This was one of the highlights of our trip. Amazing views and hiking. Wear sturdy shoes for hiking…read moreand climbing rocks to the top. Black sand beaches and swimming are available too.

I've been to quite a few black sand beaches around the world, and this one is a pretty special…read moreexperience, especially because you can actually get into the water and swim while surrounded by such a different landscape. The black sand beach is definitely the highlight of the park, although don't go in expecting that super fine, soft black sand you may be imagining. Here it's much more like little black stones and rocks. Honestly, I'm okay with that because I've been to one with the super fine black sand and it was a nightmare . Imagine regular sand getting absolutely everywhere and then make it black... everything looks dirty! The waves can be pretty strong, so come prepared for that if you want to swim. There are also quite a few other things to see and explore throughout the state park, so I wouldn't just come for the beach and leave. One important thing to know is that you now need a reservation to enter the park, so don't just show up expecting to walk in or you'll be turned away. It's also right along the Road to Hana, so getting here is part of the whole experience.

Relaxed self paced viewing of bird reserve. Easy parking. Nice covered cabana…read more Great views.

When we have a few extra minutes in Kahului, we like to stop off at Kanaha Pond to enjoy the birds…read more There were mostly ducks and stilts today but we have seen Nenes, or Hawaiian Geese (the state bird). One time, there was a family with several little goslings. We stopped on the path to the shelter and let them decide if they wanted to pass us in the other direction. The male gave me a stink eye as they walked by and started hissing at me after they got a little ways past. It was funny that he became more macho after getting a little distance. Anyway, I always enjoy the Ae'o, or Hawaiian Stilt. They wade through the shallow water with such long legs, in search of food. Their chirps warn others of our presence. There are benches in the small shelter, where you can sit in the shade and watch the birds do their bird things. There also is a gate on the back side of the pond, near the water treatment plant, that lets you in to the dirt roads that were used to access a series of WW2 storage bunkers. There are other ponds back there, too. It's a nice area to walk through.

This is such a nice park to enjoy a picnic lunch or take a dip in the Wailuku stream (just be sure…read moreit hasn't been raining upstream can get dangerous quickly) there are 8 large covered picnic areas and a couple uncovered tables, lots of trash cans that people use so park is clean and kept up. There is a nice bathroom. There is lots to see in this 7.6 acre gardens that honors many cultures that have contributed to Maui.

Kealohilani Park is one of a few parks buried within the subdivisions of Kahului. It's part of the…read moreGreens at Maui Lani subdivision, the very first subdivision of the 1,012-acre master planned community, so it does not fall under county jurisdiction. EXPERIENCE: As plain, simple and uninviting as it gets, the grassy park is about 1.5 blocks wide and is surrounded by single family homes. It features just two cement tables and benches, along with a walking/jogging sidewalk that lines the perimeter. There are a few trees that provide some shade in the corners of the park, but the picnic tables are unprotected. Overall maintenance is below average as some trees are just stumps and the grass color a mix of green, yellow and dead. Three points of access are available from Kealohilani, Kuuhale, and Kuuhoa streets. Parking is all on-street. TIP: There are no restrooms, water fountains or grills. OVERALL: Funny how the association wants residents to maintain green lawns and healthy trees yet they can't set a good example themselves.

Feels kind of bad leaving an average review for such a culturally significant, historical…read morelandmark... This review is based on its tourism aspect. At the time we visited (March 2023), the pools themselves were... Underwhelming. To my understanding, swimming hasn't been permitted for some time, so to enjoy the Seven Sacred Pools, you kind of look at them from a faraway cliffside. Even then, the view isn't particularly spectacular, it's almost a bit drab-- some pools are dry, others are murky green, and the sheer desert-like heat makes this a relatively unpleasant experience. Ngl I think global warming and the season we visited probably has something to do with its appearance; other folks likely have a different experience. The trails are quite dusty, so sneakers are better than hiking sandals here. Several hiking trails are open (some shaded, some not), which can take a few hours to complete-- better for folks who are doing the Road to Hana backwards or those who have an overnight stay in Hana, since by the time we got here, it would've been late evening by the time we got back to Paia. We did a few short trails, but felt they were very average. I did enjoy the visitor center-- there's plenty of educational pieces on how Polynesians discovered Hawaii, and the later damage done by colonizers. We ended up donating and purchasing a beautiful print of Haleakala. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable.

