driver it can be quite nerve racking, as there are countless turns and steep drops feet from the shoulder. Why not sit in an air-conditioned Roberts Hawaii bus and simply enjoy the ride to Hana?  The day tour only costs $107.

[Photo source: Flickr user Pdxjeff]

Great Dessert Options on Maui:

Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice: This shave ice stand has a couple locations on Maui, but the tourists usually head to the Lahaina stand, since it is located right on Front Street.  When the cruise ship is in the Lahaina Harbor forget about getting a shave ice, because the line is usually 15 or 20 people deep (someone on the ship must point the passengers to this spot).  Ululani’s has quickly grown to be the most popular shave ice place on Maui, probably because to the dedication to using great ingredients and locally grown add-ons.

Home Maid Bakery:  This hole-in-the-wall bakery has been on Maui since 1960, and is arguably your best option for finding warm malasadas.  For those unfamiliar with malasadas, they are similar to doughnut holes dumped in sugar.  They are very tasty and something locals have grown to love.  Definitely try to swing by Home Maid Bakery to sample a malasada! (If you happen to be in town during the county fair, definitely swing by the malasada booth!)

Lappert’s:  This ice cream parlor is not unlike any other ice cream store you have been in before, but there is something about the history of this Hawaii chain that has loyal customers coming back year after year. The Lappert family used to vacation in Hawaii every year, and after one year of tasting a horrible ice cream cone, decided they would move to Hawaii to open up an ice cream stand. Now, some 20+ years later, the ice cream store still serves great flavors, and every time I walk by their Front Street location, I always smell the waffle cones and have to head in for a taste.

Honolulu Cookie Company: These gourmet shortbread cookies are the best cookie you will every snack on.  There are plenty of tropical flavors to choose from and each cookie is individually wrapped.  Pick and choose which cookies you would like to purchase.  Once you have your cookies, head over to the Banyan Tree across the street, find a bench, and enjoy these Hawaiian-made treats!

[Image source: Ululani's Shave Ice and Honolulu Cookie Company]

Red Sand Beach:    An exceptional small beach in Hana made of red cinders. Park on Uakea Street and walk diagonally across the lawn just before the Sea Ranch Cottages.  There is a trail on the right side leading down to the beach. Be careful to wear the right footing because the trail is narrow on the side of a hill, and the loose cinders can make it difficult to walk.  You do not want to fall down the side of the hill.  You can get some beautiful pictures of the cove from the top, but swimming at this beach is often rough so you might like to just look and sunbathe.

Nahiku Road:  A little past mile marker 25 on your way to Hana is Nahiku Road (which may not be marked).  You will want to turn left on this road toward the ocean.  It’s a narrow bumpy road with a few homes here and there, but at the bottom you will be astonished to see a huge Banyan tree, the ocean pounding against the jagged rocks, and an incredible shoreline view back up the coast.  On the left you will find a small path that leads to a charming waterfall and pool right next to the ocean.  You will think you have died and gone to heaven.  Again, be careful, as the surf is very rough and rocks can be slippery.  George Harrison used to live down this road but his house was only visible by helicopter.

D.T. Fleming Arboretum:  On the last Saturday of each month there are free tours of the D.T. Fleming Arboretum, which is out past Tedeschi Winery.  Call 808-572-1097 to make reservations because you cannot visit the arboretum on your own.  It is Hawaii’s oldest and largest arboretum focusing on native Hawaiian plants.  They have some rare Hawaiian trees and flowers you will not see anywhere else. This beautiful arboretum has won accolades throughout the Hawaiian Islands.

Waihee Ridge: On the green tropical side of the West Maui Mountains, this 2.5 mile trail takes you to a breathtaking view that looks deep into the mountain range, unless the summit is covered with clouds and mist, as this is the rainy part of the island.  Drive north on Highway 340 until you get to Mendes Ranch.  Shortly after, you will turn left at the sign for Boy Scout Camp and head up the road until you hit the good sized parking lot.  This trail is open year-round, but you seldom see anyone hiking it.

