Maui Island Info: - Activities & Resources
Presented by the Pauli Family Direct Owner Rentals, Wailea, Maui, Hawaii

Sunshine Cab: 808 879-2220   My new favorite airport transport. About $45 one way. 5% discount if you rent from Lourdes at Avis in Kihei (808 874-4077). Please use AVIS ARC No. 0158045D (or better yet, the AVIS link below) to make your reservation.

Speedi Shuttle: 808 875-8070   Transportation to and from the airport. If you call in advance they will meet your plane.

Avis: 808-874-4077 (Avis in Kihei) or Toll Free: 800-962-1434 (Avis National) Avis offers the option of Airport pick up or local pick up in Kihei. With a large fleet, convenient service, competitive pricing and alliances with many airline frequent flyer clubs, this international company is a good bet to service your needs. Good pricing too if you use our ARC/IATA number & AWD Code when making any reservation. Click on the AVIS link above to use their website to make your reservation. ATA/ARC No: 0158045D and AWD Code: H020500

The Maui Bus: 808 871-4838   $1 per ride or monthly pass. The website links in left column take you to printable schedule, route maps and more. You can now get all over Maui on the bus 7 days per week. It's getting more reliable but it's not quite like the mainland so be sure you're not on a tight schedule.

Concierge/Booking Services:   (see Island Activities)

Kids Stuff:

• BABY's AWAY at 800 942-9030 or 808 875-9030 baby and child supply rental service providing quality equipment such as cribs, strollers, portable crib, car seats, high chairs, toys, swings & exersaucers.
• AKAMAI MOTHER's RENTALS Phone 808-298-1336 Many guests prefer this company. Same items as above.
• WILD WHEELS WENTALS Phone 808-879-0220 or TOLL FREE 1-800-339-4743 Same items as above, good rates and rollaway cots too.
• NANA ENTERPRISES Toll Free 888-584-NANA (6262): Phone 808-879-NANA (6262) Our housekeeper likes this company>. Same items as above.

Tropical Toys: 808 876-0600   Tropical Toys will deliver Beach & Ocean Toys for your family to enjoy while on vacation.

Child Care:

• the NANNY CONNECTION.com at 808 875-4777 to request quality child care services for ordinary sitting jobs. If you call from the mainland they will call you back.

Snorkeling Gear:

• www.mauidiveshop.com/rentals.htm   Quality equipment, even prescription lenses for masks. Close by North in Kihei at Denny's plaza.

Grocery Shoping, Delivery, Supply Stocking Service:

• CONCIERGE CONNECTION Toll free: (888) 875-9366 Local: (808) 875-9366 Order ahead for pick up or delivery. Why spend time in the grocery store - you'll probably end up spending less thank you think using this service to stock your condo before you arrive.

Grocery Stores: (Alcohol is sold in stores on Maui until 10:50 p.m.)

• Foodland: 879-9350   at Kihei Town Center on South Kihei Road across from the softball field and Kalama Park is open 24 hours daily with exception for holidays.

• Safeway:   at 277 Pi'ikea Ave at the intersection of Pi'ilani Hwy Kihei's newest store has everything. Get a membership card when you check out for some savings.

• Star Market: 879-5871   at 1310 South Kihei Road at the intersection of Lipoa Street is also open 24 hours and is slightly larger than Foodland. Suffering from Safeway competition.

• Wailea Wine & Spirit: 879-0555   Fine wines can be purchased here. Located in the new Wailea Center near Joes and Grand Champions on Ike Drive. At the end of Pi'ilani Highway the road curves toward the ocean - take a right on Ike Drive just before the stop light at Wailea Alanui - small high end deli too. Order ahead for your favorites. Some very good prices too.

Weather Information: 877-5111   Other weather information is 244-8934 Code 1520 or Code 1521 for the surf report.

Churches:   We have all kinds! The local phone book lists churches by denomination. Call for schedules and driving directions. Local church groups warmly welcome visitors. (Use the left menu for a more denominations)

Entertainment:   The Thursday issue of the Maui News each week has an excellent entertainment section with many restaurant ads and event information.

Farmer's Market:   Far north part of Kihei on Kihei Road each Tuesday and Friday from 1:30-4:00 p.m. for farm fresh fruits and vegetables.

Gym:   Gold's Gym 874-2844 is located at Lipoa Center on Lipoa Street next to Hapa's Brewhouse behind Texaco Gas. Rates and schedules vary. Gold's offers limited child care and aerobics. A more "hard core" gym is World's Gym 879-1326 above Tesoro Gas Express off Ohukai Street where professional trainers are available. At Wailea Town Center you'll find REP's - I think a weekly membership is the minimum there.

Professional Photography: (800) 878-1583 Toll Free or (808) 875-8461 On Maui.   For weddings, special events or family reunions, nothing is better than a photographic keepsake of your trip to Maui. Making Maui Memories is one of the best. Contact Jillian.

