News and reviews of made on Maui products and Maui-based companies and success stories. Also featuring island shopping guides

Posts tagged ‘Activity’

25 Things to Do on Maui With Kids This Summer

Summer is rapidly approaching, which means 8 weeks (or more!) of “I’m BORED!” coming from the kids (or maybe even your spouse…) so I’ve put together a Summer Survival Guide of 25* things to do on Maui with Kids… (*more may be added – feel free to add your suggestions!)

Family Friendly Events

  • Hit the Town – (1) Friday Town Parties – Each Friday, a different town hosts a party!
  • Catch a Flick (or a dozen) – (2) Maui Film Festival – Coming up this year from June 3-7, 2015.  There’s sure to be some great family movies, the schedule is usually released a couple weeks prior to the event, be sure to check back or follow the Film Festival on Facebook .
  • Cinderella by Alexander Academy See the Ballerinas – Over 150 dancers from (3) Alexander Academy will present Cinderella on June 6 and 7 at Seabury Hall’s new performing arts center.
  • Check out the 4-H’ers – (4) Upcountry Ag Fair , June 13 & 14 at the Oskie Rice Arena in Makawao
  • Horse Around Upcountry – Do NOT miss (5) Makawao’s Fourth of July Parade and Rodeo. Maui Roping Club presents the 60th annual Makawao Rodeo, July 2 – 5, 2015 – the largest rodeo in Hawai‘i with more than 350 cowboys from all over the world. Parade starts at 9am Saturday, July 4.
makawao 2015 rodeo fourth of july

Image Courtesy Makawao Roping, Credit: Jackalopephoto.com

Free / Cheap Fun

  • maui humane society tortoise

    Who needs a zoo when you have an awesome Humane Society?

    Pretend its Winter –   It’s hot… but it’s still pretty cool atop (9) Haleakala… pack your jackets, fill up the thermos with hot chocolate and head up the hill.  You could even sing Christmas carols if you are really feeling wacky.

  • Pretend we have a Zoo – Check out the animals at the (10) Maui Humane Society!  Besides the cuddly kitties and cute puppies, they have a huge tortoise and miscellaneous pocket pets.  Open daily 11am – 4pm. But remember, this one is only FREE if you don’t go home with anything…
  • Head Under Water – Is this the summer when you finally teach the kids (11) how to snorkel?
  • Stick your Head in a Book – Check out one of the (12) many libraries around the island, or my personal favorite, head to Puunene’s Friends of the Library Bookstore – almost everything is only 25 cents!
  • Get Muddy – (13) Bike Park Maui has something for all ages, from a tiny tot track to miles of dirt track and pump track for your BIGGEST kids… Don’t have a bike?  They have rentals too…
Even the littlest riders have tons of fun at Bike Park Maui
photos courtesy of Bike Park Maui
  • Go Strawberry Picking – (14) Kula Country Farms has transformed from a family-run farm to a family FUN farm, with strawberry picking (seasonally), animals, a children’s garden and mini-golf!
  • Kid Around – There seem to ALWAYS be baby goats at the (15)  Surfing Goat Dairy, and they’ve even set up a sand-toy pit, if the kids (as in children, not baby goats) just want to dig around.  Its free to enter, you just need to pay if you want to go on one of the tours.
  • Go on a Hunt – (16) For the island’s best Shave Ice!  Make it your own family mission to sample each shave ice on island, to discover which company (and which flavor) is the absolute best! Might we suggest starting (or finishing!) with Ululani’s? 
  • Hit the Stream – When it’s just TOO HOT, grab your suits and head on up to the (17) Iao Stream.  The chilly water will cool you down instantly!  Kepaniwai Heritage Gardens- established in 1952 as a showcase for Maui’s diverse heritage with ethnic houses and gardens representing the Hawaiian, Portuguese, Japanese, Caucasian and Filipino cultures – is always a fun little activity, too.
  • Check out the Farm – (18) The Lahaina Animal Farm is a sure winner with the animal-lovers (advanced reservations required.)
  • olinda forest hike

    Olinda Forest is a fun little hike!

    Take a Hike (or a bike)-   Both located in cool upcountry, the (19)  Olinda Forest (Waihou Springs) is fun with the little ones, or the Makawao Forest Reserve has great mountain biking for the older kids.

