Maui travel guide: Travel tips, reviews, photos, & videos from real travelers.

Reviews(Average Rating: 93% for 10 reviews)

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julesmauiReviews: 1
Posts: 0
Full Moon Labyrinth Walk in Makawao, Maui
04/13/2009
Rating
100%
Maui, HI, USA
On Wednesday evening, April 8/09, I drove to Makawao with my friends Joyce, Verity and Terrill, to the Sacred Garden of Maliko. Our purpose was to go on the full moon labyrinth walk, hosted by inspirational speaker/author, Eve Hogan.Eve greeted us with hugs and offered hot chocolate or tea, which was very welcome on that particular chilly night. The sacred garden, is actually a 10,000 sq.ft. greenhouse, once known as Maliko Farms, selling only orchids. Now the nursery has an assortment of beautiful tropical plants, and offers people the ingredients to make their own private sacred gardens. Eve invited us to have a seat in front of a beautiful massive 600 lb Buddha which was carved from a single piece of Balinese Monkeypod wood. We gathered here so that Eve could tell us a little about the history of labyrinths and to give us guidelines for walking the labyrinth paths. Until very recently I had no idea what a labyrinth actually was, except that the word conjured up the idea of a maze. Eve told us that the difference between a labyrinth and a maze is that a labyrinth does not trick you as it has only one path leading to the centre and the same path leading out. The idea of the labyrinth originated in Greek Mythology and has been adopted by many cultures as a path of peace, prayer and contemplation. It was interesting to learn that during the crusades of the 13th century, labyrinths offered a safe alternative to going on a pilgrimage, since travel to sacred destinations was much too dangerous. The Sacred garden has a medieval 11 circuit labyrinth, modeled after the one in the famous Chartres Cathedral in France. This one has a peaceful outside location under the Kukui trees beside a running stream. Inside there is a classic 7 circuit labyrinth and it is a mysterious fact that variations of this labyrinth have been found all over the world. We learned that the most important guideline while walking the labyrinth is to be aware that everything you feel along the way is a metaphor mirroring the things you have to pay attention to and perhaps amend in your own life. Eve told us that if we experience a feeling or thought that doesn't serve us, then we should let it go and then move on. The middle of the labyrinth is a place for meditation, contemplation and renewal, and we were encouraged to stay there as long as we felt like. The way back out of the labyrinth is a time to think about the insights that we have had into ourselves and how we might use this knowledge to implement change in our lives. After the introduction we all went to the outside labyrinth, and each rang a bell as we started the walk. For me the experience evoked a mixture of feelings from insecurity, to confidence and then to joy. The presence of a child running around the path was a wake up call to lighten up and not take yourself so seriously. Afterwards we all met again under the Buddha, so that those who wanted to could share their experiences. Finally Eve told us the fascinating chicken skin story of how she managed to acquire the giant Buddha, which you can read about on her website. As we said our goodbyes, I was overcome by an amazing feeling of gratitude, for being able to share this magical evening with my friends, because a beautiful person named Eve created this lovely sacred garden. Walking the labyrinth is an amazing spiritual experience no matter what religious belief you may have.I highly recommend a visit to the Sacred Garden of Maliko, in Makawao, Maui. You can visit any time in the day, and each month Eve hosts the full moon labyrinth walk.
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fainegReviews: 8
Posts: 0
Maui: Yeah, You Wish You Could Move Here
01/11/2009
Rating
97%
Maui, HI, USA
Maui is legendary: pretty much everyone has dreamed of vacationing on this lush and luxurious tropical island. Conde Nast has named Maui the World's Best Island for twelve years running and *they* probably know a thing or two about travel. I speak as someone who's been there and the rumors are true: Maui is just about perfect. The island is drop dead gorgeous, with a landscape ranging from freakishly lush tropical jungle to picture-perfect beaches to volcanic and alpine landscapes (really.) Maui attracts an upscale and monied crowd and the selection of resorts and activities reflects this: super fine dining, luxury boutiques, and decadent five star resorts are all in easy reach, mostly in the tourist hot bed of Wailea. Lounging on the beach with an alcoholic beverage may be Maui's most popular past time, but there's a lot more to do here then that. One of my favorite experiences anywhere was an early morning bicycle ride down the towering face of Haleakala, an ancient volcanic crater set aside as a national park. Vans take you from your hotel to the summit at a slightly ridiculous hour, but be strong: it'll all be worth it as you see the sun rising over the crater-shot moonscape spread out before you. After the sunrise, you jump on a bike and the fun really begins: a straight shot at very high speeds down the face of the mountain, no pedaling required. (Try not to pitch off the edge of the mountain. Really.) No discussion of Maui is complete without mentioning the Road to Hana, a gorgeous drive through the island's lush and thinly populated heart. Rent a car and an audio guide and set out on your journey: I remember gushing waterfalls, bizarre rainbow-colored tree trunks, and some unspeakably beautiful hidden beaches and overlooks. The trip culminates at Hana, a sleepy little town said to preserve "original" Hawaiian culture: I can't comment on that, but it's a great place to hang out and recharge. Driving in general is a great way to get around the island, allowing you the autonomy to go out and stare at anything you damn well please. I highly reccomend it. My favorite aspect of Hawaii is its culture: it came into the fold of the United State's late and has retained much of its original character. One easy way to experience the "real" Hawaii is through food: many local specialities are downright delicious, from doughnut-like Portuguese malasadas to the addictive raw tuna and seaweed concotion called poke. Stop off at interesting road side joints and order things you've never heard of before: you will almost always be pleasantly surprised. (Just avoid the poi. Trust me.)
