EXPLORE MAUI | Sugar Island Weddings

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Sugar Island Weddings

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Explore Maui

THINGS TO DO AND EXPERIENCE ON MAUI

If you're looking for things to do or places to visit on Maui, we've compiled a list of our favorites. We hope it'll give you some idea as you plan your Maui wedding or recommend to your wedding guests.

Water Activities

WATER ACTIVITIES

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AIRPORT BEACH in Kaanapali is one of the best beaches on Maui for snorkeling and open water swimming. Be sure to wear Maui-approved, mineral sunscreen to protect the reefs and marine life. If you're not a swimmer, you will enjoy the beautiful beach walk.

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KIHEI CANOE CLUB's Visitor Paddle Program takes you out on the south Maui waters for an introductory and recreational paddling experience. Watch the humpback whales up close and personal during the whale season (January, February, March). They sell out quickly. Be sure to reserve your spot early.

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ULTIMATE WHALE WATCH is a great way to watch the whales. They have marine naturalist guides and hydrophone onboard and offer guaranteed sightings. Book early as they take only a small group of people.

MAUI DIVING offers a variety of scuba diving and snorkeling excursions, from the colorful Molokini dives, sea turtle encounters, to advanced hammerhead shark dives. Its friendly and knowledgeable staff will surely make your day memorable.

MAUI SURFER GIRLS offers hands-on surfing lessons. Whether you've never seen a surfboard or are an experienced surfer wishing to advance skills, they have amazing instructors who are gentle, attentive, and knowledgeable.

LAHAINA MASTERS SWIM CLUB welcomes visitors to join the weekday pool swim practice at Lahaina Aquatic Center and Saturday morning open water group swim at Airport Beach. Be sure to contact Coach Mike and make arrangements for your visit with the Club at 808-298-1743.

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BLUE A'INA provides a perfect opportunity for those who want to make a difference while vacationing in Maui. They will take you to the beautiful wanters off Maui, and you'll use your snorkeling skills to pick up garbage. That's a win-win for everyone!

HIKING TRAILS

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MAHANA RIDGE TRAIL is a beautiful and serene, yet challenging, hiking trail in Kapalua. You'll see remnants of the Pineapple Plantation era. The trails is 8 miles long (a roundtrip of 16 miles). Hike the whole way or as little as you wish. Be sure to bring water with you on this hike. The trail can be muddy and slippery after the rain.

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KAPALUA COASTAL TRAIL is a picturesque 2-mile walking trail. This is the nearest trail from Sugar Island Inn & Spa about a few minute walk away. A perfect place to get in some exercise, watch the surfers or kiteboarders, or enjoy the sunset.

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KAPALUA VILLAGE WALKING TRAIL is a reimagined former Village Golf Course. You'll start your walk at Honolua Store and walk through the former golf cart paths. Parts of the trails coined Cardio Hill as the steep uphill elevates your heart rate.

BOTANICAL EXPERIENCES

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ALI'I LULA LAVENDER in Upcountry boasts a sense of relaxation, rejuvenation, and renewal in their magical place that the spirit calls home. Admission is free when you bring non-perishable food to donate. The drive up to the farm is beautiful as well. Plan a stop at Maui Wine following the Lavender farm.

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MAUI NUI BOTANICAL GARDENS in Upcountry is a plant lover's paradise. A private ground owned and operated by a landscape architect, you'll love walking through the gardens while taking photos and listening to the birds. This garden is located not too far from Ali'i Kula Lavender if you'd like to visit both places.

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MAUI DRAGONFRUIT FARM in Lahaina offers more than a guided tour of their farm. You can experience ziplining, meet alpacas, have a picnic, and taste tropical fruits. This is a great option for families with children.

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MAUI CHOCOLATE TOUR in Lahaina is a chocolate lover's treat. As you walk through the cacao farm, you'll learn all about growing cacao to processing it to make Kui'a award-winning chocolate. The tour ends with chocolate tasting in a tree house. Don't forget to shop the award-winning Kuia Chocolate after the tour!

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THE MERWIN CONSERVANCY in Haiku honors the legacy of the late poet W.S. Merwin. They offer a guided walking tour of the conservancy where he planted thousands of palm trees from around the world. Book months in advance for this tour.

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SACRED GARDEN in Haiku is a nursery where you can walk in their gardens and two labyrinths to meditate, get inspired, or just have fun. You can also bring your lunch and enjoy the conversation in their shaded outdoor sitting area.

MUSEUMS & LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

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MAUI OCEAN CENTER in Ma'alaea is both a fun place to visit and a hands-on learning environment for Maui's rich yet fragile marine life and ecosystem. Don't forget to explore the realms of the humpback whales in their 3-D sphere experience and have awesome pizza at Point Break Pizza!

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HUI NOE'AU VISUAL ARTS CENTER in Makawao offers a variety of culturally rich classes for both adults and children. If you've ever wanted to learn how to make a lei, be sure to sign up for their popular lei-making classes.

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SUGAR MUSEUM in Kahului chronicles the life, culture, and history of the immigrants from around the world who came to work in sugar cane plantations. As they planted new roots on Maui, they created what is known today as Hawai'i's rainbow culture.