Post Office:   The Post Office is located in Kihei at Azeka Place Shopping Center off South Kihei Road and is open Mon.- Fri. 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sat. 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Tennis Courts:   There are public lighted courts at Kalama Park in central Kihei and behind the Maui Sunset condominium north of Azeka Shopping Center. Fee courts are available at WAILEA TENNIS CENTER 879-1958 and MAKENA TENNIS 879-8777.

WATER FUN | WHALE WATCH | HIKE/BIKE/DRIVE
GOLF | MOVIES/MUSEUMS | HELICOPTER

Concierge Services:  Sometimes it's nice to have a contact on island to help you find the best boat, restaurant, snorkel sight - or just for some reliable local knowledge. You don't need to stay at a hotel to make use of these excellent services...

• Concierge Connection Toll free: (888) 875-9366; Local: (808) 875-9366 Sandi Loakimi and her staff are great. These folks really do care and want to find the activity or other reservation that is perfect for you. They do have good pricing but they are not a discount service and you'll love that. They can even arrange that perfect Aloha Welcome - tell them the South Maui Condo Owners Network (MOC) sent you!

Realtors: There are many qualified realtors on Maui. We can personally recommend those linked below... Successful, hard working & pro active.

• Brad Hill - Hawaii Life Real Estate Brokers at the Wailea Town Center
  Brad specializes in Maui Condos along the South & West Shores which allow vacation rentals. His website allows you to search properties on the islands of Maui, Oahu, Kauai, Big Island, Lanai and Molokai.

• Steve Still - The Wailea Group, Wailea & Makena at the Shops of Wailea
  www.SteveStill.com
  Steve has helped us buy and sell several properties at Ekahi VIllage - good advice and great contacts and good follow through.

• Matt Pauli - atProperties in Chicago
  South Maui Investment Real Estate
  Chicago Properties
  Matt has been visiting Maui since he was 10 yrs old and working with the Pauli Family Maui Rentals for the last 10 years. A great communicator, Matt specializes in finding the right investment for you or your Trust in or out of a Retirement Plan. He has great assets on Maui and in Chicago and extensive expertise in leasing and rentals.

Snorkeling, Scuba Diving, Windsurfing (mostly in Paia and Kapalua), and deep-sea fishing (don't expect to catch much unless you go to the Big Island) are all available.

Maui Ocean Project: (808) 667-6706 at 843 Wainee #551, Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii. This is a Marine Education Activity for Kids and Families. A MUST FOR THE FAMILIES!

• The Turtle Project - You snorkel with endangered Giant Sea Turtles.
• The Reef Project - Learn what coral eats, where octopus live, how urchins move.
• The Tide Pool Project - explore a tide pool which is the nursery be the reef. There is miniature marine life like soft sea cucumbers, hermit crabs and baby tropical fish.
• The Scuba Project - Try scuba for kids and adults who are 12 years and older.
• Night Snorkel Project - Use underwater lights to observe lobster, sleeping puffer fish, shrimp, living shells, octopus, and red squirrel fish.

Snorkeling: - Great, inexpensive adventure! You can rent equipment by the week at dive shops everywhere. If this is new to you, you can familiarize yourself at the beach in front of Ekahi. The rocky point to the south of the old Renaissance Hotel between Mokapu & Ulua Beaches has the best local snorkeling but the north end is good too.

A very nice trip for beginners and experienced snorklers/divers is to Molokini crater. The boat crews are very good at putting you at ease with the experience, plus you can whale watch, sail and sun bathe too. Mile marker 14 on the road to Lahaina is also a nice spot. Other snorkeling areas are on maps you can get from the dive shops. Three of our favorites follow:

• Snorkeling at Ulua: If you want good snorkeling near the shore and tire of Kam III across the street, head south to Keawakapu (end of Kihei Rd -Tide pool great for kids) or Ulua (between the Renaissance and Outrigger) beaches.

• Snorkeling at Ahihi: A favorite spot is Ahihi. It is past Makena just as the lava fields start. You should go around 8-8:30 when the water is calmer. You need to wear shoes - the path from the car to the water is lava rock. There is a cove many mistake for Ahihi. It is fairly easy access and adjacent to the road and used by Scuba Diving groups. We often see turtles here but it is much too crowded for us. Keep driving past the cove, up the hill and just past the end of the stone wall (homes on right), you'll see a dirt parking lot - that's what you want. There is a path at the ocean end that takes you to the left and is easy to follow. When you get to the lovely cove and beach, keep going - the far side has easy access.

