West Maui ReOpens after Lahaina Fire

Phases 2 & 3 in West Maui to ReOpen - Nov 1, 2023!

West Maui Set to ReOpen - Oct 8, 2023!

SEVENTH PROCLAMATION RELATING TO WILDFIRES (Mayorʻs link no longer active)

Where can I go when I come to Maui?

What can I do on Maui ?

• Beaches Galore - Wailea, Makena & Kihei: Sugar Beach in Kihei near Maalaea is great for surfing, the Kamaole I, II, & III beaches in Kihei are great for swimming & snorkeling. Keawakapu, Wailea and many more down the South Shore to Makena's Big Beach & Baby Beach are just a few 
• Maui Ocean Center in Ma'alaea Harbor: Wonderful Aquarium for all ages - Mini Golf, Rock climbing in this area too 
• Ma'alaea Boat Tours: Ferry to Lanai, snorkeling trips to Molokini, and more
• Haleakala National Park: Hiking trails, amazing sunsets and sunrises, moonscapes and rain forests
• Iao Valley State Park Lush and green - waterfalls, museums, amazing view
• Road to Hana: You have all heard of this iconic drive. Start in Paia - Shops & restaurants on Baldwin Ave remind you of Lahaina. Stop at the best waterfalls, road side stands, beaches etc. With fewer visitors, this is a wonderful time to enjoy this drive. Registration and fees for access to parking and the Black Sand beach are now required. Use the Wai'anapanapa reservation system (no same day access is allowed so make reservations at least the night before). Lots to do here - including a hike and unique geologic formations like a lava cave, blowhole and sea arch.
• UpCountry:
• Lavender Farm (open Friday through Monday from 10 am to 4 pm),  
• Surfing Goat Dairy (open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm.)
• Golf at Pukalani.
• Kula: Amazing nursery's & protea farms (18 structures were lost to fires here too so be respectful)
• Maui Wine (museum, tastings, open Tues-Sunday 11am-5 PM)
• Ocean Vodka, and
• Makawao for more art, a bakery and great food. - There is a Polo field here to as it's Cowboy country but matches tend to be in May. Also winery, vodka
• Golf: The Isthmus has the DUNES of MAUI LANI (links style course); Upcountry = PUKALANI; Kihei = Maui Nui (has an amazing driving range): Wailea Gold, Emerald & Old Blue
• Kihei: Maui Brewing Co, Kihei Boat ramp - tours to lava coves, Molokini & more
• Farmers markets, Swap Meet

Prepare for your trip - understand Hawaii 

Maui Luau FAQs Answered

What is a Luau?

A luau is a traditional Hawaiian gathering and feast. It has three main elements: traditional Hawaiian feast, mele (song) and hula (dance). The first recorded luau was held by King Kamehameha II in 1819. Today families in Hawaii will sometimes celebrate special occasions with luaus. These are however private and not open to the public.

Is a luau authentic?

Commercial operators have stepped in and organize luaus for tourists to attend. Typically they are held at or near resorts next to the beach with sunset views. They will include a meal of traditional Hawaiian foods (including roasted pig). Typically drinks are included (Mai Tai, Pina Colada, Blue Hawaiian etc). After-dinner entertainment will include various hula dances, perhaps a fire or knife dancer etc. Are they authentic? Well, considering that they are a commercial business, they are okay. Definitely check out reviews on Trip Advisor, the Maui Time’s ‘Best of Maui’ section and other review sites to see what others have thought. Additionally we have a great concierge (Concierge Connection) that can recommend a Luau near you, and help with great seats.

Should you book a Maui luau?

It depends what you are expecting. If you want to try authentic Hawaiian foods and enjoy a Hawaiian-esque show, book a luau. The food is usually very good, and I am not sure where else to go for traditional roast imu pig (it is so good). However, if you are more interested in culture or history, take a pass and book the Ulalena show in Lahaina – no dinner included, but a great indoor show, depicting the history of the Hawaiian islands with great live music and dance. [edit] this show is closed - we hope it will re appear in 2022.

What is the best luau on Maui?

I recommend seriously considering the luaus near your condo. Keep in mind the free drinks and how far you will need to drive after the luau. Maui Police cracks down on impaired driving, so unless you have a designated driver, plan on taking a cab. Uber is also now on Maui. Remember that the drive from Lahaina to Kihei/Wailea can take an hour in post-luau traffic (and that’s if there is no accident on the two-lane highway).

