If you’ve been following ALG Vacations®, you’ll know that we were thrilled to be able to take our Pros in Paradise FAM program over to Hawaii. For us, this trip was twofold. First, we were excited to show travel advisors firsthand that this state is just as enchanting, transformative, and as perennial a pick for vacationers as ever. But more importantly, we were humbled by the opportunity to help rebuild tourism in Hawaii, give back to its communities, and experience Maui’s recovery and renaissance.
… Because make no mistake – in the two years since the tragic wildfire that took Lahaina, Maui has not only regained its title as one of the most spectacular vacation destinations on the planet, but has become an even more meaningful place to visit. Although the damage occurred on the west coast of a peninsula jutting outward from the north side of the island, all of Maui came together in pride and solidarity to show the world that this destination is one that is precious – rich with culture, rooted in heritage, and dazzling to see.
But of course, no one knows that better than a Hawaii expert and resident, which is why we brought back our Ask a Pro series to find out the best local spots and hidden gems that any visitor to Maui should make sure to experience.
Early Morning Magic
One of the best things about traveling west to the Hawaiian islands is that the time difference works in vacationer favor. Our Circadian rhythms wake us up earlier there, allowing us to take advantage of the peace, beauty, and solitude of dawn, even at some of the most in-demand attractions.
Our Pros at the Hawai’i Visitors & Convention Bureau tell us that visiting Wāi‘anapanapa Black Sand Beach with the sun’s first rays is one of the best experiences to be had in Maui. “Early morning slots mean fewer crowds, and the rising sun over the lava cliffs is magical,” they promise. Plan ahead and make your reservation for the earlier part of your stay, while your body is naturally waking up earlier.
Note that reservations are required and that you have to book a parking voucher and entry for admission. The fees are nominal at only $10 per car, $5 per passenger, and minor order processing fees of less than $2.
Another AM activity you’ll never forget: a sunrise chant at Haleakalā with a cultural practitioner. Reservations are likewise required, so check ALGV’s tour offerings to see if there’s room on a guided tour. “It’s spiritual, immersive, and leaves a lasting impression,” our HVCB sources say.
Lesser-Known Heritage Gardens
You never have to go far to find beautiful foliage and flowers in Maui. It’s literally all around you, any time of year and nearly everywhere you go. However, make it a point to visit ‘Īao Valley's lesser-known heritage gardens, our insiders suggest.
“Many people drive right past Kepaniwai Park's cultural gardens,” the notice, but it’s “a quiet spot honoring Maui’s multicultural roots” with displays, architecture, statues, and plantings that honor Native Hawaiian, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Filipino, Portuguese, Puerto Rican, and even New England people.
You’ll want to make a reservation for ‘Īao Valley State Monument Park, but they’re not required for Kepaniwai Park, which is fully public. Find it adjacent to the Hawaii Nature Center and Wailuku Stream, and if you’re inclined, pack a picnic as pavilions are available for rest, relaxation, and reflection.
Pop-Up Plate Lunches & Secret Menus
Local flavor is also just as easily accessible as local botanicals. Maui is full of mom-and-pop shops, small businesses, and Hawaiian-owned establishments, all of which extends to restaurants. Across the island, you’ll find options that cater to residents and visitors alike, from everyday casual affordable eats to special occasion fine dining with international acclaim.
However, our Pros from the HVCB will share one of their favorite secrets: the plate lunch scene in the Wailuku Industrial Area. They reveal, “Some of the island’s best food comes from hard-to-find trucks and pop-ups tucked in the industrial zone!” and online reviewers confirm it. Some of the best-rated and difficult to track food trucks on the island can be found here regularly, and explorers are always rewarded with something memorable here.
You can also find great food trucks at small town events, our sources say, specifically calling out Wailuku First Friday, Hāli‘imaile Third Friday, and Kīhei Fourth Friday. Off the beaten path pays off if you’re looking for authentic eats.
We also have the scoop on where to ask for secret menus. Places like Sam Sato’s (Wailuku), Tin Roof (Kahului), or Coco Deck Lahaina (Lahaina) often have off-menu items that locals love, like dry mein variations,” we’re told. Don’t be shy about asking if there are any specials that aren’t listed on the printed menu, including daily specials that may change with the catches of the day. The reward is well worth the ask.
Local Art
Yes, there’s beauty everywhere in Maui … which should make it not at all surprising that there are plenty of artists inspired by it in just as many hidden corners of the island. A self-guided walking tour that supports cultural learning is a wonderful idea for those who love to come across random moments of delight. Small Town * Big Art has a great ready-made itinerary for Wailuku, which was developed through a grant by the National Endowment for the Arts.
“Wailuku’s Small Town Big Art murals tell mo‘olelo (stories) through large-scale works,” the Pros say, which means picture-perfect backgrounds for you to make your own personal form of visual art … even if it’s just a selfie.
Sugar and Plantation History
The Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Mill Museum is a great opportunity to understand a past that impacted life on Maui today. Sugar cane made its way out of New Guinea eastward and westward over the course of 10,000 years and landed in Hawaii over a thousand years ago. However, the sugar industry didn’t come to be until 1839 on Maui, pioneered by King Kamehameha III himself. By 1884, there were 80 sugar plantations throughout the islands, which has considerably dwindled since then.
Regardless, it was this global crop, used for agriculture and material, that attracted workers from across Asia, Puerto Rico, and central, Northern, and Western Europe. The wide variety of exhibits here that cover geography, social impact, immigration, plantation communities, field work, milling, and outdoor equipment provide a multifaceted view of the importance of sugar to the state.
Carrying Kindness Where You Go
As you may know, the concept of kindness and that Kindness Carries On has become an integral part of ALGV’s corporate identity. We are so proud to share that core with the people and towns of Maui, who readily open up plenty of volunteer opportunities for visitors.
“GoHawaii.com/Voluntourism has a number of options for mālama activities,” HVCB’s Pros say, and the chances to make an impact, interact with local residents, and really become part of the destination are varied and rich. And with regularly scheduled events, like lei-making for elders, restoring lo‘i (taro patches), or beach cleanups happening weekly, plus opportunities at local shelters to take out dogs for the day, it’s easy for travel advisors to keep options on standby for vacationers who want to join in on the kindness movement.
After all, there’s no better way to immerse yourself in the spirit of aloha and get to know Maui than to be a part of its community.
