Nothing screams remote islands like coconuts and coconut palms. But it’s what’s inside those coconuts that are the heart of the very best Macaroons in all of Maui (and quite possibly anywhere.)
I love all things coconut! I mean, I really love coconut so it was with great pleasure that I discovered these amazing cookies while strolling around the Maui Swap Meet a few years ago.
Lori Steer, Maui Macaroon’s owner and creator sells her decadent cookies at the Maui Swap Meet in Kahului every Saturday. Her booth is easy to find, it’s the one with the line of people waiting to buy these little bits of paradise or for a taste of her free samples which are generously shared while you wait.
Yummy free samples!!!
Lori hands out slightly larger than grape sized samples of the delicious flavored macaroons which she creates in her shop in Wailuku. The minute you pop one of these little coconut balls of bliss in your mouth, you are sold! BEST.MACAROON.EVER!
Imagine flavors like ‘Salted Heaven’, ‘Kona Coffee Dark Chocolate Pecan’ (I know right?!), Lilikoi (passion fruit), Fresh Pineapple and Double Mac Nut! Of course there’s also Classic Coconut which, as a macaroon connoisseur, I can assure you is the best classic macaroon I’ve ever tasted.
Photo by Lori Steer via Facebook
Lori’s macaroons are baked fresh on Maui in her Wailuku factory. Pre-orders are encouraged and requested before you stop by.
Luggage too full to take some home? No worries! Lori will pack up a box of your favorite available flavors and ship them to your home at a date of your choosing. Have them shipped in time to meet you when you get home. Just about the time you’re sinking deep into Missing-Maui-Syndrome your box will show up and you’ll be transported back to the island we all adore so much!
And don’t worry about them spoiling, put them into ziplock bags and freeze until you’re ready to eat them.
Maccident!
You’ll also find that Lori accepts special orders. Perhaps you need some for wedding or party favors, fund raisers or a special event. Maui Macaroons will print custom labels for your order!!
Photo by Lori Steer via Facebook
You can find Lori and her little coconut yummies at the Maui Swap Meet, Fourth Friday street party in Kihei (read more about those here), several locations in Lahaina and upcountry too. For a current list of vendors selling Lori’s macaroons, visit her website Maui Macaroons or just call 808-344-5465 or email info@mauimacaroon.com
You can also follow (and drool over) Maui Macaroons on Facebook and Instagram!
Looking for more Maui vacation ideas? Lots of things to see and do,
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Travel Tip created by Laurie in association with Vacation Soup
Where is the best place to rent Snorkel sets, Stand Up Paddle Boards, Bicycles, GoPro, Wetsuits and so much more in Kihei, Maui
Like many of our vacation rental owner neighbors, we provide a whole suite of beach gear for our guests. We offer the popular Tommy Bahama backpack chairs, 2 deluxe Tommy Bahama beach umbrellas, 3 different size/types of coolers, boogie boards, sand toys and beach games, big, thirsty cotton beach towels, a ‘sand free’ beach blanket and tote, pool noodles, a big folding wagon to tote all this stuff to the beach easily and so much more.
But with limited space we can’t offer it all. The good news is that if we don’t have it Auntie Snorkel does!
There are at least half a dozen activity rental stores within walking distance of our vacation rental condo in Kihei, but we think that the locally owned Auntie Snorkel is the best! Here’s why!
Personalized service, local knowledge, great selection, awesome prices!
Renting Snorkel Sets
Let’s start with snorkel sets. Many of our guests bring their own sets and at one point we had several sets available in our condo, but over time we felt that the generic ‘one size fits all‘ concept of outfitting a snorkeler was not the safest way to go and we removed the sets. Getting a mask to fit properly is best left to the experts. Having a leaky mask means no-fun as you constantly clear the fog or remove the water. All the while missing that turtle that just swam by!
If you don’t want to take up luggage space with snorkel gear, then renting is the way to go.
Photo by Auntie Snorkel
Auntie Snorkel offers a plethora of mask sizes and styles to fit all needs. The owners and staff will custom fit each person with their own gear. There’s even a 2 For 1 discount coupon, which at the time of this posting has a full dry snorkel set with fins renting for just $7.95 a day!
Stand Up Paddle Boards
Since Auntie Snorkel is literally just steps to two of Maui’s best beaches, Kamaole I and II, you can rent your SUP and walk it across the street and be paddling with turtles in mere minutes. * BONUS * Auntie’s is just a 5 minute walk from our vacation rental condo too!
Photo by Auntie Snorkel
Stand up paddle boards or SUP for short are in hot demand so be sure to pre-book online (don’t forget to use the 50% off coupon!)
The very best time to head out to the Kamaole beaches is early in the morning when the water is smooth and glassy. You want to venture out before the wind kicks up and makes paddling difficult. You’ll see lots of other paddle boarders doing the same thing. It’s a very popular activity on Maui! And with good reason. Both ‘Kam’ beaches offer amazing reef views and you’re sure to see a turtle or two swimming right beside you! (Photo by Auntie Snorkel)
Beach Cruisers
One of the best ways to see South Maui (the towns of Kihei, Wailea and Makena area) is by beach cruiser! Since Maui’s weather is wonderful year round, any day is a good day for a bike ride. At less than $20 a day you can cruise all over South Maui and have a blast doing it. Make sure to read our ‘Discover South Maui By Bicycle | Find Your Next Adventure On A Bike‘ post to get the most out of your rental!
Boogie Boards and Skim Boards
While we do offer a variety of boogie boards in the condo, we don’t have skim boards. Not to worry, Auntie to the rescue! Go get your skim on with one of theirs. According to Auntie’s website “If you’re looking for skim boards you probably already know what these are about. If not, skimboarding is a sport where you run down a wet beach, throw a flat oval wooden disk across the wet beach hop on and glide!! Skim boarding is like “the skateboarding” of beaches.“
Check out professional Skimboarder, Austin Keen skimboarding at Maui’s Makena Beach (aka Big Beach). Skimboarders are regulars at this beach and even if you don’t rent one and give it a try, this is a great beach for watching the locals – they’ll show you how it’s done local style!
Maui Island Activities & Tours
You’ll find a whole host of Island activities available on Auntie’s website. But stop by the shop and talk to the ‘Fun Specialists’ to see all of what is offered. You’ll find;
Luaus
Zipline Activities
Boat Tours
Helicopter Tours
Rafting Trips
and much more!
Auntie Snorkel is Maui’s Local Family Owned & Operated Beach Rental and Activity Shop, est. in 1985.
You can trust Auntie’s!
According to their website, “Auntie Snorkel shop has been serving Maui’s fun seekers for over 33 years, established in 1985. We are the original South Maui Snorkel Shop. When I bought the shop ten years ago from Auntie we decided to keep the name. The name Auntie is a term of respect here in Hawaii. I am living my dream. I get to meet awesome people from all over the world and share with them my love and knowledge of this magical island I get to call home. We know all the spots. I have lived here since 2001. We are the true definition of a family owned and operated shop. I answer the phones and work the shop along with my family. When you shop with us you are supporting my ohana and for that I thank you!! Why go anywhere else? We are the friendliest, fastest, cheapest and our location is the most epic!”
Owner Mark Noble is a certified ‘Fun Specialist‘ as is his co-worker Scott Johnson! On our most recent trip to Maui we were in need of a life vest for a quick fishing/kayak outing. Since we own our own life vests here in California and forgot to bring them over, we headed to our favorite rental spot and Scott hooked us right up! Auntie’s treated us like Ohana!
Guaranteed Lowest Prices
Great savings on rental prices means more money for Mai Tais!
Monday: 7:30 am – 6:00 pm Tuesday: 7:30 am – 6:00 pm Wednesday: 7:30 am – 6:00 pm Thursday: 7:30 am – 6:00 pm Friday: 7:30 am – 6:00 pm Saturday: 7:30 am – 6:00 pm Sunday: 7:30 am – 6:00 pm
Contact: 808.298.3021
Business Info:
Accepts Credit Cards: Yes Car Parking: Street Bike Parking: Yes Wheelchair Accessible: Yes Good for Kids: Yes By Appointment Only: No Offers Military Discount: Yes 👍🏻
Auntie Snorkel is rated 5-Stars on both Yelp™ and TripAdvisor™
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Our pick for the best sushi restaurant on Maui, 1054Togoshi
We’re sushi fanatics. We’ve eaten sushi all over the world. We’re pretty darn picky when it comes to our sushi. Now that that’s out of the way, let’s talk about our most recent discovery – Maui’s BEST sushi restaurant.
I’m hesitant to even let the (yoga) cat out of the bag (you’ll understand the ‘yoga‘ bit in just a moment.) I fear that once I click the publish button on this post that the -hard to get reservations- for this place will become even harder to get. But in the interest of spreading Aloha, I’m going to let you all in on our sushi secret.
No Sushi – No Life. Keep Calm & Eat Sushi!
I can’t remember how we found this place – probably Yelp or Google Maps, but it’s not in a place you’d expect to find (in our opinion) the very best sushi restaurant on Maui. The restaurant is located in a smaller strip mall off the main thoroughfare of South Kihei Road, on East Lipoa Street. None of this matters because this hidden gem will delight and you’ll believe you’ve been transported to a top Tokyo sushi restaurant decorated with a Jimmy Buffett-esque style beachy theme.
The owners clearly love the beach vibe the decor conveys and I must admit, that while it’s very busy, it does make this eatery feel less like a Japanese restaurant and more like a beach cabana! It’s fun, quirky, eclectic and very artistic, and I love it!
1054Togoshi is only open evenings and reservations are required. Seating is limited to about 9 at the sushi bar and there are only two tables (that I can tell) – one that seats four and the other up to 8. There are just the two owners, the sushi chef and his wife who is hostess, server and waitress.
This duo do a fantastic job! Warm Aloha is what you feel when you’re greeted at the door. Upon being seated you’re served water and given a hot, moist wash cloth to wash your hands with. That one feature places this restaurant high up on my authenticity scale. I absolutely love when Japanese restaurants provide this simple yet important and thoughtful touch.
The menu is perfectly adequate in it’s offerings but don’t expect to find off the wall rolls dripping in aioli sauces with crazy names like Mucho-Macho Roll or Batman Roll. Nope, here you’ll find a few of the ubiquitous rolls such as ‘Rainbow‘ and ‘Spicy Tuna‘ but the real gems on the menu are the Sashimi, Nigiri, the items on the Pupu list and appetizers.
Place your food order directly with the chef and be patient. This truly authentic sushi arrives only as quickly as the chef can prepare it and depending on the time of evening – how busy the restaurant is. Trust me, every bite will be worth any wait you might incur.
Menu!
Speaking of the menu, the rest of the menu offers Sake (listed considerately in order of dryness), Japanese beer, Wine, *Shōchū, Japanese Whisky, softdrinks and of course prepared ‘just right’ macha green tea.
*Shōchū is a Japanese distilled beverage less than 45% alcohol by volume. It is typically distilled from rice (kome), barley (mugi), sweet potatoes (satsuma-imo), buckwheat (soba), or brown sugar (kokutō), though it is sometimes produced from other ingredients such as chestnut, sesame seeds, potatoes or even carrots.Typically shōchū contains 25% alcohol by volume,[1] which is weaker than whisky or standard-strength vodka but stronger than wine and sake.