If you prefer a sit-down dinner, check out the Feast of Lele in Lahaina. All other luaus on Maui are buffet-style which is nice as you get to pick and choose what you want to eat. The Old Lahaina Luau consistently rates well. The Grand Luau at Honua’ula (Grand Wailea) and Te au Moana (Wailea Marriott) are good South Maui options.

What is the best place to buy luau tickets?

The cost is anywhere from $100-$130/adult. Children usually get in at a reduced rate. Tips are extra (expected and appreciated). You can book tickets directly from the luau organizers (online or at the resorts). Remember, most luaus do not run daily, you will want to pre-book tickets to avoid disappointment.

If you are considering the Grand Luau (Grand Wailea), buy your discounted tickets at Costco and then phone the resort to reserve your seats.

Where you sit at a luau is important. The right seats can insure a much better experience. For that reason we recommend using our concierges. They know all the luaus intimately and in talking with you about your expectations can recommend the best for what you want. You’ll be able to see and hear the show, sit on the ground traditional style at low tables or standard tables for just you or with a group. They earn a small commission for doing this but the cost you pay is no more than you would pay directly to the event – you’ll be much happier.

There are also time share stands that will sell you heavily discounted tickets (in return for attending one of their time share presentations). This is one way to save money however ask yourself: are you willing to give up several hours of your vacation in a time share presentation and do you have the willpower to say ‘no’ to their sales pitch?

What to wear to a luau?

Dress code is Hawaiian casual: a nice Aloha shirt with shorts/khakis, an Aloha dress for the ladies. Most luaus have lei available for purchase. Also most have a professional photographer present – a great opportunity for a family picture!

Where to park?

Double check this when you make your reservations. At the Grand Wailea for instance, valet parking is included in the price of the tickets. However, you will want some change to tip the valet.

Best Poke on Maui

Top 5 best Poke on Maui

Are you a poke lover? Or are you not quite sure why I am talking about poking?

Poke (poke-ay) means “to slice or cut crosswise into pieces”. It consists of small chunks of raw marinated fish, very popular here in Hawaii. It typically is served as part of a ‘poke bowl’, sticky rice on the bottom with a few different types of marinated poke and seaweed salad on top.

What kind of fish? Most often it’s made with sashimi grade ahi (tuna), however you can also find shrimp, tako (octopus) or even non-fish varieties. Without a doubt, but favorite is the ahi poke.

I have heard poke is gaining in popularity along the West Coast, maybe you can get it where you live on the Mainland. Generally you either love it or hate it – kind of like with sushi and sashimi. Yes, many restaurants serve poke, but in case you are wondering…

Where do the locals get their poke on Maui?

All the locals I have asked say: Foodland. Seriously? Yes, while all the grocery stores (including Costco) have a poke bar (it’s just that wonderful), Foodland’s poke bar is the best. With 20+ varieties to choose from, don’t be shy to ask for a sample, you can get it with rice, or ask for a few small sample size containers to try different varieties. The price averages at $12/lb. In case you’re wondering, ‘shoyu’ is a local-style soy sauce.

Eskimo Candy is another local favorite, located in Kihei’s industrial part of town (across from Napa Auto Parts and Lokelani Intermediate School). They usually have four different types of poke. A poke bowl is around $13 and is quite filling. This is a small take-out place with limited indoor and outdoor seating, so get it to go. (closed in 2020)

Tamura’s Fine Wine and Liquor. What, what? Why would you buy your poke at a liquor specialty store? Not sure, but this is a chain store from Oahu with three locations on Maui: Tamura’s on Dairy Road in Kahului, a new store in Kihei on Lipoa (close to Fabiani’s) and one in Lahaina on Kupuohi Street.

Another favorite is the ‘Like Poke?’ food truck. There is a gravel parking lot with various food trucks across from the main Costco parking lot entrance. Just in case you don’t want your $1.50 Costco hotdog. Who knew, right?

Takamiya Market in Wailuku. This is the only one I have not been to myself. Though when talking to others about poke, this always comes out during the conversation. Takamiya is a ‘very local style place’, you will not find many tourists. One of their specialties is that they make poke to order.

As always when eating raw fish, it is best to eat it right away and not to let it sit (especially in a hot car). You definitely don’t want to get sick on vacation.

