Our Maui Favorites: Where We Actually Go

If you’re headed to Maui, you’re probably staying in Kihei or Lahaina—but don’t just stay put. Some of the best experiences are off the beaten path. Here are our tried-and-true recommendations, from hidden beaches to can’t-miss eats. Make sure to rent a car early as there has been times where they sell out and to get the most out of Maui you want to drive. 

Wailuku: Maui’s Local Downtown

Wailuku has been quietly revitalizing, and we love it because you might be the only tourists around--or at least feel that way. Think cute shops, vintage finds, craft coffee, and two new bars opened that are awesome—Parlay and Esters.

Food here is legit since locals keep the scene thriving:

• Tiffany’s (Chef Sheldon Simeon, James Beard nominee) – buzzworthy, inventive Hawaiian food.

• Tin Roof Maui – perfect stop right after the airport for comforting local plates same group as Tiffany's.

• 62 Marcket - Great  farm to table food  with a friendly staff.

• 808 Old Town - A great classic deli & bistro.

• Momona Bakery - Wonderful pastries and treats, the coffee is so-so. You will have a hard time picking just one or two things and requires multiple trips. 
  
  

For vintage/thrift/shopping lovers:

• Antique Freak -  Antique Hawaiian and great finds on the main street of Wailuku. Grab a coffee at Wailuku Coffee and stroll down to check out Hawaiian vintage. 
  
  

• Maui Mood Swing  - A great warehouse right near Tiffanys if you have time to kill before dinner. 
  
  

• C.U.T Market  - Not vintage or thrift but a super cute store on one of the main drags of Wailuku and worth checkingout if you are walking around town.
  
  

• Rainbow Attic in Kihei is another great stop, we just discovered this one recently but has been operating for 25+ years. In the Foodland parking lot so a great opportunity to combine the poke counter and shopping in one trip.
  
  

Paia: Hippie-Surf Vibes on the Road to Hana

Paia is always a fun stroll for shops and people-watching. Grab a coffee or cocktail at Belle Surf Café (hidden gem behind a swimsuit shop).

Our food picks:

• Paia Fish Market – classic, fresh fish, casual.
  
  

• Choice Health Bar – healthy and tasty snacks and juices.
  
  

• Island Fresh Café – brunch with chickens roaming around and a yoga studio next door in upper Paia.
  
  

Nearby, Baby Beach in Spreckelsville is a mix of locals and tourists—windy but magical. Our stop when we are on this side. 

Upcountry Maui: Kula & Haliʻimaile

We’ve been loving Kula lately. Start with brunch at Kula Bistro—the ube pancakes are non-negotiable. Then check out the surrounding farms for a half-day adventure.

In Haliʻimaile, stop by the General Store (iconic restaurant by Bev Gannon) or time it with their Friday market—live music, food trucks, and local crafts. While you’re there, the Maui Pineapple Tour is something we regret skipping for too long—it’s a real insider recommendation.

Our Go-To Food & Drink

• Happy Hour: Monkeypod Kitchen (Wailea or Ka’anapali) for their famous lilikoi foam Mai Tais. Skip most of the food—just order the garlic fries and drinks.
  
  

• Coffee: Akamai Coffee (Kihei location is best) with locations in Kihei, Kahului and Wailea.
  
  

• Bagels & More: 808 Deli & Sugar in Kihei—great bagels and don’t sleep on their pudding.
  
  

• Poke: Locals love grabbing it from Foodland. For splurge-worthy freshness, hit Fish Market Maui in Ka’anapali.
  
  

• Kahola Brewery:The brewery in Wailea is fantastic for food. We will swing by even if we arnt getting a beer.
  
  

• Special Dinner: Star Noodle (Lahaina) is iconic. Hard to get in but worth it—garlic noodles + sunset oceanfront views = yes please.
  
  

Beaches We Love

We lean toward the quieter ones:

• Baby Beach (Spreckelsville) – calm, family-friendly. Pay attention to parking signs as you will be parking in a neighborhood. We have seen turtles swinging close to the shore and have heard locals say during full moons there will be plenty on the beach. Pictured below.