Set off on surf safaris, spoil yourself at a spa, then feast on local seafood and shaved-ice desserts on this sand-blessed island.
The biggest decision you’ll have to make on Maui is which beach to visit and why. The second-largest Hawaiian island has a cool 30mi (48km) of beaches – some great for swimming, others for surfing and a few that don’t require any activity at all. Plus, there are volcanoes, sprawling national parks such as Haleakalā, waterfalls and stretches of lush tropical forest, not to mention the sacred Iao Valley. And that’s just on land. Offshore, there’s whale-watching, surfing, kayaking and more. With average year-round temperatures of 68F-88F (20C-31C), Maui is the place for sun, whatever the season.
You’ve just arrived for your long-awaited winter getaway and are perhaps exhausted after the flight. Time for a gentle reboot before your holiday begins. Maui Yoga Path hosts gentle beach yoga, during which participants are encouraged to quiet the mind and connect with nature as they work on stretching, strengthening and relaxing. The studio is at the oceanside Mana Kai Maui Resort.
The adults-only Hotel Wailea sits on 15 acres (6ha) of tropical gardens, waterfalls and winding pathways, with 180-degree views of the ocean. Food also focuses on the sea, with a menu of mahi-mahi, kona kanpachi and manila clams and scallops, served with the specialty vanilla jasmine rice. There’s a valet service at Wailea Beach – setting you up with loungers, parasols, water and towels – and water-sports gear for rent. The private surf instructor at the hotel can take you on a coastal safari, or you can explore via an outrigger canoe.
Ho’omana Spa is off the beaten path on Piiholo Road in Makawao. The in-house wellness pros specialize in traditional Hawaiian lomi lomi – where therapists use their forearms and hands in flowing motions over different parts of the body simultaneously. It’s just the ticket if you’ve traveled a long way to be here and will soon be bound for the beach. In addition to the four treatment rooms, there’s also a bathhouse and native botanical gardens.
The expansive aquarium and oceanography center in Maalaea is the largest living tropical reef aquarium in the western hemisphere. Observe reef fish, sharks, stingrays, turtles and other marine life, in addition to learning from the 60 exhibits dedicated to underwater animals, including seahorses and octopuses, as well as conservation.
Delicious seafood and innovative drinks attract repeat visitors to Down the Hatch, founded in 2015 by three childhood friends from Georgia. Menus include macadamia-nut-crusted mahi-mahi, spicy lava lava shrimp, ahi samurai, whole lobster, fish tacos and the ever-popular lobster-and-crab grilled cheese. Two popular cocktails are the lilikoi basil martini (vodka with lilikoi puree and fresh basil) and the Aztec Warrior (mezcal, house-made jalapeño honey and lemon) – now you know how the bar got its name.
You’ve come to the island for heat, but we’re still going to insist you embrace shave ice while in Maui. Hawaiians take shave ice seriously. The dessert is made by shaving a block of ice and adding flavored syrups and other sweet ingredients. Ululani’s makes a seemingly endless list of flavors – vegan and unsweetened versions, too – including bubble gum, sour apple, root beer, cotton candy and piña colada (don’t mind if we do). There are seven locations throughout Maui, including one in Lahaina.
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