Top Picks for Resorts, Beaches, Food, Shopping, and Adventure
Maui has quickly become one of our favorite vacation spots. We love a little adventure with time to relax too, and Maui has it all! Here are our recommendations if you visit. In this list, you’ll find our favorite resort, activity, beach, shopping spot, and restaurant to enjoy everything the island has to offer.
Hotel: Outrigger Kaanapali Beach Resort
Outrigger Kaanapali Beach Resort is phenomenal. We’ve stayed here both times we’ve visited Maui. I love history, and what we love about this resort is how it weaves Hawaiian culture into your stay. We’ve learned so much while staying here!
The resort is clean, the staff is so friendly, and you’re just steps away from Kaanapali Beach and very close to Black Rock, which has some of the best snorkeling on the island. You’re also just a short walk from Whaler’s Village, which has tons of shopping and restaurants to choose from.
This resort feels true to Maui while also being right in the heart of the tourism area, so you get the best of both worlds. There’s also a Maui Brewing Company location on the property for food and drinks.
At the end of your stay, they hold a lei ceremony. The first time we attended, it nearly brought me to tears. On our second stay, it had switched hands to Outrigger, but the culture of the resort has remained intact. We were so excited to restring our lei with a white kukui nut and can’t wait for our next visit back!
Activity: Snorkeling
I’ve been to a few Hawaiian islands, and so far, Maui is our favorite one to snorkel. We’ve seen so many different fish and turtles each time we’ve ventured out. Once, we even saw a tiger shark! Snorkeling can be a budget-friendly activity, we bought our snorkels at Target and saw turtles in the water just outside of our resort.
We also highly recommend taking a snorkeling tour with PacWhale. We went out to Molokini Crater and another spot called “Turtle Town.” Our boat crew was very knowledgeable about the marine life around the island, and with lunch included, it was well worth the money!
Beach: Hamoa & Kaanapali
Hamoa Beach is just past Hana, so it’s a trek to get there, which is why we’ve included two beaches in this section. Hamoa had sparkling water, very few visitors, and was such a refreshing stop after a long and winding ride on the Road to Hana.
Kaanapali has great snorkeling and is super convenient if you’re staying at a hotel or resort along the beach. Most of the time, the waves are small and the water is clear, plus you can see plenty of fish and turtles near Black Rock. Along the beach, there are places to rent chairs, umbrellas, and anything else you might need (or forgot)!
Shopping: Paia & Whaler’s Village
Whaler’s Village is conveniently located near Outrigger Kaanapali Beach Resort and has some really cool shops, including Hawaiian-owned stores. What’s great about this shopping center is the range—you can grab a high-end souvenir at Louis Vuitton or pick up more affordable items at the ABC Store. It truly has something for every budget.
Paia is an artsy town full of one-of-a-kind, handmade items. We loved strolling through all the unique shops, from pearl jewelry to a ukulele store and even a gallery featuring local artists. When we visited, one artist was painting in the shop, and we had such a lovely conversation. Since we had a day with high surf and couldn’t get in the water, we really enjoyed spending that time exploring Paia. Paia is also at the start of Hana Highway, so a good place to stop before or after your Hana adventures!
$$$ Restaurant: Mama’s Fish House
Mama’s Fish House has sky-high reviews online, and for good reason. Their fresh-caught seafood is phenomenal. We honestly don’t think we’ve had a better meal anywhere. Justin always gets the short rib with lobster tail. I’ve had the crab cakes and, most recently, the mahi mahi. Going to Mama’s Fish House is an experience you may never forget, every dish we’ve tried has been amazing.
The setting is gorgeous too. You can look out over the beach, and while waiting for your table (or during a post-dinner stroll), we’ve even seen sea turtles basking on the sand. This restaurant will give you sticker shock—it’s pricey—but it’s so worth it. Reservations fill up fast, so be sure to book a few months in advance.
$ Restaurant: Paia Fish Market
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option for fresh seafood, head to Paia Fish Market. There may be a line out the door, but it’s worth the wait!
On our last trip to Maui, we ate here THREE times, it was that good. The shrimp and mahi mahi burgers are the stars of the show, and we also loved their seasoned rice as a side.
Giving Back: Supporting Maui’s Wildfire Recovery
Maui holds such a special place in our hearts, and while it’s a dream destination for so many of us, it’s important to remember that it’s also home to thousands of people who are still rebuilding their lives after the devastating Lahaina wildfires in 2023.
We feel incredibly grateful to be able to visit this beautiful island, but we never forget that behind the stunning views are communities still healing. Lives were lost, homes destroyed, and many families remain displaced or in temporary housing.
If you’re looking for a meaningful way to give back, the Maui Food Bank and Habitat for Humanity are doing incredible work to support those in need and help rebuild Lahaina.
You can find trusted organizations accepting donations at mauinuistrong.info.
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