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jball16Reviews: 1
Posts: 0
Maui is for...EVERYONE!
08/25/2008
Rating
96%
Maui, HI, USA
If you want to experience the best of Hawaii, say ‘Aloha’ to the island of Maui! I traveled there with three friends and found an array of activities to satisfy our every vacation whim. We stayed in Kihei, a town on the southern coast of Maui. Hours were spent scavenging the nearby open-air market for souvenirs and we experienced the glorious Hawaiian sunset while sipping cocktails on the patio of a local bistro. The highlight of our trip was a boat ride to Molokini Crater, about 2.5 miles off the coast. We docked at the crater and dove in to snorkel among the sea life. We soon found ourselves swimming inches from sea turtles! The trip was topped off with a Luau at the Royal Lahaina Resort, complete with Hula Dancers and a Hawaiian feast. We left the beautiful island relaxed, re-energized and with enough memories to last a lifetime.
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knaniReviews: 3
Posts: 0
Maui - The best of all worlds!
08/25/2008
Rating
95%
Maui, HI, USA
Although Maui is not a very big island, you might feel like you been around the world (and even out of this world!) at the end of your vacation. The Western side of the island features paradise at it’s finest in the form of spectacular beaches (with golden or black sand, depending where you go—be sure to wear your “Slippahs” (flip-flops) if you go to the black sand beach, or else the bottoms of your feet may start to cook faster than a pig at a luau!), and beautiful turquoise waters teeming with tropical fish. The Eastern side of the island features rich farmland and lush rainforests on the road to Hana along the northern part of the island; dry, rocky grasslands along the southern portion (where rental cars are not permitted, but occasionally venture through…oops!); and the lunar landscape-like Haleakala Crater in the middle of it all!
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lyshReviews: 1
Posts: 0
Mai Tais and Turtles - what's not to love
08/02/2008
Rating
50%
Maui, HI, USA
Tucked away between the shopping haven of Lahaina and the exquisite beaches of Kaanapali, lies a not-so-widely known Maui treasure: Napili Point. My husband and I discovered it by chance on our honeymoon and every trip of ours to Maui since has included a stop at this fantastic resort. With just over 100 condominium residences, you can relax in style in your own one-bedroom unit that overlooks a small, rocky inlet. Granted, we didn’t spend much time cooking meals in the small kitchenette or cozying up on the couch in the family room, but rather strolled the water’s edge to the nearby restaurant to enjoy the catch of the day and lounged out on our private patio listening to the waves lapping at the land. Don’t miss the great Mai Tai party the resort has every week in an effort to welcome its newest guests. Free Mai Tais—you can’t beat it! And there are also a multitude of events held every day at Napili, including how to cut a pineapple. I still use the technique I learned there today at home. The best part, though, is definitely the sites you’ll see while snorkeling in the inlet. We’ll never forget the huge 4-foot-long turtle that surfaced for air just feet away from my husband. It was scary and amazing all at once!
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PoppaBearReviews: 1
Posts: 0
Wowee Maui!
08/01/2008
Rating
98%
Maui, HI, USA
Being an avid SCUBA diver, a trip to Maui for me usually means that I spend more time under water than on land. (I think I'm even starting to grow gills.) But there is much fun to be had in Maui, even if it doesn't involve diving. Our last trip to Maui was amazing. Aside from our drive on the Hana Highway, we spent a day just exploring the island. My son and I built sand sharks (not castles!), we went to visit a beautiful lighthouse, we enjoyed a great meal at the Hard Rock Cafe (I collect the t-shirts, so it's always a must-do), and just enjoyed the incredible weather. Maui is a great destination for families. It's one of the few places I can go where I don't miss television, work, the internet, and video games. I'm even trying to talk my wife into moving there one day. Then I might really grow gills!