  • Become a Nature Tracker – Grab a bucket, some water shoes and (20) explore the tide pools!
  • Splash Around – When the heat of the day gets to be too much, and you don’t want to have to worry about watching the little ones at the beach or pool, just grab some suits and towels and head to the mall!  (21) The Maui Mall has a great little water-play area…
  • Go on a Treasure Hunt – an (22) Art treasure hunt! Who needs an art museum when you have the The Grand Wailea?  Rumor has it if you ask around there’s an art ‘treasure’ hunt that you can go on…

Stay-cation/Splurge

  • Pretend you are a tourist-  Sure, you live on Maui, but there are tons of family friendly activities that you’ve probably not done yet, so (23) treat yourself to a stay-cation and check out a submarine or helicopter ride, or check out one of the zip-line tours!  Most tours have great kama’aina discounts.
  • Get a Hole-in-One – Does anything say SUMMER like some (24) mini-golf and bumper boats?  Make a holiDAY of it – maybe even head to the aquarium (AGAIN! – Hard to beat that air-conditioning!) and there’s also the Kealia Boardwalk if the kids still need to run… and while you are in Ma’alaea dont forget about the ice-cream cookie sandwiches from Hula Cookies
Nothing Says Summer like Bumper Boats and Mini Golf!
Finish your Staycation with an Ice Cream Sandwich from Hula Cookies

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Activity, Event, Food and Beverage, Kids

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Father’s Day Gifts – Maui Style

father's day gift idea 2014

What does Dad want this year?  He has plenty of aloha shirts, a couple pairs of slippers, and he definitely doesn’t need another tie.  But what he would like is to spend some quality time with his family… or maybe just some alone time with his special lady… There are some Brand New Activities on Maui (each just opening this month!) that Dad would absolutely love!

Oh, and some snacks.

If Dad’s Been Good

father's day gifts food drink maui hawaii Here are some made on Maui food and drink ideas that you just can’t go wrong with:

(L-R clockwise) Adoboloco hot sauces, Cioccolato Amore, Wow Wow Lemonade and Pau Vodka (combining the last two might be worth a try too!)

Where to find: You can find Pau Vodka at the liquor stores, Wow Wow Lemonade at these locations in Kahului and Kihei, Adoboloco at these locations and Cioccolato Amore at Maui Ocean Center, The Ritz Carlton Logo shop, Hale Zen, Aina Gourmet, Rodeo General Store, Take Home Maui, Napili Farmers Market or online at www.cioccolatoamore.com.  

maui children's bookstore and cafe paia pop up And speaking of food, what dad doesn’t love a beachside BBQ?  Especially if he doesn’t have to cook himself??? On Saturday, June 14, from 3-6pm, Maui Children’s Bookstore + Cafe is hosting a pop-up shop in Paia, and will be providing free music, jumping castles and keiki lei making for dad.  Beautiful books, mind-inspiring toys and locally sourced gourmet BBQ burgers will be available for purchase.  The event takes place on the oceanfront lawn at 65 Hana Hwy (former Johnny B’s Burger Joint) and is co-hosted by Paia Inn, click to RSVP. 

If Dad’s Been Great

If your dad is up for something a little more adventurous, bring the family (for kids 10 and up) and make a splash with Skyline Eco-Adventure’s brand new, one-of-a-kind Maui Zip n’ Dip adventure!  Located above Kaanapali, you can zip right into the cool, fresh water of a natural mountain pool!

new maui zip line pool activity

new maui zip line pool activityAfter swimming and zipping for a bit, Skyline’s award-winning guides will lead you on a memorable zipline adventure ahead. Enjoy a side-by-side zipline where you can race your family and friends, then enjoy a series of solo flights that take you speeding through the valley and over the tree-tops!  Every zipline boasts incredible views of the West Maui coastline, and the islands of Lanai and Molokai.  For reservations, call 808-878-8400 or visit zipline.com

Or, if Dad is in need of some relaxation, Lumeria Retreat in Makawao just opened their Crystal Spa, offering numerous massages and treatment options including Pohaku Wela Hot Stone, Lomi Lomi and deep tissue massages.  Might we suggest the couples massage?

new spa maui massage couples retreat

If Dad Deserves a Dad of the Year Award

If Dad has just gone above and beyond all expectations this year, treat him to the newly rebranded Montage Kapalua Bay, which opened on June 1 at the site formerly known as the Ritz-Carlton Club and Residences at Kapalua Bay.  Fifty luxury suites, with one- to four-bedroom, have full kitchens, but if you prefer not to cook, the Sunset Patio will be open for lunch, the Sunset Room is open for breakfast and dinner, and the Hana Hou pool bar is open 11am – sunset.  Starting June 20, the resort’s signature restaurant, Cane & Canoe, will be open for breakfast and dinner. The property also includes Spa Montage, complete with a juice bar, and two championship golf courses, The Bay Course and The Plantation Course.

According to this recent article from Pacific Business News, the resort is offering special kamaaina rates during the next 90 days, (and according to the customer service person I just talked to, some kind of kama’aina discount will be available year round) of $395 for one-bedroom suites, $495 for three-bedroom suites and $595 for the four-bedroom suites. According to the website, the listed price for the 3 Bedroom Premier Ocean Suite, with 3.5 Baths, full kitchen, dining and living room is $1570 a night.

Whichever gift option you choose, I wish everyone a happy and safe Father’s Day!