Maui Surfboard Fence  Off Highway 365 and 400 on Kaupakalua Road, you can’t miss the colorful and unique surfboard fence.  It is the world’s longest surfboard fence and made from old used boards.  This is a great place for a fun picture.  This surfboard fence was a roadblock in one of the Amazing Races episodes (surprisingly a local cab driver didn’t even know where the fence was on show).

Petroglyphs in Lahaina:  Early Hawaiians would carve figures into smooth lava rock, and if you drive out to Lahaina, you can find samples of these petroglyphs.  Driving towards Lahaina, park right past the Olowalu General Store and walk up toward the mountains on a dirt road (which can be very hot in the summer so bring some water).  It’s about a l/4 mile walk and the petroglyphs will be on your right.  This is considered a historical sight, so you should view the petroglyphs from the ground.

Shark’s Teeth  Makalua-puna Point in Kapalua was created from a lava flow long ago.  The fierce winds caused the lava to harden in an upward jagged formation, making the lava look like shark’s teeth.  If you are headed toward Kapalua, turn left on Office Road.  Hike along the edge of the golf course to reach the site.

Maui Swap Meet  Every Saturday morning for the past 28 years the Maui Swap Meet has been a tradition.  It is located behind the Maui College with ample parking for everyone.  It still costs only 50 cents to enter, and you’ll find fresh fruit, flowers, ethnic foods, t-shirts, souvenirs and beautiful crafts made on Maui.  The Swap Meet opens at 7 am and closes at 1 pm.

 Laulima Farms  Not far past Seven Sacred Pools in Hana, stop at this organic farm and peddle a stationary bicycle which generates  the electricity to operate a  blender.  You will work hard to to make your own fresh fruit smoothie, but it is an experience you will never forget!

Jaws  This big wave spot is kept secret by locals, but has grown in popularity over the last 10 years due to surf movies and competitions. If you are able to track down the location, be sure to have a truck or 4-wheel drive because access to Jaws is through a pineapple field full of deep ruts and you could bottom out if you are in a car.  There really isn’t much to see unless the waves are big and the surfers are out (which happens about 5 days a year).  Waves can reach 70 feet and the surfers are towed into the waves via jetskis.  It’s quite a hike down to the rocky beach area….it’s best to stay on top the cliff and look down.

[Photo Source: Flickr user Courtney Nash]

Hotel Hana Maui is far away from all the hustle and bustle and it is impossible not to leave this hotel feeling relaxed and refreshed.  If you want a very romantic experience, book a sea ranch cottage–a bungalow scattered along the grounds near the ocean. You will not want to leave your lanai once you see the sweeping ocean views right in front of you. These bungalows have no clock radios or televisions, and noisy air conditioners are replaced with ceiling fans.   Their spa is world class and you will come away feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.  Stay at the hotel and take in all the unique amenities or take an adventure around Hana town.  Memories will last forever when staying at the Hotel Hana.  This is why it was voted highly in Conde Nast Reader’s Choice for Hawaii Resorts in 2011.

 Kula Lodge is nestled 3,200 feet up the Haleakala Crater with breathtaking views of the West Maui Mountains and the huge Pacific Ocean.  The lodge is hidden away and you won’t find tourist or dive shops in the area.  Only five rustic, romantic chalets are available, decorated with tasteful antique furniture, a lanai with gorgeous views, and a small wood-burning stove (which can make any evening romantic when lit and flickering).  Around the lodge you will see beautiful tropical flowers and protea when in bloom.  The cool clear climate is refreshing and you can’t help but hear the chirping of birds against the quiet of upcountry Maui.  The restaurant is also rustic, with floor to ceiling windows offering panoramic views of Maui. Enjoy a drink or just snuggle and read a book in the front of the stone fireplace in the lodge area.  You will remember a romantic weekend at the Kula Lodge for a lifetime—especially the sunsets.

