Teen Maui

Description:

Kanaha Beach Park is really a beach that only windsurfers and kite surfers usually visit.  Located a stones throw from the Kahului airport the beach has hosted world class windsurfing competitions in the past.  The wind is usually always blowing strong at the beach, which makes casual swimming and sunbathing not ideal.
There are facilities on the eastern side of the park that include restrooms, showers, picnic tables, grills and drinking water. Camping is allowed here, but campers should be warned that the noise from the airport can be disturbing. The camping area is closed Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

Our Local Expert Says:

Local cultural monuments, a science center, hiking trails with views and swimming holes, all right near the center of Wailuku town! In addition to the wonderful swimming streams and hiking paths, here you will see authentic pavilions dedicated to the cultural groups on Maui and find local family parties with music.

Description:

The focal point of this park is the Iao Needle. A natural rock formation covered in green moss, it towers 2,000 feet over the park. There are several routes to hike to the Needle. There are also clearings, gardens and a spacious picnic area. Iao Valley was the site of a huge, bloody battle hundreds of years ago, and some locals believe that parts of it are still haunted. A much less romantic and more tangible threat comes from the clouds of mosquitoes that lurk near the streams and attack unwary visitors.

Our Local Expert Says:

Just next to the Haleakala Zip-line, this is a real thrill ride and perfect for teens, too.

Description:

Haleakala ATV Tours is an exciting tour option for families with children in high school.  Located in the same parking lot as the Maui Skyline Adventure zip lining tour, this adventure will take guests through the wilderness of Haleakala Ranch.

Learn about Hawaii's wildlife and enjoy views of the Maui valley all while taking in the pleasure of driving your own off-road 4x4 vehicle.  Please note that you must be at least 16 years of age to operate an ATV.

Our Local Expert Says:

Enjoy Upcountry "paniolo" (cowboy) style with 5 generations of Maui's Baldwin family.

Description:

Piiholo Ranch provides a horseback ride with plenty of open range to move freely and visit spectacular vistas. Along the ride, guests will see many native plants and indigenous trees of Hawaii, and sometimes colorful, endemic forest birds. The Baldwins have also developed a preserve and nursery for the state bird, the endangered Hawaiian Nene goose, at Piiholo Ranch.

Description:

Champion windsurfer Alan Cadiz, along with a staff of highly skilled pros, offers all levels of lessons at Kanaha Beach Park in Kahului. Introduction to Windsurfing is taught in the morning, while more advanced classes such as Jibing and Shortboard Sailing take place during the afternoon, once the winds kick up.

Choose from a 2.5-hour group lesson (three students maximum) or a 90-minute private lesson. Advanced students of this popular training program can sail the coast run from Ho'okipa Beach in Paia to Kanaha.

Our Local Expert Says:

Yummy, home-made Tex-Mex specialties in the "paniolo" town of Makawao, plus big drinks and wonderful brunch. Kids love this place, especially the chips 'n' dips.

Description:

Located smack-dab in the tiny downtown area of Makawao, this is a typical upcountry eatery. It is casual and cheerful, and it has been around forever. Locals congregate for hours, heedless of the cares of everyday life, if they even have any. While this place serves tacos, burritos and other Mexican favorites, plenty of American classics (burgers, fries, etc.) and vegetarian choices are available. Note: You can sometimes get breakfast earlier; it depends on how soon the Haleakala bicycle contingency clears out.

Description:

Located in the picturesque Pukalani Country Club, this restaurant serves delicious Hawaiian and American favorites. The breakfast menu features omelets, waffles and island dishes such as Spam-n-eggs. During the rest of the day, all Hawaiian entrees come with rice or poi, haupia and other traditional island touches. This place has a friendly, relaxed atmosphere and spectacular views of Mount Haleakala. It is popular with locals and the tourists that manage to find it.

Our Local Expert Says:

Homemade local sorbets in Maui Mall. Kids love it.

Description:

If you've never heard of Guri Guri, you are not alone. It can only be found at this particular location. However, this stand is a landmark on Maui and a legend among the islands. Guri Guri is a refreshing, frozen dairy product that tastes like a cross between sherbet and ice cream. It comes in two flavors: strawberry or pineapple. The recipe is a jealously guarded family secret. While some people don't find it to be anything special, some people become strangely addicted to it and stop by the stand daily.

Description:

This 50's-style diner has a menu a mile long, with breakfasts ranging from the Garden Skillet (scrambled eggs with mushrooms and spinach) to the Really Big Breakfast (three eggs, three sausage links, three strips of bacon, and two slices of country ham). Lunch and dinner traverse similarly vast terrain, including a long list of burgers and sandwiches, as well as a lower-fat menu, plus desserts.

Our Local Expert Says:

Maui's most thrilling ride and a must for teens.

Description:

Maui's Skyline Eco-Adventures was the United States' first glimpse at commercial zip line tours back in 2002.  Set amongst giant eucalyptus tress high up Haleakala Volcano, a course of 5 -8 ziplines will test the nerves of riders.  The final zipline will take riders over an enormous gulch as they reach white-knuckle speeds.

There are now two different locations for booking at Skyline Eco-Adventure, upcountry Maui and Ka'anapali.  Each course offers different landscapes and views. Tour packages start at $95 and are run by experienced guides who also know a lot about Maui's unique ecosystem.