All About Maui

Directions to Kamaole Sands 

From the airport (or car rental company) proceed down Keolani Place to the stop light at the intersection with Dairy Road. You are going to turn left. There should be a Costco on your left.

Proceed down Dairy Road across the intersection with Haleakala Highway and continue on to the stoplight at the intersection with Puunene Avenue. You will pass the Maui Market Place, the fire station, Home Depot and a giant, humongous church. At Puunene Road, you will turn left. Travel past the H&CS sugar mill sharp right onto the Mokalele Highway.

When you get to intersection with Piilani Highway. This will be about 6 miles. Proceed through the intersection until you get to Kihei Road (a very short distance). At the stop sign you will turn left onto South Kihei Road.

Proceed down South Kihei Road for some distance, about  3 or 4 miles. When you get to Kamaole Center and Denny’s (on the left) You’re almost there. Proceed through the next intersection and look to your left; look for the driveway and the sign Kamaole Sands, 2695 South Kihei Road. You have arrived!

RECOMMENDATIONS AND SUGGESTIONS FOR ACTIVITIES ON MAUI


Go to the top of Haleakala: This is a dormant volcano; its’ last eruption was 200 years ago. This is a long drive – a couple of hours- but spectacular. Start early before the clouds move in so you can see the best aerial view of the island. On the way back down stop at Kula Lodge, and see their terraced garden in the back and possibly have lunch. Or if you are not hungry yet go through Makawao and Paia to Mama’s Fish House (Off Hana Hwy) just before Hookipa (the rock beach where you can watch wind surfers and body surfers depending on the waves. Major competitions are held here.) Mama’s is a favorite restaurant to many; one of the best views and food on the island but it is very expensive/ We usually go for lunch – not dinner and a lot of the time even split a lot of that. Also, you can see the view during lunch and not when it is dark.

Drive to Hana: This is an all day trip and is very tiring but worth it. If your vacation plans are long enough I even recommend staying overnight in Hana in order to enjoy more activities there and if not make sure you plan it for the next time your come to Maui. For just a day trip make sure you start very early in the morning. (Call the Highway Department first to check road conditions and closures for repairs _ they are always working on this road. Many times, it is better to do this on the weekend because the road crews do not work then.) This drive is incredible and true Hawaii. Major highlights are the Waianapanapa Park (before Hana) and the Seven Pools (after Hana). Also, there are numerous stops on the way to view different waterfalls and pools. We leave a Hana trip cassette in the condo for your use on the trip but we don’t always know if it is still there. It is very informative to use the cassette on your trip. Pack a picnic lunch to have at Waianapanapa Park. In Hana stop and see the Hana Hotel (Where you can also have lunch if you didn’t bring a picnic) and also stop at Hasagawa’s Store, a landmark there, where you can purchase everything from milk to a TV. At Hasagawa’s ask about road conditions all the way around. If the roads are OK then drive all the way around. Part of the way is unpaved but is packed down hard. Just drive slowly and carefully and honk your horn before going around blind curves.

Whale Watching: Hundreds of humpback whales come to Maui every winter. Just about any rocky point are excellent vantage points. If you care to take a whale watching excursion, call the Pacific Whale Foundation. Whales may be seen from November through April.

Wind Surfing: Watch the big wave riders doing cartwheels in the afternoon off Hookipa Park on the north shore, two miles past Paia.


Best Beaches in South Maui.

Kam III
Directly across the street, life-guarded Kam III is divided by rocks into two sections: a small cove and a broader beach good for boogie boarding when the trade wind swell is up. Good snorkeling at Kamaole Point at the north end of Kam III. Usually very calm in the morning hours.

Keawapaku
A picture postcard perfect beach just south of the Five Palms Grille. Three parking lots.

Ulua
Good snorkeling and shore dive spot but very popular and often crowded. Very limited parking--arrive at 8 (yes, 8) or you’ll wait for a spot. If the crowds bother you, just move south a few yards. Snorkelling is good only at the north end.

Wailea
Another wonderful spot with more parking. Fair snorkeling.

Polo
Nice beach in front of the Fairmont Kea Lani Resort with lots of parking. Enter the parking lot at the side road adjacent to the south end of the resort. There is a small park with restrooms, showers, tables and grilles. Snorkeling can be good.
Makena Landing Beach Park
Favored by snorkelers and large groups of kayakers, the shoreline is mostly rocky with little sand. South of the landing are two small pockets of white sand, which are popular picnicking spots. The ocean bottom here slopes gently, making it a good swimming beach for children and novice swimmers. Accessed off of Makena Alanui Road at the "Makena Landing" sign.

