Island Indulgence

Our Local Expert Says:

Many agree this is the best hotel on Maui. See it even if you stay elsewhere. I have seen celebrities almost every time I have walked the grounds of the hotel.

Description:

Maui's Four Seasons Resort is often hailed as one of the top 100 resorts in the world. The attention to detail and superb service are what separate this resort from competitors. Knowledgeable staff will point you in the right direction with any questions you may have about dining, tourists attractions, or activity recommendations.

Each guest room (among the largest in Maui) features a private lanai with views of the mountains, gardens or the Pacific ocean. The resort is located on Wailea Beach, which is one of the nicest stretches of sand and coastline on Maui. It is not uncommon to see celebrities sunbathing on the beach or near the Four Seasons pool deck.

Our Local Expert Says:

Often said to be the best beach on Maui.

Description:

Along with Wailea, this is the resort hotspot of the island. Ka'anapali is Maui's equivalent of Waikiki Beach, although it comes nowhere close to being that big or busy. The entire beach is open to the public. Access is available through resort grounds, as are public restrooms and showers. Plenty of shops and restaurants are located right along the strip. The sands are warm and gold; the water is clear and flat. A major Ka'anapali landmark is Black Rock. Once known as Soul's Leap, this rock is still a popular jumping point for locals and particularly brave visitors.

Our Local Expert Says:

The perfect stop on the way to Hana. Here, you'll see many indigenous plants and walk the lanes of ornamentals.

Description:

Located just past Mile Marker 10 on the road to Hana (Highway 36) are the verdant tropical gardens where the opening sequence of Jurassic Park was filmed. The 26-acre park, designed by Alan Bradbury with the aim of restoring the area's natural ecosystem, contains 500+ trees, plants and flowers native to the Pacific islands. Stroll along Maui's best nature trails and enjoy a leisurely lunch in a lush picnic area. This is a great activity for nature lovers and families with children.

Description:

The owners of the Old Lahaina Luau have recruited the culinary prowess of chef James McDonald (I'O and Pacific'O), found the perfect outdoor oceanfront setting, and added the exquisite dancers of the Old Lahaina Luau. The result: a culinary and cultural experience that sizzles. As if the sunset weren't heady enough, dances from Hawaii, New Zealand, Tahiti, and Samoa are presented, up close and personal, in full costumed splendor. Chanting, singing, drumming, dancing, the swish of ti-leaf skirts, the scent of plumeria -- it's a full adventure, even for the most jaded luau aficionado. Guests sit at white-clothed, candlelit tables set on the sand (unlike the luau, where seating is en masse) and dine on entrees from each island: imu-roasted kalua pig from Hawaii, Maori fishcake from New Zealand, poisson cru from Tahiti, and beef with breadfruit from Samoa. Particularly mesmerizing is the evening's opening: A softly lit canoe carries three people ashore to the sound of conch shells.

Description:

Located within the lovely, exclusive Four Seasons Resort, this restaurant serves an array of Asian-American fusion dishes. Dinner selections vary from the Wok Cashew Chicken, served in a red curry sauce, to the Prime New York Steak, prepared in a choice of sauces. A breakfast buffet is served daily, including Sundays. Guests enjoy a sophisticated, comfortable atmosphere infused with local charm.

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.

Description:

The award-winning Spa Grande at the Grand Wailea Resort is the ultimate relaxation destination for the spa-savvy crowd. A blend of Thalassotherapy, Ancient Oriental and Hawaiian principles, and modern technology, the more than 100 treatments and signature therapies are aimed at complete rejuvenation of the body. Avail of body treatments, facials, massages, and Hawaiian baths in this 50,000-square-foot luxurious haven, where a friendly staff and the best products help you get rid of both mental and bodily stress. Reservations are recommended.

Our Local Expert Says:

The main venue at Maui's Arts & Cultural Center, there is always something grand playing at the Castle. Check local papers.

Description:

Castle Theater is the largest indoor theater hall/auditorium on Maui. The 1200-seat facility features comfortable padded seats in three different levels that all overlook a sprawling stage.

The Castle Theater, inside Maui's Arts and Cultural Center, hosts all of Maui's biggest traveling shows, musicians, stage acts, and live performances. The theater also welcomes Maui Film Festival screenings on an annual basis. Because Maui does not have any theaters dedicated to independent films, the Castle Theater is your best bet at seeing a movie you can't find elsewhere on the island.

Description:

Located in the opulent Grand Wailea, one of the top five luxury hotels on Maui, this restaurant offers a casually elegant setting and a tempting menu. The delicious scent wafting from the wood-burning oven hints of culinary delights to come. The menu is contemporary Continental, but most dishes feature local ingredients. From the Hawaiian Ahi Carpaccio appetizer to the Tartuffo Alla Maui (a dreamy, creamy vanilla/mango/chocolate/caramel blend), this is a Maui-style feast.

Description:

Blue Hawaiian Helicopters is Hawaii's premiere helicopter tour company, with operations on Maui, Molokai, Kauai and the Big Island

Our Local Expert Says:

Ferry to Molokai from Lahaina; the independent travelers' way to see the "Friendly Isle."

Description:

Maui Princess has boat cruises to please everyone. The Original Maui Princess Dinner Cruise boasts amazing sunset views of the islands of Maui, Lanai and Molokai with dinner served on our open-air deck and dancing with live music below. Or, try Kaulana of Maui, she'll take you out on a sunset cruise you always remember or a short cruise out to see the whales. If you like to get in the water, take the Island Princess as she zips you to Molokini Crater or Turtle Reef for one of our Snorkel Cruises in Maui, Hawaii.