#oluwalu beach

[sierradorotheia]

Maui Beaches || We checked out a total of SEVEN beaches in Maui during our 9-day stay, and that’s not even all of it! What I love about the beaches in Hawai’i is that they’re all public and the big resorts will not be able to capitalize on it. Sure, it’s nice when a cabana boy comes up to you and ask if you need a towel or sunscreen or a drink... but I find it’s very cost-friendly to just pack up your beach chairs and your lunch and just camp on whatever beach you decide to go to.

First on the list is the walk-out beach from our Airbnb, Sugar Beach. This is the longest beach in Maui, and I believe we were at the farthest-end of it. Thing I like about the Sugar Beach is that it’s not busy at all! We’ve watched a few sunsets and once lounged on this beach on an afternoon and there were hardly anybody, so we usually have the best seats on this beach.

Next on the list is the Makena Beach, which J and I agreed is our most favourite. The beautiful blue’s just meshes with the fine sands and while I enjoyed the idyllic vibes Sugar Beach has, Makena Beach might be busy but the energy is different, in a good way!

The most interesting one for us would be the black-sand beach, Holokalani Beach. We’ve visited this beach in Hana on a rainy day and we’re already in awe of how beautiful it is, and I can only imagine it during one fine day. I’ve never been to a black sand beach before! This beach is so much fun and has a little bit of a coastal trail where you can have a better view of the blowholes.

I knew we were bound to visit the Kanapaali Beach  at some point, but I did not know that it would be on the day we planned to go shopping at the Whaler’s Village- so you can see I was all dressed up and made up and not at all on a beach-day getup! Apparently this beach was voted the best in the world at some point. We saw a bunch of boogie boarders and J decided to test it out as well while we were on this beach. 

The next three beaches I’m about to mention... we visited in one full day. First is the Oluwalu Beach where we had our whale-watching (more on that on the next post!). Our whale watching was scheduled for 7 am so we arrived at the crack of dawn- and  what I love about this beach is the gorgeous mountain views and this is apparently where everyone goes for snorkeling. 

Ulua Beach is where we spent most of our last moments in Maui as J really wanted to go snorkeling here. I did not go in the water so I just lounged- and this beach is pretty crowded during our stay. It’s pretty small, and it’s in Wailea where I think is a prime destination for most tourists in Maui- but I could say we had a blast during our couple of hours’ stay.

Our last beach where we watched our last Maui sunset - Palauea Beach. We just had one last shot at aloha hour at the Monkey Pod and decided to watch the sunset one last time before we make our way to the airport - and it did not disappoint! I already miss the beaches in Maui and hoping to explore more of Hawai’i someday  ♥

[wwasnorkel]

Things to do in Lahaina, Maui

Looking for things to do in Lahaina, Maui? “The west side is the best side”, that’s what we say here in historic Lahaina Town! Shopping, food, activities, the list goes on!

We created a go-to guide so can make your most out of your vacation to Lahaina!

Originally the capital of Hawaii from 1820-1845, historic Lahaina town was once a pit stop for whalers and now sees an estimated 80% of all tourism that comes to Maui! Lahaina’s iconic Front Street runs through the heart of Lahaina Town, connecting Lahaina Harbor, shops, restaurants and historical landmarks. Traveling to Maui is not your bargain vacation due to its desired tropical climate as a U.S. territory, but with AirBnB’s available at all time lows right now and lots of free outdoor activities you’ll find yourself easily content on this little island in the Pacific!

Lahaina is a small town with half the crime rate of Los Angeles and New York. You can walk or bike almost anywhere to shops, beaches, activities and dining, making it a go-to for Maui’s visitors!

Free Things to do in Lahaina

If you’re looking for free things to do in Lahaina, check out the Lahaina Walking Tour for a fun historical walk through along Front Street, which has been rated one of the Top 10 Greatest Streets by the American Planning Commission.

Across from the Wharf Center is the historic Banyan Tree. Planted over 100 years ago this tree is a gathering place for visitors, locals and arts and crafts fairs! If you walk toward the ocean you will find Lahaina Harbor, the busiest tourism harbor in the state!. You can check out the historic museum right under the banyan to learn more about this harbor that was once a pit-stop for whalers and sailors! The historic Pioneer Inn now houses dining and shops, as well as a photo ops with parrots and breakfast at the Inn itself. Art galleries, clothing stores and Hawaii inspired jewelry shops line this quaint little ocean front town!

Surfing is always free, you just need a board and some waves! Lahaina town fronts two popular surf spots, Breakwall and Harbor! Breakwall has a slower softer wave great for longboarding and Harbor’s quick steep drop in waves make it a great pick for shortboarders!

If you’re in Maui during Halloween, be ready for a festive night to remember! Front street hosts a Halloween bash that brings the whole island to it’s little town. Hundreds of amazing costumes, contests, live music and dining! Many restaurants along Front Street offer ocean view and oceanfront dining, here are some of our favorite places to eat in Lahaina!

Dining & Shopping

Starting at the south end of Front Street, you can walk past local shops and good eats. Paia fish market opened their Lahaina location a few years ago and specializes in fish burgers and more! Stop and check out Down the Hatch, one of our favorite places to eat fish, this bar and grill was even on Diners Drive-Ins and Dives! Down the Hatch also has live music at night and game nights! Best burgers in town can be found at Cool Cats Cafe across from the Pioneer Inn and a stop in Captain Jacks Restaurant for salads, fish and philly cheese steaks is a great option! Sunrise cafe is a quaint local breakfast cafe, nestled behind the corner ice cream shop!