We tried the Takeno Tsuyu sake first – it’s delicious, unfiltered and very much on the sweeter side. Our second sake was the Tamano Hikari, much dryer and clear, crisp and smooth. I recommend both BUT not in the order that we tried them.
What we ordered!
Before this becomes the longest restaurant review in history, lets get down to business shall we. What we ordered!
We started off with the Yellowtail Carpacio with garlic, jalepeño, local greens, Yuzu soy and olive oil.
Next was traditional nigiri. But it was anything but run of the mill. The fish was as tender and flavorful as I’ve ever had and the sushi rice, perfectly formed was quite literally the best I’ve ever had. It was slightly warm, seasoned to perfection and just the right texture. Magnificent. I could have just eaten an entire bowl of just sushi rice! I also must say, that it is better than any I had in Japan.
My companion opted for the Rainbow Roll and for a standard roll, it did not disappoint.
I went back for more nigiri. Oh my!! Big pluses for me are the ginger, which doesn’t contain food dyes and the GENUINE wasabi the chef uses. More points in my book! All in all I tried the Hamachi, Kanpachi, Yellowtail and one other on the special menu that I don’t recall the name. Be sure to try something from the ‘Special’ menu!!
This is the 12 piece Sushi “A’ combination. Which my other companion had and said was amazing. It was so amazing that we didn’t get a photo of it before it disappeared. Photo by Wayde T. via Yelp.
And finally I opted for a spicy Hamachi roll. Decadent!
The Nuts & Bolts
We found the prices on par with the other sushi restaurants on the island (except for Morimoto Maui which is very expensive, though delightful but we left very hungry!). The portions were slightly on the smaller side but you are getting extremely high quality fish and the price reflects that.
The service is on par with what you’d expect for just two people working and doing it all. Some reviews online complain about this but I’m a ‘go with the flow’ type and it never bothered me as I didn’t find the service to be slow. In fact, the service we got was great, super friendly, we didn’t wait too long, and were generally very satisfied. This restaurant is clearly a labor of love for the owners and if you’re patient and adopt a ‘Maui Time’ mentality (I recommend that for ALL things on the island) you will greatly enjoy yourselves.
Reservations are a must! Fortunately we got in on the same day for our first visit (and yes, there was a second visit in the same week, it was that good)
Note that LAST CALL (for both food and beverages) is at 8:30 and they mean it. Though they did bend it a bit for a 2nd glass of Sake for us.
Overall, both of my dining experiences were great. The food was great and the prices what I’d expect for the quality.
Bottom line, WE LOVED IT!
So what’s the deal with the Yoga Cat?
My seat featured a very nice book entitled ‘Yoga With Cats’ which is hilarious, and propping it up is the cat, in (I believe) the forward fold position! Such a hoot!
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Native Intelligence – Maui’s best shopping for Hawai’ian cultural gifts.
Shopping for and bringing home gifts and souvenirs for friends and family members is often one of the best parts of a vacation. Your vacation to Maui is no exception!
But when you’ve seen all the run of the mill t-shirts, hats, and plastic tchotchkes (made in China) the idea of bringing home gifts not made in the Hawai’ian islands can lose it’s appeal.
That’s when a visit to Native Intelligence will inspire you! Native Intelligence is filled to the brim with authentic Hawai’ian culture, local artisan crafted goods and authentic Hawai’ian souvenirs you will be proud to own. Located in the quaint town of Wailuku, this one of a kind shop offers clothing, stationary, jewelry
From the owner’s website:
“About Native Intelligence (NI)
Based in Wailuku, Maui – Native Intelligence is more than a traditional retail establishment. The goal of Native Intelligence is to champion cultural traditions, craftsmanship and good designs while perpetuating Hawaiian values. By showcasing local artisans and creatives who strive to protect and evolve the culture, Native Intelligence is an advocate for both culture and community.
Our mission is to create a retail environment allowing customers to experience a wide selection of merchandise that is Hawaiian by definition. Neither a museum nor gallery, Native Intelligence strives to be a constantly evolving retail space that has something for everyone.
Through the various practitioners who try to perfect ancient skills; to new businesses that reflect a contemporary sensibility, Native Intelligence will present the spectrum of what is good in Hawaiian design. Working with community leaders and neighborhood schools, we hope to extend the educational programs and resources beyond our doors. As our name infers, Native Intelligence encourages the efforts of those who exemplify the best and brightest in Hawaii and Polynesia.”
NI is more than just a store filled with unique and locally made gifts, it’s a treasure and source of culturally inspired supplies used by the local community. Items such as Hula supplies, Kapa and fresh flower leis like no others!
Examples of Leis sold by Native Intelligence!
From L to R Kukunaokalā, Sea grape, Heʻe, and Kukui, Blue Jade Vine (center) and Kukunaokalā, Heʻe berry, Sea Grape, and Waimaka Gula (photos via NI Facebook)
Engage, enjoy and discover with the first ever NI ʻIke film featuring Kumu Kaponoʻai Molitau, as he discusses the sacredness of hula pahu and the profound meaning behind the mele ʻAuʻa ʻIa.
Artful Living!
Be sure to check out their Ni’ihau shell necklaces. These are genuinely one of a kind pieces of art. If you’re not familiar with Ni’ihau shell jewelry then you are in for a treat. According to Ni’ihau Cultural Heritage Foundation’s website; “Legally, this term refers only to shells actually gathered on the shores of the Forbidden Island. However, the term generally refers to three different shells that are commonly used to make Ni‘ihau shell lei: kahelelani, momi, and lāiki, as well as a fourth one, kāmoa, which is frequently used to add contrasting color.” (p.s. you might have also recently seen actor and native Hawai’ian Jason Momoa wearing a Ni’ihau shell necklace during the week of his Aquaman premier – on the Jimmy Fallon show!)
I think my favorite purchase was this NI Designs Island Chain T-Shirt with the design in the form of a molecular structure. “Based off of a molecular structure, the design of “Island Chain” is united and bonded. Each island is unique, but Hawaiʻi is only Hawaiʻi when all the islands are connected. “All Hawaiʻi stand together.” -Mele by Liko Martin”
My other unique purchases include a gorgeous Koa wood hair stick and Breadfruit (or Ulu) block print note cards by Kanaka Prints. But there were so many wonderful items, it was hard to choose.
Visit The Store
Plan your visit to Native Intelligence while visiting Maui, but if you cannot, then be sure to visit their website. There you’ll find an assortment of items for sale as well as more information about their wonderful business. Wailuku is a sweet town in Maui that is worth strolling around. You’ll love getting out of the ‘busy’ towns of Kihei and Lahaina to enjoy the quieter life in Wailuku!
If you love regular doses of eye candy, then make sure and follow Native Intelligence on Instagram and Facebook!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BqvaOLmgk3V/
Address: 1980 Main St #2 Wailuku, HI 96793
Phone: (808) 249-2421
Store Hours: Monday-Friday: 10:00-5:00, Saturday: 10:00-4:00, Sunday: Closed
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One of ways to get out and live like a local is to discover South Maui by bicycle. You’ll be having a great adventure and getting to visit spots that you might not necessarily see if you’re in your car.
Bike rentals are available all over South Maui from north Kihei to south Kihei and the types of bikes range from beach cruiser style to electric bikes to road bikes.
For the casual rider, a beach cruiser would be the way to go. For as little as $20 a day, you can pedal your way around Kihei and really live like a local.
Photo by Auntie Snorkel
If you’re an experienced cyclist you may want to look into renting a full performance road bike and take your adventure upcountry or to the west side.
Map of South Maui Bike Rental Shops
Resources
South Maui Bicycleshttp://www.southmauibicycles.com Monday – Saturday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm, CLOSED SUNDAYS. 1993 South Kihei Road #5, Kihei, Hi 96753 Phone: 808.874.0068
Hawaiian Cruisershttp://www.hawaiiancruisers.com Monday – Saturday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. CLOSED SUNDAYS. 1280 South Kihei Road, Kihei HI 96753. Phone: 808.446.1111
Bike Ohana HawaiiLink Monday – Saturday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. CLOSED SUNDAYS. 1777 Piilani Hwy, Kihei, HI 96753 Phone: 808.463.8369
Boss Frogs Adventure Rentalshttps://bossfrog.com/ Monday – Sunday 8:00 am – 6:00 pm 2463 S Kihei Rd., Ste A-15, Kihei, HI 96753< Phone: 808.874.5577
Auntie Snorkelhttp://www.auntiesnorkel.com/ Monday – Sunday 7:45 am – 6:00 pm 2439 S Kihei Rd., Ste 101-A, Kihei, HI 96753 Phone: 808.298.3021
Maui Electric Bike Rentalhttp://www.mauielectricbikerental.com/ Hours Vary Located in Haiku, but they deliver to Kihei. Hana Hwy, Haiku, HI 96708 Phone: 808.250.8447
Pay close attention to your environment and heed local laws and etiquette. According to West Maui Cycles the following are best practices while riding in Maui.
When riding on Maui it is always wise to assume that you don’t always have the right of way on the roads. This doesn’t mean it is not safe, just ride with more awareness of your space. When out on some of the roads with little to no shoulder it is good practice to:
• Always move over as far as safely possible • Ride single file unless the shoulder provides enough safe space • Use hand signals especially when riding with someone behind you (sometimes it is hard to hear with the wind in your ears) • Most importantly wave on cars that hesitate to pass, this will help alleviate traffic on narrow winding roads • Always wave or “shaka” kindness goes a long way
Throw a ‘Shaka’ to share Aloha!
Other helpful tips from West Maui Cycles include;
• Expect to be hot (being in the equatorial zone it tends to feel warmer than it is) • Expect to have some wind from every direction (you’re on an island and your direction changes) • Expect to have some climbs (you’re on the side of a volcano) • Expect to go home with a tan or a sunburn if you didn’t protect yourself • Expect to see a rainbow • Expect to take a lot of good pictures (both mentally and digitally) • Expect see amazing sunsets/sunrises • Expect to end your ride with a big smile on your face
Make sure to take plenty of water in a reusable water bottle. Make sure to stop along the way and try out local food trucks, shave ice spots or ice cream.
Respect local property owners and heed all ‘No Tresspassing’ signs.
Download a copy of the Maui County Bicycle Map from MauiBike.org
Michele Shapiro, a travel writer for the San Francisco Chronicle shares 3 epic rides to try in Maui, one of which is heading south from Kihei to La Perouse bay. According to Shapiro;
“Ride 1: South Maui Bicycles (Kihei) to La Perouse Lava Fields (Wailea-Makena)< How far: 21 miles round-trip, about 1.5 hours. What bike: A hybrid (or electric) Route: Want to know what it’s like to cycle on Mars? After passing numerous resorts along Wailea’s coast, follow the bike lane south to enter a dramatically different world of dark, jagged rock — the lava deposits from the East Mountain Volcano (a.k.a. Haleakala) — that has remained unchanged for hundreds of years. The bike lane ends past Makena Resort, making the final stretch of the ride a little bumpy. But it’s worth the saddle sores to catch a glimpse of a dolphin pod around La Perouse Bay.
Bike Safety
According to MauiBike.org; “…bicyclists are required to ride on the right side of the road in single file. A bicyclist is allowed to ride in the center of the travel lane when the lane is too narrow for both car and bicycle to travel safely side by side. This rules applies even when the bicycle is moving slower than traffic.”
and
Hawaii’s bicyclists are considered drivers of vehicles. Bicyclists have most of the same rights and responsibilities as motorists.