Ka’anapali Beach Hotel is like walking back in time, when old Hawaii was romantic, enchanting, and mystical. It is the most Hawaiian hotel on Maui.  The hotel sits on 11 acres of lush tropical gardens situated on Kaanapali Beach.  What other hotel will serenade you upon your arrival and departure with beautiful Hawaiian lyrics and melodies?  Around the hotel you will see many canoes, hales, drums, taro patches and other elements dealing with Hawaiian culture.  You can participate in daily cultural activities or listen to Hawaiian music in various parts of the hotel during the day.  In fact, most of the singers and entertainers are employees of the hotel.  The restaurants feature authentic Hawaiian cuisine. The Ka’anapali Beach Hotel does a fantastic job presenting the Hawaiian culture throughout.

Grand Wailea Resort is a destination paradise where you can take the kids and still have a very romantic time yourself.  The 40-acre resort has an abundance of gardens and flowers and is situated on Wailea Beach – a beautiful soft white sand beach with crystal clear blue ocean waves.  The hotel has many amenities such as; a renowned art collection, full service spa with fitness center, golf nearby, 11 tennis courts, large pool with slides, waterfall, and swim-in grotto, five restaurants, an intimate seaside chapel, and a great camp for kids from 5-12 where they will keep busy with adventures all day long during your romantic getaway.  Humuhumunukunukuapua’a (named for the state fish) is a floating restaurant with a thatch roof overlooking the ocean with spectacular sunsets.  After dinner, stroll over to the Shops of Wailea via the beach front path, listening to the rumble of the waves with the moon reflecting off the ocean.  You can’t get more romantic than that!

Old Wailuku Inn at Ulupono is a romantic, quaint, and unique bed and breakfast away from the crowds of the major resorts in Ka’anapali and Wailea.  It is like a home away from home, but better.  The Inn is family-owned and run and you can see they take pride in their Inn.  It was originally built in 1924 but has been meticulously restored to its original Hawaiian beauty. You can choose from seven different, beautifully decorated rooms where you feel transformed to the early Hawaiian days.  Each room has its own private bath along with internet, plush daily towels, and other amenities just like a fancy expensive hotel. Enjoy a full gourmet breakfast while you learn more about the inn, the surrounding area, and Hawaiian traditions from the friendly owners. What better way to spend a romantic time than being surrounded by local community, customs and people?

[Image source: Kula Lodge and Old Wailuku Inn]

First off, I will start with the items to exclude from your packing list.  First off, don’t bring the house pet.  There is a reason Paris Hilton is never photographed with her purse dog while vacationing in Hawaii. Hawaii has some pretty strict quarantine laws with it comes to pets and foreign species (I have read some documents that state up to 120 days of quarantine).

Another item you can leave at home is the golf clubs.  I am pretty sure most airlines charge a special fee to check on golf clubs as they must be handled differently than normal baggage.  Plus, when you get to the Maui airport you will probably have to wait an extended amount of time at the carousel for the crew to bring out your clubs separately.  One thing to keep in mind is that Maui is crawling with golf courses and golf rental stores.  You can rent a 2012 edition of name brand Nike clubs for $20.  Try a new course and a new set of clubs!

Now let’s get to what you should bring. Maui weather in the winter is pretty similar to the temps you will see in the fall, spring, and summer.  If you could bet on the weather in Hawaii at a Vegas casino, put your money on 86 degrees +/- 3 degrees. (Go check out the forecast for today to see if I’m right).

Knowing that you will have some great weather, I would stick to tropical clothing like shorts, skirts, swimsuits, tank tops, slippers, etc.  At the most you will need one pair of pants (if you plan to attend an evening luau or something).  If you are going to go overboard on one article of clothing, I would strongly recommend packing a few additional swimsuits.  There probably won’t be a single day of your vacation where you aren’t lounging by the pool, riding a wave, exploring a waterfall, or sampling a tropical rain pool.

