Vacation Rentals in Maui

The delectable bites to sample in Maui include laulau (oven-baked tender, juicy pork, fish or chicken wrapped in taro leaves), kalua pig which is smoky and more like the American pulled pork, except that it's not tangy, and chicken long rice–a mix of ginger-flavored chicken and clear mung bean noodles. The best places to find these are:

1. Mama's Fish House

Enjoy generous portions of seafood and exotic Hawaiian meals overlooking the ocean. The taste and experience is great, sometimes you have to book for dinner or lunch three months in advance.

2. Poi by the Pound

Both a door-to-door poi delivery business and a competitor among the best restaurants in Maui, Poi by the Pound is a staple of Hawaii. It's hard to have enough of their poi and other Hawaiian delicacies. They know it and that's why their Hawaii plate is bigger than average; with servings of lomi salmon, poke, pork laulau, kalua pork, poi, some chicken long rice, rice, and mac salad.

3. The Mill House

Here food comes straight from the farm to your plate. This picturesque dining destination sits at the heart of the Maui Tropical Plantation, offering vis itors a chance to savor fresh traditional and modern delicacies overlooking a calming lush plantation and the breathtaking Waikapu Valley.

Hawaii is world-renowned for having an incredible climate, with warm winters and beautiful summers. Maui is a perfect place to make the best of this good weather, with its fantastic beaches, clear temperate water, and amazing hiking paths. Be sure to pack plenty of clothes that are well-suited to outdoor activities, as well as a good number of bathing suits! The island lifestyle is laid-back and relaxed, so you can leave your formal wear back home.

There are 3 pods in Maui. The most common species are the spinner dolphins, spotted dolphins, and the Pacific bottlenose dolphins. For an up-close encounter (50 yards), take a boat ride. Turtles are also commonplace, especially Hawaiian green turtles, and here's where to find them:

1. Punalu'u Beach Park

Turtles love basking on this black sand beach. While the ocean is a little rough for snorkeling, walking on the shore (wearing swimming shoes is a good idea) or joining the turtles for a sun bath can be fun.

2. Lāhainā and Lāna‘i

Watch hundreds of spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris) popularly known for their acrobatic spinning, aerial flips, and leap antics. You'll also find them on the West Maui coastline, and occasionally, at Honolua Bay.

3. La Perouse Bay

Encounter the rare, curious, overly social and intelligent Pacific bottleneck dolphins in a pod of 5-20.

Beach Sports in Maui

West and South Maui have the best selection of beaches and equipment rentals for various water sports. With activities such as surfing, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), and snorkeling, there's a number of companies that offer guided lessons and excursions. Visitors can also rent the equipment they need and head off on their own independent adventure.

Learn About the Island

Nurture your children's minds with an appreciation for the outdoors at the Maui Ocean Center, a walk around the dormant volcano at the Mars-like Haleakalā National Park, or a submarine tour at Laihana.

Music, language, dance, and food have just as much significance in Hawaiian culture as the natural surroundings do. Visit the Old Lahaina Luau, located in the heart of the historic island town, for a lesson in traditional Hawaiian culture and customs.

Vacations in Maui With Babies

With perfect weather all year round, a family-oriented culture, and plenty of activities for all ages, Maui is a great choice for a vacation with your children and babies. Many conveniences such as car seats, strollers and cots/cribs are readily available to use at accommodations and public areas such as restaurants, or to hire out from rental companies for the duration of your trip.

The choice of a condo or apartment with multiple rooms means plenty of space for friends and family to join in, allowing everyone to save on costs and the opportunity for parents to have a little time to enjoy the island on their own. Many complexes have amenities such as swimming pools for young children who need a break or a warm-up to swimming at the beach.

Many of the island’s vacation rentals come with a full kitchen, which is handy for families who want the flexibility of dining at home with their children. For the times you want to head out to dine, there are plenty of restaurants that provide children's menus, games, or coloring books, and most places will also provide high chairs.

1. The Cove at Kalama Beach Park (Kihei)

This break is perfect for beginners. It is easy to access, safe, and clear of obstacles, the waves are under 3 feet high; the people are welcoming (something you really need as a beginner), and there are a ton of surf shops.

2. Ho'okipa Beach

An advanced wave-rider will love the Ho'okipa breaks. On this world renowned North Shore beach, you have obstacles to overcome including rip tides, rocks, and reefs, and sets of unrelenting waves. Take a stroll thereafter while watching turtles sun bathe.

3. Pe'ahi

This surfing break, Maui's biggest, has a treat for the daring advanced surfers seeking an adrenaline rush, a new challenge, a new personal best surfing record, or the tow-in experience. Aptly nicknamed 'Jaws', it features massive and fast waves reaching up to a world-record-breaking 77 feet. According to Billabong XXL Global Big Wave Contest, Jaws is a world-winning break.

Where to Snorkel in Maui

1. Maluaka Beach

Shielded from trade winds, Maluaka is the best snorkeling beach south of Wailea. It's one of nature's beautiful masterpieces featuring golden-sand on the shores; clear, calm, warm waters; and colorful marine life including Hawaiian green sea turtles, crustaceans, octopuses, and tropical fish.

2. Honolua Bay

Walk through a forest, cross a stream, and then swim to this spot where you stand the chance to spot humpback whales playing from a distance as you snorkel alongside fish, turtles and other sea creatures.

3. Kapalua Bay

While the right side of the crescent of this sheltered cove is calm and clear, the left side (Lahaina) is not. Lahaina is ideal if you want a challenge, are adventurous, and great at navigating through rocks and reefs.

Maui, the so-called “Valley Isle” with its lush vegetation surrounded by the sparkling Pacific, appeals to travelers of all ages. Renting a car is the most convenient way to discover the island's different faces, from the lively entertainment spots and beach resorts in West and South Maui, to the more peaceful, lush and exotic eastern side.

Visitors can enjoy beautiful drives like the scenic road to Hana, and take part in outdoor adventure activities like hikes, snorkeling, and zip-lining. Some activities have a minimum age, height, or weight requirement, so check ahead for more details.

1. Haleakala National Park

Visit one of the most unique national parks in the world, featuring trails leading past lava fields caused by the park's dormant volcano. Ornithologists might also be lucky enough to spot a Nene, an endangered Hawaiian goose.

2. Wai'anapanapa State Park

This beautiful park is characterized by its glistening freshwater streams and pools. Camping facilities are available for those who wish to explore the park's natural environments and black sand beach over multiple days.

3. Ka'anapali Beach

No trip to Maui is complete without exploring some of its gorgeous coastline. This beach was once named America's best, with its crystal waters and white sandy shore stretching for three miles.

4. Red Sand Beach

Another fantastic natural location is the amazing Red Sand Beach, also on the eastern end of Maui. Though you need to hike here, the effort is worth it, with blood-red sand and lovely warm Pacific waters.

5. Maui Ocean Center

If you wish to get up close to the region’s wildlife, be sure to check out the expansive Maui Ocean Center, with a tide pool, underwater tunnel, and shark tank, ideal for observing the state's marine life.