• Snorkeling at La Perouse Bay: This is located only about 15 minutes from where you will be staying and is considered the best snorkeling area in the islands. It is quite beautiful; this is a great place to swim with the turtles. Just past Ahihi near the stables. Well into the lava field at the end of the road. No signs. I'd take a picnic for this spot - it's a lot of work to hike in and well worth a second snorkel after some beach time.

Whale Watch: December through March - A MUST. Whales seem most active early morning. There is often lots of activity and great viewing down at the main pavilion pool or at Kamaole III beach. Watch for the waterspout, then look for a tail.

• Whale Watching Cruises - Also A MUST. Our favorite activity is a sunset cruise with drinks and pu'pu pupus (snacks). Dinner cruises are not good for whale watching and are overrated, but it's your money. Sail boats and motor launches are available out of Ma'alaea or Lahaina in great numbers pick your price and go. If you take a snorkeling trip to Molokini or a day sail to Lanai or a deep fishing trip you will see whales.

• Amazing Whale Watch Video On a trip March 1, 2008 off the shores of Wailea Maui Hawaii,a member of our group took the following Whale Footage. Humpback Whales spend December-Early April in the protected Maui waters giving birth to their young. This video is an example of some of the wonderful sites and experiences travelers to Maui can experience. At least 5 breaching whales - close up to the cruise boat and wonderful sound in the back ground so typical in real life - listen for the child upset because he "missed it" and the wife wondering often... "did you get that"... but mostly watch the whales... We were once told that March activity like this often takes place because the male whales are needing to work out as mating season is over... :)

Bike Haleakala (Volcano Downhill Ride): Let a van pick you up at the condo (3 a.m. for the sunrise ride) and bike down Haleakala. The guided tour is more expensive but makes sure you maintain a safe speed and offers a great breakfast half way down. (Maui Downhill (808) 871-2155 or (800) 535-BIKE) (for an unescorted tour try the Haleakala Downhill group)

Haleakala Sunrise and/or Hike: If you are getting up very early due to the time change, you might want to catch the strikingly beautiful sunrise at Haleakala Crater as it comes up out of the ocean over the clouds. It is extremely cold until the sun comes up (take warm clothing) and is a two hour drive away (you'll have to leave by 4AM). Remember the air is thin at 10,000 feet.

In the alternative, you could check the mountain when you get up. If the top is clear, get in the car and go. Have a wonderful breakfast at the Kula Lodge on the way there and take a two to three hour hike through the crater, which has been likened to the surface of the moon. It is a terrain unlike any you have ever been to, but the footing can be difficult on rock and sand. Horseback riding and over night cabins are available.

Road Trip to Hana: - consumes the entire day. You can drive yourself or take a tour. You'll see curves, waterfalls, curves, black sand beaches, curves, thick foliage, curves and more curves! Hana is lovely, but go beyond to the Seven Pools and do some hiking. Cassette tape Road to Hana tour guide (in the condo by TV) is a real help if driving yourself. It begins in Paia. Be sure to leave it.

Hike Maui: 808 879-5270 Guided natural history excursions on foot with half and all day hikes. Hike anywhere from Haleakala Crater Hike, Cloud Forest Hike, Rain forest and Waterfall Hikes with a picnic lunch of gourmet deli sandwiches and lots of delicious fresh, organically grown local fruit.

Maui Sports & Cycle: Dolphin Plaza 2395 South Kihei Rd. Kihei, 808 875-8448 They have bicycles, snorkel & boogie boards you can rent, along with selling shoes & sun glasses. Their location at Longs Center 1215 South Kihei Rd. 808 875-8448 carries everything except the bicycles.

Nakalele Blowhole: Drive left around the remote north side of the Island (beautiful scenery), approximately one hour to the Nakalele Blowhole. If the surf is right, this could be an incredible experience. The drive is treacherous and the walk down to the blowhole is through sharp lava, but you might find it worth it. Continue on to Ka'anapali. Stop at Whaler's Village for shopping and/or dinner.

Oheo Gulch Hike: The drive is approximately 1 1/2 hours on the beautiful deserted south shore of Maui along the old Pi'ilani Highway to Seven Pools at Kipahula (1-3 hrs longer if you have to take the long way around which you do these days). Take a gradual one to two hour fairly easy hike along Pookeo Stream by several waterfalls and swimming holes, through a guava orchard stopping at a large swimming hole where you can jump from the rocks above anywhere from 10 to 30 feet. Then continue through bamboo forest to Waimoku Falls. These Falls originate out of Mount Haleakala where more than 300 inches of rain falls annually.

Outdoor Sports Gear Rental: Roller blades, Kayak, Tents, Backpacks & other camping & sports gear rental at Maui Outdoor Center 875-8878 located off South Kihei Road across from the Union 76 Station and behind Kihei Cafe at 1945 South Kihei Road. Shuttle service to & from Haleakala Crater or Kaupo Gap for hikers. Topographical maps stocked.