According to HRS 291C-145(a)(2): Bicyclists should not be expected to move off the road whenever a car is behind them. It is legal for the bicyclist to remain in the lane, even if they are slowing down or impeding traffic. Maui Bicycling League encourages bicyclists to think courteously of other road users, including pulling over occasionally when traffic is backed up behind them (when it is safe and convenient to do so, at the discretion of the bicyclist).
Motorists should pass bicycles with the same precautions used when passing other slower motorists. They should pass only in zones where there are no double yellow lines, and should wait until they can see that the oncoming lane is clear of approaching cars. The motorist should signal, then move cautiously into the oncoming lane (left of center) to pass the bicyclist. Motorists should give bicycles at least 3 feet of space between their vehicle and the bicycle. Let’s keep everyone safe!
Auntie Snorkel is just a 5 minute walk from our condo!
Maui cycling helmet law.
In Maui County, all juveniles under the age of 16 years old MUST wear helmets while riding a bicycle. Helmets are recommended for adults at all times but are not mandatory. Bicycle lights and bike reflectors are required by law for all riders at night including 30 minutes before and after sunset or sunrise.
Remember to share the road, spread ALOHA and be safe!
Looking for more Maui vacation ideas? Lots of things to see and do,
Subscribe to our Maui Travel Guide to receive the latest travel tips, special events and to find out what's happening in our Island Paradise! * Your privacy is paramount to us. We will never share or sell your information! *
We’ve got you covered for special events and what’s happening on Maui for the
Month of August.
Thursday August 2, 2018
•Free Tahitian Dance Show – Lahaina. This ongoing event happens every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday from 6-7pm. More info here.
Friday – August 3, 2018
• Wailuku First Friday. We’ve blogged more about this town party here. You’ll find live street entertainment, amazing food truck food, souvinirs, local hand-made goods and more. Each Friday Town Party is hosted in a different city. Click the link above to find more info.
• Maui’s Finest Craft Fair – Free Craft Fair at the Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort. This free even showcases crafts, artists and more. This is an Ongoing Event occurring on Tuesday & Friday of every week.
• Lahaina Art Night – Friday Night is Art Night in Lahaina Town. Stroll through dozens of art galleries in LahainaTown each Friday from 7 to 10 pm for special gallery shows, featured artists-in-action, and refreshments, all free and open to the public! Lahaina has earned its nick-name of “The Art Capital of the Pacific,” due to more art galleries per capita than any other American town. A walking map of participating galleries is available in Lahaina Visitor Center (open daily from 9 am to 5 pm) This is an Ongoing Event occurring on Friday of every week.
• Candlelit Tours at the Baldwin Home – Step back in time and visit the Baldwin Home Museum with a tour by candle light. Tours are held every Friday from 6 to 8:30 p.m. The Baldwin Home Museum is located on the corner of Front and Dickenson Street in the heart of historic Lahaina. $8 – Adults 13yrs +, $6 – Kama’aina, Senior Citizens (65+), Military, Children 12 years and under are FREE. Please note that admission also allows entry to the Wo Hing Museum on Front Street.
The tours are led by experienced docents with refreshments following on the front lanai. For more information here or call 808.661.3262.
Saturday – August 4, 2018
• Seed To Cup Coffee Festival At Maui Tropical Plantation. – The Maui Coffee Association will present their 11th Annual Seed to Cup Coffee Festival, Saturday, August 4, 2018 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the Maui Tropical Plantation in Waikapu. This event is FREE and open to the public!
Coffee Brewing and Roasting will be demonstrated throughout the day and the talented Chef’s at Mill House Restaurant will be serving up coffee inspired food for sale from 11:30 am – 2:00pm. Kohola Brewery will also be selling their Mean Bean Brew – Beer made with 100% Maui Coffee!
There will be displays and demonstrations of coffee processing equipment and many award-winning coffee farmers selling their coffees.
You don’t want to miss the Barista Throw-down competition, sponsored this year by Maui Coffee Roasters. The Throw-down takes place from 1:30 – 3:00 pm at Chef’s Table. Local baristas from across the state challenge one another in a head to head, free-pour latte art competition. Lots of prizes and action!
The newest lineup of activities includes “Taste the Roast.” This interactive event was created to shed light on the many talented coffee roasters of Maui. Attendees will gather to taste several roast profiles and vote for their favorite coffee. All of the roasters will use the same coffee origin, just various roast profiles.
The finale is the popular Coffee Fashion Show, showcasing hand made coffee themed costumes.
• Maui Swap Meet –Head to Kahului for the weekly Maui Swap Meet. 7 a.m. – 1 p.m. Get there early! This fantastic shopping market has everything under the Maui sun. Event is ongoing, this and every Saturday. More info here.
• Leilani Farm Sanctuary Tours – (this and all Saturdays) Explore the farm and visit rescued animals. Kiss a Donkey, cuddle a chicken or feed the bunnies. Donation is $10. Starts at 10am More info here. Additional tours Mondays & Wednesdays at 4pm.
Sunday August 5, 2018
• Lahaina Craft Fair. Sundays. This weekly free event showcases artists, jewelry makers and local crafts people. Located at the Lahaina Gateway Center. More info here.
Friday August 10, 2018
• Albatross – A One-Man Play – McCoy Studio Theater/Maui Arts & Cultural Center; times vary. Friday August 10-12, 2018
Written and performed as a rollicking sea yarn, Albatross is a fast-paced stage show that explores themes of regret, isolation, and the interconnected relationship between humans and the natural world. Taking inspiration from Coleridge’s “Mariner,” an 18th century sailor who is cursed with immortality and thrust into the modern world, the play delivers a profound message about the effect of our thoughtless actions on all living things. Tickets: $25 (plus applicable fees)
• Lahaina Second Friday. Head to the Lahaina Town Party – more info here. You’ll find live street entertainment, amazing food truck food, souvinirs, local hand-made goods and more. Each Friday Town Party is hosted in a different city. Click the link above to find more info.
• Keiki Hula Performance – Everyone loves a keiki (child) hula halau performance! And The Outlets of Maui is pleased to present our keiki hula show every 2nd and 4th Fridays of the month. The children of the Na Pua O Kapi`olani perform traditional hula. Accompanied by a live band and led by Kumu Hula Kathy Ralar, the keiki performers share their Hula as they dance their way into our hearts with the memorable stories and songs of Hawaii. More info here.
Image via Maui News
Sunday – August 12, 2018
• Storm Drain Stenciling in Ma’alaea 9:00 am to 12:00 pm – Another opportunity for Eco-Tourism. Maui Ocean Center is gathering a volunteer team to spray paint informational stencils on storm drains surrounding the aquarium. The simple message lets people know that anything put down the drains goes straight into the ocean, while also highlighting the dangers of runoff on coral reefs. Teams of three or four will paint the stencils along the roads and around the harbor.
All are welcome! Snacks, water refills, and supplies will be provided, so bring your reusable water bottle. Children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult. We will meet in the Maui Ocean Center parking lot nearest Hauoli Street. FREE event. More info here.
Friday – August 17, 2018
• Makawao Third Friday – See listing above for Friday Town Parties
Saturday – August 18, 2018
• 3rd Annual Kite Festival – KAHULUI, Hawaii – The public is invited to the third annual Kite Festival hosted by the Japanese Cultural Society of Maui on Saturday, Starting at 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Keopuolani Park Field #8, located right below the Maui Arts and Cultural Center.
This event is Free. Kite kits to decorate with colored markers will be available for a $5 donation to JCSM. Prizes will be given to the best decorated kites and best kite fliers at 12 noon. Water will be provided. Attendees may also bring their own materials, chairs and snacks.
Anyone may bring their own kites – big or small, traditional or modern, and see them in action at the festival.
The mission of the Japanese Cultural Society of Maui is to perpetuate the Japanese culture in the community. Kite flying in Japan dates back in the 16th century as a custom to pray for good health and a bright future.
For questions about the event, call Deron at (808) 298-3352 or email jcsmhawaii@gmail.com.
• Maui Calls 2018 – Annual Gala Fundraiser – In Celebration of Hula MACC 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM.
Maui Arts & Cultural Center’s signature gala event begins with a fresh flower lei greeting and Hawaiian music serenade. Mix, mingle, and taste delectable pūpū created by chefs from stellar Maui restaurants and specialty food purveyors.
Enjoy premium wines served by vintners from boutique wineries around the world and dance the night away to live music. Silent and live auctions offer the chance to bid on hundreds of items, from fabulous Hawaii staycations to “uniquely Maui” items, such as special house parties and “uniquely MACC” items, like autographed music instruments & more!
Wrap up the evening with music & dancing under the glowing roof of the MACC’s Yokouchi Pavilion.
• Beach Clean Up – Malama Land & Sea: Join Maui Ocean Center, The Aquarium of Hawaii and MOC Marine Institute to help up clean trash and litter from one of Maui’s beaches. The day may also include a volunteer snorkeling cleanup targeting marine debris such as discarded fishing line and weights, conditions permitting.
Questions/RSVP: afonarow@mauioceancenter.com or 808.270.7059 For beach location info visit their website
Help them make this cleanup a zero-waste event! Bring your own reusable coffee mug and water bottle to enjoy free coffee and water refills. Hearty snacks will be provided. Please bring your own bucket for trash, along with a pair of reusable gloves. Wear sturdy shoes, sun-protective clothing, and a hat. Children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult.
More information on participating in a Maui beach clean up, read our blog post here.
Friday – August 24, 2018
• Into The Woods Musical presented by MAPA LIVE. at the MACC. August 24 – September 02, 2018A story filled to the brim with a feast of fabled characters … a little mystery, a lot of irreverent humor, and touch of seduction. A journey into the woods — and into our hearts.
Edgy, whimsical, and wickedly funny, Into the Woods is an enchanting musical adventure that goes beyond “happily ever after.” Parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children under 10.
Event info here.
• Kihei 4th Friday – We’ve blogged more about this town party here. You’ll find live street entertainment, amazing food truck food, souvinirs, local hand-made goods and more. Each Friday Town Party is hosted in a different city. Click the link above to find more info.
Sunday – August 26, 2018
• Henry Kapono & Friends at the MACC – A&B Amphitheater, 5:00 pm show; 4:00 pm gates open.
Henry Kapono and a star-studded line up of Hawai‘i’s most popular entertainers will come together with an evening of music, laughter, and stories as they share the hit songs and celebrate the soundtrack of Hawaii. The evening features and epic lineup of Hawai‘i’s top entertainers: Kalapana, Jerry Santos of Olomana, Keola Beamer, Na Leo Pilimehana, John Cruz, Brother Noland, Robi Kahakalau, Alx Kawakami, Blayne Asing, Josh Tatofi, Kalani Pe`a, Kimie Miner, Landon McNamara, Mike Love, Paula Fuga, and Starr Kalahiki.
• Traveling Plate Maui “In the Kitchen” – Guests will get to work side-by-side Maui’s favorite chefs as they help create a locally sourced dish. Guests will travel from chef station to chef station learning skills and having fun along the way. While the chefs put the final touch on their dishes guests will then enjoy a mixology demonstration. We will end the night savoring the fruit of their labor by sample each dish created alongside adult libations and a silent auction. For those who only want to join as “taste testers” we will offer a limited amount of “Taster” tickets that will include arrival at 5pm for the Mixology Demo and entry to the reception.