Right at the end of the Road to Hana (for us at least). As everyone else said, it was a pretty easy…read morewalk, only about a half mile loop. Definitely worth checking out, especially if you don't have the time/energy for the Pipiwai Trail. There was a $30 entrance fee before coming in but it's good to use for 3 days. They have a decent amount of parking, a nice visitors center, and bathrooms. The view of the pools were very good of course. It's definitely a great turn around spot if you were heading back down the road.

Updated with pictures!! Took 8+ months, but I was finally able to download my pics from the…read more"cloud". 6/2/22 *See SF Japantown Yelp - pictures to be uploaded if I can recover. Quality/Quantity - Nice, very easy, beautiful, peaceful, and short (less than a mile round trip) walk to a deck. Once you hit the deck, you just turn around and walk back. Easy beach access. Family, kid friendly. Bird sanctuary, bring binoculars if you have them. Largest natural pond in Maui. No shade. No restrooms. No dogs allowed. Atmosphere - Small parking lot, but still plenty of spaces. Some signage to read during the walk. You can not make a left turn to the parking lot, you have to make a u-turn up ahead and turn right from the opposite direction. Service - None. Price - Free. Owner Comment - Thanks for this, but it needs a few more amenities such as shade, water, and restrooms.

This isn't just a tourist attraction. It's interesting and educational for all of us and the…read moreboardwalk is a nice and easy stroll through this part of the Kealia Wildlife Preserve. We appreciate the boardwalk, partly because of the long time it took to build the thing. And to rebuild it. And add the little parking lot. The parking lot that you can't make a left turn to enter or exit. Anyway, you get about a 0.8 mile walk if you complete the trek and get to see one of Maui's great wetland areas. If it's the dry season, you may not need to go past the halfway point because the mud flats do dry up. The Palalau Outlet is where the bridge is located and there is always water there. We saw Hawaiian Stilts (Ae'o), Hawaiian Ducks (Koloa), Hawaiian Coots ('alae kea) and Night Herons (Auku'u) there, along with fish that they feed on. There are also a few ramps for exiting the boardwalk and enjoying the beach and ocean. The wetlands aren't as popular as the beaches on Maui, for obvious reasons, but it's great that the powers that be have brought attention to this important area by building this boardwalk. Too many wetlands have been filled in so more houses could be built and we need to protect the remaining ones in order to provide nesting and feeding grounds for our threatened birds. Don't forget your reef safe sunscreen, since there isn't much shade.

Oh Maui, how I miss you!…read more A lot of the destruction from the Lahaina wildfires of 2023 is still present. It is so saddening and heartbreaking to see but we can also clearly see how strong the people of Maui are. They have cleared most of the debris and are on the way to rebuild. A lot of new foundation can be seen. If you're considering a trip to Maui, do it! There is so much beauty still to see and activities to do. You would also be helping Maui and its resilient people, as their economics heavily rely on tourism. Before Maui, the only other Hawaiian Island I have ever visited was Oahu. I loved Oahu, but I stayed in a super tourist-y hot spot and I felt as though I brought the concrete jungle with me. It was also enjoyable and usually the type of vacation I book. I expected this of Maui but boy, was I wrong. Maui introduced me to a slower pace, as cliché as it may sound, to really take the time to stop and smell the flowers, Hibiscus to be exact. Maui gives off small country town vibes, no high rises, no traffic and everyone just moves at a more lax speed. In fact, it is known for residential homes to be built "no higher than a palm tree" and hotels/non-residential buildings have height regulations. This is done to preserve the small town feel and scenic view planes. Talking about scenic, it begins as soon as you're off the plane. I got emotional many a times because of how gorgeous Maui is. My thoughts were in between disbelief of how unreal the nature around me was and how grateful I was to be standing there as a witness. I suggest getting out to walk at sunrise at least once, and watch the sunsets every evening. They are the most amazing I have EVER seen. Be prepared to see chickens and sea turtles EVERYWHERE. Every local that I interacted with? the most friendly, helpful and Hawaii proud. Always eager to share culture and stories. I love them. Notable Mentions: Nohonani Condos: Oceanfront condos with ocean facing lanais. A quiet pool area and private beach. Super easy parking. Favorite Beach: Baby Beach - Lahaina, soft waves and shallow waters.I stopped here 4 out if the 6 days I had in Maui. Favorite Poké: Foodland Grocery, grab poké of choice from the poké counter and a bag of Have'A Corn chips. A meal for champions. Favorite Restaurant: Hula Grill at Whalers Village, I still dream of the Crab Topped Macadamia Nut Crusted Mahi and the Hula Pie. Favorite Tour: Road to Hana with Aloha Eco Adventures, If you get Shelly as your tour guide, JACKPOT. I did dock a star because unfortunately, the food scene in Maui is a little lack thereof. It is a whole lot of barbecue, and fusion, I was experiencing the same tastes quite a bit. There's a chance I need to explore more, but I didn't find a meal that wowed me until my last 24 hours, Foodland and Hula Grill! Slight downfall here, but everything else makes up for it, I promise. Maui pretty much shuts off at 10pm, the bars are literally done at 10pm. There is no night life, which forced me into rest. I didn't realize it but it was exactly what I needed. I came back rested, recharged and refreshed. If you're in need of a vacation that involves quiet time, R&R and a mental break, the answer is Maui. On day two of my trip, I knew in my heart that I would be coming back to Maui in the future. I never understood the people that would travel to the same place year after year, I do now. Completely. I would do Maui over and over again. Until then, I'll be listening to Josh Tatofi's version of "Have you ever seen the rain" and daydream. Maui is truly the best - "Maui nō ka 'oi".

