A Maui Local Tells Us Where to Travel on the Island Now
These spots highlight the unique lifestyle and charm of the region.
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Sunset’s Insider Guide series highlights seasonal diversions and secret travel tips from local experts.
Courtesy of Jeana Naluai
Meet the Insider: Jeana Naluai, owner of Ho’omana Spa
Location: North Shore and Upcountry, Maui
Jeana Naluai is a native Hawaiian cultural practitioner and owner of Ho’omana Spa Maui, which offers authentic Hawaiian lomi lomi massage and Hawaiian spa ritual packages, all done with handmade organic spa products. With generational ties to the land and culture of the North Shore and Upcountry region of Maui, Naluai loves sharing about the unique lifestyle and charm of the region, including the townships of Makawao, Paia, and Kula, which she highlights here. “With the recent wildfire disaster on Maui and the struggle that our community has been through in the aftermath of this tragedy,” she says, “it is an honor to be able to share about some of the areas of the island and businesses that are open and ready to welcome visitors back with Aloha.”
Makawao
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The Makawao township is a great stop after sunrise. Visit Haleakalā National Park or go for a hike in Makawao Forest Reserve. It’s an eclectic, artsy community known for its Upcountry paniolo-cowboy flair, evident in the saloon-style architecture, and its galleries, eateries, and local boutiques.
SHOP
Christine McConnell
Kūlua is “a Hawaiian company sewing island-inspired designer clothing,” whereas Driftwood is a noteworthy “boho-chic boutique merging Upcountry and ocean couture. And Monarch Collective features local artists like Jennifer Valenzuela and a selection of puka jewelry.”
DRINK
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Pick up a “golden chai at Vida by Sip Me Maui or a delightful purple sweet potato (ube) latte at Espresso Mafia.”
EAT
Stop into Casanova for “house-made pasta and wood-fired mushroom pizza,” or pop into Freshies Cafe for a “casual outdoor scene,” plus burgers made from Maui Cattle Company‘s sustainable, grass-fed beef.
Paia
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This “quaint surf town along Hana Highway is surrounded by my favorite North Shore beaches, where you’re guaranteed to encounter sea turtles and world-class surf and windsurf breaks at Paia Bay or Baldwin Beach.”
EAT
Order “any fresh catch blackened, with onion rings, at Paia Fish Market.” For something sweet, cool down with Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice. “A favorite is the guava shaved ice with a coconut pudding cream top.” Another awesome option is “The Boba Bar Paia’s taro milk tea or lychee boba.” Or for some fun twists on the classic French crêpe, “Café Des Amis serves up delicious sweet and savory crêpes and Indian curry wraps.”
SHOP
Tara Timpone
For unique, breezy beach style, spend some time at Imrie. You can also find whimsical, original artsy designs at Wings Hawaii.
Kula
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The town of Kula boasts breathtaking views of South Maui and the neighboring islands. Take in picturesque vistas as Bike Maui leads you on epic, fully outfitted rides down Haleakala’s 10,000-foot slope. Find freedom in flight with Paraglide Maui. Or indulge in an aromatic tour of Ali’i Kula Lavender’s botanical gardens.
EAT
Indulge your sweet tooth with “macadamia-nut sticky buns and passionfruit tarts at La Provence,” or opt for crave-worthy “omelets and banana French toast at Grandma’s Coffee House.”
DRINK
Jessica Beneteau
Take a tasting tour at Ocean Organic Vodka farm and distillery, whose spirits are made with ocean water and homegrown cane sugar. For a sunset tasting and dinner duo, drop into Mahalo Aleworks brewery and tap room, which is right beside Marlow, known for their wood-fired pizzas. Or, if fruity bevvies are your speed, indulge in pineapple wine at Maui Wine near the historic Ulupalakua Ranch.