• Monthly Beach/Marine Debris clean up at Ka’ehu beach. Wailuku, 9 a.m. to noon.. Join the SHARKastics for a memorable day of learning, sharing and cleaning up the island we love so much.
SHARKastics has been spearheading cleanups at Ka’ehu on the 4th Sunday of every month since July, 2012. This bay and coastline are important for many species including nesting sea turtles! More and more debris is always washing ashore, so we need your help. It’s heaps of fun! FREE event.
Read about our adventures volunteering with SHARKastics here. For more info check out their webpage.
Looking for more Maui vacation ideas? Lots of things to see and do,
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Eco-tourism is alive and well on Maui. On my most recent trip I found myself wanting to give back to the island that gives me so much. How does an island ‘give’ me anything? Well, all you have to do is visit Maui and then you’ll know.
From the moment I step off the plane, my heart swells with the love I have for Maui. I hear the palm trees rustling in the island breeze, I see locals in flip flops, shorts and Hawaiian shirts (the only state in our country where you’ll find this kind of attire.) I hear Hawaiian music on the rental car radio. I ‘feel’ the Aloha Spirit embrace me from not just the land but the locals that call Maui their home. And then, my first step on the sandy beach puts me instantly into a state of ‘Island Time’, the kind of relaxation we all hope for when we visit Maui, I exhale and feel my sense of place on this magical bit of land in the center of the great Pacific Ocean.
It’s just hard to explain. Those who’ve had the privilege to visit or live there know exactly what I’m talking about, those who haven’t will know when they step off the plane.
How do you go about ‘giving’ back to theʻāina (earth or land, and pronounced eye-na) in a way that is meaningful? For me it was easy. Volunteer on vacation.
Photo by Cheryl King, Ocean Warrior!
Volunteer On Vacation
Maui has a multitude of volunteer opportunities for those that seek them out. It wasn’t difficult to pick my activity as I walked on ‘our‘ beach, Kamaole II, each day and saw bits and pieces of trash. Trash on ‘OUR‘ beach! Who does this? So I started picking up cigarette butts, band-aids (yuck), empty plastic beverage bottles, kids sand toys, a snorkel flipper missing it’s mate, bottle caps, micro plastics (bits of plastic that have broken down over years and years), sparkling wine cage, food wrappers and more. Well, just have a look for yourself. The photo below shows what I gathered in 5 minutes of walking on the beach.
Each day I found more and more. On days when we’d have a good ocean swell, more flotsam and jetsam would wash up and I could just walk the high tide line and find things like this.
I’m not oblivious to the ‘Great Pacific Garbage Patch‘ but it has always seemed so obscure to me. I have trouble fathoming a gyre of garbage – somewhere, out ‘there’. But seeing this trash on the beaches of Maui that I’ve been visiting for well over 20 years and seeing the increase in the volume of garbage polluting what was once so pristine really punctuated what I needed to do to give back.
Inspired and motivated to keep Maui as free of marine debris as I could, I began searching online for locally organized beach clean-ups. Sadly beach clean-ups happen often and by various environmental and volunteer groups. I say ‘sadly’ because I find it terribly sad that beach clean-up are part of our vernacular. These beach clean-ups happen for a variety of reasons. The majority of what I picked was deposited on the beach by careless visitors both local and non-local alike. But depending on what part of the island you are on, much of it washes ashore with the tides and currents.
I found one particular beach clean up happening on the last Sunday of each month and it luckily coincide with my visit. So at 8:15 a.m. I left Kihei and headed to the Ka’ehu Beach on the North Shore to meet with the group called SHARKastics to join in their monthly clean up effort.
I really had no idea what to expect. I brought a hat, backpack, my reef-safe sunscreen, sturdy shoes and sunglasses. But darn! Halfway there I realized that I forgot my water. No worries, I just stopped and bought two bottles of water at a gas station on the way. Little did I know what a faux pas I was committing. Bringing single use plastic bottles to a beach clean up where we’d be cleaning up –you guessed it-single-use plastics of all kinds. Oh the irony of it all and yes, I felt like a dork doing that but embraced it as a learning moment and as a personal reminder why I needed to ALWAYS bring my own reusable water bottle. Of course there was no judgement passed by our group (they were filled with the Aloha spirit!) and there was a water station available to refill reusable water bottles when needed!
As I arrived at Ka’ehu beach, I was a little unsure that I was in the right place – this isn’t a beach that looks to be popular with visitors, but I was met at the county gate and let in by a cheerful Sharkastic crew member. I drove over to the beach and met up with over two dozen other volunteers, half a dozen Sharkastics crew plus one amazing Honu (sea turtle) sniffing pup! But more about Tauzer the Honu Houndin just a bit.
Ka’ehu Beach image by Sustainable Coastlines Hawaii, via Facebook
Volunteers are given gloves, 5-gallon buckets and an introduction to the day’s tasks. Ka’ehu beach is long stretch of black lava rock and black sand beach located to the north-west of Kahului Airport and to the east of Waihee/Waiehu area. According to www.wildhawaii.org “Waiehu’s Ka’ehu Beach on the northwest coastline of Maui is one of the few nesting beaches for green turtles. It also happens to be one of the major marine debris collections zones of Maui.”
According to our fearless leader for the day, Cheryl King, the ocean swells and currents make Ka’ehu beach a plastic magnet and the local dumping zone for the flotsam and jetsam of the ocean. Marine debris is deposited daily in vast amounts.
Due to consistent trade winds and currents plus the close proximity of a bustling human population, Ka’ehu collects local land-based plus foreign marine debris. – C. King via Facebook
Cheryl King, a woman of many talents and one that wears many hats including Marine Biologist, spearheads the Sharkastics.org group of like minded volunteers. Their mission, to clean up Maui beaches, provide safe turtle nesting habitat and to educate the public on the threat that Marine Debris has on our oceans, beaches, marine wildlife and human health. But what the heck is a Sharkastic anyway?
Glad you asked! Sharkastics are animal-bitten plastic, a phenomenon and are commonly found during their marine debris cleanups in Hawai’i. Many animals make these marks, not just sharks.
The very recognizable bite marks can be seen here in this flip flop. (image below via CRE8 Magazine, Issue No. 4, an article about Sharkastics, and can be found here.)
The Beach Clean Up
On to the beach clean up. We were instructed to start at the far, north end of the beach and work our way back so as to not have to carry debris to the end and back. And so we eagerly set off with our buckets. Within literally seconds, I found bits and pieces of plastic, garbage of all kinds. I looked around, bewildered. Where does it all come from? How did it find it’s way to beautiful Maui? It pained me to walk past it and toward the piles and piles that lay ahead so I stayed in the same general area and found more than I cared to see.
A few hundred yards down the beach I find Lauren and her husband Kyle (two amazing and local volunteers, Lauren also happens to be a marine biologist and ecologist) feverishly working with another Sharkastic crew member to dislodge an enormous ghost net that was well embedded into the sand bank. I put down my bucket that was nearly full and began to dig and tug and dig and tug. But this huge net was not giving up it’s grip. We worked for over an hour and a half to remove just a portion. Sadly, it was so deeply embedded into the sand and rocks that we were only able to retrieve part of it. But I’m hopeful that the next batch of beach cleaners were able to retrieve the rest.
Ghost nets like these ensnare marine life such as sea turtles, sharks, whales and dolphins, seals and so much more. One might think that fishing boats would be more responsible and remove their own debris rather than leave these nets to float and entangle marine animals. But as Cheryl explained to us, it is not uncommon for fishermen to put location devices on ghost nets like these to track them at a later date. You see, small fish and marine life congregate under these floating nets for protection. The small fish attract big fish and so on down the line. The fishermen locate the floating net using GPS and then fish nearby to catch the larger fish. Sadly, the ‘bycatch’ gets innocently tangled in the mess.
‘Honu’ Sea Turtle caught in derelict fishing net
And
Hawaiian Monk Seal caught in marine debris. Photo by Michael Pitts
Moving Forward
All of this debris, trash and waste, where does it originate? Well, we can point fingers at our consumption of single use plastics, or we can blame third world countries for not having the infrastructure to process their waste, or we can look at events such as the Fukushima disaster and recall all of the debris washed out to sea by the tsunami.
And the truth is it’s all of the above and at least one other critical factor. Manufacturers and lobbyist protect the industries that produce much of the items that are soon to become waste. As Matt Wilkins points out in his article in Scientific American entitled ‘More Recycling Won’t Solve Plastic Pollution‘, “Because of a legal system that favors corporate generation of plastic, plus public acceptance of single-use items as part of the modern economy, consumers who want to reduce their plastic footprint are faced with a host of challenges.”
Those challenges include confusing recycling rules, lack of infrastructure to recycle waste appropriately and the shear volume of single use plastics that abound.
Maui has an especially large challenge, this small island lacks the proper recycling facilities needed to process all the waste. In January of 2018, China halted all shipments of recyclables being imported. Most of Maui’s and west coast states sent their waste to China for processing. (More here.)
Now, I can’t say I completely agree with the title and subtitle of Wilkins’ article because I believe we can, as consumers, both change our habits and vote with our dollars to stop the flow of single use plastics into and out of our homes. Corporations begin to notice when their bottom line is threatened.
One example of a corporation paying attention to consumer pressure, Starbucks just announced that they will be “removing plastic straws in our stores globally by 2020—reducing more than 1 billion plastic straws per year.”
In addition, Seattle has banned plastic drinking straws and plastic utensils by next year. Both California and Hawaii have banned plastic shopping bags which often end up in the ocean. And California has just announced that it is banning plastic straws in restaurants. All great steps forward.
Image via Greenpeace UK Twitter
And in April of 2018, the Minister of the Environment and Housing of The Bahamas, Romauld Ferreira has announced that in an effort to simultaneously address marine pollution and waste management, single-use plastics – such as shopping bags, food utensils, straws and Styrofoam food containers – will be banned by 2020. [They] will also move to make the release of balloons into the air illegal, as they end up in the oceans, releasing toxins and injuring marine life.
I felt incredibly inspired by the Sharkastics crew who were so optimistic despite the incredible volume of marine debris we gathered. Their outlook was positive and inspiring and they’re using this ‘opportunity’ for lack of a better word to educate and bring people together to tackle a global problem.
There are numerous groups that do beach and ocean clean-up throughout Hawaii.
It’s going to take more than banning straws to fix this one! -Sustainable Coastlines Hawaii
It isn’t just Maui that is being inundated with ocean trash and marine debris. Just recently, a clean-up was underway on the island of Molokai.
And on the Big Island, Kamilo Beach is a marine debris magnet. Regular beach clean-ups occur and are ongoing.
Kamilo Beach on the Big Island of Hawaii. Photo by Jen Miller via Facebook
At the end of our beach clean up our group was invited to a free screening of ‘Albatross, The Film’ at the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. This poetic documentary tells the story of the majestic Albatross on Midway Island. Midway island is at the far end of the Hawaiian Island archipelago. Seeing the devastation caused by marine debris is a tragic eye opener. There was not a dry eye in the house. And all of this information is not to shame or guilt us, it’s to bring awareness to a global issue that has had a profound impact on the island that we all love so dearly, Maui.