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THE BISHOP MUSEUM in located in Honolulu, Oahu (not on Maui). It is included here, however, because of their exceptional exhibits on Hawaiian history and culture, which makes it worth planning a day trip to Honolulu.

ANIMALS

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IRONWOOD RANCH in Napili offers horseback riding in small groups. They will take you through the lush fields, tropical valleys, and dense ironwood forests. You will enjoy panoramic views of Maui, Molokai, Lanai, and Kahoolawe.

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LAHAINA ANIMAL FARM is a family friendly petting zoo. You'll see miniature horses, goats, boars, tortoises, rabbits, and many more. What would be more fun than being able to feed the farm animals and cuddle with them?

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LANAI CAT SANCTUARY is located on the island of Lanai (not on Maui). It is included here because it is one huge open air sanctuary where you'll get to meet nearly 700 cats and play with them! A perfect day trip including Lanai City by ferry from Maui.

FOOD & DRINKS

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THE POUR HOUSE ITALIAN KITCHEN AND WINE BAR in Kapalua serves authentic Italian cousin in an upscale yet intimate setting. Be sure to try their Burrata and leave room for gelato!

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OKAZUYA in Honokowai is a hole-in-the-wall kind of takeout joint. They do not have a website and accept cash payment only. Their Korean-style BBQ Chicken is delicious. Call and order ahead to save yourself some time when you get there.

MALA OCEAN TAVERN has returned to Lahaina's Front Street after the devastating wild fire. It's a great place to sit at the oceanfront and enjoy delicious brunch. It's best to make a reservation as it is a very popular restaurant on West Maui.

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HONU OCEANSIDE has returned to Lahaina's Front Street after the devastating wild fire. This upscale, yet, intimate restaurant offers a memorable array of dishes that are sure to please your palate. It's best to make a reservation as it is a very popular restaurant on West Maui.

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COOL CAT CAFE, a burger lover's paradise lost in the Lahaina wild fire, has reopened in Kihei with the look and feel of its original Lahaina location. Their burgers are huge and juicy. Be sure to check out the Burger of the Month. They also opened at Whalers Village with an abbreviated menu and service.

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LAS PINATAS in Kahului is a small Mexican joint that appears totally unremarkable from the outside. Their fish tacos, however, are the best on Maui in our opinion. They marinate juicy and meaty white fish in cilantro sauce and grill it. A must eat on Maui!

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CAFE MAMBO in Paia is an obligatory stop on Maui. This unpretentious cafe is known for its crispy duck (and pork) recipes. Paia is only 4 miles from the Kahului International Airport. It is a cute town with many small shops and restaurants.

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LINEAGE is located at Shops at Wailea, built around family get togethers, celebrating the diversity of natural ingredients and a cooking style that embodies Maui cuisine. They are known for their unforgettable Korean fried chicken. Book your reservation early for this restaurant.

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KULA BISTRO is located in Kula with a great menu including mouth-watering desserts. A perfect final stop after you've visited Upcountry landmarks like Haleakala, Maui Wine, and Lavender Farm. They don't take reservations. BYOB of wine or beer.

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MAUI WINE is located in Ulupalakua, Upcountry. You can't say you've experienced Maui without spending an afternoon at this lovely and tranquil winery. They make wine from pineapples as well as traditional grape varieties. Combine your winery outing with a burger lunch at Ulupalakua Ranch or Bullly's Burgers.

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BULLY'S BURGERS is located just 5 miles from Maui Wine. They serve farm-to-table burgers that actually taste like real meat. It's a shack with vast vistas of Maui. Enjoy your outdoor picnic with one of the best burgers on Maui. Check their opening days and hours before you head over.

OLD LAHAINA LUAU is the place to be if you're looking for the best Luau in Lahaina. They have professionally curated dances and entertainment, along with a full course of dishes representing various parts of the Pacific Islands.

SHOPPING

NA HOKU is a Hawaii-based and family-owned jeweler designing and creating island lifestyle inspired jewelry for 100 years. If you're looking for a piece to pop the question, to memorialize your Maui vacation, or to treat yourself, look no further and head over to Na Hoku.

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WHALERS VILLAGE is an upscale outdoor shopping mall in Ka'anapali with shops that reflect the best of island lifestyles, from clothing, shoes, home decor, jewelry, souvenirs, to restaurants. Parking validation is available for the first 2 hours when you shop or eat at the mall. Two EV chargers.

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THE SHOPS AT WAILEA is an upscale shopping destination, featuring designer brands such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Tiffany's, and Prada. You'll also find uniquely Maui closing and home decor shops to bring out the shopping diva in you. Free parking with 1 EV charger.

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U'I GALLERY in Kahului showcases the one-of-a-kind creations by local artist, Racheal Ray, from paintings, coasters, to phone cases. Something for everyone. Her use of brilliant colors highlights the beauty of Hawai'i's landscapes and lifestyles.

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PAIA and MAKAWAO Towns are a great place to visit. Both are home to one-of-a-kind boutiques, health food stores, and specialty shops. You'll love these North Shore and Upcountry quaint little towns on your way to Hana or Upcountry.

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UPCOUNTRY FARMERS MARKET in Pukalani is open on Saturday mornings, featuring locally grown produce and locally made products and foods. A great place to shop if you're looking for something unique to Maui. The positive vibe there is contagious.

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