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LaurenKassReviews: 1
Posts: 0
Ah, the joys of a true relaxation in the sun
07/30/2008
Rating
96%
Maui, HI, USA
Stepping foot in the white sand of Maui’s Kaanapali Beach, a huge grin took over my face. Taking in the blue sky, aquamarine ocean, tri-colored sand beaches, and resorts dotting the coast, the beauty of the island was aglow. Maui has 120 miles of coastline and 30 miles of beaches, perfect for some of the most unparalleled surfing and water sports in the world. With tours of the Haleakala Crater, golf courses, and scuba diving and snorkeling galore, there are endless activities to try. Try to resist a traditional luau, its almost impossible! I came to Maui to escape from the daily grind…and the resort spas, local shopping, and warm tropical breezes moving through the palm trees gave me that in spades. The pristine beaches and crystal blue water attract couples looking for a romantic honeymoon spot and is a popular family vacation destination as well, with many kid-friendly activities. Maui has always drawn many tourists and celebrities, and it is easy to see why: natural beauty and entertainment are abundant here. Maui has a natural low key pace, with friendly locals at every turn and “untapped” beaches on the east side with a less touristy, more earthy vibe. Aloha, indeed.
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IBleedWords
- Top member
Reviews: 9
Posts: 20
A Day on the Heavenly Hana Highway
07/07/2008
Rating
100%
Maui, HI, USA
We hit the Road to Hana early one morning in the summer of 2006. There are few locations in the world that will inspire pre-teen boy to wake up early with a smile on his face, but the promise of waterfalls, hiking, and the Honokalani Black Sand Beach certainly popped my [then] 11-year-old son into action that morning! It was a wonderful day punctuated by bouts of “liquid sunshine” and the majestic vistas provided on one of the most magnificent stretches of highway in the nation. At the end of our journey, which included a dip at O`he`o Gulch, better known as the “Seven Sacred Pools,” we stopped at the Tedeschi Winery. As we sipped Maui Blanc (pineapple wine), my son enjoyed the many geckos and chameleons roaming the property. What a fantastic day!
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Dorothy Carlow
- Top member
Reviews: 11
Posts: 23
Road to HANA
06/27/2008
Rating
100%
Maui, HI, USA
Maui is a great destination for the tourist looking for a relaxing, scenic break from the hussel and bussel of “main land” life. On Maui’s “beaten path” you will find great Hawaiian luaus, beaches, snorkeling, restaurants and golf courses. BUT, if you are seeking a vacation adventure, get in your convertible and go the distance. The road to Hana was one of the most memorable vacation adventures I have ever experienced. GET OFF the actual road and visit the remote ocean villages – you will not be disappointed with Hawaiian hospitality as long as you are bearing main land gifts (sneakers, jeans, baseball caps, toys). When you arrive in Hana, be sure to take the hike up to the most splendid waterfall in the world (about 5 miles up and 5 miles back). Most tourists only see this one by helicopter. When leaving Hana, make the island circle…You will be urged to go back the way you came, but stay the course and ride the dirt roads all the way around the island (even if the rental car company warns that if you break down they won’t come get you!). You will see the most splendid homes in the most secluded untouched parts of this pristine ocean oasis!
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Karin
- Top member
Reviews: 11
Posts: 1
Hana Highway
06/13/2008
Rating
98%
Maui, HI, USA
I’m all for a road trip. A drive along a single-lane road with vertical cliffs on one side and a plunging drop down a canyon on the other? Sounds great! The Hana Highway might not be for everyone, but if your stomach can take it, it’s an amazingly beautiful drive with stunning views of the intensely-blue Pacific and dense forests interrupted by trickling waterfalls. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the sixty-eight mile long highway connects Kahului to the small town of Hana in eastern Maui. It starts out as a two-lane road, and by the time it reaches the Haleakala National Park just past Hana, it has narrowed down to one lane. Also, of the highway’s 59 bridges, 46 are one-lane, so traffic tends to back up. There is an easier way to get to Haleakala, but if you don’t mind the drive, the Hana Highway is by far the more scenic, and it takes you to the southern end of the park, close to the famous Seven Sacred Pools, a series of waterfalls and pools.
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