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Activity, Gift Guide

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Maui’s Big Events for 2014

MAUI CALENDAR EVENTS 2014 BIG ACTIVITY

Maui has outstanding community events throughout the year – from golf tournaments that are fun to watch or fundraisers that are fun to eat (at).  If you are thinking of traveling to Maui in 2014, here are some events that you might want to consider planning a trip around.  (ok, it might be too late to make it here for the golf tournament, but I bet it will happen around the same time in 2015 as well…) And if you live here, some of these events are the ones you’ll want to start saving your pennies for…

UPDATE APRIL 29  – I’ve gone ahead and DELETED the events that have already taken place – and if you are planning to come in 2015, I’m already starting to put together that calendar soon!

Please note: If you know of other can’t-miss events, please add a comment below with a website for consideration.  Some events happening in the latter part of the year may not have confirmed dates yet.  Will keep this up to date as possible.  All events subject to change/cancellation. 

May 2014 

  • Date: Saturday, May 3
  • Event: Maui Onion Festival
  • Location: Whaler’s Village
  • Admission: Free
  • Chef Demonstrations, Games and Prizes, Recipe Contests, Live Entertainment, Food Booths 
  • Website: http://www.whalersvillage.com/onionfestival.htm
  • Date: Saturday, May 10
  • Event: Seabury Hall Craft Fair- a fundraiser for the scholarship programs
  • Location: Makawao (Upcountry)
  • Admission: $5 (12 and under free)
  • The juried Craft Fair features more than 100 local artisans, live entertainment, great food, live and silent auctions, activities for kids, rummage and plant sales and more
  • Website: http://www.seaburyhall.org/page.cfm?p=981

June 2014 

July 2014

  • July – event dates to be determined (check back for updates)
  • Event: 56th Annual 4th of July Rodeo and Parade
  • Location: Makawao

August 2014 

  • Date: TBD
  • Event: Miss Saigon 
  • Location: Maui Arts and Cultural Center
  • The famed Broadway play, coming to Maui, under the same direction as last year’s memorable Les Mis
  • Website: http://www.mauiacademy.org
  • Date: Friday, August 8
  • Event: Maui Calls-  a fundraiser for Maui Arts and Cultural Center
  • Location: Maui Arts and Cultural Center
  • Food Booths from some of Maui’s best restaurants, wines from wineries around the world, live entertainment, dancing, live and silent auction and more. 
  • Website: http://www.mauiarts.org/ShowCalendars.html?Year=2014&Month=08

September 2014

October 2014

  • Date: October 2-5
  • Event: Maui Fair
  • Location: Fairgrounds, Wailuku
  • A County Fair with the requisite food, carnival rides, games, animals and more food. 
  • Website: http://mauifair.com/2013/

November 2014

  • Date: Saturday, November 1
  • Event: Noble Chef- a fundraiser for the Maui Culinary Academy
  • Location: TBD
  • An elegant affair with celebrity chefs mentoring the culinary students, with auctions, entertainment and an always impressive dessert display.  Did I mention the dessert?  
  • Website: http://noblechef.maui.hawaii.edu
  • Date: November 7 & 8
  • Event: Made in Maui County Festival- First Ever!
  • Location: Maui Arts and Cultural Center
  • Made in Maui arts, foods, produce, crafts, jewelry, gifts, collectibles and more.  Features an invitation-only preview for retailers on Friday, and an open to the public event, including food trucks, restaurants etc !
  • Website: http://www.madeinmauicountyfestival.com

December 2014

  • Date: Saturday, December 6
  • Event: Haleakala Waldorf Holiday Faire
  • Location: Haleakala Waldorf School, Kula
  • Festive crafts, silent auction, food, kids activities, live entertainment and more 
  • Website: http://www.waldorfmaui.org

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Event, Food and Beverage

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Eat like a local with Tour Da Food

When it comes to vacations, there are three kinds of people.  Some people go on vacation to relax, some like to explore, and some people just want to eat.  Fortunately for people that come to Maui, with a fascinating history of global cuisines and an abundance of fresh fruit, fish and other foods, Maui’s culinary options will keep your palate happy for the entire length of your stay.   And you haven’t really been to Maui without sampling a plate lunch, enjoying fresh poke, and you really can’t miss our famous shave ice.  With all the options, won’t you feel better knowing you’ve had the best?

Maui's Best Local Food Tour Activity

The Plate Lunch – The Signature Local Food in Hawaii –

If you are one of those foodie travelers, you’re second call after booking your flight should be to Bonnie Friedman.  A serious foodie herself, Bonnie established Tour Da Food in 2008 as the island’s first food tour and the only tour that focuses solely on ‘local food’.