Any other ideas for a “Top 5” list? Let us know in the comments!

Lahaina Fire & West Maui Updates

The Lahaina Fire - West Maui: Who can go where & when, Ways to help with recovery, What's Ahead.

When is it Appropriate to Travel to Maui?

Now - Except for the immediate Fire areas in Lahaina (about 15% of Maui's land area) & 18 structures in Kula, the rest of Maui is wanting you to come. Maui is not large and tourism is vital to our economic health. Your presence provides jobs for who are now sheltering friends and family and helps all of Maui in their recovery process. Be gentle.

Where can I go when I come to Maui?

Come to South Maui! Here is what a current guest in one of the Wailea Ekahi condos just sent us:

"We come often to Maui, and admittedly, were a bit hesitant to come at this time. Here in Wailea, you would never know that the fires existed. It is as it always is, an incredibly beautiful paradise that soothes the soul. There is no smoke, no ash, no supply problems. Restaurants are open with full menus, and dare I say full bars! Traffic is much lighter, planes are more empty and the beaches are serene. It is as it must have been decades ago, and the experience is wonderful. We are so glad we came. Our visit here, incredible as it is, is made so much more wonderful by knowing we are supporting the people of Maui.

Governor Josh Green, MD, the Mayor of Maui, Richard Bissen and the Hawaii Tourism Association (HTA) have all put out the message that while Maui is open and welcomes volunteers and encourages visitors to South, East & North Maui, West Maui is closed to all but residents & essential personnel. The Governor's emergency proclamation REQUESTS "only essential travel to West Maui until October 17. The disaster emergency relief period shall commence immediately (Aug 19) and continue through October 17, 2023, unless terminated or superseded by separate proclamation, whichever shall occur first.".

SIXTH PROCLAMATION RELATING TO WILDFIRES, August 19, 2023

Will this info change? Quite likely. The hotels and condos along the coast north of Lahaina were not damaged by the fire, but were impacted with loss oof utilities & communication. West Maui is already getting power and Internet back, stores & restaurants are beginning to reopen and a fence to help keep the ash from the fire contained has been erected around the borders of the fire area in Lahaina. The road to West Maui is open without check points to all except at night when it is only open to residents and essential personnel.

Visitors, no matter how respectful they try to be, will be competing for resources (including vital communications like Internet, phone, medication, basic supplies & food.) with displaced residents. Time is needed to see how things settle. We suggest you wait til October if you want to stay on the West Side.

To reach the resorts in West Maui you have to drive by Lahaina. Most hotels (condo hotels too) have taken in refugees while others have found temporary housing with family and friends or long term rentals in other parts of the island. Many residents will be able to return to homes that are not damaged but in the evacuation areas. BUT - Maui has long had a shortage of affordable housing and the Lahaina Fire did not help. Governor Green expects 2000 condo units will need to be at least temporarily converted to long term rentals, most on the West side, to house those displaced

What can I do on Maui - not on the West Side?

• Beaches Galore - Wailea, Makena & Kihei:  Sugar Beach in Kihei near Maalaea is great for surfing, the Kamaole I, II, & III beaches in Kihei are great for swimming & snorkeling. Keawakapu, Wailea and many more down the South Shore to Makena's Big Beach & Baby Beach are just a few 

• Maui Ocean Center in Ma'alaea Harbor: Wonderful Aquarium for all ages - Mini Golf, Rock climbing in this area too 

• Ma'alaea Boat Tours:  Ferry to Lanai, snorkeling trips to Molokini, and more

• Haleakala National Park: Hiking trails, amazing sunsets and sunrises, moonscapes and rain forests

• Iao Valley State Park Lush and green - waterfalls, museums, amazing view

• Road to Hana: You have all heard of this iconic drive. Start in Paia - Shops & restaurants on Baldwin Ave remind you of Lahaina Consider a tour (small group or family) to help with congestion and stops at the best waterfalls, road side stands, beaches etc

• UpCountry:

• Lavender Farm (open Friday through Monday from 10 am to 4 pm),  
• Surfing Goat Dairy (open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm.)
• Golf at Pukalani.
• Kula: Amazing nursery's & protea farms (18 structures were lost to fires here too so be respectful)
• Maui Wine (museum, tastings, open Tues-Sunday 11am-5 PM)
• Ocean Vodka, and
• Makawao for more art, a bakery and great food. - There is a Polo field here to as it's Cowboy country but matches tend to be in May. Also winery, vodka

