Here is a portion of the Maui advice letter I give out to renters. Some of the items are duplicates to what was mentioned above (which would make the recommendations definitely worthwhile) but I mention some things that have not been discussed:
1. First stop, Costco:
There is a Costco literally right outside the airport.We usually stop here on the way to the villas. First, the produce is actually better than we have found at Safeway and Star Market. Second, I MUST have shade at beach and don't love the hassle of getting up early to snag a chaise. For the same cost of renting a chair on the beach or less than a gazebo for a day, we buy chairs and umbrellas at Costco. We then have the added freedom to explore other beaches on the island too. At the end of our trip, we usually spy a family who looks like they would appreciate a gift and we offer it to them. We still come out ahead $$-wise. Costco also has a good wine selection for sipping on the lanai at sunset.
2.Groceries:
There is a Star Market - 1 traffic light further (West) from the Westin off the main Honoapiilani Highway (sp?) - turn left
Safeway - in Lahaina (there's a Longs there too in an emergency)
Foodland - Lahaina - (In our opinion, The best market in the area across from the Ace Hardware)
Farmers Market and Fish market passed Star Market
3. Shopping:
Whaler's Village and Front St., Lahaina
4.Restaurants:
Nice & Special:
Lahaina Grill (formerly known as David Paul's, Lahaina- a not to miss)!!!!!
Pacific O (on the beach in Lahaina) or I'O next door (they own the Feast at Lele)
Plantation House (on the golf course in Kapalua)
Mama's Fish House (on the road to Hana)
Casual:
Roy's (Hawaiian cuisine in a strip mall between Kaanapali and Kapalua)
Sensei Sushi (service is questionable but truly outstanding and original sushi)
Go for the Scene:
Hula Grill or Leilani's (in Whaler's village shopping...all owned by TS Restaurants who also used to own Sunnyside and Jakes by the Lake in Lake Tahoe if that helps. They are similar is style and you can't really go wrong with either. They get crowded so if you can reserve, I would)
There are some fun, open air bars with Live music on Front St. Check local scheduling.
Skip Longhi's and the touristy restaurants on Front St Lahaina
5. Activities in the "It's touristy but you have to do it once" category:
-Snorkel trip:
Take a catamaran from Maleaa Harbor to Molokini. Do the early morning trip becasue tradwinds pick up in the afternoon making it difficult to see more. Many of them are good
I recommend either the Trilogy or 4 Winds. They are both sailing vessels as opposed to motor. Trilogy has a smaller group and you can get a 10% discount if you book on their website.
-Snorkeling from the beach:
There is great snorkeling at Black Rock at the Sheraton. It does get very crowded so go early. They also have torch lighting and cliff diving there.
Snorkeling near the hotel is very good too.
-We have never made it to Hana but even a partial ride is well worth the trip:
Paia town is has cute authentic shops and restaurants. On the way out of town, pull over to watch big time surfing and windsurfing. A small hike (walk) from the road at Mile marker 2 leads you to an awesome swimable waterfall. Another one at MM 10.
Then, at MM 11, there's this:
http://www.mauigardenofeden.com/
Kids will absolutely love it! We went today with two 13 year olds & they are difficult to impress if you can't plug it in. I highly recommend it and you can even turn around from there and head back! One day, we'll make it to Hana on our own.
-Helicopter tour (pricey but probably the best thing you can do while listening to the theme from "Apocalypse Now"- Richard Wagner's "Ride of the Valkyries")
-Warren and Annabel's Magic Show
Yes, it's good. It is for adults but I think they have 1 show that will allow kids. I would skip the meal and the Annabel part and just go for the magic (Warren).
-Luau -
Years ago we did the one at the Hyatt. Big impersonal and just OK food.
This time we are going to try the Feast at Lele in Lahaina. It's run by a good restaurant and supposed to be less touristy.
Old Lahaina Luau is also recommended
6. Activities in the "Haven't done yet but seem worthwhile to plan on doing sometime" category:
-Horseback riding,
-Take a surf lesson
-Kapalua Outdoor Adventures (new zip line and kayak trips)
-Drive to Hana (this is a spectacular 3 hour drive each way so I would stay one night.....there is a Shell station in Paia on the road to Hana that sells an excellent mile by mile CD tour that is highly recommended)
-Ulalena Show (mini cirque du Soleil - supposed to be good)
-Bike ride down Haleakala (various companies)
-Watch the surfers at Jaws (North sideof the island on the road to Hana- north) or Honokahua (far west on the road passed Kapalua)
7. If you want a good massage without the hotel markup, this place is 1 minute away from the Villas:
http://www.hawaiimassagetherapynetwork.com/index_sparejuva.htm
We had 2 excellent 1 1/2 hour massages there for $95/each. It's clean and professional. The major hotel spas charge $125 for 60 minutes.
Have a blast!!!