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🌴 My Favourite Maui Finds

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Maui is one of those places that stays with you long after you leave—the light, the ocean, the pace, the feeling that life can be both simple and rich at the same time. This list brings together my personal Maui favourites: places I’ve stayed, eaten,...
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🌺 Maui-Ready: What I Always Pack

Everything I pack for Maui to stay comfortable, sun-safe, and ready for beach days, road trips, and easy island evenings. These are the tried-and-true items that make traveling light, effortless, and stress-free in Hawaii.

 
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Adjust the portable neck pillow and find your perfect sleep position anywhere, whether you’re in the window or middle seat.
✈️Soft Neck Support Scarf Travel Pillow - Washable
 
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A towel that is great for drying off after a dip in the sea or to kick back and sunbathe with. Several sizes to choose from.
🐚Dock & Bay Quick Dry Beach Towel, Extra Large
 
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Easy to spread, smells good, not sticky or greasy. And environmentally friendly.
☀️Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Vegan Reef Sunscreen
 
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Large Capacity beach bag stands out for its large size. Extra gift small purse. It can easily accommodate all the necessary beach essentials. The large tote bag can be folded into a small bag, which is very convenient to carry.
👙Beach Bag, Waterproof Sand proof Beach Tote Bag
 
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Lightweight, quick-dry water shoes that are easy to slip on and surprisingly comfortable for walking. Great for beach days, rocky shorelines, boat trips, and any adventure where your feet go from wet to dry quickly.
💦Aleader Women's Mesh Slip On Water Shoes
 
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Lightweight roll-top dry bag that keeps your essentials safe from water and sand. Perfect for beach days, boat trips, snorkelling, and Maui adventures.
🎒Waterproof dry pack with Waterproof Phone Case
 
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Sun and salt are staples of an island vacation, but unfortunately, this combination can be damaging to your hair. I recommend using a leave-in conditioner at the end of each beach day to protect your hair from drying out and keep it looking effortles...
Sun Bum Revitalizing 3 in 1 Leave In Conditioner
 
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Stay hydrated, and hands free. This lightweight cross-body is all about keeping your water bottle (plus phone, keys, and cards) close at hand. Its perfect when exploring the beautiful island.
Water Bottle Crossbody with Front Pocket 2L Lululemon

🌊 Where to Stay & Slow Down

Beautiful places to stay—from relaxed resorts to special spots that feel like home base for island.  
 ✨ Pro Tip for Maui Stays Hotels in Maui vary a lot by area — Kihei and Kahului are great value bases, Ka’anapali is classic beach resort territory, and Wailea is where you’ll find the highest concentration of luxury properties.

 
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A reliable, comfortable base in Kihei with beach access and a relaxed vibe.
Maui Coast Hotel
 
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Funky boutique feel right in breezy Paia town — great for exploring the north shore.
Paia Inn - Maui's North Shore Best Hotel
 
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Classic Maui stay near Kahului — simple, convenient and often more affordable than beach resorts elsewhere on the island.
Maui Beach Hotel, Kahului, Maui |Oceanfront Hotel
 
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Classic Ka’anapali landmark with lagoon-style pool and easy beach access.
The Westin Maui Resort and Spa, Ka’anapali
 
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A laid-back, mid-range resort in South Kihei, just steps from Kamaole Beach Park II. Perfect for families or couples, it offers spacious suites with full kitchens, two outdoor pools, hot tubs, BBQ areas, and balconies—some with ocean views. Guests lo...
Aston at The Maui Banyan
 
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Elegant beachfront resort in Wailea with amazing sunset spots and poolside lounging.
Wailea Beach Resort
 
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Excellent for families and repeat stays with plenty of onsite dining and activities.
Hyatt Regency Maui, Ka'anapali Beach Oceanfront Resort

🍍 Eat, Drink & Island Treats

Casual eats, memorable meals, coffee stops, and must-try Maui flavours that are worth planning your day around.

 
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A Maui classic for a reason. Ultra-fresh seafood, oceanfront views, and a once-in-a-lifetime kind of meal. Book well ahead — this one’s truly special.
🐟Mama's Fish House
 
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No-frills local favourite serving generous portions of Hawaiian comfort food. Casual, filling, and great value — come hungry.
🌮Da Kitchen
 
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Elegant, refined dining with impeccable service and consistently excellent food. A favourite for anniversaries, celebrations, or a memorable night out.
🍤Lahaina Grill
 
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Casual, buzzy, and always delicious. Asian-inspired comfort food with bold flavours — perfect for sharing plates and sunset dinners.
🍜Star Noodle
 
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A lively Kihei institution known for strong drinks, live music, Taco Tuesdays and a fun, anything-goes atmosphere. Great for late nights, people-watching, and when you’re in the mood for casual food, cocktails, and a high-energy Maui night.
🫎Moose McGillycuddy's - Kihei
 
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A beloved local favourite for fresh, flavourful fish tacos and casual island eats. Laid-back, affordable, and consistently delicious — an easy go-to for lunch or a relaxed dinner after the beach.
🥥Coconut's Fish Cafe
 
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A popular local favourite serving a modern take on Hawaiian comfort food. Known for standout dishes like Mochiko Chicken and fresh poke bowls, it’s a go-to spot for bold flavours, generous portions, and a quick, satisfying meal in a relaxed, casual s...
🥘Tin Roof Maui

🚗 Explore & Experience

Drives, beaches, snorkelling spots, walks, and experiences that capture Maui’s natural magic and sense of adventure.