‘Albatross, The Film’ is now free to watch for all. I cannot recommend it enough!
Images like the one below, of the stomach contents of an albatross drive home the fact that trash and plastic doesn’t really ever get thrown ‘away’. There is no ‘away’, it ends up in landfill, in our waterways, and for a small percentage, recycled.
We removed, sorted and counted 8,274 pieces of marine debris. Here are the broad category results:⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ *Plastic: 7,048 (85.2%)⠀⠀ *Polystyrene foam: 429 (5.2%)⠀⠀ *Rubber: 180 (2.2%)⠀ *Fabric/clothing: 286 (3.5%) ⠀⠀ *Processed wood: 93 (1.1%)⠀ *Metal: 193 (2.3%)⠀ *Glass: 45 (0.5%)⠀
For this particular clean up, the items were trucked to Maui Ocean Center for their new marine debris exhibit. But most often, the crew sorts and recycles as much as can be, some gets stored until enough is gathered to ship to Parley For The Ocean, for ‘reinvention’ into items such as ADIDAS sneakers.
Amazingly, this beach that we cleaned had been cleaned the day before by another group of volunteers! Imagine that.
Take Action – Volunteer Opportunities
In reflection of this amazing adventure and educational day I had, I’ve made some positive changes here at home and when I’m on Maui visiting.
4Oceans has a great list of things we can all do to reduce our plastic waste. All of these ideas are easy enough to implement and the fact is we can no longer wait for ‘someone’ to clean up this pollution, we must end it before it even gets started!
If you’d like to take part in a Volunteer On Vacation trash clean up then join the SHARKastics group the 4th Sunday of each month at 9 a.m. at Ke’ahu Beach in Waihee.
What: Ka’ehu Beach Cleanups
When: 4th Sunday of Each Month
Details: Meet at the beach at the end of Kukona Place in Wailuku. All supplies provided
Where: Ka’ehu Beach
More information: visit the Sharkastics web page or find them on Facebook
If you’re unable to make their once a month clean up, you can participate in your own self-guided clean up by working with The Pacific Whale Foundation’sVolunteers On Vacation
Volunteers on Vacation is a free program offered by Pacific Whale Foundation to help you easily find meaningful service projects to benefit Maui’s environment. Visitors and residents can spend a few hours giving back to the local community while enjoying access to “off the beaten trail” places and learning about the history and natural ecosystem of the area. Plus, you’ll receive a free tote bag made of recycled materials when you volunteer for 3 hours or more.
Participate in Pacific Whale Foundation’s marine debris citizen science project when you select a beach of your choosing to clean up and fill out a data sheet recording what debris items are present. This allows our researchers to expand their data set and analyze the trends and patterns of debris on Maui’s beaches and shores as part of our Coastal Marine Debris Monitoring Program. Pick up your supplies (gloves, recycled bag, datasheet) at Pacific Whale Foundation in either Lahaina or Ma’alaea.
Signing up is easy. Just call Pacific Whale Foundation at least 24 hours in advance at (808) 249-8811 ext. 1 between 6am and 9pm (HST).
Volunteer with Mālama Maui Nui – Mālama Maui Nui is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to educate, inspire, and empower individuals and communities to beautify and maintain Maui Nui’s environment, thereby supporting its economy, quality of life, and unique Hawaiian culture. Through litter pickups, marine debris cleanups, recycling events, and more, MMN brings individual volunteers, local businesses, community organizations, and government agencies together to promote the environmental health of Maui County.
Check out their ongoing list of volunteer opportunities here.
Volunteer with NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program.
NOAA’s Coral Reef Conservation Program does not offer any established, regular volunteer opportunities. However, many of their sister programs do. Explore some of those below.
Office of National Marine Sanctuaries Volunteer Program: Volunteers help ensure national marine sanctuaries remain America’s underwater treasures for future generations. Volunteers participate in a wide variety of activities including diving, whale identification, beach cleanups, water quality monitoring, collecting field observations and surveys, acting as visitor center docents and wildlife monitoring. Five sanctuaries in the U.S. contain coral reefs and several others contain deep-sea coral. See what’s available in your area. Protected Resources Volunteer Opportunities: Help protect sea turtles, monk seals and other protected resources by volunteering with NOAA offices in Hawaii. Volunteer to Clear Marine Debris: Start your own volunteer beach clean up group, or find a local beach or neighborhood cleanup group. Track your trash using the Marine Debris Tracker app.
Volunteer on your own with the Ocean Conservancy. Join the wave. Next time you’re headed out to the beach or a nearby park, download Ocean Conservancy’s app, Clean Swell and take along a trash bag to collect and document the debris you find.
Volunteer with Maui Ocean Center for their monthly beach clean up. An example is the clean-up which happened July 21, 2018 “Join Maui Ocean Center and Maui Ocean Center Marine Institute to help care for the longest stretch of sandy coastline on Maui – Oneloa (a.k.a. Big Beach). After the cleanup, learn about the rich history of Makena State Park with Lucienne de Naie – President of the Maui Tomorrow Foundation and a Founding Member of Maui Cultural Lands, Inc.”
More info here. Or contact for Questions/RSVP: afonarow@mauioceancenter.com or 808.270.7059
Take The Pledge! Maybe your Maui vacation schedule doesn’t allow enough time to do a full day of volunteering. One option is to take the pledge. National Geographic encourages each one of us to take the pledge. The plastic pollution problem is in plain sight. It affects us all. Together we can reduce single-use plastics and make a lasting impact. Take the pledge here.
Surfing in a wave of trash, Photo by Zak Noyle
Super Pup
Oh, and what about Tauzer The Honu Hound? ‘Tau’, an Australian Cattle dog has been specially trained on the Mainland to detect endangered Sea Turtle nesting sites like those found on Ke’ahu beach. Tau helps Cheryl locate sea turtle eggs on the beaches in Maui. You can read more about Tau’s amazing story on here ! Tau’s partner is none other than Cheryl King, who aside from being our fearless beach clean-up leader wears the hat of Hawaii Program Director for the Turtle Island Restoration Network. Read more about Cheryl here.
Image via Tauzer’s Facebook page
Gallery
Want to see all the marine debris & garbage we picked up? View the gallery of photos taken on my beach clean-up day.
SHARKastics!
Volunteer instructions
Volunteer instructions
Staging canopy for sorting marine debris
Staging canopy for sorting marine debris
Volunteer orientation
Volunteer orientation
Clean up crew work to free the net
Manly men cutting and digging the ghost net
Where the net *was*
Hauling the net away
Volunteers working hard!
Dragging the net off the beach
Ke'ahu Beach Clean up in action
Marine Debris
Trash!
Bits of fishing nets
Lots of lumber, both man-made(milled) and natural
Tires, Dog Crate, Jugs, Ghost Nets
Carpet (yuck!)
SHARKastics
Volunteers sort marine debris
Volunteers sort marine debris
Fishing line
Lighters/Plastic Straws/Plastic Utensils
Garden Trimmer Line
Zip Ties
Metal/Electrical Wire
Toys
Golf Balls
Golf Balls, Rubber Balls, Pens, Duct Tape
Drugs/Pharmaceutical
Clothing and Fabric
Personal grooming items
Rubber
Fast Food (single use) Containers
Shoes & Flip Flops (Slippers)
Fish Traps
Cardboard & Paper
Aluminum & Metal scraps
Plastic Jugs or Containers
Plastic Bottles
Oyster spacers
Melted plastics
Linoleum & Vinyl bits
Irrigation Tubes/Pipes (PVC)
Hard plastics including half a cooler
SHARKastics
Tauzer The Honu Hound
Q & A with Cheryl King
Cheryl King Q & A
Cheryl King explains the journey plastic takes
Tau The Honu Hound
This adventure has taught me so much. I’ve taken away so much information and learning about the global garbage and plastic crisis. I cannot emphasize enough just how fulfilling it was to participate in a local beach clean-up.
I also never leave home without my reusable water bottle, complete with my very own SHARKastics sticker! Thank you Cheryl!!!!!
Have you participated in a beach clean up in Maui or elsewhere? Or, do you have another Maui Eco-Tourism volunteer opportunity that you want to share? Leave us a comment below and let us know.
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Hawaiʻi recently became the first of the United States to pass legislation prohibiting the sale of sunscreen containing oxybenzone and octinoxate, two common chemical ingredients known to harm coral reefs.
The law, if signed by Gov. David Ige, is slated to go into effect in January of 2021, giving manufacturers and retailers time to transition to reef-safer sunscreen options.
EDITED: On July 3, 2018 Hawaii Governor David Ige signed this bill into law making history and moving toward saving our Hawaiian reefs!
Savvy Hawai’i travelers don’t need to wait to start making a difference. We recently posted a snorkel & scuba guide about the fact that worldwide, coral reefs are in danger and switching to a reef-friendly sunscreen option is one way you can help.
Studies have shown that the two banned chemicals do cause damage to coral reefs. Craig Downs, a scientist whose 2015 peer-reviewed study found oxybenzone was a threat to coral reefs. “Lots of things kill coral reefs, but we know oxybenzone prevents them from coming back.” It also affects sea urchins and kills algae, a source of food for sea turtles, he said.
He found as much as 14,000 tons of sunscreen lotion ends up in coral reefs annually. Other ingredients often found in sunscreen, and after-sun lotions also contain mineral oil or petrolatum products. These are both also implicated in coral death and damage.
In addition to protecting sea creatures, the Smithsonian said, the reefs provide food, medication and tourism jobs, among other things — at a value of $30 billion to $172 billion per year.
Don’t be fooled by misleading advertising. Many companies will claim that their product is ‘Reef Safe’ when in fact it contains one of the chemicals listed above or mineral oil, another coral reef toxin. Perfect example – Sun Bum promotes their sunscreen as ‘Reef Friendly’ yet the first four ingredients (Avobenzone 3.00%, Homosalate 5.00%, Octisalate 3.00%, Octocrylene 10.00%) are from the list of reef killing chemicals above. Granted it does not contain Oxybenzone or Octinoxate, but the ingredients list leaves me dubious. This is where you, as a consumer must do your due diligence and read the ingredients labels.
Our friends over at EcoWatch have a wonderful post on the ‘Greenwashing’ of sunscreen products. According to their article;
Unfortunately, people also pose the greatest threat to coral reefs,” according to the Smithsonian. “Over-fishing and destructive fishing, pollution, warming, changing ocean chemistry, and invasive species are all taking a huge toll. In some places, reefs have been entirely destroyed, and in many places reefs today are a pale shadow of what they once were.” ” (Washington Post)
Coral reefs occupy less than 1% of the ocean floor, yet are home to more than 25% of the ocean’s marine life.
In an effort to protect Hawaii’s reefs, Hawaiian Airlines last month began offering passengers free samples of natural sunscreens without those ingredients. The airline is also encouraging its passengers to learn more about Hawaii by showing an 11-minute documentary on each flight about the environmental challenges affecting reefs. (CNN)
Did you know Sunscreen chemicals can also be found in your urine within 20 minutes of application, which is why sewage is a leading carrier of these chemicals. So be sunscreen smart wherever you live, to do your part to protect your skin and coral reefs. (EWG)
Take ACTION!
Here’s what YOU can do when visiting Maui and the surrounding Hawai’ian Islands (and of course anywhere you travel.)
