Planning a trip to our lovely Maui? If you’re thinking of vacationing on the Valley Isle, one of the first things you’ll want to plan is where to stay in Maui. There are two main areas or “sections” of the island where most vacationers stay – West Maui and South Maui. Both areas have a number of great hotels and condominiums to stay at, so which area you choose may depend mostly on what you want to do while you’re in Maui and the atmosphere you favor. So we did a little comparison of West Maui vs South Maui to give you an idea of what to look for.

Staying In West Maui

The west side of Maui comprises areas like Ka’anapali, Lahaina, Napili, and Kapalua. It is more developed but can also be more crowded. This area of the island is very green and picturesque with lush mountains and tropical scenery wherever you look.

Ka’anapali

Ka’anapali is the main resort area of West Maui with a number of luxury resort hotels and luxury vacation rentals located along its beautiful beach. Along Ka’anapali Beach, there is a paved walking path that connects all of the major hotels along with various restaurants, golf courses, the Whaler’s Village shopping mall, and a number of Maui beach activities like snorkeling.

Lahaina

A short shuttle ride from Ka’anapali is the historic whaling town of Lahaina. This charming town boasts the famous shopping and dining area known as Front Street, full of restaurants, art galleries, boutiques, and souvenir stores. There are also numerous historic sites and buildings to visit in this old whaling village. Here, you can catch a boat to go whale watching, have a dinner cruise, go snorkeling, or experience numerous other boat tours from the Lahaina Harbor. Lahaina has a small number of older, restored hotels as well as bed and breakfasts and condos.

Napili and Kapalua

Up the coast a little, just north of Ka’anapali is Napili and Kapalua. These areas offer a number of less expensive condominium vacation rentals, many right on the beach. This residential area may be a little quieter than the hustle and bustle of the Ka’anapali resorts and offer some great bargain spots while still being close enough to all the action.

However, if you’re planning to spend a lot of time exploring Haleakalā National Park, taking a Haleakalā sunrise bike tour, or traveling the famous Road to Hana, staying in West Maui will make the drive to Haleakalā and Hana much farther.

Staying in South Maui

Wailea

The southern coast of Maui features the communities of Wailea and Kihei. With its luxury resorts and vacation rentals, Wailea offers what Frommer’s called a “Beverly Hills by the sea” resort experience with great shopping and dining amid the picture perfect tropical area. This Maui resort area is a little quieter than the Ka’anapali resorts because the hotels are a little further apart, but Ka’anapali offers the convenience of easy walkability to area shopping and dining.

South Maui will be a little drier and sunnier than the western coast, so if you’re primary activity is sunbathing, South Maui may be the place for you. But almost everywhere you go in Maui will have plenty of sunshine and warm weather.

Kihei

North of Wailea is the little community of Kihei. This area has been called “Maui’s best kept secret for budget/affordable accommodations.” Here you’ll find a plethora of nice and often more reasonable vacation condo rentals, but some may not have air conditioning or a daily maid service, so be sure to check. Most of these condos are also across the street from the beach, but there is less traffic in this part of Maui than in the resort areas. Because of its great beaches, the numerous Maui ocean sports available, abundant sunshine, and affordability, Kihei is a favorite spot for vacationers on a budget who still want a great Maui paradise experience.

Staying at South Maui’s Wailea or Kihei will also put you a little closer to Haleakalā, our Haleakalā volcano bike tours, and the Road to Hana.

West Maui vs South Maui: Don’t Forget to Visit Maui’s Upcountry

Wherever you stay on the beautiful island of Maui will give you a memorable Hawaiian experience. Everywhere you go will be a fun and exciting tropical adventure. Whether you stay in West Maui or South Maui, be sure to visit Maui’s Upcountry and the wonders that surround you in beautiful Haleakalā. Take a Maui bike ride down this amazing volcano and explore all that Maui has to offer.

As part of your Haleakalā sunrise bike tour, you’ll enjoy a land tour of Haleakalā National Park’s Summit area as well as Haleakalā Crater with unbelievable views at 10,023 feet along with the unique cinder landscape and flora found only on this Maui volcano. In fact, the National Park Service (NPS) noted that if the weather is favorable when you visit the Summit, you can see 5 other Hawaiian islands from the top of Haleakalā.

