Maui = Heaven

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if you have friends who are kama'aina you will find a whole new side of Maui. And the North Shore/Paia/Makawao trump Kanapali and Makena on all but one level (sand/tanning/non-surfing beaches)

 1. Maui Diving Scuba Center

222 Papalaua St
Lahaina, HI 96761
(808) 667-0633

Category: Diving

5.0 star rating
  5/11/2009 First to Review

I have done eight dives with these guys so far because of how incredibly impressed I am with this great shop that John and Bia run.

every time I've shopped around, they've beat their competitors prices by a lot (especially on certification and…More »

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 2. Maui Stables

177 Hana Hwy
Hana, HI 96713
(808) 248-7799
5.0 star rating
  10/17/2008 First to Review

I'm really not sure where to begin.  But this entire trip was truly spiritual. Thanks in no small part to our guide (THE guide at Maui stables) Keoni, who traces his entire family back to the original discoverers and inhabitants of Hawai'i.

I think my…More »

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 3. Flatbread Company

89 Hana Hwy
Paia, HI 96779
(808) 579-8989

Category: Pizza

5.0 star rating
  Update - 2/21/2012

they've definitely improved the specialty drinks and kept the consistently amazing flavor of all their best pizzas. came here three times (including a take out which we ate while hiking) in 5 days. If this place opened up shop in San Francisco, I'd…More »

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 5.0 star rating
    3/24/2009

    I come here at least once a week (we went three times when I had friends in town) and the Mopsy is… Read more »

 4. Mala Ocean Tavern

1307 Front St
Lahaina, HI 96767
(808) 667-9394

Category: Seafood

5.0 star rating
  4/24/2009

Don't let the stars on this one throw you, this place should be a 5-star from everyong.

The Oyster Shooters are insane. We travel from the north shore three times a week just to get them.  (and now that they are doing ka'amaina til summer, we've…More »

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 5. Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar

1881 S Kihei Rd
Kihei, HI 96753
(808) 879-0004
5.0 star rating
  10/14/2008

Technically, I didn't have the sushi at this place, but it's gotta be decent since the other Sansei's is always amazing.

But for the bar, for sake bombing, and for Karaoke?  This Sansei's trumps the west side one by a mile.

And their younger bartender…More »

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 6. Laulima Farm

Sr 170
Kipahulu, HI 96713

Category: Food Stands

5.0 star rating
  7/20/2010

Darn, and I was hoping no one would review this place!  (well you still need to find it).

So imagine you order a smoothie.  And then imagine pretending to be Lance Armstrong in the Alps stage of the tour de france  (that blender ain't gonna power…More »

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 7. The Maui School of Therapeutic Massage

1043 Makawao Ave
Makawao, HI 96768
(808) 572-2277

Category: Massage

5.0 star rating
  10/14/2008

all you need to know is they have clinics for their experienced students.  a few times a week in the low season (right now, MWF), more during the winter when more students are at the right level (12 per week).

the guy at the desk used to be an actor…More »

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 8. Surfing Goat Dairy

3651 Omaopio Rd
Kula, HI 96790
(808) 878-2870

Categories: Cheese Shops, Tours

5.0 star rating
  3/23/2009

How can you NOT give this place five stars.  Not only is the cheese incredible, but the ladies running this place are the best.  You have to time your visits though.  We were there today and they had two 3 day old goats, two 5 day olds and a bunch of…More »

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 9. Milagros Food

3 Baldwin Ave
Paia, HI 96779
(808) 579-8755
5.0 star rating
  10/14/2008

Just check the specials menu.  Between the coconut syrup Mahi Mahi thing and the blackened salmon we were in heaven.  And definitely eat outside at night.  I have been to this place several times and it always connects.  (And the salsa and chips are…More »

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 10. A Saigon Cafe

1792 Main St
Wailuku, HI 96793
(808) 243-9560

Categories: Vietnamese, Korean

5.0 star rating
  10/14/2008

Best Vietnamese food I've had since my favorite place in Oakland, CA closed down.