READ THE LABEL. Look at the ingredients list and avoid buying or using sunscreen and personal products that contain Oxybenzone and octinoxate, avobenzone, avobenzine, octinoxate, ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, homosalate or oxtisalate/octocrylene.
Avoid sunscreens containing petrolatum, commonly known as mineral oil, which takes years to biodegrade, and are known to be harmful or fatal to aquatic life and waterfowl.
Avoid sunscreens with high content of Titanium Dioxide. This mineral does not biodegrade and is found to react in warm seawater to form hydrogen peroxide which is harmful to all sea life.
Skip the spray on sunscreens that rely on the ingredients listed above. Their spray carries in the wind landing in the ocean nearby and on unsuspecting sunbathers.
Seek out mineral based sunscreen. Non-nano zinc oxide (zinc oxide is the only single active ingredient that protects against UVA and UVB rays) and low content titanium dioxide are the preferred mineral based sunscreens. (titanium dioxide mineral does not biodegrade and is found to react in warm seawater to form hydrogen peroxide which is harmful to all sea life.
Be a smart shopper. Many companies and retailers are beginning to make the transition and are selling ‘Reef Safe’ sunscreens, and many can be found in Maui already. If you’re concerned shop online and bring with you on your trip. Otherwise shop the natural food markets of Maui, they carry a large selection.
Don’t always Trust labels. Many sunscreens claim to be reef safe yet contain toxic chemicals. Essentially the only safe sunscreen is non-nano zinc or non-nano titanium dioxide.
Ghostest with the mostest. Many don’t like the white that is cast on skin with the use of mineral sunscreens, not to worry, several companies make tinted reef safe sunscreen (see our resource list) that help prevent the ghost-with-the-most look. BUT, if it’s cool for our local surfers, it’s good enough for me! Or do as the Maui Nui Marine Resource Council says and wear your white as a badge of honor, knowing you’re a reef and marine life protector!!
Wear a rash guard and hat. These provide sun protection and you’ll use less sunscreen.
Beware of products claiming to be ‘Reef Safe’ yet still have one of the active ingredients listed above (I’m looking at you Alba Botanica, which lists their Coconut Clear Spray SPF 50 as ‘Reef Safe’ yet contains Avobenzone – 3.0%, Homosalate – 15.0%, Octocrylene – 8.0% and Octyl Salicylate – 5.0% plus a whole host of other unpronounceable inactive ingredients. Their mineral sunscreen is reef safe)
Think Eco-Friendly. Even if you live away for the ocean, keep in mind that the chemicals you wash off your body eventually find their way into the water table and ultimately into the ocean.
TIP-The FDA recommends not using aerosol sprays on children because they are more likely to inhale the product into their lungs.
If you can’t say it, don’t spray it!
TIP-Be sure to inspect the label to make sure the mineral says that it is “NON-NANO.” Although these products may rub on a bit whiter, they do not penetrate the skin, placenta or blood brain barrier. Many brands also make tinted versions!
One other very important thing to also consider is the effect these chemicals have on our bodies. According to the Environmental Working Group’s piece on The Trouble With Ingredients in Sunscreens, many of the chemical sunscreens adversely effect our hormone and endocrine systems. If these chemicals are killing entire ecosystems, what must they be doing to our body?
We know that oxybenzone acts like estrogen in the body, alters sperm production in animals and is associated with endometriosis in women. It’s also implicated in relatively high rates of skin allergy.
Here again, you can be your own best advocate as well as ocean hero by reading the list of ingredients. It’s not just the ‘active ingredient’ that you’ll want to be on the look out for, take a look at the Inactive ingredients as well. Many sunscreens have chemical based inactive ingredients. According to the EWG;
‘One ingredient in particular is a cause for concern: methylisothiazolinone, a preservative. This year, EWG has found methylisothiazolinone is listed on the labels of 94 sunscreens including six marketed to children. Methylisothiazolinone is used alone or in mixtures with a related chemical preservative called methylchloroisothiazolinone. Laboratory studies indicate that methylisothiazolinone is a skin sensitizer or allergen. Over the past several years, physicians have reported serious cases of serious skin allergies, most notably in children exposed to methylisothiazolinone, from baby wipes and other products meant to be left on the skin (Chang 2014).
Oxybenzone damaged reef polyp
Do we really want this on our skin or in our environment?
On a very personal note, I’ve used sunscreen religiously on my trips to Maui over the last 25 plus years. I’ve used all the name brands containing a plethora of chemical ingredients, and without fail every year I would break out in a ‘sun rash’ if I exposed my skin too long while wearing chemical sunscreens.
Finally, about 5 years ago, I switched to a zinc based natural sunscreen. I bought one made specifically for babies as they have such tender skin, my reasoning was that it had to be better and more gentle than what I could (at the time) find in Maui. I’ve since found several others that I really like.
Resources
Here’s a list of truly ‘Reef Safe’ sunscreen companies you can try with some notes about each. In no particular order.
Stream2Sea. Personal favorite, sells a tinted version that I like.
Here’s a list of truly ‘Reef Safe’ sunscreen companies you can try with some notes about each. In no particular order. But the first one listed is our personal favorite. We are not affiliated with and receive no benefit from listing any of the brands below.
Maui Surfer HoneyOur all-time favorite. TIP – lightly pre-moisten your skin with coconut oil, then apply Maui Surfer Honey. It helps it go on smoothly and leave less of that ‘ghost’ look that zinc based sunscreens tend to provide. Personally, I don’t feel that this brand leaves much of it all but a little coconut oil really helps!
Stream2Sea. Excellent choice, they also sell a tinted version that I like.
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Do images of little drink umbrellas, orchid flower garnishes and skewers of pineapple in a tropical cocktail pop into your head when you dream of Maui? The quintessential tropical drink served up in a Tiki glass or carved out pineapple is what comes to mind when I think of tropical cocktails. In today’s post we explore 5 tropical cocktails you must try when visiting Maui for the first time or tenth time (and I can assure you that the ‘research and development‘ needed for this post was great fun!)
We’ve already explored the yummy Mai Tai in a previous post and let our readers know who we think serves up the best on the South Shore if not all of Maui and we’re going to revisit it briefly again in today’s post.
In no particular order…
The humble yet delicious Piña Colada. While it’s origins don’t stem from the Hawai’ian Islands, it’s comfortably made itself at home here in our little tropical archipelago and we welcome it with true Aloha!
The piña colada (from the Spanish words: piña or “pineapple,” and colada “strained“) is a sweet cocktail made with rum, coconut cream or coconut milk, and pineapple juice, usually served either blended or shaken with ice. It may be garnished with either a pineapple wedge, maraschino cherry, or both. The piña colada has been the national drink of Puerto Rico since 1978, but we don’t think Puerto Rico will mind if we borrow it.
Piña Colada Recipe (Our revised version of Kōloa’s recipe)
2 oz Kōloa Kaua`i white (or coconut rum – or use 1 oz each of white and gold or dark for a more flavorful colada)
2 oz Frozen Hawaiian Sun Coconut Milk
2 oz pineapple juice (preferably fresh) + a few frozen pineapple chunks
1 cup crushed ice
Blend or shake and pour into a suitable glass and garnish with pineapple and cherry, little umbella or tropical flower.
Next up is the Blue Hawaii. The Blue Hawaii is a tropical cocktail made of rum, pineapple juice, blue Curaçao, sweet and sour mix, and sometimes vodka as well.
The Blue Hawaii was invented in 1957 by Harry Yee, legendary head bartender of the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki, Hawaii when a sales representative of Dutch distiller Bols asked him to design a drink that featured their blue color of Curaçao liqueur. After experimenting with several variations he settled on a version somewhat different from the most popular version today, but with the signature blue color, pineapple wedge, and cocktail umbrella.
Blue Hawaii Recipe (our revised version of the Food Network’s recipe)
Combine ingredients in a shaker with ice and mix vigorously. Stop when the shaker is too cold to hold. Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with (of course) a drink umbrella and/or pineapple skewer.
The Chi Chi has a loyal island following and it’s easy to see why.
The not-so-distant cousin of the Piña Colada resembles the basic make-up of Puerto Rico’s national drink, while exchanging rum for vodka. The Chi Chi’s history is a little vague but was likely first invented shortly after the Piña Colada made its first debut. The Chi Chi gained it’s immense popularity in 1970s and ‘80s but still has it’s loyal following.
2 oz. Frozen Hawaiian Sun Coconut Milk (available at Foodland)
1/2 oz. Simple Syrup or 1 tsp powdered sugar
Blend on high, pour into suitable cocktail glasses and garnish with pineapple spear or orchid flower.
TIP- Freeze pineapple juice in ice cube trays for a super frozen concoction!
* A twist on the Chi Chi recipe is to add one ounce of Passionfruit syrup in replacement of the simple syrup! Yum!
We look next at another twist on our favorite Piña Colada recipe, the Lava Flow – imagine the Piña Colada married with fresh strawberries and you get the Lava Flow. Decadent!
Our recipe today comes from Mixologist, Joey Gottesman of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel in Waikiki.
Royal Hawaiian Lava Flow Muddle in the bottom of a Boston shaker glass:
2 fresh strawberries
1-2 in. slice of banana (use one of Maui’s famous Strawberry Bananas if you can find them)
Fill shaker glass with ice and then add:
1 oz. Frozen Hawaiian Sun Coconut Milk
1 oz. pineapple juice
1.5 oz. Old Lahaina Rum (or other golden rum)
Cover with top of the Boston shaker, shake vigorously. Pour into a hurricane glass. Garnish pineapple wedge and paper parasol. Enjoy.
TIP – The key to preparation is to muddle the strawberries separately from the other ingredients.
And finally we get to our favorite, the Mai Tai. Now, a few weeks ago I wrote about our favorite restaurant to saddle up at the bar and have a delicious Mai Tai so I know that I can’t top this recipe. I’ll just share it again here. Make your own or head to Monkeypod and have one of theirs.
Monkeypod Mai Tai Recipe
1 oz. Old Lahaina Light Rum
1 oz. Old Lahaina Dark Rum
1/2 oz. macadamia-nut orgeat
1/2 oz. Marie Brizard Orange Curaçao
3/4 oz. fresh lime juice
Honey Liliko‘i Foam
1/2 oz. honey
1 oz. liliko‘i purée
1 oz. simple syrup
1 oz. egg whites
1.5 oz. cold water
Mix foam ingredients well and put in a nitrous-oxide (NO2) infuser* to half capacity. Use 4 charges for a liter-sized infuser. (Or blend ingredients on high speed till foamy.) Add lime juice, orgeat (a sweet syrup made from almonds, sugar, and rose water or orange flower water), orange curaçao and Old Lahaina Light Rum to mixing glass. Shake with 1 cup cubed ice about 30 seconds and pour into highball glass. Float dark rum. Top with honey-liliko‘i foam and garnish with pineapple half moon.
*also known as a ‘Whipped Cream Dispenser‘ , widely available on Amazon.
None of these 5 drinks strike your fancy? How about trying one of these tropical drinks?
Bay Breeze – cranberry, pineapple, vodka Tropical Itch – bourbon, rum, curacao, lemon juice, passionfruit puree, bitters Mango or Lilikoi Mojito – passionfruit/mango puree, lemon/lime juice, sugar, mint, club soda Lilikoi Martini – vodka, passionfruit juice shaken Daiquiri – rum, lime juice and sugar syrup Maui Mule – vodka, pineapple, lime juice, Pimm’s No. 1, Ginger Beer
Have a favorite drink that you enjoy on the island? Leave us a note in the comments below and let us know!
