Recs for Kihie- Wailea area

[m61376]

We’re headed to Maui with our daughter and 11 and 15 year old grandsons. Planning on the morning water bike excursion in the Wailea area and dinner at Humble market, and since we’re staying in Ka’anapali looking for the best way to spend late morning and afternoon with 2 active grandsons (so not just meandering along the beach walk). Recs for the best places to go/things to do appreciated.
Is the Maui ocean center a great aquarium and/id is there anything about the miniature gold that distinguishes it from typical miniature gold in NY? Any places for afternoon surfing lessons??
Thanks


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[Luanne]

Just out of curiosity what made you choose Humble Market Kitchin' for dinner in Wailea? It is good, we've been there a couple of times. Our favorite in Wailea is Gather (formerly Gannon's).

We enjoyed the Maui Ocean Center, but it's not in Kihei/Wailea. Are you thinking of stopping there on the way down or back? Probably not on the way back if you plan to have dinner in Wailea.

If you are into hiking at all I've heard the walk/hike down to La Perouse Bay is really nice. The suggestion though is to do it in the morning, wear close toes shoes, and take plenty of water.

Hoapili Trail — Maui Hikes

www.maui-hikes.com

We see this surf place all the time, but it looks like they only have lessons in the mornings. You could try contacting them to see if they do any afternoon lessons.

Maui Surfing Lessons: Surf School, Surfboard Rentals, Stand Up Paddle Board Lessons and Rentals, Maui

Surf Shack Maui offers Surf Lessons, Surf Instruction, Surfboard Rentals, Stand Up Paddle Board Rentals and Lessons allong with Beach Gear Rentals

surfshackmaui.com

We stay in Kihei every year but honestly we don't do much, lol. Beach, maybe cruise the Shops at Wailea and eat. Not very exciting.

 

[m61376]

Just out of curiosity what made you choose Humble Market Kitchin' for dinner in Wailea? It is good, we've been there a couple of times. Our favorite in Wailea is Gather (formerly Gannon's).

We enjoyed the Maui Ocean Center, but it's not in Kihei/Wailea. Are you thinking of stopping there on the way down or back? Probably not on the way back if you plan to have dinner in Wailea.

My little foodies love the menu and the reviews. They live in the City and have travelled a lot and love to eat! What can I say? I'll check out Gather though. Thanks

 

[Luanne]

My little foodies love the menu and the reviews. They live in the City and have travelled a lot and love to eat! What can I say? I'll check out Gather though. Thanks

The food at Humble Market Kitchin' is very good, and quite expensive. They have outdoor seating, but we've never used it. One time there was a lot of vog and I can't remember why the other time. At Gather we always sit outside. Great spot to watch the sunset. Bev Gannon used to own both Gather and the Hali’imaile General Store. She sold them both a few years ago, but they have retained the quality they had when she was at the helm.

I don't know what you had planned for lunch, but if you are in the Wailea area check out the Kohala Brewery. It recently opened and we thought it was very good. Your kids won't appreciate the beers, lol, but their food was very good.

Kohola Brewing

Koholā Brewery

www.koholabrewery.com

 

[rickandcindy23]

We like the Maui Ocean Center for little kids. Bigger kids could get bored with it. It's not very big.

Captain Jack's at Sands of Kahana is a great option for West Maui. We don't eat out all that much while on the island but did eat at Captain Jack's four times in our 7 weeks. We like Cool Cats in Kihei too.

 

[Luanne]

I thought Cool Cats was okay. Not real impressed with the setting. One of our absolute favorites in Kihei is Nalu's. Been there for breakfast, lunch and dinner and have never had a bad meal.

 

[Tucsonadventurer]

We love Secret Cove , it's a fun place to play in the waves and amazing views. One of my favorite spots in Wailea especially at sunset. Ulua Beach is great for snorkling/turtles. There's a Pai Fish Market in Kehei we love and we are also Humble Market Kitchen fans for Happy Hour

 

[b2bailey]

On the Kihei / Wailea border -- There was a restaurant with Palms in the name - has it reopened?
It was a must-do on our every visit.

 

[mountainboy]

We’re headed to Maui with our daughter and 11 and 15 year old grandsons. Planning on the morning water bike excursion in the Wailea area and dinner at Humble market, and since we’re staying in Ka’anapali looking for the best way to spend late morning and afternoon with 2 active grandsons (so not just meandering along the beach walk). Recs for the best places to go/things to do appreciated.
Is the Maui ocean center a great aquarium and/id is there anything about the miniature gold that distinguishes it from typical miniature gold in NY? Any places for afternoon surfing lessons??
Thanks


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Maybe look into this, if that interests your grandkids, if looking for activities in Kihei? (We haven't personally done it but strongly considering it, on our next trip as reviews seem very positive).

Visitor Paddle - Kihei Canoe Club

www.kiheicanoeclub.com

Mahalo!