Maui has 160,000 full-time residents, and 2-3 million visitors per year. Weather is temperate at…read morearound 80F of sunshine year round. Yet, there are microclimates to visit where it can be hot and sunny virtually everyday in Lahaina, as low as 45F at night in Haleakala Crater, or a sprinkling of "ulalena" rain every morning in Waianapanapa. North Tradewinds bring breezes similarly to natural air conditioning from Alaska. Ecologies and vistas greatly vary between a Central Valley isthmus straddling dormant volcanic ranges of verdant 6000ft West Maui Mountains and an arid 10000ft Haleakala National Park. It's a very fragile island and long time kama'aina raised here and kapuna elders are rightfully protective of this space. Several Polynesian and Asian cultures co-exist and prosper with all. We welcome and recognize visitors to share their stories as well. Those who feel a magnetic transition to stay only need to be aware of the appreciation to existing Hawaiian cultures, customs and respect of the land. If you can find a living space, sacrifice Trader Joe's, Dim Sum and In & Out Burger or tolerate 5 hour flights to the mainland, you just might make it to raise a kid, walk a dog and enjoy a sunset at the beach.

This is a pretty easy hike with great payoff! It only takes about 2 hours, and you get to hike over…read morea couple of bridges, through a bamboo forest, and end up at a gorgeous waterfall! I'm an athletic kinda girl, and I would say this trail is maybe a 2/5 in terms of difficulty. (I'd give it a 1, but it has some incline, so I gave it a 2.) My boyfriend is a homebody and rarely hikes, and he gave it a 3/5 in terms of difficulty. One thing to note: The drive to get here is a DOOZY. I did thee Road to Hana the last time I was in Maui, and it freaked me out so much that we tried going around the south side of the island this time. That was also very scary. Unless you are prepared for very narrow roads (I'm talking one lane with traffic going both ways) on a cliff, sometimes with drops straight into the ocean, don't do it. If you are okay with that, do the Road to Hana for the more scenic drive. The southern drive was less scenic, and probably just as scary.

Came back here 5 years after I went the 1st time and brought my 9 year old. He made it to the end…read moreand back. The trail didn't seem as magical, maintained or green as I remember the 1st time. Maybe a different time of year? More mosquitoes as well. Still, it was pleasant and glad we went. We saw a lot of people bringing infants in carriers and really small kids. This is a serious hike. I would say maybe 7 + in age if you are bringing kids. You may make it part of the way, but it will take you an hour to get to the bamboo forest at least and there are a lot of weird wide steps. Bring water, snacks, hiking stick and bug spray.

Beautiful views.. and a nice long walk between the top properties of Maui…read more A little tricky to find beach/ trail entrance but definitely worth it. Between Four Seasons & Waldorf Astoria was the area we settled on... beautiful area. Bring beach chairs if you have them. Close bathroom & water station to wash the same off.

We walked the Wailea beach path to get some steps in after eating a couple of yummy malasadas and…read morecinnamon rolls. A beautiful walk to enjoy the Maui coastline, luxury hotels and multi million dollar homes. It is a level paved walkway so it's an easy stroll, brisk walk or run, whatever speed you choose to go, to enjoy the beautiful Wailea coastline. The Kapalua and Ka'anapali beach paths are also equally nice to get your steps in.