Maui, HI Recap

Maui Recap:
Maui was our second stop on our Hawaii vacation.  We spent 4 fabulous days at the Hyatt Regency on Kaanapali Beach.  (There was some construction going on but we were in the Napili Tower and thus heard none of it.)  If you're in Maui and you have the time, you should definitely do the road to Hana.  We started with breakfast and a picnic lunch at Anthony's in Paia, Charley's is also another great spot.  The road to Hana is only 30 miles but it will take you an hour and a half to drive through it, that's without stops.  And you'll want to make stops at the many waterfalls, scenic points, and beaches along the way.

If you make it to Hana, take Highway 31 for another 30 minutes to the Haleakala National Park to see the O'heo Gulch also known as the 7 sacred pools.  These 7 pools flow directly into the ocean.

Our favorite Eats:

Cane & Taro in Whaler's Village.  The calamari salad is delicious as was the mahi mahi of the day.  You can do some shopping at Whaler's Village, and there's also a free shuttle that goes to all the hotels and resorts in the area. 

Front Street: There are plenty of little shops and restaurants on this strip.  We frequented Uhu Lalni's, during our trip, it's the best shaved ice!  My personal favorite is the Haleakala (coconut & lychee - party in my mouth).  We also had lunch at Aloha Mixed Plate - it's a great spot for trying traditional Hawaiian food.  We had the chow fun and ribs.

We tried to go snorkeling, but the weather was not cooperating (too windy).  But of all the snorkel trips I've ever been on, this was the best.  The Pacific Whale Foundation has the best staff - super friendly and knowledgeable (they're all marine biologists). 

We also ate at Star Noodle.  I loved this Asian place so much we ate there twice.  Things to try: The Ahi Avo (if you like Ahi poke, you'll love, love, love this), their malasadas (aka Portuguese donuts- pictured above) are delicious.  Noodles: I loved their Lahaina Fried Soup and Fried Saimin noodles. And their Soho Berry Sparkler is amazing.  We also had the pork buns and Vietnamese crepes. 

My other must have for Maui is Mama's Fish House.  It's such a Hawaiian experience, and the food is phenomenal and a bit pricey.  We had the Ahi Poke and the Upcountry Fish (the best fish I've had in a long time).  If you do go here, you should hit up Ho'okipa Beach it's a mile up the road and you can see some of the best wind surfers there, it's breath taking (pictured above). 
A couple of really good places that were recommended to us by our friends that we didn't get a chance to eat at are: Pacific O's and Merriman's.  Other than that we relaxed, soaked up the sun, and I learned how to surf!   We can't wait to go back.