Leilani's Happy Hour-

Located in the Whaler's Village Mall in Kaanapali, this restaurant sits right along the beach boardwalk. It is fun anytime, however, we've grown to love the happy hours on Friday and Saturday from 3:00 to 6:00. In addition to affordable drinks (half price or thereabout), on these days they have live music from JD and Mario (sometimes JD changes his supporting cast). If you like Jimmy Buffet, The Eagles, Credence Clearwater, Kenny Chesney, et. al. then you should have an amazing time. Be sure to try the "world's best" (in my opinion) fish tacos and also the sushimi. People watching along the boardwalk is fun too, but only if you like beachwear.  Great shopping before or after in the mall and the famous Kaanapali beach is right there for a couple of hours of fun in the sun! Showers are available on the beach. Parking is in a multi-level lot, be sure and get your ticket validated at any shop (where purchase is made) or at Leilani's and you will save about $8 (if memory serves me).

Do this along with:

Whalers Village
Kaanapali Beach
Sunset Cruise on Kapalua Kai

 

 JD Performing

 

 Happy Hour Cocktails

 

 Kaanapali Beach North towards Sheraton Black Rock

 

Kaanapali Beach Sunset



Kapalua Kai Cocktail Cruise



Mama's Fish House

Located just North of Paia (approximately 20 minutes from the airport), this amazing restaurant is my favorite on the island. It is also one of the priciest, so make it a special occasion, I have yet to be disappointed! For those of you who want to save a few dollars, go for lunch as the menu is typically the same but the prices are lower. Also, although it is beautifully lit up at night, as you will see in the photos below, the grounds are gorgeous so it is almost better to visit during the daylight.

 

It is very hard to get a table without a reservation, so be sure and book it early in your trip, or you might not get in. Also, if you have a special occasion (birthday, anniversary, etc.) be sure to let them know at that time and they'll typically give you a free dessert and print out a special celebratory card (see photo below).

 

The food is delicious and features locally caught fresh fish, prepared and presented in amazing fashion. I encourage you to go to their website and check out the menu and prices, so you aren't surprised. Drinks are also amazing, especially those fruity type drinks. Service is generally really good.

 

Be sure and walk around the restaurant and check it all out. There is a lot to be seen; including floral arrangements, tiki, old Hawaiian artifacts, old newspapers from the Pearl Harbor invasion, an amazing garden, and many other interesting things. Be sure to bring your camera.

Do this along with:
Paia
Upcountry
Hookipa Windsurfing Park

Kapalua Coastal Trail

This beautiful 1.76 mile trail begins at Kapalua Bay (has small free public parking lot) and goes through the Ritz Carlton grounds over to the coastline along Oneloa Bay. From there it continues along to Honokahua Bay (Fleming Beach). It's a beautiful and generally flat hike with lots of places to jump in the water, take beautiful pictures, visit the Ritz, or just get a good cardio workout. Figure on an hour or two, depending on pace and stops.

Do this along with:
Napili Bay
Snorkeling Honokeana Cove
Gazebo Restaurant
Ritz Carlton

Trail Map

 Ritz Grounds

 

 More Ritz Grounds

 

 Oneloa Bay

 

 Oneloa Bay

 

 Fleming Beach

 



Kapalua Ridge

The Gazebo- One of Maui's finest breakfasts

Located in Napili Shores Condo complex, The Gazebo has been a favorite breakfast place of mine since the mid 90's! With a beautiful setting along the coast, this open air restaurant serves amazing omelettes, pancakes (pineapple, coconut, and macadamia nut), fried rice, and other exciting dishes. If you haven't tried POG (Pineapple Orange Guava) juice be sure and try it.

The scenery is always fun especially during whale season, when you can see whales jumping from your table. If possible, get there early as the first setting starts at 7:30 (so go if you're still jet lagging from the US as you'll be up early anyways). If you get there by 7:00 you should make the first setting, otherwise, be prepared to wait in line for about half an hour.

The staff has been there FOREVER, or so it seems and they're all wonderful people (think Hawaii Hippies), who will take good care of you in a timely fashion and get you on your way to enjoy the rest of the island. After breakfast you can take a short walk on Napili Shores Beach or go snorkeling with the sea turtles at Honokeana Cove (in front of Napili Point).

Do this along with:
Kapalua Coastal Trail
Napili Bay
Honokeana Cove snorkeling
Ritz Carlton

 The Gazebo Restaurant

 

 Napili Shores Beach from The Gazebo

Honokeana Cove at Sunset

Why I'm Doing This

I originally spent time in Maui working on a cruise ship (Oceanic Independence) in the early 80's. I fell in love with the island and promised myself that one day I would own property there. That actually happened in 1994 when my brother, father, and I (and our wonderful spouses) purchased a condominium in Napili Point! I've been going there ever since, and I can't tell you how many times I've been told by friends and others that I should share my local knowledge with others.

So that is what I'm going to try to do with this blog.....I'm sure you'll find everything and every place I post on other travel guides, blogs, etc., but I'm going to hopefully give you an unbiased itinerary to choose from. Depending on where you're staying and travel distances, I will have a "Do This Along With" section so that you can combine activities into half/full day adventures.  I will also try to share lots of beautiful photos, taken over the years from all over Maui! Please feel free to comment, ask questions, etc. and I'll do my best to answer in a timely fashion.

View from Napili Point with Birds of Paradise in the foreground.

 

Yours Truly