the service is HILARIOUS.  The place smells awesome.  and everything we ordered was delicious.  Plus, there have plum sauce and sriracha at every table.  (I think that…More »

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 11. Anthony's Coffee Company

90 Hana Hwy
Paia, HI 96779
(808) 579-8340

Category: Coffee & Tea

4.0 star rating
  Update - 2/21/2012

forgot how much I missed this place for breakfast.

the eggs Benedict is still the best but I tried (and loved) the kalua pork benedict as well and was equally in love (still, I try to keep my kalua pork fix to the mopsy at flatbread pizza across the…More »

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 4.0 star rating
    7/20/2010

    Definitely one of my favorite places for breakfast in Maui. Totally worth the 15 minute drive from… Read more »

 12. Cafe Mambo

30 Baldwin Ave
Paia, HI 96779
(808) 579-8021
5.0 star rating
  Update - 7/9/2010

totally forgot to mention the midweek movie night. if you are in town with friends, it's a great place to meet a few more.

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 5.0 star rating
    10/14/2008

    I've been to this place 4 times in the last 2 months and I'm a huge fan.  Simple food that is really… Read more »

 13. Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar

600 Office Rd
Lahaina, HI 96761
(808) 669-6286

Categories: Japanese, Sushi Bars

5.0 star rating
  6/19/2008

Not only was this the best sushi I've had since Country Station in San Francisco (at it's ORIGINAL location mind you, god rest it's pre-yuppified soul), but on Thursday and Friday (assuming you can find a chair) everything (and i mean EVERYTHING,…More »

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 14. Paia Fish Market

2 Baldwin Ave
Paia, HI 96779
(808) 579-8030
5.0 star rating
  10/14/2008

holy crap was this place good.  I had the Obama buger (huge Mahi Mahi burger with a wasabi mayo that was eye-watering-ly good).  The fish platters are also really insane.  I loved the Ono.  This place is simple, delicious, huge portions of fish…More »

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 15. Honolua Bay

Honolua Bay
Kapalua, HI 96761

Category: Beaches

5.0 star rating
  7/9/2010

After dozens of trips here, this is still my favorite place to recommend to people who want to snorkel.  (it's also no a bad place to surf).

if you are not a strong swimmer, do not enter the bay through the semi-secret surfing entrance to the north.…More »

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 16. Paako Cove aka Secret Cove aka Makena Cove

7500 Makena Rd
Kihei, HI 96753

Category: Beaches

5.0 star rating
  7/9/2010 First to Review

By far my favorite beach on Maui.  If you are lucky enough to go here when there isn't a wedding, consider yourself very lucky.  You have to park on the road and walk past this rock wall and down some stairs so keep your eyes open.

The sand is…More »

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 17. Wai'anapanapa State Park

Hana Hwy
Hana, HI 96713

Category: Parks

5.0 star rating
  7/9/2010

The other reviews speak for themselves. this place is gorgeous. The colors are unreal and the opportunities to explore one of the most unique geological occurrences on Maui are limitless.

PS: not the best spot for swimming though. Apart from the…More »

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 18. Bamboo Forest

Hana Highway
Uninc Maui County, HI 96708

Category: Active Life

5.0 star rating
  7/13/2010

You can either park in the National Park lot ($10 or so) and walk across the road, or you can try to wedge your car in along the road before the Seven Sacred Pools, but either way, the trail head is very close and the hike is fairly quick.

I've done…More »

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 19. DT Fleming Beach Park

Honoapi'ilani Hwy
Lahaina, HI 96761

5.0 star rating
  7/9/2010

Definitely a great beach if you are looking for something less crowded but still offering close parking, a beach hut attached to the nearby hotel with frozen drinks and mojitos and modest waves for beginners at times.

Bring a football too, since the…More »

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 20. Mama's Fish House

799 Poho Pl
Paia, HI 96779
(808) 579-8488

Categories: Seafood, Hawaiian

5.0 star rating
  Update - 2/21/2012

still the best spot on the island for a special dinner out. no question. the panang curry, Macadamia mahi mahi, creme brulee and black pearl are consistently incredible.

