So, an old website told us that this little nonprofit hosts a Rainforest Walk every day at 11:30…read moreand 1:30 for 20 bucks a pop. Sounded cute, so we called to make a reservation. But the exceedingly nice girl on the phone informed me that they didn't have set times for hikes anymore due to a decrease in attendance and tour guides could be called in if you make a reservation in advance (keep this in mind if you want to bring a group here). There was however, a little pamphlet that we could pick up at their main office to take us on a self guided hike, which was basically the same thing as the tour, she said. Also, they no longer charge $20, but they do have a 10 dollar suggested donation for upkeep of the trails and such. Sounds good! I said. When we got there, we were greeted by the same sweet girl from the phone. Although the place looked swamped with the arrival of a mass of little campers there to stay at their facilities for the night, she was very patient with Mom and I and answered all of our questions - even led us to the head of the trail! The trail was probably about a mile and half long. Up and down some minor hills (maybe to much for grandma to handle FYI). Along the way there are little numbers placed on the trail that correspond with the laminated sheet that they give you to tell you about all of the different types of plant life (which are native species, which were introduced, uses the natives had for the plants, etc) that exist in the rainforest. The sheet also fills you in on some Hawaiian history! Very educational. Bring someone literate! It's fun if you have someone read the sheet at each number. Careful! You might learn something.

The Hawaii Nature Center, located in the Iao Valley State Park, is a non-profit organization…read morededicated to fostering awareness, appreciation, and understanding of Hawaii and its natural environment, and providing a educational experience for visitors to the Islands. Iao Valley is the site of one of the most famous and bloody battles that changed Hawaiian history forever. On this site, In 1790, King Kamehameha I destroyed the Maui army in his effort to unite the Hawaiian Islands. The valley is still a sacred burial ground for the ancient kings and their people. The Nature Center offers guided hikes through the Iao Valley for a small fee. After crossing Iao Stream by bridge, the tour passes by an ancient village site, a live taro patch, and numerous indigenous, Polynesian-introduced, and recently-introduced exotic plants, including wild coffee trees and giant banana plants. The hike continues through the rainforest to the base of the majestic, 2,250' high Iao Needle pinnacle. The Iao Valley is the wettest spot on Maui, and the second wettest in all the Hawaiian Islands. Wear sturdy shoes, bring a light jacket, a hat, and lots of insect repellent. The mosquitos here are voracious. You can get a bite to eat at the snack bar at the Visitor's Center. Surprisingly, it is run by the owner's of the excellent Cafe O'Lei, and serves up gourmet-quality light fare.

Wow, where may I start. This review is for their preschool. My lovely littles was very fortunate to…read moreget in, considering the amount of applicants for Imua. When you walk in the staff and the fun learning environment is so warm and inviting. I felt a warm heartfelt Aloha, considering how busy the staff were. I love the whole staff that work there and service the community in different capacities. Imua has a wonderful inclusion program second to none. The teachers and staff are their to service my littles, and other students and clients, with Aloha, compassion, kindness, and love. My child is always looking forward to go to school. My wife is very happy, this was her first choice for preschool. It is something that we absolutely agree that Imua preschool is the best on the island and it is not your ordinary preschool, and is a perfect fit for our child.

Great group of people working hard for the kids of Maui. If you want to give something back to this…read moregreat island consider donating to this group. Contact their executive director Dean Wong. He works tirelessly for this cause. I have been involved for a couple of years now and live in North Carolina.

I came here with my dad, who grew up on Maui and is a veteran. His brother was part of the 442nd…read moreregimen. So this place has a special meaning to his generation, growing up during a time when people were incarcerated just based on their last name. We visited here twice. He was so moved by the video that he wanted to watch that immediately upon arriving during our second visit. We spent several hours here, looking at each piece of history. We talked story with the guides who just happen to know a handful of my cousins. We bought books, I bought a nice aloha collection bag that was a collab with the vet center. One thing that surprised me was that kids don't come here on a field trip. They said there is one school on Oahu that consistently comes but that's it. It's easy to forget history once you're so comfortable so let's not forget. Hawaii is full of Japanese Americans who probably would have been rounded up in 1942 especially if they lived along the west coast. Education is important and we can see in this day and age. Knowing your history is powerful. I just passed by the sister vet center in little Tokyo in LA. It closes soon so we will have to visit this on another day. I wonder if there is a place similar to one in Japan town in SF. Anyways, everyone should go. Remember that our grandparents faced this. Just like the civil rights movement was just in the 60s - not too long ago.

