Our Wedding

UPDATE!

Our Top 10 Favorite

Things To Do in Maui: 

First off, you'll have a blast even if you don't do a single thing on this list... Just sitting on a beach watching the colorful sundowns every night is worth the price of admission alone.   That said, there's SO much to do... and you'll be inundated with options, all wonderful in their own regard.  But here is a list, in no particular order, of some of the things we think hold the most magic, and why...

1.

Local Beaches

- Big Beach:  Makena Beach State Park.  At almost two-thirds of a mile long and over 100 feet wide, it is one of the most popular beaches on the island. This is an amazing beach at the end of Wailea and has been in many movies.

- Little Beach:  For the more adventurous types, you can walk over the rocks to the right (North) from Big Beach to see another “private” secluded beach called Little Beach. (I.e. It's a nudist beach.)  Don't worry, you don't have to go sans bathing suit, half the crowd is usually more modest. But be prepared to see a few "bobbling betty's" and "jiggling johnsons"...  

2.

Standup Paddle Boarding with Sea Turtles

In the morning when the sea is glassy, it is our favorite ritual to go out standup paddle boarding with the sea turtles. Prepare to be surrounded by the bobbling heads of these wise old creatures.  Your hotel can direct you to rentals, and we will have a few paddle boards at the house.  Here are two at our favorite beach for paddle boarding and surfing:  

- Maui Waveriders (808) 875-4761

2021 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI 96753

- Maui Surf Shack:  (808) 875-0006

1993 S Kihei Road #12, Kihei, HI 9675

3.

Snorkeling

- Molikini is a little crescent shaped rock formation out in the chanel between Maui and a deserted isla called Kahoolawae they used to use for bombing back when we were so stupid as to utilize our extended paradise for war games.  Anyway, now it's a snorkeling paradise!  You can take a guided half-day snorkel trip out there on a catamaran that is amazing fun and a great way to "look back" at how beautiful the island is as well.  Any of the snorkel shops (see Snorkel Bob’s below) or hotel concierge can help arrange a spot on the boats that travel there. Try and pick a boat with covered areas to sit, it can get quite hot in the sun all day.

- For another option if you have less time, go to Le Parouse Bay or Beau Chien at the very tip of the island.  It's a rocky walk to get there (across lava rock), but it's amazing once you get in the water with all sorts of crazy cool fish.  It feels pretty much like your own private aquarium.  You could start here in the late morning then hit Big Beach/Little Beach on the way back for the afternoon.

Snorkel Bobs, 2411 S. Kihei Road, Kihei 808-879-7449

The retail locations are all over the island, and they can outfit you with great gear and give you a map for all the private spots.

4.

Helicopter Ride

Taking a copter trip around Maui is an unbelievable way to see the inner island and its beautiful waterfalls, the crater (Haleakala), and just the overall expansiveness and untouched nature of the island.  It's a bit spendy... But a great trip if you want to experience the island all at once from a different lens!  

Blue Hawaiian Helicopters: www.bluehawaiian.com.

5.

Hiking

There are great hiking opportunities all over the place.  See the links below to find what suits you.  Twin Falls is a great one that's easy to find and great for kids.  It's a fairly easy hike to some gorgeous little tropical waterfalls and fresh water swimming holes.  

Located at: Mile Marker: #2.1 (Hana Hwy aka Hwy 360)GPS Coordinates: 20.911658,-156.243954Facilities: Port-a-potties, snack stand

More Hikes:  http://mauiguidebook.com/tag/waterfall-hikes/ 

Top Ten:  http://www.prideofmaui.com/blog/maui/top-10-hikes-in-maui.html#ixzz3YIMR0Kyw

6.

Silly Drunken Karaoke and Sushi

On Thursday through Sunday nights, the locals gather at a place called Sansei and do Karaoke.  This is in the Kihei Town Center, very close by. This is one of Chris's favorite places for dinner on the island! The sushi is great, as are the sake bombs... and there are many shennanigans to be had here.  Chris made Gwen sing him a very sappy country song here on their first trip to Maui together.  Then Gwen made Chris sing Tupac to her on their 4th trip.

7.

Lunch at Mama's Fish House:   

This is an old institution and Gwen's favorite restaurant on the island. It's in Paia just before Hookipa beach (an amazing windsurfing beach) near the airport.  A seafood lover's heaven that has the old polynesia spirit. Mama's is a picturesque stop for lunch or a light bite and afternoon cocktail after a little visit to Paia (a crazy little hippy town).  And be sure to go watch the windsurfers and kite boarders at Hookipa beach!  

8.

Rubdown

- Private: Michaela Gardner 808-268-0935 (she’s fantastic and can bring other massage therapists, you can call her and she will make a house call) 

- Spa:  Fours Seasons Spa, in Wailea.   (Pretty self-explanatory.)    

9.

Road to Hana or Kahekili Hwy (30)

If you have done any research of the island at all, we're sure you've heard or read everywhere: "Do the road to Hana."  And with good reason, as it's an amazing journey with incredible waterfalls and pools to venture within, spectacular sights throughout, and a cute little remote town and beach once you get there.  There's no reason why it wouldn't be on anyone who visits Maui's top five list.  But... know that Hana is a work out!  It's a long journey of slow (15 mph) winding turns that takes a full day there and back, and could be a challenge to those who are prone to getting car sick.  Having said that, we've heard that you can get an equally amazing drive by taking Kahekili Hwy (30) around the northwest tip.  We have not actually done this drive ourselves yet. Apparently it can get challenging in places as it turns to single lane for a stretch, but the lunar-like views, cascades of colors and expansive overlooks from the sea cliffs are said to be breathtaking!  And there are cows.

10.

???

This one we leave up to you.  

This is where you begin to create your own list!  

Maui No Ka Oi!