Mala’aku
Drive past the Maui Prince resort a ways and then make a sharp right back to the parking lot. Fair snorkeling on the reef to the left. When the reef gets too shallow to swim, turn right and swim into deep water past the under-water arch. Bear left in deep water and look for turtles and perhaps a manta ray. Don’t attempt the swim unless the water is calm and the trades are calm. If you do swim out, swim back if the wind line (white caps in the distance) approaches.

Oneuli (Big Beach)
Maui’s most popular “local” beach. Don’t think of body surfing Paraplegic Beach here unless you have good medical insurance. The waves are slammers, due to the quick drop-off in the water. If you must body surf, head south toward the end of this long and beautiful beach. Little Beach over the lava flow at the right side of the beach has much gentler waves and is Maui’s unofficial (and illegal) clothing optional beach. There is good snorkeling between Big and Little Beach, and at the south end of Big Beach. There is also a reef about 100 feet off-shore that provides interesting snorkeling. Two parking lots. The beach closes at sunset.

Po'olenalena Beach
This secluded beach on the way to La Perouse Bay is often missed due to its rock wall enclosure. Its unofficial name is "Secret Beach". Since it is heavily used for weddings and renewal of vows, think twice before laying out your beach mat! But it is great for picture-taking. To access the beach, drive past Big Beach and look for a rock wall with a small opening next to some homes that sit at the road's edge.


Restaurants in Kihei

BARBECUE
Fat Daddy's Smokehouse BBQ - open for lunch (11:30 AM) & dinner. This Texas style barbecue restaurant is located in the Kalama Village.

Tip-Ups - boast that they have the best bar-b-que ribs in town. Open daily from 11:30 AM to 2:00 AM, they have nightly entertainment/ live music and dancing. They are located at 1279 S. Kihei Road.

FAMILY DINING
Big Wave Cafe - has good food at good prices. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Early Bird - 2 for 1 Special - from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM. This restaurant has outdoor patio dining and is located in the Long's Center.

Cinnamon Roll Fair - known for their gooey delicious cinnamon rolls but they also have muffins and sandwiches. Open for breakfast at 6:00AM in the Rainbow Plaza.

Denny's - a well-known restaurant that is open 24 hours every day serves breakfast, lunch and dinner is located in the Rainbow Plaza.

Kihei Caffe - good food and hearty helpings at reasonable prices. Open for breakfast at 5:30 AM through 2:30 PM. Located in the Kalama Village Shopping Center.

BRUNCH
Grand Dining Room at the Grand Wailea Resort - Enjoy a sweeping view of the Pacific Ocean while having a champagne buffet brunch. Reservations are recommended.

Prince Court at the Maui Prince Hotel - Unlimited champagne buffet brunch with a dazzling view of the Pacific Ocean. Reservations are required.

BURGERS
Peggy Sue's - a 50's style diner known for their burgers and great shakes. Opening at 11:30 AM for lunch and dinner daily, this restaurant is located in the Azeka Mauka Shopping Center.

CHINESE
East Oceans - serves Cantonese and Szechuan cuisine from 11:00AM to 9:30PM daily. An “All you can eat lunch buffet “ is very popular on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. This restaurant is located in the Rainbow Plaza.

Panda Express - reasonably priced Chinese food that is served cafeteria style. Known for its orange chicken, it also features many different entrees with occasional new offerings. Open daily at 11:00 AM for lunch and dinner, this restaurant is located in the Azeka Mauka Shopping Center.

FAST FOOD RESTAURANTS
You have several fast food restaurants to choose from all located north of Kamaole Sands. Jack in the Box, McDonald’s, Taco Bell and Subway.

HEALTHY/ORGANIC
Hawaiian Moons Natural Foods - the place to shop for health foods in the Kihei area. This store is well stocked with a selection of groceries, produce and vitamins. They have a great salad bar and hot entrees for vegetarians. Open daily at 8:00 AM at 2411 S. Kihei Road.

Joy's Place - known for their super fresh, healthy prepared lunchers from sandwiches to salads. Open Monday - Saturday at 10:00 AM, this restaurant is located at 1993 S. Kihei Road in the Island Surf Building.