At the north end of Front Street, Waikiki Brewing Co. and Tommy Bahamas Bar and Grill are new additions to our Lahaina Town Dining! Further down (maybe a drive more than a walk), behind Safeway shopping center, there is a trio of ocean front dining that are must trys!. Star Noodle, known for it’s asian fusion dishes offers outdoor dining and a contemporary setting! Honu has indoor and oceanfront outdoor dining, seafood dishes, gourmet pizza are their specialities. Mala Ocean Tavern, rated best oceanfront dining in 2019, offers a more elevated dining experience and just recently bought a delicious brunch to the table!

Do you have dietary restrictions and want a dining experience that caters to your needs? Lucky for us, Lahaina is home to a few delicious vegan restaurants! Moku Roots is our top choice, serving amazing vegan dishes made with local ingredients like coconut, kiawe flour, macadamia nuts and tons of fresh fruits and veggies. You won’t even know it’s vegan when you taste it, it’s just good, and grab a dessert on your way out! Choice Health Bar is another great veggie option, their veggie bowls, acai bowls, smoothes, soups and desserts are all made locally and with your health in mind!

Looking for dessert? Banyan Tree gelato and Lamperts Ice Cream (home of the Dole Fruit Whip) are your next stops on front street! Breakwall Shave Ice (located inside Down the Hatch Restaurant) even serves Hawaiian Shaved ice Adult Style (must be 21) and an assortment of other shaved ice desserts, acai bowls, ice coffees and smoothies!

Activities

Whale Watching in Lahaina

Whale watching is the top activity in Lahaina, Maui! Because the Maui Nui Basin is the choice spot for our humpback whale visitors, it became a protected sanctuary for whales in the 1990’s. You can whale watch from shore, your hotel or better yet, on a boat! You can find all styles of vessels to choose from! Large sailing vessels like Trilogy Excursions depart from the loading dock, while smaller rafting style boat like ours leave from Slip 17!

Snorkeling in Lahaina

You can snorkel from shore most anywhere in Lahaina! Mala Boat Ramp is our top spot to snorkel from shore in Lahaina, followed closely by Oluwalu Reef! Mala has an artificial reef made from the old boat harbor that sank into the ocean, creating an underwater home for everything from tropical fish, lots of green sea turtles, octopus and even reef sharks! Olowalu reef is one of Hawaii’s oldest and largest reefs, hosting unique pinnacle style reef structure, lots of marine life and the home to many manta rays! Snorkeling by boat is also a great adventure! Most snorkeling tours that depart from Lahaina Harbor will take you to the island of Lanai where the reef is in pristine condition, and we often see the resident spinner or bottlenose dolphins!

Fishing in Lahaina

If you’re wanting a fishing experience, best to pay for a charter where they can get you on the ones that are biting! Finest Kind and Die Hard are our top fishing company choice for Lahaina!

Luas in Lahaina

Luaus are back in action, with tasty local Hawaiian cuisine and traditional dance! Most luaus are located on a beach front location where you get to enjoy ocean views with a sit-down dinner and Hawaiian style entertainment. If you’re looking for Luaus located in Lahaina Town, Old Lahaina Luau is the go to spot! This luau is located right on front street and has an authentic styled venue with ocean front dining!

Whether you’re staying in Lahaina, or will make the short drive from Kaanapali or the day trip from Kihei or Wailea, it’s definitely worth the stop for some fun shopping, ocean activities and ono food!

[sierradorotheia]

Whale Watching || Probably the most beautiful thing we’ve experienced this whole trip is spending the morning watching whales in a kayak. I’m going to be honest, I was a little freaked out about the idea of being two miles away from the shore and looking for whales- because I’m so paranoid about what else could be out there... if you know what I mean (sharks, piranhas, etc...) but I’ve whale-watched before when I was in Oslob, Cebu and even swam with whales, but for whatever reason, I’m completely freaked out by this experience prior. 

We went to Oluwalu Beach and was guided by Maui Kayak Adventures and our guide Cory is amazing and very passionate and informative about the whole thing. 

We spent about a couple hours watching a LOT of whales from afar do their flips and spouts and all those majestic things, until they got very close to us and J and I were in the front-row action. It was such a privilege to see a mama whale and her calf, as well as the “escort”, and Cory told us about the “mating process” that the whales undergo... and it was pretty intense especially for the mama whale. I’ll let you guys Google all about that because I want y’all to get the right information but imma just tell you dis ... toxic male masculinity unfortunately exists even underwater! It’s CRAZY! 

Even from the distance, this humongous creatures are still so fun to watch! You can see everyone from all walks of life get super excited at the sight of the whales. It truly was an incredible experience.

To think that we almost bailed out of this activity! Short aside... J and I had to reschedule whale watching as there were some inclement weather forecast on the day we planned on doing it. J had his alarm set at 5:45 am, but I woke up at 4:30 am to use the bathroom and to check my phone- and saw the 24-hr reminder for our flight check in and I thought I was dreaming! We really were on vacation mode, completely incognizant of the date and day of the week. I immediately woke J up as we were in absolute no shape to move out of our Airbnb, and we had to check out at 11 am (when the tour was slated to end). We were both freaking out but we just jumped out of bed and started packing, and I was begging J to just cancel this as we were going to be so pressed for time (also, I was still paranoid and scared to do the damn thing!). I’m so glad he refused... the whole experience totally made up for that very stressful morning we had. It also made me realize that J and I can’t paddle to save our lives lol... Mother Nature is amazing! And... so are flight check-in reminders. I’m praying and hoping that that would be the most OMGWTF moment J and I will ever have to experience traveling together!