• Golf: The Isthmus has the DUNES of MAUI LANI (links style course); Upcountry = PUKALANI; Kihei = Maui Nui (has an amazing driving range): Wailea Gold, Emerald & Old Blue

• Kihei:  Maui Brewing Co, Kihei Boat ramp - tours to lava coves, Molokini & more

• Farmers markets, Swap Meet

Prepare for your trip - understand Hawaii 

Every destination has its own set of unwritten rules regarding cultural etiquette. Hawai‘i is no different. MOC joins HTA & HVCB in sharing the do’s and don’ts with visitors for their time in the Hawaiian Islands

Maui Travel Tips: Culture, https://youtu.be/g-E-YsNZJuY

Maui Travel Tips: Ocean Conservation, https://youtu.be/5_AKQS1WFxM

Maui Travel Tips: Ocean Safety: https://youtu.be/rRJVx4Uzkx0

Time on Maui During a Self-Quarantine

We all long to welcome our guests back to Maui

But for now, Governor Ige and Mayor Victorino have asked us all to wait a while before returning. When non-essential travel is again allowed, don't rule out Beautiful Hawaii - even if a quarantine is still mandated. If you have the time, you can relax, get a lot of work or family time done in a gorgeous setting and plan your own vacation when you can again roam.

Update June 2, 2020: Hawaii is now in ACT with CARE which means non-essential travel is allowed and accommodations are allowed to open but quarantines are still in place into at least July. Currently Maui approves ONLY HOTELS for stays by those being required to quarantine.

Update Sept 16, 2020: Beginning October 15, 2020 all travelers from in or out of state can skip quarantine if they get a valid COVID-19 test within 72 hours of their trip, and show proof of a negative test result at the airport

At this time, the Governor is giving us in the Vacation Rental industry an opportunity to test our new cleaning methods, standards & updated condo amenities, designed to insure the health and safety of our staff and guests, and the island by hosting those Kama'aina and others not subject to quarantine. Fines are heavy and enforced. Each county can add restrictions but there is light at the end of the tunnel. We expect more guidance from Maui County soon.

Maui is perfect for a longer stay

Hawaii is actually a very safe place to be and even with a 14-day quarantine can offer a peaceful setting to work and relax in while waiting to emerge from Quarantine. Our owners have always had rigorous cleaning standards and now we are helping them with info from professionals on how to ensure staff, visitors and our homes will remain safe.

We all have WIFI and fast internet. Many of us have printers and even filing cabinets, staplers, desks or tables on the lanai. Work in sunshine or shade. Listen to the waves crash on the beach, wind in the palms or birds singing nearby while you work. Take time off look around you and enjoy. Bring the family and take a larger space - the kids can do school work, play old fashioned family games together, read books so you can id the fish and flowers when your 14 days is over.

Many owners are offering tools from exercise equipment, restaurants providing food delivery, videos and online education to resources for private tours, hikes, photography, painting, and much more. Plan the island trips and activities you want to do when quarantine ends, during the early days. Learn to make your own lei and dance hula.

Resources

Come back - watch this space as we add resources we have found.

$250 gift Certificate for Groceries (includes free delivery during quarantine) (link no longer active)

Guided hikes for the family

How to shorline fish

COVID-19 Support & MOC We are in this together!

We all long to welcome our guests back to Maui

But for now, Governor Ige and Mayor Victorino have asked us all to wait a while before returning. When non-essential travel is again allowed, don't rule out Beautiful Hawaii - even if a quarantine is still mandated. If you have the time, you can relax, get a lot of work or family time done in a gorgeous setting and plan your own vacation when you can again roam.

Update June 2, 2020: Hawaii is now in ACT with CARE which means non-essential travel is allowed and accommodations are allowed to open but quarantines are still in place into at least July. Currently Maui approves ONLY HOTELS for stays by those being required to quarantine.

Update Sept 16, 2020: Beginning October 15, 2020 all travelers from in or out of state can skip quarantine if they get a valid COVID-19 test within 72 hours of their trip, and show proof of a negative test result at the airport

At this time, the Governor is giving us in the Vacation Rental industry an opportunity to test our new cleaning methods, standards & updated condo amenities, designed to insure the health and safety of our staff and guests, and the island by hosting those Kama'aina and others not subject to quarantine. Fines are heavy and enforced. Each county can add restrictions but there is light at the end of the tunnel. We expect more guidance from Maui County soon.