ITALIAN
Antonio's - offers traditional Italian cooking along with many vegetarian dishes. Open for lunch at 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM Tuesday through Sunday and daily for dinner from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Antonio's is located in the Long's Shopping Plaza.

Aroma d'Italia - has very good homemade Italian cooking. Open daily for dinner at 5:00 PM with some outdoor dining is located in the Foodland Shopping Center.

Gian Don's Italian Bistro - serves good Italian food at reasonable prices. This open air restaurant has live entertainment most nights. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner weekends, and dinner only (4:30 pm on) on weekdays. Gian Don's is located at 1445 S. Kihei Road.

Matteo's Pizzeria - A very popular and friendly informal spot just mauka of the Shops of Wailea. Good pizza, pasta entrees, salads, sandwiches and desserts. Nice golf course and sunset views. Monday-Friday: 11 am to 9 pm; Saturday & Sunday: 5 pm to 9 pm.

MEXICAN
Amigos - a locally owned restaurant that had good Mexican food.

Fred's Mexican Cafe - bills themselves as the hottest Mexican cafe in Kihei. Opening at 7:30 AM daily to serve breakfast, lunch and dinner, this restaurant has open air dining. Located across from Kamaole Beach II on S. Kihei Road.

Maui Tacos - fast food at its best. The locals love this place as it is inexpensive but has filling meals s
erved with fresh ingredients. Located at 2411 S. Kihei Road, this restaurant open daily from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

PIZZA
Dollie's - has more than just pizza. They serve calzones, salads, pasta and sandwiches either dine in or take out with all their dough and sauces made fresh daily on the premises. Open from 4:30 PM Sunday - Thursday and 4:00 PM Friday and Saturday, this restaurant is located at 1819 S. Kihei Road.

Domino's – Pizza for pick up or delivery only. Located in the Long's Shopping Center or call 874-6000.

Pizza Hut – Pizza for pick up or delivery only. Located in the Dolphin Plaza or call 643-1111.

Round Table Pizza – Open daily at 11:00 AM for dine in, take out or delivery of pizza. Round Table is located in Piilani Shopping Center.

Shaka Pizza – is an East coast style pizzeria that also serves good hot sandwiches. Open daily at 10:30 AM to serve lunch and dinner. Shaka is located at 1770 S. Kihei Road.

SEAFOOD/STEAK
Alexander's Fish & Chips – a favorite local eating spot that is well known for its fresh fish but the ribs are also a favorite. Open daily at 10:30 AM for lunch and dinner. Located at 1913 S. Kihei Road across from the giant whale statue.

Cafe O'Lei – known for its great seafood this restaurant is a local favorite for lunch and Dinner. The restaurant opens Tuesday – Sunday at 10:30 AM for lunch and is locatd at 2439 S. Kihei Road.

Eskimo Candy Seafood Market and Cafe – Besides selling a variety of fresh fish, this is a favorite spot to buy fish & chips. This market is only open Monday through Friday at 8:30 AM and is located at 2665 Wai Wai Place.

Five Palms Restaurant – has the best oceanfront location on Maui. Open daily at 8:00 AM for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Known for their prime rib, the Palms is located at 2960 S. Kihei Road.

Outback Steak House – known for great steaks and seafood. Open daily from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM, the restaurant is located in the Piilani Shopping Center.

Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar – the menu features traditional teriyaki chicken and beef dishes, along with plenty of fresh fish preparations and sushi. Sunday/Monday have half price specials from 5:30 PM to 6:00 PM. Opened nightly at 5:30 PM and is located at the Kihei Town Center.

Stella Blues - features "New American" comfort food in both an indoor or al fresco setting. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. In the Azeka II Shopping Center.

Coconut's Fish Cafe - newly open fish restaurant in the Azeka Mauka Mall. Eat on custom-made surfboards and benches, and enjoy chowder, fish plates, signature cole slaw, and whatever.

THAI
Maui Thai – the locals enjoy the Thai food at this restaurant which opens Monday through Friday for lunch at 11:00 AM and daily for dinner at 5:00 PM. Located at the Rainbow Mall you can either dine in or carry out.

Thailand Cuisine – the food is delicious, the service is good and the prices are moderate which makes this a popular. Open for lunch at 11:00 AM Monday through Saturday and dinner daily at 5:00 PM, the restaurant is located in the Kukui Mall