Must-see attractions and activities you won't find anywhere else

Exploring Maui, Hawaii offers a range of unique experiences that you won't find anywhere else.

Your business may be receiving unprecedented appreciation in Hawaii as the state recovers from the devastating Maui fires of 2023, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

Chelsea Levitt, director of marketing and public relations at the Fairmont Kea Lani resort in Wailea, shared that the fires have heightened the island’s appreciation for its natural beauty and cultural significance. "We have become more dedicated to preserving the culture, land, and people that make Maui unique," Levitt said. "The people of Maui have embraced the aloha spirit even more and are eager to share it with all who visit."

Wailea, located about 30 miles from Lahaina—the historic town severely damaged by the August 2023 wildfire—has been affected but is open to tourists. While Lahaina itself remains off-limits due to the fire’s destruction, some nearby businesses, such as Mala Ocean Tavern, Old Lahaina Luau, and Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop, are welcoming visitors.

It's important to note that this is not disaster tourism; visitors should approach with sensitivity. For instance, Mala Ocean Tavern's website requests that guests avoid discussing the fire with staff, who have been personally impacted.

"The more tourism supports Hawaii's economy, the better we can aid in Maui’s recovery," said Ilihia Gionson, public affairs officer for the Hawaii Tourism Authority, acknowledging a decline in visitor numbers on Maui this year.

Visiting Maui

During my recent visit to Maui, I had the opportunity to immerse myself in the island’s natural splendor from sunrise to sunset. It became clear how one can support the island’s economy, even if not directly visiting Lahaina.

The Fairmont Kea Lani in Wailea epitomizes Hawaii’s natural beauty and rich history, featuring a recently completed renovation that includes Hale Kukuna, an interactive cultural center. The center showcases large wooden sculptures of mermaids, sea turtles, crabs, and other local elements, all crafted by the hotel's artist-in-residence, Dale Zarrella. Notably, two special sculptures carved from monkey pod trees damaged in the fire are also on display.

“Our Hawaiian cultural center is thought to be the largest of its kind at any resort in Hawaii,” Levitt mentioned. “If every visitor leaves having learned even a small aspect of Hawaiian culture, that’s a success. We have a duty to preserve and promote the culture of this place.”

Situated prominently in the resort’s lobby, the cultural center attracts visitors of all ages. Guests can pick up a ukulele, learn hula dancing, or, as I did, play Hawaiian checkers and find out where to purchase locally-made game boards.

The resort offers daily on-site activities, with one standout experience being a 7 a.m. outrigger canoe ride with two skilled guides. The day begins with a brief ritual honoring the rising sun, during which one of the guides chants before the canoe sets out onto the serene waters off Polo Beach. Guests can explore the history of the outrigger canoe, which originated in Hawaii, at Hale Kukuna.

If you're not a guest at the resort, consider purchasing a daily pass, which grants access to the grounds and pools for a day.

Hawaii's vibrant farm-to-table culture is highlighted at the Fairmont’s Pilina restaurant. The name “Pilina,” meaning “connectedness” in Hawaiian, reflects the restaurant’s dedication to local sourcing, from beverages to cuisine. The menu features a “Spirits of the Islands” section, offering a wide selection of Hawaiian rum, vodka, and whiskey.

“Pilina sources 90 per cent of its ingredients from the Hawaiian Islands,” Levitt noted.

If you're visiting on a Tuesday, the Wailea Village Farmers Market is a great spot to meet local vendors like Maui Cookie Lab. Alternatively, if you have a car, you can visit the Upcountry Farmers Market on a Saturday to enjoy fresh coffee, local honey, pineapple, and more.

Beyond Maui and giving back

Each Hawaiian Island offers its own unique character and attractions, with various opportunities for visitors to support sustainability or give back through volunteering.

At the Fairmont Kea Lani, for instance, guests can participate in the “Rooted in Aloha” reforestation project by planting a seedling either in the resort’s greenhouse or on the slopes of Haleakala volcano.

On Kauai, 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay in Princeville supports local businesses and charities through several programs and offers guests ways to contribute positively. Alexis Eaton, the hotel’s director of marketing, public relations, and programming, highlighted their “1 Less Thing” initiative, where guests can donate gently used clothing, and a partnership with the Kauai Humane Society that allows visitors to spend a day with a dog.

The Mālama Hawaii program is another avenue for visitors to engage in various volunteer activities across the islands. Options include participating in reforestation in Oahu’s Waimea Valley, planting native species at North Shore Stables, joining a beach cleanup with the Surfrider Foundation on Kauai, and snorkeling or cleaning the ocean with Body Glove Hawaii on the Big Island.

“These experiences offer a chance to give back while connecting with the island’s unique culture and communities,” Gionson noted.

During my trip to Oahu, known for its urban vibe with Honolulu and Pearl Harbor National Memorial, I found that exploring less-touristed local spots provided a more authentic experience. Some highlights include the Bishop Museum, offering insights into Hawaiian culture and history; the Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden with views of lush mountains; Koko Crater Botanical Gardens featuring vibrant plumeria trees; enjoying food trucks in Haleiwa on the North Shore; and exploring the charming neighborhood of Kaimuki with its renowned restaurants and boutique shops.

The longer you stay in Hawaii, the more you recognize the importance of protecting its natural beauty. Visitors can make conscious choices about where they stay, dine, and shop to ensure their tourism dollars support the islands and their communities.

5 things you can only do in Maui

When traveling, it's especially fulfilling to experience activities or sights unique to your destination. Here are some must-dos for your next visit to Maui:

1. Witness the Haleakalā Silversword Bloom: Visit Haleakalā National Park, either independently or with a guided tour, to see the rare Haleakalā silversword plant. Keep in mind that fog can sometimes obscure the view. The summit, over 10,000 feet above sea level, offers spectacular ocean views on clear days. Remember to avoid stepping on these delicate plants.
2. Spot the Hawaiian Petrel: Haleakalā National Park is home to the largest nesting colony of the Hawaiian petrel, also known as Ua’a. While this bird can be found on other Hawaiian islands, Maui hosts the largest population.
3. Enjoy Pie at Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop: Leoda’s Kitchen offers an array of mini pies in unique flavors like chocolate mac nut and Olowalu lime that are hard to find elsewhere. Located in Olowalu, near Lahaina, it’s a great spot for delicious pies, sandwiches, and salads.
4. Take a Pineapple Tour: Experience the Maui Gold Pineapple, renowned for its sweetness, on a tour of the Maui Pineapple Plantation in Hali’imaile. This tour not only offers a taste of the island’s best pineapple but also a glimpse into a unique part of Maui.
5. Snorkel at Molokini Crater: Explore Molokini, a crescent-shaped islet partially submerged in the ocean, known for its exceptional water quality and vibrant marine life. This snorkeling destination, visible from Maui, offers a unique experience compared to other snorkeling spots. Book your trip early to avoid the crowds.