FIVE THINGS TO DO IN MAUI
Feast on fresh food and take in coastal views of the island.
Highway to Hana
This highway to heaven offers breathtaking coastal views, waterfalls galore, bamboo forests, sweeping landscapes and terrain so lush, it’ll have you thinking the grass (and foliage) is definitely greener in Maui. Rent a car and start your drive from the Residence Inn to Hana Highway. Take the coastal road way past Hana to feast on eye candy throughout the drive. Stop for a dip in a waterfall and grab a locally sourced coffee from the cute Ono Cafe. Details: roadtohana.com
The summit of all parts
In the early 1960s, NASA brought moon-suited astronauts to the Haleakala Crater to practise what it would be like to “walk on the moon.” So, for this otherworldly experience, don’t hand in the keys to that car just yet. Drive it to the summit of Haleakala at 3,048 metres. Most folks head here for sunrise, but it is equally stunning at sunset. Bring your woolies, it’s freezing at the top and you’ll definitely want to walk around to capture the perfect sunset shot. Details: gohawaii.com
Mama knows best
Mama’s Fish House Restaurant & Inn is legendary — and for good reason. Opening in 1973, it serves seafood caught daily, along with produce harvested daily. It’s a pricey joint but you’ll be hard pressed to find one serving up local fare that’s so ridiculously fresh and delicious. Its signature dish, mahi mahi stuffed with king crab, is signature for a reason. At $58 (U.S.) for the meal, it’ll set your wallet back, but your belly forward for all the right reasons. Details: mamasfishhouse.com
Row, row, row your canoe outrigger
The canoe outrigger is unique to Hawaii. Native Hawaiians and Polynesians built canoe outriggers traditionally out of one piece of wood centuries ago to reach the islands and migrate from other regions to the Pacific islands. Book a tour with Hawaiian Paddle Sports, which begins its tours with an “oli,” a Hawaiian spiritual chant, followed by a quick tutorial about how to paddle. It’s an experience anyone can participate in and is a great way to see the coast. Details: hawaiianpaddlesports.com
Mill House Restaurant
If you like your food fresh, tasty and with a killer view, head to the Mill House Restaurant, located on a tropical plantation. Its chefs use ingredients plucked from within the plantation grounds, as well as from selected farms and suppliers. Awardwinning executive chef Jeff Scheer knows a thing or two about delighting your taste buds. If the mains don’t do it for you, stick around for the pavlova or flourless chocolate cake. Details: mauitropicalplantation.com