Maui is perfect for a longer stay

Hawaii is actually a very safe place to be and even with a 14-day quarantine can offer a peaceful setting to work and relax in while waiting to emerge from Quarantine. Our owners have always had rigorous cleaning standards and now we are helping them with info from professionals on how to ensure staff, visitors and our homes will remain safe.

We all have WIFI and fast internet. Many of us have printers and even filing cabinets, staplers, desks or tables on the lanai. Work in sunshine or shade. Listen to the waves crash on the beach, wind in the palms or birds singing nearby while you work. Take time off look around you and enjoy. Bring the family and take a larger space - the kids can do school work, play old fashioned family games together, read books so you can id the fish and flowers when your 14 days is over.

Many owners are offering tools from exercise equipment, restaurants providing food delivery, videos and online education to resources for private tours, hikes, photography, painting, and much more. Plan the island trips and activities you want to do when quarantine ends, during the early days. Learn to make your own lei and dance hula.

Resources

Come back - watch this space as we add resources we have found.

$250 gift Certificate for Groceries (includes free delivery during quarantine)

Guided hikes for the family

How to shorline fish

What to do on Maui when it rains

Rainy Day ideas for your Maui Vacation

It never rains in South Maui!

With an average annual rainfall total of 8-11 inches, this is pretty true. Kihei/Wailea lay on the desert side of Maui, in Haleakala’s rain shadow. Most of the rain arrives from the NorthEast. However, every now and then a storm will approach from the South or Southwest and that’s when we get some rain. Early December has been particularly wet with six days of rainfall in Kihei! It does feel like we must have gotten our year’s supply of rain. Be prepared, here’s your local Maui Forecast.

Unfortunately the weather is beyond your condo owner’s control. However, here is a list of rainy-day ideas we’ve put together for you.

Shopping

Time to find that perfect gift, souvenir or just window-shop. Where? Front Street (Lahaina), Whaler’s Village (Kaanapali), Shops at Wailea (Wailea), Paia, Makawao, the shops at the Triangle by Kalama Park, Market Street in downtown Wailuku.

Take in some Culture

Bailey House Museum in Wailuku. The First Light Film Festival is going on right now at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center. How about checking out some art galleries?

Adventures

• Can’t go snorkeling ? Go see the fish at the Maui Ocean Center . Check their website for dates and times of special presentations. There’s lots to see! 
• Go whale watching  (December-April). Apparently humpback whales are particularly active in the rain. Pick up a rain poncho before you go. You can also check out the Visitor Center at the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary in North Kihei. 
• Go exploring  
• The Maui Tropical Plantation has some cute shops, a bar, restaurant and of course tours of their farm.
• Take a tour at the Maui Brewing Company in Kihei (and sample their products).
• Go for an upcountry drive: Ocean Vodka,
• the Surfing Goat Farm,
• Maui Wine (tastings),
• Ulupalakua Ranch General Store for lunch (they have the best grassfed burgers), the lavender farm… 

Happy Hour

Try out some of our restaurants for happy hour (think early dinner at half price!), find a favorite locally grown/roasted coffee at one of the many coffee shops.

Other Options

1. Try your skill at Island Art Party in Kihei
2. For our Canadian guests – binge-watch American Netflix (you know the programming is quite different).
3. Go for walks in the rain – remember, it may be raining, but it’s still in the 70s or maybe even low 80s.
4. Go to the gym for a workout, try a yoga class, or go for a swim – if it’s too crazy at your condo’s pool, check out the FREE County-run aquatic center (both Kihei and Lahaina have one).

What NOT to do in the rain

• Please do not go in the ocean. In fact, stay out of the ocean as long as the water is murky. Even if some surf instruction places are open for business, it does not mean it’s safe to go in the water. The rain can cause localized flooding, washing all sorts of ‘fun stuff’ into the ocean. Bacteria counts go up, you can catch an infection. Also, murky water attracts sharks. A close encounter with Jaws is not a great idea for a rainy day.
• Do not go hiking. It may not be raining heavily where you are, but it could be further upcountry. Flash flooding can and does happen and you could end up stuck with no escape route or worse.

Maui has many different micro-climates. It is rare for the entire island to have rain at the same time. Go for a drive and see if you can find the sun, or at least something fun to do!