 
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A world-famous spot known for consistent, strong winds creating excellent conditions for professional windsurfing and kitesurfing, alongside great surfing. Also a prime location for watching Hawaiian green sea turtles (Honu) resting on the sandy shor...
🏝️Ho'okipa Beach Park
 
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One of the most iconic drives in Hawaii, filled with waterfalls, lush rainforest, and dramatic coastal views. Go slow, stop often, and make it a full-day adventure.
🚗 Road to Hana Maui
 
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A bucket-list snorkelling experience with crystal-clear water and vibrant marine life. Best done early in the day when conditions are calm.
🐠Molokini Crater
 
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Otherworldly landscapes and sweeping views above the clouds. Sunrise is unforgettable (reservations required), but sunset is equally magical and less crowded.
🌅Haleakalā National Park
 
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Striking black sand, lava rock formations, and coastal trails that feel wild and powerful. A must-stop along the Road to Hana (timed entry required).
🖤Waiʻānapanapa State Park
 
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From December to April, humpback whales migrate through Maui’s waters. Boat tours — or even shoreline spotting — offer unforgettable encounters.
🐋Classic Whale Watching
 
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A charming upcountry town with a laid-back, slightly western feel, known for local shops, galleries, and great food stops. Cooler temperatures, friendly vibes, and a slower pace make Makawao a lovely contrast to Maui’s beach areas and an easy add-on ...
🌿Makawao Maui
 
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A fascinating glimpse into Maui’s agricultural history, this former pineapple plantation offers guided tours through the fields and packing areas, plus generous tastings of sweet Maui Gold pineapple. A great stop if you enjoy local history, food stor...
🍍Historic Maui Pineapple Tour
 
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An adventurous way to experience Maui’s lush North Shore, with zip lines soaring over tropical forest and ocean views in the distance. Fun, scenic, and well-run — a great mix of thrill and nature that works for both first-timers and adventure lovers.
🌴NorthShore Zipline - Maui
 
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A classic Hawaiian evening on Wailea Beach that blends rich cultural storytelling with great food, drinks, and sunset views. The night begins with a warm lei greeting and lively pre-show entertainment, followed by a three-course traditional Polynesia...
🌺Te Au Moana Luau at The Wailea Beach Marriott Resort

🌺 Little Maui Loves

The extras that elevate a trip—shops, views, rituals, or simple moments that made me fall in love with the island.

 
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A small joy that never gets old. Cool, colourful, and refreshing — especially after a beach day or a long walk in the
🍧Shave Ice In Maui
 
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Fresh fruit, island-made goods, and that friendly, community vibe Maui does so well. A lovely way to experience the island beyond the resorts.
🌸Maui Farmers Markets & local stands
 
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Quirky shops, surf-town energy, and a creative local feel. Perfect for wandering, people-watching, and finding something unexpected.
🛍️ Browsing Pa'ia Town
 
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A fun, laid-back stop for local craft beer, cocktails, and casual island food. Great atmosphere, shareable plates, and an easy place to unwind after a beach day — perfect for happy hour or a relaxed evening.
🍻Maui Brewing Co.
 
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One of Maui’s best-known coffee producers, located in the West Maui Mountains. You can stop by for tastings, learn about the growing process, and enjoy beautiful views along the way. A relaxed, educational visit that pairs well with exploring the wes...
☕️Mauigrown Coffee Co Store

Happy hour and cocktails

Maui does happy hour very, very well 🍹🌅 Here’s a few cocktail & happy hour suggestions, mixing sunset views, great drinks, and relaxed island energy.

 
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Famous for their handcrafted mai tais topped with lilikoi foam. Lively, social, and consistently great for happy hour drinks and shareable bites.
🍍Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman - Wailea, Maui
 
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One of the best sunset cocktail spots on the island. Elevated drinks, locally sourced food, and an unbeatable oceanfront setting.
🌊Merriman's Kapalua
 
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Casual, beachy, and fun with live music most nights. A perfect stop for tropical cocktails, sunset views, and an easygoing Maui atmosphere.
⛱️Duke's Beach House Maui
 
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A relaxed spot for craft cocktails, wine, and small plates. Ideal for pre-dinner drinks or a low-key evening in Wailea.
🍸The Pint & Cork