We went to see "Removed by Force" documentary . We didn't…read moreknow you had to RSVP, but they were so amazing. Several people, us included had either seen the promotional spot on tv or in the newspaper. There was no mention of having to RSVP. But when the people at Nisei Veteran Memorial found out how many people were wanting to see it, they went out of their way to try and accommodate as many of us as they could. It was an amazing documentary and I'm so glad I had the opportunity to watch it. They mentioned that they are doing monthly movie showings. I wish I lived on Maui so I could be a part of that organization. We weren't able to visit the actual visit the center and see what was there, but we will definitely make plans when we come back. Please note the sign on the door that advisors visits are Mon-Fri by appointment only. If you get a chance, please go and visit.

My son is 11 & loves it here!!! We signed him up a year ago & we are so blessed because he loves it…read morethere & they r so friendly & sweet !! They went & took some kids to Payless & treated them with gift cards... They 'make' ur kids do Homework first after school days & instill in them fun & responsibility! My son takes an MEO little white bus after school & they even shuttle the kids back home around 5pm! How sweet is that?! They can earn & buy all sorts of snacks ... They have a pool table, fooseball, computer room, TV room.. Basketball net & board games !..., etc etc:) The even have Summer Hours! All day!! I'm telling you we've never been happier! We thank the staff for their dedication, patience, hard work and Aloha!!

Needed a piece of Luggage before our flight back to California for a check in with chocolate…read moremacadamia nuts, shirts, souvenirs etc. Ross wanted $76 new, found a bright pink luggage check in suitcase for $10. Way to go. $35 for Hawaiian Air check in.

From out of town visiting my sister for vacation. thrift store surfing is a thing we do together…read more Our mother picked up a sweatshirt for my dad with an orange or red tag NO PRICE . Went to the register to pay , I was distracted when the cashier asked for my phone number only to find out (702) area code is not accepted . she proceeded to check me out . When I finally read my receipt I see the used donated sweatshirt she sold me was $17.99 ! Wow !! Sure a part of this is my negligence , I surely didn't expect to pay that much . Mind you this was not my first time at a Goodwill store , they always call a manager to finalize an untagged item . in deisbelief !!

Every time we drop off and donate food everyone is always so helpful. They keep the shelves stocked…read moreand neat and there is plenty of parking. I wish they were open on weekends though for drop offs. Other than that, they do amazing things for the community. Thank you for helping the community.

I go to the Maui food bank often to pick food for my clients who are unable to get to distribution…read morecenters. The staff that work here are absolutely amazing. They are extremely helpful, welcoming and fun to talk to! I can't thank them enough for everything they do!

Beautiful local cultural experience! Loved the chanting and…read morehistorical significance of the fish ponds and how the rocks are blessed

Maui's best kept secret, Maui fish pond to most people driving by is what appears is a pile of…read morerocks off the beach, what you don't know is the story...... oh what a story. The longtime keeper of the Maui Fish Pond is Uncle Kimokeo, he is a life long Maui resident who has dedicated himself to preserving the Fish Pond for future generations. You see the Fish Pond was built in the 1600's to create a safe haven for the local fish to spawn and grow. Uncle Kimokeo has maintained the Fish Pond walls using stone high atop Haleakala rebuilding the wall stone by stone. Uncle Kimokeo says he's is entrusted to preserve the Pond and the culture. To listen to him explain all the cultural lore was amazing. He took us out on a Double hull Canoe north and basically had the whole boats singing and chanting Hawaiian songs giving thanks for the permission on the water. The Maui Fish Pond takes out groups daily by appointment for a donation 69.00, consider your donation as a write off as the foundation is a non profit corp. these monies supports all of the upkeep, programs and Youth programs the foundations supports. Contact the Maui Fish Pond association and give back to your local hosts. This was an awesome way to emerge myself in the community. Thank you ( Mahalo) uncle Kimokeo Mauifishpond.com Kimokeofoundation.org

Camp Maluhia is a camp run by the Boy Scouts of America's Maui County Council…read more The service office is in town, but before you head to the campground be sure to take a close look at it on the map! San Jose's BSA Troop 611 has been coming here every 4 years for the last several decades. Your son will get a completely different experience from the Hawaiian Hotel resorts. This campground offers all the standard Merit Badge classes in addition to their excellent Camp Maluhia Maui Hawaiiana Award that you can only get here. This is a great way for your son to learn Maui's rich and vibrant history through song, dance, warrior skills and a big pig roasting feast. Sleeping porches are basic, but the views and hiking trails make it all worthwhile.