Looking for more Maui vacation ideas? Lots of things to see and do,
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7 Best Happy Hours In South Maui – Where To Find Kihei’s Best Eats & Cocktails Before Sunset
Mmmm… Mai Tai’s, Chi chi’s, Lava Flows, Pina Coladas, Ice Cold Beer… no matter your favorite cocktail or adult beverage to drink while visiting the island paradise that is Maui, you are sure to find some great deals at our local watering hole happy hours.
You’ve been soaking up the sun all day at the beach, tummy is grumbling, it’s not quite dinner but you’re ready for some *pupu’s and a nice adult beverage. Here’s a list of South Maui’s top happy hours and a few menu samples. We’re featuring 7 top happy hours, one for each day of your 7-day itinerary!
*pupu [poo-poo] noun, From the Hawaiian word pūpū. Polynesian-Hawaiian Cookery. 1. any hot or cold usually bite-size appetizer, snacks, small bites, often served in a varied assortment.
Showing 7 of our Happy Hour picks – In Blue Martini’s and the
Orange Bed is our condo location.
We’ll start at the top of the map, the northern most watering hole which is;
Maui Brewing Co.
This is a fantastic spot for happy hour, but it’s also great for lunch, dinner and brewery tours! But if happy hour is your thing, check out their Logo Wear Wednesdays where wearing any of their logo shirts or hats will get you $2 off MBC beers all-day-long! Combine that with their happy hour which runs 3:30pm-5:30pm & 9:30pm-11pm Daily and you’ve got yourself a great deal!
They have a great patio and the brewery sits up on a hill so you get a great view toward the ocean and sunset. Happy Hour – $1 Off House Beers, $3 Off Culinary & Classic Cocktails, $10 Pizzas, 50% Off Select Appetizers.
(I love their Panko Calamari with Sriracha mayo, lime & furikake!! Pair this with their Imperial Coconut Porter and OMG!)
Check out our blog post about Maui Brewing Co here!
Next on our map we scoot over toward the beach where we find South Shore Tiki Lounge. Recently voted BEST Bar in Hawai’i.
“The young (and young at heart) flock to South Shore Tiki Lounge, where bamboo and kitschy tiki decor complement a full bar, outdoor lanai, great wait staff, surf videos and a menu of sausages, burgers and some of the best pizza on the island.”
– Maui Time Weekly
All Day Happy Hour 11am-6pm Daily $4.00 Sauza margaritas, Well drinks from their premium well, Bloody Marys & Pacifico Draft, $3.00 Primo Draft
Give their TBone’s Famous Sliders a try! A trio of local Maui beef sliders with pickles and a garlic aoili mayo on a Hawaiian sweet roll.
Address: Kihei Kalama Village, 1913-J S. Kihei Rd., Kihei
Three’s Bar & Grill
Serrano Hibiscus-rita at Three’s
Located in what is locally known as the ‘Triangle’ and just a few doors away from South Shore Tiki, we find Three’s Bar & Grill. Called the Triangle due to the location of several bars within a few meters of one another. Definitely walking distance if you wish to bar hop.
With accolades such as MauiTime Best of Maui 2017: Best Pupus on Maui 2017 and MauiTime Best of Maui 2016: Best Happy Hour on Maui 2016 how can you go wrong with Three’s!
Three’s gets it name from the 3 chefs, surfers and best friends Travis Morrin, Cody Christopher, and Jaron Blosser, owners of not only Three’s but also my favorite healthy noshing joint Fork & Salad (soon to have a 2nd location in Kahului!) and Three’s Food Truck which is generally featured at Kihei 4th Fridays.
Happy hours run 3pm to 6pm and again 9pm-10pm (late night HH in the Surf Lounge only)
Why not give their Coconut crusted fish tacos a try!
Well drinks, draft beer and house margaritas $3.50, top-shelf cocktails $6.50
Up next we head just a little further south down the beach to Fred’s Mexican Cafe. Fred’s is our Tuesday watering hole. Fred’s is also the next door neighbors to our condo complex and a quick 3 minute walk from our door to theirs. On Tuesdays during the busy season, you’ll find a line out the door for their Tuesday Taco happy hour special. Fish-bowl sized house margaritas (great with shot of Cuervo on the side!) and plate of fish tacos make up their Tuesday special. But any day is a great day for happy hour because Fred’s has a great lanai that sits over South Kihei road, directly across from ‘our ‘ beach Kamaole II, where you can catch sunset just after happy hour if you time it just right.
If you’re not too tipsy by now, we’ll waddle over to 5 Palms Restaurant & Bar. 5 Palms is located just about a mile south of our condo and Fred’s and sits on the north end of Keawakapu Beach. If you don’t want to walk from our condo why not hitch a ride with our favorite $3 Turtle Tracks shuttle! Perfect for when you want to drink and not drive!
5 Palms is fantastic for it’s location, stellar views of the beach and sunset. Their happy hour is immensely popular so make sure to get there early enough to grab a seat. It’s not overly crowded, but it’s a more intimate restaurant with limited seating.
You can count on tropical cocktails with an umbrella and a garnish of pineapple! Their mai tai’s are good but hold out for our next up happy hour spot, their mai tais are my favorite. This place is all about ambiance. Tiki torches, tropical drinks right over the beach, sunset. Doesn’t get much better!
Happy Hours run 7 days a week from 3-5pm with Late night happy hour from 9-10pm.
Happy hour specials include 50% off Happy Hour Sushi & Pupus with a one drink minimum per person. Select draught and bottle beer $6, wine $8 on up to house cocktails for $8.95
If mai tais are on your bucket list, then look no further. We’ve posted about Monkeypod’s mai tais before – they’re that delish! Crafted from old lahaina silver rum, old lahaina dark rum, lime, house-made macadamia nut orgeat, orange curacao, honey-lilikoi foam – they’re a departure from the very traditional but we think you’ll love it!
This is a hopping-busy restaurant so plan accordingly. Happy hour is popular as is dinner (reservations recommended)
Two happy hours each day, I recommend the earlier to catch sunset if you time it just right. Happy Hours run from 3pm-5:30pm and 9pm-11pm.
$4.75 for beers originally $9 and under, $7 for beers $9-$11, $10 for beers $12 and over.
Ocean Vodka cocktails $6, White and red wines by the glass $6, Culinary cocktails $8
50% off All Appetizers with the exception of the raw bar mixed plate and poke tacos. Pizzas $9
Last up on our Happy Hour train is Mulligan’s! Come experience our “Irish Aloha” on the south coast of Maui! Maui’s only Irish Pub! Mulligan’s is a happening pub well known for their daily live entertainment and pub grub!
Located in Wailea, just a hop, skip and a jump from our condo, at the Wailea Blue [Golf] Course’s 19th hole. Mulligan’s is well known for their nightly entertainment.
Head over for a pint, cocktail or Whisky and some pub grinds and hang out for the entertainment. Don’t expect three asparagus spears with a twig of thyme here, you will find decent pub fare, the food is good, filling and the beer and whisky menu will impress!
Happy Hour Beverages – Jameson, Powers & Tullamore Dew $7, Imported Bottled Beer $5, Well Drinks and House Wines $6, Domestic Draft Beer $4, Mai Tai’s & Mojitos $7, Domestic Bottled Beer $4
Mulligans’ Happy Hour runs 2pm-5pm & 10pm-Midnight, Daily. 33% Off Food Items / Beverages as listed on their menu
(UPDATE: Our friends at Mulligans have let us know the following;
“A few changes have been made to the Happy Hour menu at Mulligan’s on the Blue with daily specials now offered from 2pm to 6pm. $5 drink specials and a menu of 8-10 items all at just $8!!! Items include Fish Tacos (3), a Cheeseburger with fries, Mini Fish and Chips, Jumbo chicken wings, Coconut shrimp, Chicken or Veggie quesadillas, Parmesan and Panko Macaroni and Cheese, and more!!!!”
Prices and menus are accurate at the time of this blog posting but are subject to change. Let us know if you find something that needs updating!
Have a favorite Maui Happy Hour? Let us know in the comments below and we’ll give them a try, uh…um… for research purposes of course!
Looking for more Maui vacation ideas? Lots of things to see and do,
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Maui’s top star-studded summer event! Come enjoy the Star Studded Maui Film Festival 2018 taking place this year on June 13 – June 17, 2018 in Wailea, Maui. Three glorious celestial filled nights of cinematic wonder.
“The Maui Film Festival at Wailea is a ‘jewel-box’ festival — able to handle anything without becoming unwieldy or impersonal. Flawlessly planned. The national press is taking notice and reporting on its goings-on. Watch for even greater things to come.” —indieWire
Toes in the sand cinema! Wailea Beach
One of a Kind, Under-the-Stars, Lit by the Moon and Powered by the Sun Open Air Venues. Plus Amazing Nightly Festivities- Film Premieres. A-List Tributes. Hula. Live Music.
“Since Year One, the Maui Film Festival’s Always used the word “Luminaries” to describe the Talented Artists who have been its Honorees. Why? Silver Screens Love Them. That’s for Sure. But On-Screen they become Alchemists Revealing the Human Condition with Empathy, Wisdom and Depth. In Short, They Light Us Up!” —Festival Honoree Selection ‘Ohana
Passionately Created. Intelligently Designed and Endlessly Inspiring, The Maui Film Festival Believes In the Power of Original Cinema.
Regardless of Genre or Screen Size, Original Cinema Shifts Paradigms, Seeds the Planet with New Ideas, Moves Culture and Rocks the World!
For the Maui Film Festival, Original Cinema Is the Rocket Fuel that Propels Us to Reveal New Worlds and Fire Up Our Passions, Vision and Soul.
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I often read posts on Facebook Hawaii & Maui travel groups where the upcoming Maui traveler asks ‘What should I pack for my Maui Trip?” This can be a tricky question to answer since we all have unique itineraries, travel plans and adventures when we visit Maui. But I think we can all agree that we’re trying to find that perfect balance of packing enough ‘stuff’ but not over-packing and today we’ll go over this with our Maui Travel Packing Guide.
We want to pack for ease of travel (i.e. not getting held up at TSA), not over stuffing our carry-on so that we have to check it, having enough room to bring back a few items and so on.
Let’s have a look at some packing ideas to consider for your upcoming island paradise vacation. I’ll break today’s post down into Essentials, Basics, Optional & Tech/Gear and then add in a few of my favorite TIPS and ideas that I’ve gleaned over my many years of traveling to Maui.
Essentials
Sunglasses & prescription glasses – if needed, packing your spare prescription glasses is a good idea in the event that you lose yours. If you have polarized sunglasses they really help if you’re floating in the ocean to counteract the glare. A leash is always a good idea. More than once I’ve been glad to have my glasses on a leash!
Prescriptions and Medications – Don’t forget to pack enough (in their original containers) to last the duration of your visit to Maui. Especially important for international travelers. Chain store pharmacies are located all over the island so no worries if you do run short.
Reusable Water Bottle – keep empty, once you’re on board have a flight attendant refill it from bottled water (not advisable to drink the ‘tap’ water from the plane). Take to the beach with your favorite beverage. Maui has recently enacted new recycling restrictions and the more you use your reusable bottle, the less trash is put into landfill. Remember everything you throw away on island has to go somewhere.
