If you only have 3 days on Maui...

Description:

Wailea is among the top golf destinations in the world. It boasts three separate and highly acclaimed courses: the Gold Course, Emerald Course and Blue Course. All three courses are gorgeous and challenging. They have been written up in all major golf and leisure travel publications, including Golf Digest and Conde Nast Traveler. Two pro shops and excellent practice facilities are also on the grounds.

It is recommended that you call as far in advance as possible; 30 days notice is suggested, but NOT required during peak season. Check out www.waileagolf.com for rates, special offers and information.

Our Local Expert Says:

This is where you can snorkel off-shore and see real tropical fish and turtles.

Description:

This is an excellent beach for families. It is located just a mile down from South Kihei Road. Mornings here offer ideal snorkeling conditions, while afternoons are good for sunning and evenings feature gorgeous Maui sunsets.

The beach itself is fairly small and tends to be crowded. However, it offers excellent facilities and easy access to a midday snack. As with many Maui beaches, be careful what you leave locked in your car; break-ins are common after dark.

Our Local Expert Says:

Beautiful white sand, lots of visitors and big resorts.

Description:

Wailea Beach lies on East Maui's leeward shore. It is backed by the Four Seasons and Grand Wailea resorts. The beach is wide and sandy with an easy slope into the water. When the water is calm, this is a good beach for swimming and snorkeling. A cluster of rocks at the southern end of the beach is used for snorkeling. Bodysurfing is also good at this site. Facilities at Wailea Beach include: restrooms, showers and parking.

Description:

This shop is located just across the street from Kihei's popular Kamaole Beach Park. You can literally wander in wearing a swimsuit and flip-flops. Chances are, you'll fit right in. There is a fairly extensive menu of specialty cocktails and alcohol-free juices. The burgers are delicious, if a little pricey considering the beach-shack atmosphere. But the live music is really the key here. For information about musical acts, visit their website.

Our Local Expert Says:

Molokini is considered, by those in the know, to be the best snorkeling spot in the U.S. and among the top ten world-wide. Go!

Description:

Molokini is an uninhabited, partially submerged volcanic caldera or cinder cone, whose summit is only 160 feet above sea level. It is located two and a half miles off Maui's coast, between South Maui and the island of Kaho`olawe, and is the only underwater park in Hawai`i, sanctuary to approximately 250 aquatic species, many of them native, and well-preserved coral reefs. Its crescent shape protects the park area against strong currents and waves, providing the ideal snorkeling spot, with an average depth of only ten feet and visibility of 150 feet in all directions. In addition to the countless tropical fish, it is common to see aquatic birds, harmless sharks, turtles and an occasional seal. As Maui's trade winds usually arrive in the afternoon, early morning snorkeling reservations are recommended.

Description:

Set amidst heavenly natural beauty that abounds in Hawaii, this golf course is located in the Kapalua Resort. Designed by ace golf course architects Arnold Palmer and Francis Duane, The Bay Course is one of the two courses on the resort, the second one being the Plantation Course. At 6600 yards par 72, the Bay Course is replete with naturally lush greens and smooth fairways making any game an enjoyable experience. Call at +1 800 527 2582 for further information on tee times and reservations.

Description:

If you visit downtown Lahaina, you are sure to happen across this tree. If you did not plan on visiting downtown Lahaina, you should change your plans so that you can see this major landmark. The tree is well over 100 years old, and will probably endure for several hundred more years. It is 60 feet high and covers 200 feet of space. With 12 trunks and several hundred drooping branches, it looks more like a miniature jungle than anything else. Locals make crafts under its shade, boys swing from the branches and tourists stare in amazement.

Our Local Expert Says:

Watching windsurfing can be almost as thrilling as doing it, judging by the mesmerized crowds along the shore of Ho`okipa Beach Park on many winter mornings.

Description:

This is the world's best place for windsurfing, the former site of two major world-class competitions. Windsurfing at this beach is for experts only, however, due to the strong surf. A 1/8 mile coral reef makes Ho`okipa perfect for an early morning swim, however. "Jaws" (Peahi), a bit farther along the coast towards Hana, breaks only when there is a major North swell (usually in winter). Jet skis are used to take the surfers out once the waves hit 20 feet. Nearly seventy-foot waves here caused international headlines as the world's largest a few years ago. Ask a local surfer to take you.

Our Local Expert Says:

Do not miss this! If you haven’t seen Hana, you haven’t really seen Maui.

Description:

World famous for panoramic seascapes and towering waterfalls, the road to Hana has been selected as the most beautiful "highway" in the U.S. On Maui's east end, Hana town, because of its ongoing battle against overdevelopment and the destruction of the Hawaiian culture, is known as "The Land That Time Forgot." Get a very early start (rent a convertible), as you will want to stop many times to swim (bring a towel), photograph and picnic on the local breadfruit and coconut. Even better, take the tour and relax!