Here are a couple items to pack that might slip your mind:

•  A disposable waterproof camera:  Almost everyone has a digital camera these days, but those won’t capture your memories from the snorkeling trip to Molokini, the surfing lessons in Lahaina, or the whale watching excursion.

•  A hat:  Some of my friends who have visited in the past always seem to forget a ball cap.  If you are out in the sun all day exploring out tropical paradise, a hat can really come in handy for reducing your UV intake.

• Binoculars:  This one might be somewhat of a stretch, but let me explain.  The winter months make up the peak whale-watching season in the Hawaiian Islands.  Bring the binoculars to the beach and scan the horizon for breaches and spouts.  There are countless scenic lookouts along the coastline where you can scan the Pacific Ocean.

• Beach towel:  Sometimes the hotel towel might not do the trick when you want to lie out on a nice comfortable towel on the beach.

• A book:  What else are you going do in that hammock for two hours!

If you have some other tips for what to pack please feel free to leave them in the comments section.

Once last tip I have is for the water sport enthusiasts. The winter season is when Maui traditionally experiences our largest waves. You may want to think about bringing your surfboard or bodyboard.  I know Hawaiian Airlines allows for one surfboard to travel for free per passenger!

[Image source: Flickr user Kthread]

 Sensei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar located in Kihei and also Kapalua was voted Best Sushi Bar by The Mau News in 2011.  Their seafood selection is the freshest and tastes are very unique and flavored like no other restaurant on Maui.  The Sensei restaurant in Kihei offers 50 percent off its menu for late-night dining, along with karaoke and delicious cocktails.

 Kobe Japanese Steak House and Oku’s Sushi Bar on Dickenson St. in Lahaina made Honorable Mention by The Maui News in 2011.  Kobe’s has been a landmark in Lahaina for 25 years so they must be doing something right.  They have an impressive Teppanyaki and Sushi menu so you have quite a variety to choose from.  Along with your meal you can order sake, Japanese beers or wine. After dinner, walk down Front Street and listen the the music, grab a beer at an open air bar, or simply people watch under the Banyan Tree.

 Japengo is a casual restaurant located in the Hyatt Regency Maui in Kaanapali.  You have the option to dine indoors or outdoors overlooking the hotel’s waterfalls and the famous Dig Me beach.  They have a long list of sushi choices, along with salads, fish and meat entrees.  Japengo uses locally grown fresh produce combined with exotic Pacific Rim ingredients.  Bring your credit card because this place can be a bit pricey.

Tokyo Tei has been in Wailuku since 1934.  It is a family restaurant with good prices and was voted Best Japanese Restaurant by The Maui News in 2011.  It has also won other awards and has been featured in The NY Times.  They are famous for their Shrimp & Vegetable Tempura. 

 Ichiban Restaurant and Sushi Bar in Kahului has very reasonable prices and a casual neighborhood restaurant. If someone in your party isn’t interested in Japanese or sushi dishes, they can order local Maui meals or American cuisine.  The meals are delicious with the sushi freshly prepared daily. 

 So, if you want a good Japanese meal or sushi try one of these restaurants.  Enjoy!

 [Image source: Flickr user Coolmikeol]

In no particular order:

Top of Haleakala: The highest peak on Maui’s dominant volcano is over 10,000 feet up.  Many tourists like to come to Haleakala at sunrise or sunset to witness the sun appearing or disappearing on the far-off horizon that fades into the Pacific Ocean. On clear days you can see a number of neighboring Hawaiian Islands such as Molokai, Lanai, Ka’aholowe, and even the Big Island. As she is distracted by the bird’s eye view of the Maui valley and neighboring islands, pull out your ring and surprise her when her attention is drawn back to her close surroundings. Plus, the sun will probably bounce off that diamond so powerfully at 10,000 feet; it will create small rainbows over the island.