But there’s so much to see at Haleakalā National Park that the land tour around the Summit and Crater that comes with your Haleakalā bike tour may just make you want to come back later and explore more of this amazing volcanic park. This park is so full of national wonders and breathtaking beauty that you’ll definitely need more than one day to see all that this volcano has to offer. The National Park Service must have thought that too because admission to Haleakalā National Park is actually valid for 3 days.

So now, what will you see in your 3 days? Well, we’ve taken note of some interesting things to do in Haleakala National Park while you’re exploring.

A VARIETY OF EXPERIENCES IN HALEAKALA NATIONAL PARK

The NPS generally divides Haleakalā National Park into 3 different areas: the Summit Area, the Wilderness Area, and the Kipahulu Area. Of course, you’ll see part of the Summit on your Haleakalā sunrise bike tour, but you can also hike through this “high-elevation ecosystem” along more than 30 miles of hiking trails. See native Hawaii here with its “rare and endemic species” like Hawaiian honeycreepers or the Hawaiian dark-rumped petrel. Haleakalā National Park staff members are on-hand each day in the Summit area to provide education talks and answer questions about this interesting ecosystem. Or come back to the Summit at sunset and be amazed at the number of stars you can see in this brilliantly clear sky, viewed at 10,000 feet!

THE WILDERNESS OF HALEAKALA NATIONAL PARK

With numerous microclimates and the diverse landscape of the Haleakalā volcano, the Wilderness Area offers a world of adventure. “Your steps will take you from brown and red cinder cones, towering hundreds of feet tall in dry, cold desert air to cloudforests dripping with red and green native ferns,” the NPS wrote. If you enjoy camping, there are two Wilderness campgrounds where you can enjoy the wilderness in a tent. And for those who want a little more of the comforts of home, you can reserve one of three historic cabins along the trails. Overnight camping at Haleakala will require a permit and a reservation is required for the cabins. You could also just simply take a day hike through this beautiful terrain. Be careful hiking at these high altitudes, however, and be sure to bring food and water along with you.

Equally beautiful but visually very different, the coastal area of Kipahulu offers visitors a different angle and view of the mountain. Lush rainforests lead visitors to gorgeous waterfalls and the famous freshwater pools of Ohe’o Gulch. Visitors can swim in this area of Kipahulu, but only when conditions allow as dangerous flash flooding can occur. Several hiking trails lead through this tropical rainforest region of Haleakalā National Park, and a drive-up campground is available. The breathtaking coastline of the Kipahulu area has several nice overlooks where you might see dolphins, monk seals, or sea turtles playing along the ocean coastline. Much Hawaiian culture can also be found in the hills of the Kipahulu area as cultural demonstrations and archaeological sites give you a glimpse into the native culture of Hawaii. You can access the Kipahulu area by driving 12 miles past the town of Hana on Hana Highway on the northeast coast. Your admission ticket to the Haleakalā National Park will also allow you access to the Kipahulu entrance as well.

EXPERIENCE THE OFFERINGS OF HALEAKALA FROM A DOWNHILL BIKE ADVENTURE

So after you’ve enjoyed the amazing views, restaurants, and shops along your self-paced Haleakalā bike tour down the volcano, the next day you could camp out in the wilderness or hike through the rainforest. The Haleakalā National Park offers a world of adventure and beauty. Why not explore all the wonders that can be found at the Haleakalā volcano?

“Seven Pools of Oheo” by Eric Chan from Hollywood, United States – Kipahulu: The Seven Pools of O’heoUploaded by PDTillman. Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons – https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Seven_Pools_of_Oheo.jpg#mediaviewer/File:Seven_Pools_of_Oheo.jpg

Many visit our beautiful Valley Isle just for its pristine beaches. Hanging out, being a Maui beach bum for the day, is definitely a must on your vacation. Many relax down at the beach after their Haleakalā sunrise bike tour, or guests can simply use our Maui bike rentals to explore Maui’s gorgeous beaches on their own.

Instead of just staying at the beach by your hotel, why not venture out to some of the other beaches on Maui’s beautiful shores? Maui has so many great beaches. You have to visit at least a few on your trip.

So to help you along your beach exploration, we’ve made a list of some of Maui’s best beaches and some of the Maui activities you can do while you’re there.