Swimsuit / Swim trunks – 1 to 3 pair. Having more than one means that if you come in from the beach or pool for a while, you’ll have a dry one to change into if you go back out.
Light jacket/hoodie – Evenings and sunsets can be cool – especially if the breeze has kicked up or if you’re nursing a sunburn. Great if you’re planning a sunset boat tour too!
Documents – ID, Boarding passes if you’re not using an Airline app on your smart phone, itinerary, check-in instructions, passport if you’re an international traveler, prescriptions if needed.
Proper footwear – such as sneakers, closed toe walking shoes, water shoes or Teva type sandals. Anything you would feel comfy wearing over lava rocks or hiking on a slippery trail in. Teva’s are great for this as they are amphibious and designed just for this purpose. If you’re not much of a hiker and plan to be mostly on the beach for your trip, some water shoes (aka Aqua Socks) are great for snorkeling in spots that have lava or rocky entrances. But please don’t walk or step on coral. It’s ‘nopono‘ to step on living coral.
TIP– Keep in mind that some activities require closed-toe shoes such as a Zipline adventure, horseback riding and so on.
Reusable/packable shopping bag – the kind that folds into it’s own pocket like Chico Bags do. This will come in very handy for shopping (though we do provide reusable shopping bags in our condo and they can be bought on island at ABC store and just about everywhere.)
Shorts – I pack between 2 and 3 pair
Tops – 3 or 4, including a few tank tops, and maybe one nice Aloha Wear top. If I’m traveling during the winter on the Mainland, I wear a long sleeve shirt on the plane. I pack it in my carry on for my departing flight so I can change into it on the plane. At times the planes are like a flying ice-box.
Underwear/Bra/socks – eh, take what you feel you need, just remember we offer a washer and dryer as well as a drying rack for delicates.
Pajamas – pack a lightweight pair.
Slippahs– aka Flip Flops or thongs. Essential on the island. You can always buy them in Maui and ‘Locals’ are a favorite brand among those living in the islands. They can be found at Longs and a few other stores. Keep in mind that it’s a custom as well as a gesture of respect on the islands to remove your shoes upon entering someone’s home. You will most likely see plaques and signs in homes reminding you ‘Mahalo for removing your shoes’.
Hat – The intense sun makes this an essential. Wide brims are best! If yours is packable, bring it! But not to worry if you can’t pack it, there are plenty for sale on the island.
Avoid this! Pack light, save time and $$
Basics
Sarong/Beach cover-up – Great for wearing to and from the beach/pool. Alternative is to wait until you’re on island and head to the Kalama shopping center (and outdoor market full of various vendors) or ABC stores and purchase a Sarong. I use sarongs as a skirt, a shawl, a towel, a blanket, an impromptu bag and a pillow. They’re very versatile and inexpensive and cover a multitude of needs.
Jeans/pants – One pair, wear them on the plane. You most likely won’t wear them again unless your activity requires it such as horseback riding or heading to the Haleakala summit.
Sundress/Skirts/Nice outfit – I have a few light sundresses that I like to take, they’re made of rayon type material similar to sarongs and pack up small in my bag. I also take a miniskirt or two. One nice outfit – You’ll want to dress up a bit if you have plans to attend one of the many fabulous luaus or if you have reservations for one of Maui’s higher end restaurants – no need to go over the top – even in dressing up on the island, it’s really pretty casual. In most if not all restaurants Aloha Wear is perfectly appropriate.
Rash Guard – these are great for keeping the intense sun off, snorkeling when the water temperature feels a little cooler. Don’t worry if you don’t have one yet, they sell them all over the island and the big box stores down to the mom & pop shops are sure to have a good supply and better selection than the Mainland.
Optional & Tech
Headlamp – great to have for late night beach walks or if you do sunset on Sunday at Little Beach.
Camera gear – travel tripod, GoPro accessories for great ocean shots, memory cards, extra battery packs,
Phone charger& gadget cables – Self explanatory. We offer several USB charging stations in our condo to keep all of your electronics powered up but you’ll need your power cord.
Extra Battery Pack – and speaking of powering up. We’ve blown out our phone battery taking videos, pictures, texting beach photos to friends etc. Having one of these inexpensive back up chargers are great! They’ll run you less than $20 on Amazon or elsewhere and are great to keep your music and phone going at the beach.
Water & sand-proof Cell phone case – if you don’t already own one, they’re sold at ABC stores and it’s wise to have at the beach. I’m pretty low-tech and have been known to just slip my cell phone into a quart sized Ziplock bag. So if you’re low-tech like me pack a few baggies if you’ve got them, they’ll come in handy.
Binoculars – if it’s whale season (late November through early April) you might want a pair for whale watching from shore or even a boat cruise.
Backpack- If you think you’ll be hiking (and there are some world class hikes on Maui) then you’ll want a decent backpack. Nothing fancy is needed but something to carry your gear. If you can, use your backpack as your personal carry-on item.
Pen – you’ll need one on the plane before you land in Maui. The state of Hawai’i Agriculture Declaration forms are passed out and need to be filled in. If you followed the tip below to not bring in any fresh fruits or vegetables then you check the box stating that you have nothing to declare. Easy peasy. If you’re declaring agricultural items you’ll need to do your homework before you leave for Hawai’i. Having a pen will streamline the process for you and most likely make you the most popular person in your row since not many others will have a pen handy.
Neck Pillow – The flight to Maui from the San Francisco bay area is about 5 hours. I do like to nap on the plane so a neck pillow is a savior! Or go double duty – I often travel with an inexpensive cashmere shawl. I picked it up at Macy’s on sale and it’s big enough to act like a blanket on the plane, or I can roll it into a neck pillow. Easy to carry as I just wrap around my neck. When I get to Maui, I just put it in my packable shopping bag and hook it on my carry-on handle.
Haleakala Summit Visit – This is the one activity on Maui that requires winter clothing. If you’re planning on catching the sunrise at the Haleakala summit (which is 10001 feet in elevation) you’ll need to pack accordingly. On my recent visit, we did the 3 a.m. trek up the crater and I cannot recommend it enough. The things I packed were;
Wool beanie hat
Packable down jacket (the kind that is thin and packs into it’s own pocket, mine actually becomes a neck pillow for the plane so double duty!!
Warm socks
Thin layer of thermal underware
Jeans
Sneakers
I layered up with a tank top under all of my warm clothes and packed a pair of shorts to change into. As we descended the summit after sunrise, I just peeled layers as the temperatures increased. Expect it to be in the low 40’s for sunrise, or equally as cool if you do sunset trek. Keep in mind that the summit got a nice dusting of snow in February of 2018 so it can be rather cold. I am sure our Canadian guests are laughing at the notion that 40º F (4º C) is cold.
I’ve put together a sweet printable packing list that you can download and print out. Scroll down to the sign-up form to receive our newsletter and we’ll send you the link to download this Maui Packing Checklist.
Travel Tips
Here are some Tips that might save you packing space or travel time.
Pack half as many clothes and twice as much money.
TIP-pack a lightweight pair of shorts, t-shirt and slippahs in your carry-on. About 20 minutes before you land, go change out of your travel clothes and when you land you’ll be dressed for the local weather. I generally wear my jeans on the plane and change into a lightweight mini skirt and tank top. They roll up pretty small in my carry on bag -or- here’s where that packable shopping bag comes in handy, just roll up your jeans, shoes and shirt that you just changed out of and put in the shopping bag, tie to your suitcase after you deplane.
TIP-Don’t pack bulky clothes. It’s the tropics, lightweight, breathable fabrics are best such as cotton or linen.
TIP-Pack half as many clothes and twice as much money. I know this is a Hawai’i travel cliché but it’s really true. Each trip I look at what I actually wore vs. what I brought. Almost always half of what I bring never got worn.
TIP-We’re pleased to offer our guests brand new, en-suite full sized washer and dryer (and free detergent too). You won’t need to bring as many garments when you can toss a load of clothes into the washer every few days.
TIP-If you find that you have to check luggage and you’re traveling with a partner. We have found that if one person stays and collects the checked bags while watching all the carry-on bags, the other can quickly hop on the rental car shuttle and beat the lines. Renting a car can take up to an hour if there are lines at the counter. Maui moves s..l..o..w compared to the Mainland pace and I know, I’m always itching to get to the condo so I can slip into my swim suit and hit the beach. Then just circle back through the terminal and pick everyone and all the luggage up in your rental car.
TIP- Getting through TSA quickly and easily. Sounds like an oxymoron I know, but there are things you can do to streamline going through the security checks. First off make sure you only have TSA approved items in your carry-on. If you’re not sure if you can bring it, check the TSA ‘What Can I Bring‘ page. The latest regulations require removing your electronics including laptop and even iPads now. We provide a starter set of hotel-sized toiletries such as bar soap, shampoo and conditioner if you want to skip bringing liquids and get your shampoo etc on island. All major big box stores can be found on Maui so no worries there.
TIP- When leaving Maui, ALL FOOD must come out of your carry on. It would be wise to just keep it in a separate bag (you know, that reusable shopping bag I mentioned that you bring earlier in this post) and once you go through TSA you can then pack it in your carry on. This regulation of no food in carry-on luggage is something I’ve only seen in the Maui airport and only just recently. So yep, take those mac nut chocolates and bags of taro chips out of your carry-on until you’re through TSA screening. Additionally, if you’re traveling with any agricultural items check with the Hawai’i Department of Agriculture to make sure that they are allowed and that you declare them when going through the Ag inspection stations.
TIP- Remember when packing to leave for Maui or any of the Hawai’ian islands. Fresh fruit and vegetables are NOT allowed into Hawai’i – you can make your own meal for the plane containing fruits and veggies but must consume them prior to landing or leave them on the plane. If you forget and deplane with any prohibited food, there is an Amnesty Bin on the right as you exit the waiting/arrival area just before you head down the escalator.
TIP- Streamline your carry-on/personal item. The less you pack, the faster it will be when you have to remove and repack at the end of the screening.
TIP- Before you depart for your vacation, take a serious look at what you’ve packed and then edit ruthlessly. You really will be surprised at what you can do without clothing wise. If you find you’re desperately missing one particular article of clothing, just head to one of the many shops and find yourself a little souvenir clothing.
Assuming that you’ve followed the other tips mentioned here, you can save yourself some money by not checking luggage. You’ll breeze right to the car rental shuttle and be on your way to the beach.
And also assuming you’ve streamlined your packing down to the bare essentials then you should have room for plenty of souvenirs for friends and family. I generally try to only pack one side of my carry-on bag, leaving the other empty for Chocolate Macadamia nuts and such goodies like that.
Things you don’t need to pack or buy because we provide them in the condo;
Hair dryer
Vanity Mirror
Iron (we provide both iron and ironing board)
Yoga Mat
Makeup face cloths
Umbrella
Cooler/ice packs
Reusable grocery shopping bags
Beach Towels (we provide thick, oversized beach towels)
Beach Bag (the sand-free kind)
Beach ground cloth (sand free type)
First Aid Kit
Starter pack of toiletries (soap, shampoo etc)
Starter Coffee packet and filters
Dish Soap (not that you would pack this but we do provide it!)
Starter paper products/trash bags
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Looking for more Maui vacation ideas? Lots of things to see and do,