 

[artringwald]

On the Kihei / Wailea border -- There was a restaurant with Palms in the name - has it reopened?
It was a must-do on our every visit.

Looks like it is still closed. We've been there twice and enjoyed the view and the nice breeze.

 

[b2bailey]

Looks like it is still closed. We've been there twice and enjoyed the view and the nice breeze.

View attachment 111198

Yep, that's the one. Thanks.

 

[Tucsonadventurer]

Maybe look into this, if that interests your grandkids, if looking for activities in Kihei? (We haven't personally done it but strongly considering it, on our next trip as reviews seem very positive).

Visitor Paddle - Kihei Canoe Club

www.kiheicanoeclub.com

Mahalo!

Great suggestion. We did this 2 yrs ago with friends. It was quite fun

 

[Luanne]

On the Kihei / Wailea border -- There was a restaurant with Palms in the name - has it reopened?
It was a must-do on our every visit.

Yep that was Five Palms. Loved the setting, food was good, but expensive. Supposedly Peter Merriman bought the property, but there may have been some issues with trying to refurb and open. You really can't find any information on what is going on. The last few years we've been in Kiehi since they closed there has been no activity going on over there.

 

[rickandcindy23]

Expensive food is not something that impresses me. Maybe it's because I am married to a person who can whip up some pretty fabulous meals at our house (or our timeshare) with little money. Not fancy but good. His Adobo fish tacos are the best. I stopped ordering fish tacos on the island after he started making his sauce.

I am also big on his green chili.

 

[rickandcindy23]

I thought Cool Cats was okay. Not real impressed with the setting. One of our absolute favorites in Kihei is Nalu's. Been there for breakfast, lunch and dinner and have never had a bad meal.

We still had gift cards, which is also why we ate at Captain Jack's.

 

[m61376]

Great suggestion. We did this 2 yrs ago with friends. It was quite fun

I saw that but couldn’t figure out how to sign up on their site.
Does look like fun though!


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[easyrider]

One of the best places to snorkel on Maui , imo, is Ahihi Cove towards the end of McKenna RD. It's good snorkeling because it is in a nature preserve and there is no fishing allowed. Another reason it's good snorkeling is the cove isn't too deep, it's usually very calm and the fish can be seen near the shore. Another plus is there is shade. No restrooms at the cove but there are in the parking lot a couple of blocks further down the road.

Bill

 

[Luanne]

We still had gift cards, which is also why we ate at Captain Jack's.

I didn't say anything about Captain Jack's. Are they affiliated with Cool Cats? That was the restaurant I commented on.

 

[cindyandjp]

Surf Lessons are definitely a morning activity bc the trade winds pick up in the afternoon making the water too choppy for surfing. If you can't work in afternoon surf lessons then just get boogie boards and let the kids have a blast in the waves. My kids (12 & 17) could do this for hours. Ahihi Bay is a great snorkle spot but if you want to relax on the beach while the kids snorkel then try setting up on Kamaole Beach 1 or 2 and snorkel in front of The Royal Mauian. We've stayed there many times and always see turtles. Big Beach is always a must visit every trip. We do a lot of days we are on the go (up to the volcano, driving to Hana, hiking) so our South Maui days are usually beach days. We like quick bites or take out in Kihei at 808 Deli, Freds Mexican, and Maui Thai Bistro.

 

[easyrider]

since we’re staying in Ka’anapali

You might consider Napili Bay and Kapalua Bay for beach and snorkel. It's way closer to where you are staying. Molokini Crater snorkeling and Maui Sea Caves tours are memorable and good for all age groups.

Bill

 

[Luanne]

Most, if not all, of the beaches in South Maui get a lot of wind in the afternoon. We always go to the beach in the mornings when it is still fairly calm.

 

[Chrispee]

When we take our teenager to the Hawaiian islands we learned early on to always buy him a boogie board (if we couldn't find a good one left at the resort upon our arrival). Mokapu beach in Wailea often has some decent smaller waves, and it's one of our favourite beaches on Maui. Although a bit contrived, we do love a good happy hour at the Monkeypod in Wailea or Kaanapali. If you're into coffee, Akamai coffee is a must stop for us when we visit Wailea. Luanne's suggestion of visiting La Perouse bay is a good one too!

 

[m61376]

Thanks for the suggestions! They love surfing but don't like boogie boarding
Looking for a few more reasonable dinners in the Ka'anapali area too.

 

[lockewong]

If you go early, the Gazebo has huge pancakes for breakfast and will fill you up until late afternoon, at least. Auntie Snorkel in the mall with Foodland Farms has the best advice for snorkeling or beaches as well as superior equipment. They would offer advice on surf lessons and the best beginner beaches, too. Honokawai Okayzuya Cafe has good plate lunches for takeout or Aloha Mixed Plate in Lahaina have reasonable dinners.