On a boat: There are plenty of boat tours and adventures you can book on Maui.  From sunset cruises to hula dinner cruises, you are bound to find a romantic option at sea. My personal recommendation would be a sunset cruise with the Pacific Whale Foundation out of the Lahaina harbor. Start the cruise as the sun is starting to fade in the distance and pop the question as you coast in the gentle breezes of the tropical trade winds. Because Maui locals are so friendly and inviting, I am sure you could plan an ornate proposal with the crew before the leaving the dock, to assure that everything is just right.

Mama’s Fish House: This is a very cliché place to propose, as I would have to assume this luxury dining locale averages a proposal once a week. Arguably the best seafood restaurant on Maui for the last decade, Mama’s Fish House is your best bet if you are inclined to propose over a meal. Located in an oceanfront estate in Paia, the view is just as spectacular as the menu, which includes fish and shellfish caught daily by local fisherman around the island (the menu even lists the name of the fisherman). I am fairly certain the restaurant will bring out a complimentary Chocolate Pearl dessert for all couples who pop the question while dining. The only drawback I can foresee is that she might enjoy the Chocolate Pearl dessert better than the ring (it’s that good!).

Sunset at the beach: Maui sunsets are no ka oi (the best). When you pair a Maui sunset with gentle waves rolling in on a white sand beach, I think you have the winning ingredients for a great setting proposal.  As for beach recommendations, I would stick to Ka’anapali Beach, Wailea Beach, Big Beach, or even a black or pink sand beach in Hana.  There’s also Hamoa Beach, which has been named one of the top beaches in America, and also been praised by famous authors.

The Ritz Carlton: It’s the Ritz! Suits on Maui are a rarity, but why not get decked out in the finest tux or suit, get a room at the Ritz, and go out for a fine dinner in Kapalua or Lahaina?  The whole evening will have her feeling like Cinderella, and the question she receives at the end of the night will be the icing on the cake for her memorable trip to Maui.  You can then celebrate the following day with a morning on the golf course at Kapalua! I recommend the Bay Course, hole number 5!

If you proposed on Maui, feel free to leave a comment below about where your story took place.  I am sure there are some great ideas I am missing.

[Photo Source: Flickr user Bretstimmerman]

To say hello, goodbye, or just share affection with another, we use Aloha (ah-low-ha).  One nickname for the state of Hawaii is the Aloha state, and while you are here it just seems natural to be as friendly as possible.  The Hawaiian word for woman is wahine (vah-hee-neh), while men are kane (kah-neh)—two helpful terms when you choose to use the public restroom. Surprisingly, there are countless public restrooms that only use those two terms and no images!   Hawaiian children are known as keiki (kay-key), and family is ohana (oh-hah-nah).  If you are of Caucasian background, in Hawaii you become a haole (how-leh).

Among Hawaiians, the chiefs or leaders were Ali’i (ah-lee-ee), and sacred temples you will see around the island are heiau (hey-ee-ow).  The spiritual leaders or teachers are kahuna (kah-hoo-na) who train the young people in doing what is pono (poh-no–good, correct or proper).  Forbidden activities are kapu (kah-poo)—you may see signs reading kapu in areas where trespassing is prohibited. It’s also kapu to take some of the lava rock or aina with you as you fly home.

Finding your way around Maui you may hear the expression mauka (mow-ka) which means toward the mountain, and also makai (mah-kigh) which is towards the sea.  You can ask directions from kama’aina (kah-ma-eye-na), long time residents. To hurry up or do things quickly is called wikiwiki (wee-kee-wee-kee), but plan ahead so you can enjoy our island without speeding around the roads of Maui. A famous bumper sticker reads “Slow down, this ain’t the mainland!”

Work in Hawaiian is hana (ha-nah), and finish or done is pau (pow).  Mahalo (mah-hah-low)—thank you—for reading this posting, because it’s now pau-hana.

[Image source: Flickr user Einahpets32]