Baldwin Beach

Located about a mile from our shop in Paia is the beautiful white sand Baldwin Beach. This is a great Maui beach to go to after your Haleakalā bike tour. There is actually a nice bike trail down to Baldwin Beach from the town of Paia. Based on availability, we offer daily Maui bike rentals for those who want to just take a bike out for the day. Noted as one of Maui’s most beautiful white sand beaches, Baldwin is a favorite spot for locals with protected swimming areas and lifeguards on the east and west ends of the beach. At Baldwin Beach Park, there are open air tables, grills, showers, and a covered pavilion if you want enjoy a picnic at the beach after your Haleakalā bike tour.

Ho’okipa Beach

Also not too far from Paia along the Hana Highway on the North Shore is Ho’okipa Beach. Known as the “windsurfing capital of the world,” Ho’okipa is a great place to stop and watch world-class windsurfers and surfing professionals take on the large winter waves from either the beach or nearby picnic areas.

There’s no other beach like it on all of Maui!

Also a popular spot among locals, Ho’okipa has pavilions, grills, tables, showers, and restrooms where you can enjoy a nice picnic lunch and watch all the action, even possibly a windsurfing competition. You may even see some Hawaiian green sea turtles make their way up the shore. So stop by on your way home from your Haleakalā sunrise bike tour and watch the sunset at this gorgeous Maui beach.

DT Fleming Beach

In West Maui, there’s a terrific spot for relaxing in the sun – DT Fleming Beach Park at Honokahua Bay. This beautiful long, sandy beach offers a great view and a great place to go boogie boarding or body boarding. With picnic tables, grills, restrooms, etc., this park is perfect for enjoying a sunset picnic or a full day at the beach. Although there is a nice shoreline that gets gradually deeper as you walk out, there can be some pretty powerful waves and strong rip currents so caution can be needed in the surf. The DT Fleming Beach is named for David Thomas Fleming who introduced pineapple to West Maui as a commercial crop.

Ka’anapali Beach

One of Maui’s most well-known beaches is Ka’anapali Beach in West Maui. A mile-long pristine beach lined with resorts, shops, and restaurants, Ka’anapali Beach is one of the premier tourist destinations in Maui. This signature white sand beach is home to the famous cliff area at north end known as Black Rock, where a cliff diver nightly lights a ceremonial torch and dives off the cliff into the Pacific. Along with the chance to cliff jump, this Black Rock area offers some excellent snorkeling and diving along its underwater reefs. The water here in some places can experience strong currents so caution is needed. For those who just want to enjoy the view, there’s a paved walking path along the beach passing in front of the resorts and shops.

Big Beach (Makena)

In the southern part of Maui, you’ll find a breathtakingly beautiful sandy beach known as Big Beach or Makena Beach that’s a little less touristy than other Maui beaches. South of Wailea, Big Beach is one of Maui’s largest beaches with long and dramatically wide shorelines, making it a great spot for sunbathing amid awesome views of Molokini and Kahoolawe. The waves can be pretty intense with on-shore breaks, so swim with caution if you are inexperienced, especially in high surf, but there is a lifeguard on duty. Big Beach offers a spectacular sunset view, beautiful blue/green water, and a more out-of-the-way beach location than some of the more frequented Maui beaches.

Red Sand Beach (Kaihalulu)

If you’re still up for a little more adventure after your Haleakalā bike tour, you might travel on the Hana Highway just south of Hana Bay to the attention-grabbing Red Sand Beach on Kaihalulu Bay. You’ll have to take a small hike to get to this unique cove beach filled with deep red-black sand. The distinctive red sand comes from the cinder hill surrounding the secluded beach. Be careful when hiking to the beach as the path can be steep, narrow, and a bit slippery so good shoes are important. Swimming is generally not advised here because of the strong currents (Kaihalulu actually means “roaring sea”), but the amazing scenery is worth the journey to this unique beach.

These are just a few of Maui’s most beautiful beaches. Others you may want to visit include the Black Sand Beach on the Hana Highway, Hamoa Beach, Kapalua Beach, and Wailea Beach. Check out some of these awesome Maui beaches on your way home from your Haleakalā volcano tour!

Our self-paced Haleakalā bike tours give vacationers a fun and relaxing way of exploring Maui’s amazing Upcountry. Guests can bike this incredible Maui volcano downhill from the summit of Haleakalā all the way to the beach. After all is said and done you’ll definitely want to check out some of the food near Haleakala options. Here are some of our top picks!