Bonnie currently offers four tours – ‘Wailuku’, ‘Upcountry’, ‘Noodles, Dumplings & Dim Sum’ and perhaps Maui’s most unique tour, ‘GAS-tronomy’, a tour of four of Maui’s best local foods found in gas stations.  Every tour includes transportation from and back to the central meeting place; all food; a goodie bag; and a list of additional off-the-radar eating places.    And for foodies who would rather go it alone, Bonnie can provide a personalized list of recommendations through her website at Cuisine Confidential.

Eat Maui Local Food Guide

Explore Maui’s ‘hidden’ food treasures with Tour Da Food

Bonnie has built close personal and professional relationships with Maui’s chefs, farmers and food producers during her decades spent in various careers on Maui. She is herself a certified Pastry Cook, and has co-authored two cookbooks for Ten Speed Press.

Having just returned from her own foodie trip to Italy (which we jealously observed via Facebook!), she answered some of our questions about her unique activity :

maui's best shave ice tour

Shave Ice Caps off Each Tour

Made Made: How did you come up with this idea? 

Bonnie Friedman: I have to give credit to my friend/colleague Keli’i Brown, the PR director of the Maui Visitors & Convention Bureau. He took a food tour of Chinatown in NYC in the mid-2000s. When he came back to Maui, he told me about it – VERY excitedly! – and said “You need to do this in Wailuku.” It took quite a while – about 18 months – to do all the research and plot out what I considered to be an excellent local food tour. I launched Tour da Food Maui in May 2008.

MM: What’s your most popular tour? 

BF: I think Wailuku is still probably the most popular tour with Upcountry a close second.

MM: Any favorite moments or experiences?   

BF:  For me, the best moments are connecting with visitors, especially first time visitors, and introducing them to real local food. And they all really seem to love the experience. Most rewarding is when my guests and I become friends. It’s happened several times. There’s a family I see every year when they visit Maui and a couple I have at least one meal with in NYC when I travel there.

 

Maui's Best Manapua...

There’s nothing like a Manapua – It’s worth the trip to Maui just in itself…

MM: Anything else you want to add? 

BF: A few words of my “local food philosophy” – we have some excellent fine dining in Hawai’i, no doubt about it. But for me, the one thing we have here that no other place in the world has is local food. I think we learn a great deal about a place and its culture through its food. That’s the experience I hope I give my guests.

Mahalo to Bonnie for making us hungry answering our questions, and don’t forget to check out her tour options on your next visit to Maui!

Category:

Food and Beverage, Tours

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Tips for enjoying Maui in the Rain – Safely

Tropical Storm Flossie is heading towards Maui tomorrow – but these tips go for anytime there is rain on Maui (which luckily, is rare).

Tips for Enjoying Maui in the Rain – Safely

Activities:

Maui Ocean Center is a great activity during the rain – most of the exhibits are indoors.  Here’s a tip: The aquarium opens at 9am.  During my many years of working there, the lines during rainy days wouldn’t extend the front gate until 10:30 or 11am.  Get there early to avoid the lines and crowds.  Or, go late.  (If you are reading this in regards to Tropical Storm Flossie) – It’s July, so it’s still open until 6pm. It takes around 2 hours, so arriving at 3 or 4 is still OK.  If you need more time, you can always upgrade that day to a week pass)

There’s also the usual malls and movies.  Lahaina Cannery Mall is completely enclosed (Maui’s only) – the other ones are open air- and I know from experience, the floors at The Shops at Wailea are slippery.

And while you are at Lahaina Cannery Mall – grab some games and toys from Maui Toy Works- which also has a brand new location at Pioneer Square on Front Street and at Whaler’s Village.  Personal fave: Spot it! the card game.

There’s also lots of great spas and salons – maybe time for a massage or facial?

Safety:

And now for the safety tips- and these go for any rain activity, not just a storm:  (now i’m starting to sound like a mother, which I am, so here goes)

maui waterfall dangers in the rain tips

Rain forecasts of 6-10 inches could make this waterfall dangerous

Stay WELL away from streams and waterfalls.  Even if its not raining where you are, if its raining up the mountain, the stream could be building up and torrents of rain could come down at any time. With rocks.  It would be bad.

Don’t cross flowing water, by foot or by car : this tip goes for anywhere, but is worth a reminder.

The storm is expected to bring big waves, so stay away from the beaches… always check with the lifeguards first.  No lifeguard?  Find a beach that has one, if you have any doubt.

maui rain tips things to do hawaii

This waterfall has a warning sign – most don’t

Even after the rains – Stay out of the ocean if its murky or there’s debris floating.   I’m just going to say it: dead animals could get washed down the stream, attracting sharks.  But, even if you don’t believe me about dead animals and sharks, there could be bacteria in the water… Just stay out of the water until its clear.

What’s your favorite activity in the rain on Maui?

maui ocean advisories

Big Waves, Runoff- not a good time to go to the beach

Any other safety tips to add?

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Rain Day

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