Friday, 3 October 2014

Spotlight: Maui

***The Spotlight Series is based on my experiences as a traveler (mostly business, some pleasure) coupled with a need to run in every place that I visit.  Not only does running help me get over jet lag more efficiently, it is also a great way to familiarize myself in a strange city.  I hope that you will find the information contained in these posts helpful the next time you travel***

If Disney is the happiest place on Earth then Maui gets my vote for most relaxing.  People are extremely friendly, food is fantastic, the island is gorgeous and there is something to do for everyone.  Before I get into the nitty gritty, here's some groundwork.

in Wailea on the path that connects the hotels

Getting to Maui

The airport code is OCG and is located in Kahului.  Maui is one of Hawaii's eight main islands and, according to most people I asked, represents a very good balance between big city and island life.  I haven't been to any of the other islands but from what we've been able to explore, I would say the descriptions are very accurate.

Maui is about 6 hours from mainland USA and flights come in from several cities including LA, Phoenix, and even Vancouver (in Canada). 

There are smaller airports in Maui but OCG is the only one that allows big planes to land.

Getting Around Maui

From my experience, I would say that everyone needs to rent a car in Maui.  Driving around is easy as the roads are wide and traffic rules are exactly the same as any other US state.  The hot spots are not close together so commuting is a necessity.  They do have buses as a viable but much slower and limited way of getting around.  


Where To Stay and Go

The two main areas to stay are Lahaina ("downtown"), which is the older part of Maui and Wailea, which is very posh and where the big name resorts are located.  Both areas are charming yet very different in their own right and are located approximately 30+ miles (50 km) apart.

For my money, Wailea is the place to stay as it is close to South Kihei Road where you can find pretty much anything from shirts and trinkets to local cuisine to high end dining and, of course, beaches and surfing.

Touristy things to do include driving the Road to Hana, which takes almost three hours despite it being only less than 50 miles away.  Hana itself is not the reason for the trip but the drive is the reason why tourists head up there every day.  This is a good link for details.

My favorite stop on the Road to Hana has to be the botanical gardens where a certain blockbuster's opening scene is filmed.  For you film buffs, see if you can guess which film it is from the picture below.

Do you recognize the rock at the far end?  This was where they filmed the opening of a very big  movie.

The very cool and colourful Rainbow Eucalyptus Tree
A trip up the crater in Haleakala is also cool but you have to do it on a clear day to see it.  Instead of heading up we went to the Lavender Farm, which doesn't sound too exciting until you actually get there.  If you like nature and seeing unique plants and flowers, the farm is amazing.

Lavender Farm in Haleakala

Between Wailea, Lahaina, Haleakala and Hana, our week was done.  I am sure there are a lot of other places to visit but time fights against us.  We can always come back  :)

What to Eat and Drink

The local cuisine is excellent from bbq and teriyaki everything to Kalua pork, Lua Lua (pork wrapped in Taro Leaves), Musubi (Spam Sushi), etc.  For dining, South Kihei Road covers the gamut of available cuisine from local favorites such as Da Kitchen and L&L (BBQ), Kihei Caffe (yummy breakfast), Coconuts (Tacos), Maui Tacos, Horhitos (Shrimp Tacos) to McDonalds and Denny's.

Ramen or Burger for lunch?  How about both?  This is the Saimin Burger where two fried ramen noodle patties replace the buns.

Lahaina also has its share of places to eat such as Aloha Mixed Plate and the awesome Maui Coffee Company, the only place in the world that grows Maui Mokka beans.

Speaking of coffee, yeah it is that good here.  Kona beans can be purchased pretty much anywhere and every place serves at least a variation or two of these fragrant beans.  In addition to Kona, there are also Maui varieties, which is very capable of standing on its own against its more prestigious neighbour.  For coffee lovers, I don't think there is a better place on Earth than Hawaii.

Since it so hot and humid, walkers and runners can always count on a classic Hawaiian refresher called Shave Ice.  It is basically the king of snow cones.  The truly good ones (like Uilani's) shaves their ice so fine that it's almost feels like it is infused with cream (if that is not enough, you can actually ask for it to be infused with sweet cream for double creaminess).

Shave Ice = Happiness

What's that at the bottom?  Macademia Nut Ice Cream = Double Happiness

The wild variety of combinations and flavours are ridiculous and too long to list.  Also, you can add a base layer of red beans and/or ice cream at the bottom for even more sweet goodness.  My favourite?  Lilikoi (local passionfruit) combined with lemon or calamansi (Philippine lime).  Shave Ice is particularly suited for post-run refreshment.

One more thing I need to mention:  Coconut Porter by Maui Brewing.  This dark nutty stout infused with the flavour of hand-toasted coconut took my breath away after the first sip.  This could be the tastiest and smoothest porter I have ever had.  Do not miss this treat if you ever find yourself in Maui.

Where to Run

More like where can't I run?

The roads are wide and bike lanes are plenty.  Even the hotels get into it as they created a path next to the beach that connects all of the Wailea resorts.  Starting at Fairmont Kea Lani to the Andaz, this 1.6 mile path is safe, well-paved with absolutely breathtaking views of the ocean while being accessible for everyone.

If you like to run on the roads, no problem.  My favorite is South Kihei where you will encounter a ton of other runners, soak up views of several parks and beaches, as well as see all the restaurants and shops.  This road goes for miles along the water so you won't really have to worry about looping around too much.

Hills and more hills

One last thing about running...Maui is extremely hilly.  I am not talking about moderate inclines that go up and end abruptly.  The roads in Maui go up and down steeply and in stretches.  Plus they come in waves almost mimicking what happens in the ocean.  Combine that with heat and humidity and you realize just how inadequately prepared you are for these conditions.  

I only had a chance to run in Wailea and Kihei but driving to the different sites, I observed a ton of running trails and paths everywhere.  Runners will not have any issues finding places to stretch their legs and lungs in Maui.

This concludes my Maui adventure.  I realize that this isn't nearly enough to cover Maui in all its glory.  If you have anything that you feel should have been spotlighted, I would love to hear from you.

In the meantime, thanks for reading and keep on running.


  1. Your reminds me that I need a holiday! Nice pictures too!

    1. Thanks Crystal :). Hope you get to go on one soon...and then write about it! I highly recommend Maui

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