A Relaxing Week in Maui

Lahaina is a jewel of a town! It's my favorite place to get away. You can find anything from fine dining to a quick lunch. Shop in art galleries or trinket shops. Have a martini overlooking the ocean or a beer on the beach. And it's all within walking distance! Stop and shop at the outdoor art and craft shows at the Banyan Tree. Or tour the old whaling village jail. There's so much to do and see, it will keep you busy for days. If you need a bit more excitement, you are only a short drive away from the relative hustle and bustle of Kahului. Time seems to pass more slowly in Hawaii, and nowhere is this more true than Maui!

Quick Tips:

Shop around before buying souvenirs. Some shops have similar merchandise and the prices can vary greatly.

Stay at a hotel with a kitchenette. Last night's leftovers from a great restaurant can make a quick lunch the next day!

Don't forget to check out the side streets. Most of the action is on Front Street, but there are some great little places off the beaten path.

Stay away from downtown when the cruise ships dock. It gets busy! The hotel should have a list you can consult.

Best Way To Get Around:

I recommend walking as the best way to see all that Lahaina has to offer. There is so much to see and so many shops to duck into. If you're not staying in Lahaina, there are parking lots a few blocks south of the shopping area.

The perfect place to stay in Lahaina! It's just a few blocks south of the downtown shopping area and an easy walk away from great restaurants. If you get a room with a kitchenette, you can save some money and eat a few meals in your room. There are also coin-operated laundry machines that come in handy. The rooms are clean and nice; they are not as extravagant as the resorts in Ka'anapalli, but they have everything you need. I recommend upgrading to a ocean-side room. The view is breathtaking! Giant sliding glass doors make you feel like the sun is setting right in your room. The pool and hot tub are convenient and well maintained. There are a few restaurants and bars literally next door to the hotel. They have a parking garage so you never have to worry about finding a parking spot on the busy Lahaina streets. I would recommend this hotel to anyone looking for a nice place to stay that is close to everything you need but still secluded.

BJ's has the best pizza I've ever eaten! You can get it Chicago style with tomatoes and basil on top, or traditional with tomato sauce. Either way, it's thick and delicious! You get a good amount of food for your money. The service was great and they had a singer performing the night we went. The restaurant is upstairs overlooking Front Street and provides a great view of the nightlife. I can't wait to go back!

What better way to take a break from the hot Hawaii sun than to see a movie? The air-conditioning alone makes it worthwhile! There's no stadium seating here, but it's cozy and the sound is great. They have a small concession stand for the all important popcorn and drink. They only have three movies at a time, but they seem to be the most popular ones.

This is a beautiful black sand beach! Be sure to bring your water shoes because black sand is very hot! The beach area is small, but the view is worth it. It's worth a stop on your "Road to Hana" trip. Stop off for a few hours and marvel at the sand and the amazing arches created by ocean water and lava rock. It's a state park so there is plenty of parking, a picnic area, and bathrooms.

On our last trip to Maui, we woke up before sunrise to drive to Hana. My husband stepped onto our balcony to check the temperature and saw the most beautiful sight! The moon was full, hanging over the ocean right outside our room. It was so big it looked like you could reach out and touch it. In the future, we will try to plan our trips around full moons.