Anonymous wrote:I’d skip Hana and go to Haleakala instead

We did both and I definitely think Haleakala is worth it. Without kids you could also bike down.

I think road to Hana is worth it. I also wish we had stayed in Hana to take it even slower. If you do the road to Hana the Shaka Guide is excellent to listen to and guide you. My family laughed at it at first but then ended up really enjoying it. Some cool stops- black sand beach, arboretum to see the rainbow eucalyptus, twin falls.

The drive around West Maui had cool stops but the drive is even more dicey in spots than the road to Hana.

We also did a snorkeling boat tour to the crater. Also great snorkeling at Honolua Bay.

Anonymous wrote:We were not that impressed with Morimoto.

Honestly we preferred the poke from the food trucks near the airport (across from the costco) - that was our favorite place to eat esp for lunch.

Our favorite nice sushi restaurant was Nuka, it is a bit off the beaten path. We went after hiking the volcano (highly recommend doing sunrise there your first day and then spend a few hours hiking down if you like hiking - it felt like being on Mars).

I agree. I’ve been to Morimoto in Philly and didn’t think it was that special. Google the best poke trucks. There are 2 , I believe, that serve fresh fish caught that morning, but I can’t remember the names anymore. If you have a Costco membership, there are a lot of great snacks in the Maui Costco. It was lots of fun to browse around.

Skip Morimoto, disappointing

Anonymous wrote:When you land stop at Tin Roof near the airport.

https://www.tinroofmaui.com/

Second this! Great food and good way to begin a trip.

When you land stop at Tin Roof near the airport.

https://www.tinroofmaui.com/

I’d skip Hana and go to Haleakala instead

Anonymous wrote:If you are staying at the Montage, Merrimans is walkable. Time it so you are there during sunset. It is beautiful. The location is amazing.

+1 Love Merrimans.

We were not that impressed with Morimoto.

Honestly we preferred the poke from the food trucks near the airport (across from the costco) - that was our favorite place to eat esp for lunch.

Our favorite nice sushi restaurant was Nuka, it is a bit off the beaten path. We went after hiking the volcano (highly recommend doing sunrise there your first day and then spend a few hours hiking down if you like hiking - it felt like being on Mars).

Mama's fish house is overrated and expensive. Not worth it IMO

For the number of days you're there and staying where you are, I would skip Hana and incorporate the drive around West Maui on you're way to Mama's and Paia. West Maui is almost as beautiful as the Hana drive.

There is a charming Italian restaurant in Kapalua called The Pour House. Monkey Pod in Whaler’s Village is fun for drinks. Horseback riding at Ironwood Ranch has some gorgeous views.

Also, do the Road to Hana your first morning. It will be easy to get up for the early start.

If you are staying at the Montage, Merrimans is walkable. Time it so you are there during sunset. It is beautiful. The location is amazing.

A lot of those places are at least an hour from Kapalua. Lahaina had a lot of restaurants that were easy to get to from Kapalua but that Is off the table right now. I believe one place on the edge of the burn zone has reopened. There are several good restaurants in Whalers Village, Kaanapali but due the fires they are harder to reserve. Right now if I were to go to Maui, I’d stay in south Maui (Kihei or Wailea). We were there right before the fires last and every place I’d recommend is gone.

DH and I are taking a kid-free trip to Maui in June 6 days/5 nts. Staying in Kapalua and planning to rent a car.

Below are some of the restaurant and activity recommendations we’ve received so far. Would love any suggestions on what else we should add or skip:
-Merrimans for dinner
- Old Lahaina Luau in Lahaina (recently reopened)
-Mamas Fish House (could only get a lunch reservation—still worth it?)
-Birdcage bar in Wailea
-Morimoto Maui in Wailea
-Road to Hana drive (seeing mixed reviews that the drive may be too much)

Thank you!