The drinks (particularly the mai tais) have either gotten stronger, or I've…More »

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 5.0 star rating
    6/19/2008

    One of my favorite restaurants in Maui.  Perfect location.  Amazing food.  Great service.  A bit of… Read more »

 21. Kaihalulu Red Sand Beach

5031 Hana Hwy
Hana, HI 96713

Category: Beaches

4.0 star rating
  7/9/2010

Not to be missed when you are in Hana.  

But this beach is all about making the right decisions.  

There are many ways down, and yes, you can make it in flip-flops, but keep in mind that Hana is somewhere around #2 when it comes to most rainfall…More »

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 22. The Studio Maui

810 Haiku Rd Ste 265
Haiku, HI 96708
(808) 575-9390

Categories: Performing Arts, Yoga

4.0 star rating
  7/13/2010 First to Review

This is primarily a review of their Vinyasa Flow yoga classes.

The instructors were amazing, supportive, helpful and offer a LOT of individual hands-on instruction. I found myself going twice a week.

However, they also go at a very good pace so even…More »

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 23. Makena State Park

Makena Alanui Rd
Makena, HI 96753

5.0 star rating
  10/14/2008

Big Beach is beautiful.  not a break for surfing, but fun for wading out and getting rocked by the waves and the undertoe drag.  crazy fun.

no showers though (although there are portable toilets and a taco truck/roach coach).

the cliffs are beautiful…More »

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 24. Ho'okipa Beach Park

Mile #9 Hana Hwy
Paia, HI 96779
(808) 572-8122

Categories: Parks, Beaches

4.0 star rating
  7/9/2010

Grab your camera and your telephoto lens. You won't be disappointed. The sets here will leave you awestruck (so just imagine what it must be like surfing them.)

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 25. Hana Lava Tube

205 Ulaino Road
Hana, HI 96713
(808) 248-7308

Category: Tours

4.0 star rating
  7/13/2010

Nothing like sneaking around a cool pitch black cave on a hot humid day.  

Although it doesnt compare to turning off your flashlights and lying in wait for your friends. (dont forget to video tape them screaming like little girls and post it to…More »

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 26. Kaanapali Beach Park

Lahaina, HI 96761

4.0 star rating
  7/9/2010

This review is five stars for the far end of the beach, and three for the more crowded end with all the hotels.

It get crowded here and feels way too much like Oahu.

But if you go all the way down the end (you can see the dark cliff down the beach,…More »

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 27. Maui Family YMCA

250 Kanaloa Ave
Kahului, HI 96732
(808) 242-9007

Category: Gyms

5.0 star rating
  10/14/2008 First to Review

Everyone keeps asking me why I've always been a member of the YMCA.  Apart from the fact that I enjoy a relaxed atmosphere and hate having to contend with musclebound freaks for weight machines and free weights, and that I enjoy keeping to myself and…More »

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 28. Travaasa Hotel Hana

5031 Hana Hwy
Hana, HI 96713
(808) 248-8211

Categories: Hotels, Day Spas

4.0 star rating
  3/9/2009

the day spa is beautiful and during the off season, uncrowded.

the day to day dinner menu is amazing, with almost everything from Hana itself, however the Friday night buffet and luau was surprisingly nice and not hokey or touristy at all. very…More »

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 29. 24 Hour Fitness

150 Hana Hwy
Kahului, HI 96732
(808) 877-7474

Categories: Gyms, Trainers

4.0 star rating
  4/24/2009

I really can't complain.  I hit the gym everyday.  It's part of my routine.  I can't se why people don't like this place.

The clientelle are a mix of bench pressin' braddahs, visiting 24 hour tourists and older ka'amaina which surprisingly works well.…More »

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 30. Ono Gelato Company

115D Hana Hwy
Paia, HI 96779
(808) 579-9201
4.0 star rating
  10/14/2008

this place will send me to an early grave.

creamy, delicious, and dangerous.

they shouldn't allow people who are sensitiveitive" (for lack of a better word) to combine Tiramisu and the chocolate peanut butter flavors.