Because it’s a self-paced bike tour, you can take your time and stop along the way for breakfast or lunch at the many great shops and restaurants along the route. On our narrated van tour driving up Haleakalā, our experienced guides will tell you about great places to eat at along with various points of interests and history about Haleakalā. But we thought we might go ahead and highlight some places to stop and grab a bite on the bike ride down to help you plan out your Haleakalā bike tour a little more. . .

Maui Lavender Café

This small lavender farm and café will be the first place to stop at along your bike ride down Haleakalā. Located right along the bike path on Crater Road in Kula, the Maui Lavender Café serves a full breakfast including delicious banana pancakes, French toast, breakfast sandwiches, bagels, breakfast tacos, ‘biker’ burritos, and even breakfast pizza. They also have a variety of teas and coffees (many of them with a lavender theme like lavender ginger lemonade, lavender iced or hot tea, etc.) as well as snacks like cookies and scones. The Maui Lavender Café has a charming gazebo with a great view that’s perfect for outdoor dining as well as a garden of lavender and a eucalyptus forest you can walk around to really take in the gorgeous landscape of Upcountry Maui.

Kula Lodge and Restaurant

Farther down the Haleakalā volcano tour at about 3,200 feet, you’ll come to the Kula Lodge and Restaurant. This quiet spots sits among a beautiful garden of flower farms of carnations, protea, and other gorgeous tropical plants that make the ideal backdrop for a picture to remember your Haleakalā bike tour. The Kula Restaurant is open 7 days a week for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can enjoy a delicious meal in the outdoor garden terrace that overlooks the West Maui Mountains and the Pacific Ocean in the distance. A wood-burning pizza oven creates delightful pizza dishes by the Kula Lodge and Restaurant’s Executive Chef. Stop by the Kula Lodge and Restaurant on your Haleakalā bike ride for wonderfully romantic views and flavorful dishes.

Fruit Stands

As you make your way biking down Haleakalā, you’ll see a number of little stands selling a variety of fresh fruit along the bike route. Many of these roadside stands operate on the honor system, where those biking in Maui down the volcano simply can leave money and take the fruit they want. This fresh fruit is often a much-needed and refreshing treat along the Haleakalā volcano bike tour.

Makawao Town

In what’s known as Paniolo Country, there sits a small town called Makawao located along the slopes of Haleakalā. You’ll run into this charming town on your Maui volcano bike tour. Take your time in this little town and discover all the rich paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) heritage that Makawao is famous for. Along with annual rodeos and country western dancing, Makawao is home to a number of art galleries, boutiques, and shops that you’ll want to browse through. Also, there’s a number of excellent places to grab a bite to eat. T. Komoda’s Store and Bakery is famous for their amazing donuts as well as their cream puffs and butter rolls. If you want to stop for lunch, Polli’s Mexican Restaurant makes home-style quesadillas, fish tacos, tostadas, and other authentic Mexican dishes. If you’re feeling more like Italian, the Casanova Italian Restaurant and Deli is a good choice. Makawao Sushi and Deli offers some tasty rainbow sushi rolls, ahi poke, and other seafood favorites. For some grab and go food items, you can stop by the Rodeo General Store in Makawao. Along with being a great little grocery store, they also have a small deli with a variety of sandwiches and salads available.

Lumeria Maui

On the Maui bike ride through Haleakalā between Makawao and Paia, you’ll find the Lumeria Maui eco-luxury educational retreat. Along with their yoga and meditation classes set in a beautiful resort location, Lumeria is home to the MuBu restaurant that features fresh Farm to Table foods for breakfast, lunch, and diner served amid beautiful tropical gardens and amazing views of the West Maui Mountains.

One Love Farmer’s Market

Just before you get to Paia on your Haleakalā bike tour, you’ll find the One Love Farmer’s Market. Located in a former train depot, this delightful farmer’s market offers a variety of all local fruits and vegetables as well as get tropical smoothies, fresh juices, and other great snacks.

Paia Town

At the end of your Haleakalā volcano biking journey, you’ll come to the town of Paia. Here there are numerous great restaurants to try including the Paia Fish Market, Flatbread Company, Café Des Amis, Dazoo, Rock and Brews, Anthony’s Coffee Company, and many more. These offer a variety of delicious treats for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. So after your Haleakalā bike tour, take some time to explore all the great shops and restaurants in our little Paia Town.