DAY 1: Highway to Heaven (Wailea-Makena)
BEACH OPTION A: wailea beach
In accordance with its name, the water of this beach belongs to Lea, the goddess of canoe makers - a participation trophy as far as divinity is concerned. Fortunately, Lea is more than willing to share her waters, as evidenced by the plethora of visitors coming from the two adjacent resorts. But navigating the crowds and the occasional whale is a small price to pay for a beach so perfect.
Suggested duration: 2-3 hours. Visit www.mauiguidebook.com for more information.
BEACH OPTION B: makena beach
One of Maui’s signature beaches, Makena couldn’t possibly provide a more stark counterpoint to nearby Wailea. With no resorts or amenities in sight, you’ll be invigorated by this more natural beach-going experience. Sure, you may not be able to order pina coladas or run back to your hotel room because you forgot your child but nature will teach you and your child a valuable lesson.
Suggested duration: 2-3 hours. Visit dlnr.hawaii.gov for more information.
MUST SEE: hoapili trail
A true counterpoint to the aforementioned beaches is the “King’s Highway,” which provides no form of relaxation whatsoever, but isn’t quite a strenuous hike - it actually served as a walking path for Hawaiian royalty. Depending on the weather, you might start sweating profusely, but you can still hold your head high and arrogantly like the royals of the past, as you survey “your” territory. Just don’t get too comfortable, if anything this land belongs to feral goats, and they may decide to let you know who’s in charge.
There are several points of interest along the trail, most of which are secluded beaches, so just tell people you went on a difficult hike, with a wry smile that belies the truth of your private beach adventure. They can have the resorts to themselves and the rest of the crowds and whales. Just be sure to turn back at Kanaio Beach or pack to camp as the path continues all the way to Hana.
Average duration: 2-3 hours. Visit www.maui-hikes.com for more information.
STAY THE NIGHT in: WAILEA-Makena or KAanapali
DAY 2: Physical and Spiritual Ascension (Lahaina & Kapalua)
DO MORE: lahaina pali trailhead
This 10+ mile there and back coastal hike is seldom hiked in full, as that would require you to ascend its peak twice, thus forcing you to endure two “uphill battles” and life is enough of an uphill battle to begin with - you’ll be better off ascending and coming back the way you came from. As for which side should serve as your starting point, the Maalaea entrance has a better parking lot and better views. If you’re having trouble, don’t feel bad - the path was built for horses and maybe for immigrant grandmas.
Average duration: 5-6 hours. Visit www.mauiguidebook.com for more information.
MUST SEE: lahaina banyan court
The center of Lahaina, the largest beach town on the western side of Maui, is marked by an enormous banyan tree, which was planted in 1873 by Sheriff William Owen Smith, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the first Protestant mission to Lahaina, the shade of which was probably more welcome than the missionaries it was dedicated to. Maybe fittingly the banyan tree isn’t even native to Hawaii but rather, was imported from Asia and is believed to bestow enlightenment upon those who visit, though the tree must be out of order or something. We tried, it didn’t work, which is why we’re hanging out here. You’ll encounter a wide variety of restaurants, art galleries, street vendors and performers, B-list celebrities and the unnecessarily large alcoholic drinks – exactly what you’d expect from a must see place in Maui.
Suggested duration: 2-3 hours. Visit www.lahainatown.com for more information.
MUST SEE: kapalua COASTAL TRAIL
An easy mostly-boardwalk hike takes you past all the natural wonders of western Maui, such as lava fields, beaches, and luxury condos, just as the good Lord intended. If you need a breather on such a short and easy hike, you should probably see a doctor but for now you can make a quick stop at one of the two beaches along the trail like Kapalua Beach, ranked best beach in 2018.
Suggested duration: 2-3 hours. Visit www.kapalua.com for more information.
STAY THE NIGHT IN: WAILEA-Makena or KAanapali
DAY 3: From Toes to Top (West Maui Nature Reserve)
DO MORE: honolua bay trail
Honolua Forest serves primarily as an access point to Honolua Bay, but the trail alone is worth a visit, dotted with lush banyan trees and the occasional wild chicken to keep you on your toes. At the end of the trail is the bay itself, one of the best spots for snorkeling in all of Maui, kept pristine by a fishing prohibition. Besides, who needs fish with all the perfectly tasty wild chickens?
Suggested duration: 2-3 hours. Visit www.mauihawaii.org for operating hours and more information.
MUST SEE: nakalele blowhole
We may have previously downplayed the power of these wannabe geysers but Nakalele serves as a good reminder that nature is, more often than not, not to be trifled with. The fact that the area leading up to the blowhole is known as the “acid war zone” is more foreshadowing than even Shakespeare would provide. The effect is created not by acid, but by years of salt water erosion.
Once you arrive to the blowhole itself, resist all temptation to get in for a closer look or picture. The saltwater blast, which can go as high as 50 feet, is powerful enough to shake the ground you’re standing on which may theoretically send you forward into the blast itself, in which case, enjoy the ride. Your mangled corpse on the rocks will lend more credence to the war zone classification.
Suggested duration: 60-90 minutes. Visit www.mauiguidebook.com for more information.
MUST SEE: waihee ridge trail
The crown jewel of hiking on the western side of Maui, Waihee Ridge offers a certain splendor in views and variety in terrain that are matched only by those of Haleakala, which you can actually see from the top of this hike, if you can get there that is. It starts off pretty easy and unassuming (like life itself), before hitting you over the head with a seemingly never ceasing series of inclines that make you want to fall down and play dead. Let the views from the top serve as motivation to conquer this hike and life itself.
Suggested duration: 3-4 hours. Visit www.mauiguidebook.com for more information.