"Up-country" - refers to Pukalani, Makawao, Kula .... up the side of Haleakala. Horseback riding trips are there. - Botanical Gardens and Winery as well.

Waihee Valley Hike/Iao Needle Swim: Take a 30 minute drive (approx) to the Waihee Valley, then hike up this remote valley about two miles over Indiana Jones style swinging bridges to the end where there is a large pool beneath a waterfall and a rope swing to jump out into the middle of the pool. The hike is up hill, but not particularly difficult although there could be rain and mosquitoes as you are going into the wetter part of the Island. The Iao River swim is located nearby and you could drive within five minutes of the Iao River swimming hole for a dip.

You won't believe it when a putt breaks up hill! Golf on Maui can be expensive for the tourist - even with special rates. Afternoon play is almost half price. This is because the trade winds blow harder then making for some very interesting golf.

Our secret - Find the courses that are sheltered from the trades - a great deal in the PM. All the courses are well cared for and the scenery can't be beat. Buying a Prince card gives you golf at reduced rate for Makena courses, a free Sunday Bruch for 1 at the Prince (great) and more. Weather on this end is more predictable than the west coast (Ka'anapali).

Most Economical:

• Pukalani Country Club 572-1314 - On the side of Haleakala with great isthmus and Lanai island views. In a residential area. Watch for rain here.

• Elleair 874-0777 - in Kihei. This course is rated easy but I have difficulty scoring well here. It is nicely maintained and very close by (off Pi'ilani Hwy at Lipoa). Even better.... if you stay in one of our condos, Elleair offers discounted rates starting at $65 and includes an all day play as much as you can rate for around $130. Ask your owner for our coupon.

• Waikapu - very windy

• Dunes at Maui Lani 873-0422 (head to the airport but turn left at Diary Rd) Rated easy but doesn't play that way - beautiful course with lots of variety and great views.

Expensive: ($160+per person)

• MAKENA (1) (808) 879-3344 North (mountain). Not as nicely maintained as Wailea but some of my most challenging golf is on the north course.

• WAILEA (3)(808) 875-5155 or 5111 - Beautiful - flowers, water, mountains -spectacular. The Gold course is best golf, Emerald is most beautiful (long and tough), Blue winds thru residential Wailea.

• Kapalua Golf Club (3) (808) 669-8044

• Ka'anapali (2) (808) 661-3691 - overrated (according to our friend Steve)

Special Rates:

• Stand By Golf 874-0600 or toll free 888-645-BOOK can get you nearly half price rates for next day play on many courses through out the islands. Most times are around noon. It's really a good time to play as cloud cover in the afternoon keeps you cool (Beach it in the AM). If you don't want wind, pick a sheltered course. http://www.standbygolf.qpg.com/

• TEE TIMES HAWAII: This amazing resource can offer you discounts on rounds of golf all over Hawaii and elsewhere in the US as well. If you are staying in Wailea, don't forget you have discounts on the Wailea courses already as a guest of the resort, still the options here offer multi day passes, discounts at near by Makena and others. Please use our link when you're ready to book.

Maui Ocean Center: 808 270-7000 at 192 Ma'alaea Rd. Ma'alaea. The Maui Ocean Center is the expression of a quarter century long passion of diving and studying the tropical ocean environment and its species.

Movies: For theater listings & more check www.MauiWeekly.com
or, For the theater itself call:

Kihei's Kukui Mall Theater at Kukui Mall Shopping Center behind Tony Roma's in Kihei.
Call 875-4910 and enter Theater Code #886 (Hit the # key then the number).
http://www.mauigateway.com/~rw/movie/kukui.htm

Kaahumanu Shopping Center, Kahului. Call 875-4910 and enter Theater Code #888 (Hit the # key then the number).
http://www.mauiweekly.com/mauimovielistings/story1376.aspx

Lahaina Cinemas at Wharf Cinema Center across from the Banyan Tree or for Front Street Theaters behind the Hard Rock Cafe call 249-2222.
http://www.mauiweekly.com/mauimovielistings/story1376.aspx

Maui Mall MegaPlex in Kahului at the Maui Mall (head for the airport but go straith on Puunene instead of turning at Dairy Road) call 249-2222.
http://www.mauigateway.com/~rw/movie/megaplex.html
http://mauimall.com/map.html

Maui Arts & Cultural Center (MAC) in Kahului near Kaahumanu center.
Live theater too call 572-3456.
http://www.mauiweekly.com/mauimovielistings/story1376.aspx
http://www.mauifilmfestival.com http://www.mauiarts.org/calendar.html

Everyone's favorite, but expensive. If you are going to spend, this is one to splurge on. Helicopters are a great way to see Hawaii's active volcano, waterfalls on Lanai, the remote south coast lava flows on Maui or even whale watch. Many companys to choose from. Check with a concierge.