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 31. Kula Lodge & Restaurant

15200 Haleakala Hwy
Kula, HI 96790
(808) 878-1535
4.0 star rating
  3/23/2009

If you are upcountry and looking for a solid American style breakfast, the lodge is solid choice. The french toast is huge, filling and delicious (with or without the coconut syrup). Anything with bacon is great (non greasy, big meaty pieces). And…More »

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 32. Tedeschi Vineyards / Maui's Winery

HC 1
Ulupalakua, HI 96790
(877) 878-6058

Category: Wineries

4.0 star rating
  3/23/2009

The tasting room is well worth the drive, and for around 10 dollars for some, their wines (particularly the pineapple ones) are a steal. The Maui Splash is particularly good. As is the Raspberry one. Definitely worth the drive.

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 33. Fat Daddy's Smokehouse Barbecue

1913 S Kihei Rd
Kihei, HI 96753
(808) 879-8711

Category: Barbeque

4.0 star rating
  10/14/2008

solid BBQ place.  recently expanded.  crazy fast take out too.

get extra sauce.  and definitely get the mac and cheese.  also, the corn bread is killer (make sure you eat it before you get home, and smother it in honey while you try not to swerve off…More »

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 34. Sack 'n Save Food

790 Eha St
Wailuku, HI 96793
(808) 244-3656

Category: Grocery

4.0 star rating
  10/14/2008

This place has the most awesome selection of Poke I've ever seen.  and it's all $7.95 a pound.  Back right corner of the store.  Go to town.  The spicy masago is killer.  As is the Salmon and tako.  But I'm an Ahi man when it comes to this place.…More »

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 35. Ali'i Kula Lavender

1100 Waipoli Rd
Kula, HI 96790
(808) 878-3004
4.0 star rating
  3/24/2009

a wonderful addition to a romantic day in the upcountry.  and don't miss the gift shop, from the lavender chocolate fudge, lavender strawberry syrup to the lavender honey, there are many great gifts here for under $10 and $20.  And just fyi, in…More »

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 36. Mana Foods

49 Baldwin Ave
Paia, HI 96779
(808) 579-8078

Category: Health Markets

4.0 star rating
  10/14/2008

This place reminds me of Rainbow in San Francisco.  But apart from the great selection of organic foods and drinks, this place has one thing Rainbow with never have, a Fro-yo machine.

(PS: they do, however, frown on your helping yourself.  just tell…More »

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 37. Down To Earth Natural Foods - CLOSED

1169 Makawao Ave
Makawao, HI 96768
(808) 572-1488

4.0 star rating
  10/14/2008

great vegetarian hot and cold salad bar in the back.   great for some snacks while you walk around Makawao.  Don't forget the awesome sauces which are to the side.  nice selection of high end water and heathy shakes too.

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 38. Haleakala National Park

PO Box 369
Makawao, HI 96768
(808) 248-7375

Category: Parks

4.0 star rating
  10/14/2008

And absolute trip.  only 10 bucks to get in too (unless you bring your Golden Eagle Pass).  And you can join the two-mile high club!  (just kidding)

But seriously, it's beautiful.  But it's a little cold for some people.  Lots of tourists using their…More »

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 39. Bamboo Inn On Hana Bay

PO Box 374
Hana, HI 96713
(808) 248-7718
1.0 star rating
  3/9/2009 First to Review

There are many MANY cute little places to stay in Hana, assuming you don't want to splurge for the Hotel Hana, however I would highly recommend AGAINST the Bamboo Inn in Hana. The place seems attractive online, and the hot tub on the deck is…More »

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 40. 'Iao Valley State Park

'Iao Valley Rd
Wailuku, HI 96793

Categories: Parks, Hiking

5.0 star rating
  2/22/2012

Still one of the most gorgeous parts of Maui because of all the rainfall.  More like a tropical forest than the "jungle" feel you get  out in Hana.

I had always come here in the middle of the day or the afternoon but morning here are really amazing…More »

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Review votes:
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Location

San Francisco, CA

Yelping Since

July 2005

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getting lost when I'm traveling

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I'm climbing, skiing or yoga-ing.

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