Beyond the Maui-must-dos of swimming in the Pacific, snorkeling Molokini, hiking Iao Valley, watching sunset on the beach, eating kalua pork, drinking mai tais and driving the Road to Hana, among many others, the most important activity you should never forget to overlook is RELAXING.
I mean, surely you didn’t come all the way to the middle of the Pacific Ocean to take that online course for mastering Quickbooks, work on your taxes, study for your ACT or get involved in family/friend/relationship dramas back home, right?! We thought not. Here’s your guide to ultimate relaxation on the Valley Isle.
Tropical Relaxation 101: Maui Edition
If you’re flying to Maui from the mainland (or almost anywhere, for that matter), give yourself a pat on the back for traveling backwards in time by rewarding your extra long day with something it’s surely craving – a tropical treat!
Tip 1: Taste the Tropics
Upon landing, we recommend treating your tastebuds (or thirst buds, more likely) with a Hawaiian Shave Ice, adult beverage with a view, or both!
Shave Ice Recommendation: Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice, with locations in Kahului, Kihei and Lahaina
Adult Beverage Recommendations: The Mill House – Waikapu, Cafe O’Lei – Kihei, Monkeypod – Wailea, Cafe des Amis – Paia, Frida’s Mexican Beach House – Lahaina, Sea House – Napili, Kula Lodge – Kula
Tip 2: Schedule a Massage
After traveling such a long way only to discover Maui’s daily grind to be on par, stress-wise, with the likes of New York City and Tokyo (LOL), you’re surely going to need to decompress with a relaxing massage or three. And really, if you’re going to get a massage on Maui, it should be from the best.
Local Masseuse Recommendation: Maui’s Best Massage
Luckily, the aptly-named local business of Maui’s Best Massage offers outcall massage services to any location on Maui! Leave those car keys burning a hole in your aloha shirt pocket and order a professional, experienced masseuse directly to your hotel, resort, condo, or treehouse.
Offering a range of options for both outcall massage services and their in-studio location in Wailea, including Relaxation, Deep Tissue, Hawaiian Lomi Lomi, Couples or Group Massages for lengths of 60, 75, 90 and 120 minute increments, they are open daily from 9am to 8pm. Whether you choose to start, end, or break up your day with one of their stellar massages, you can’t go wrong. Ahhhh…
Tip 3: Have a Sandy Sunset Picnic
Is there anything better than a scenic picnic in the sand, just in time to watch the sunset?! Not so much, methinks. Head to your nearest Foodland, Safeway or specialty shop/cafe to grab the essentials – freshly made poke, cheese, crackers, cured meats, bread, haupia, etc. – and lay out the beach blanket for an epic (and relaxing) sunset experience.
Picnic Location Recommendations: Big Beach, Chang’s Beach, Charley Young Beach, Baldwin Beach, Ka’anapali Beach, Kapalua Beach
On windy days, make sure you have containers to keep your food sand-free! Or simply move to a nearby spot in a grassier area.
Tip 4: Visit the Garden of Eden
Located at Mile Marker 10.5 on the Road to Hana, the glorious Garden of Eden even sounds relaxing, you know? And rightfully so, because it’s absolutely gorgeous, mesmerizing and definitely worth the drive. We love the many tropical flowers, rainbow eucalyptus trees, lookout points and more, and could easily spend a whole afternoon here enjoying the sights, sounds, and smells of the surrounding tropical rainforest.
Driving Suggestions: Even if you’re intimated by the famed 600+ curves of the Road to Hana, keep in mind that this stop isn’t all that far of a drive from Haiku. While we always recommend that you keep going, you don’t have to! Just be sure to let the local cars pass, pull over to snap any photos you want along the way, keep your eyes on the road at all times, and you’ll be fine!
Tip 5: Take a Dip
With 81 beaches, tons of waterfalls, Iao River, stunning resort pools and more, you’re at no loss for places to indulge in a refreshing swim. Pick one and go for it, and remember to bring a buddy and keep an eye out for the shore break (if swimming at the beach). Have fun!
Swimming Suggestions: AVOID THE BLOWHOLE.
Thank you for reading, and we hope you enjoyed Tropical Relaxation 101. Do these things, consider yourself a Maui graduate, and repeat. Happy relaxing, everyone!
