Mama's Fish House is an absolute must-visit when you're in Maui. Renowned for its exquisite seafood and breathtaking oceanfront views, this iconic restaurant offers a dining experience that is both memorable and unmatched. The menu features fresh, locally caught fish, often sourced the same day, and prepared with a blend of traditional Hawaiian flavors and culinary innovation.
Given its popularity, securing a reservation at Mama's Fish House requires planning well in advance. It's highly recommended to book your table at least six months ahead, if not earlier, to ensure you get a spot. This ensures you don’t miss out on dining at one of the most sought-after restaurants on the island.
We've made our reservations for June 28, 2025, at 5:45 PM. If anyone wants to make a reservation around the same time, now is the perfect opportunity to plan ahead. Dining at Mama's Fish House is an experience you won't want to miss, so be sure to book your spot early!
Kama’ole I is the biggest and best of the three [Kama’ole beaches]—a long and pretty stretch of fine sand with good swimming much of the time, restrooms, showers, and a lifeguard.”
Other good things:
convenience store across the street
close parking
good snorkeling around the rocks
Paia Fish Market in Kihei is my favorite restaurant to eat at. This local restaurant offers a casual and welcoming atmosphere with some of the best seafood on the island. Their menu features a variety of fresh, locally sourced fish, prepared in different styles to suit every palate. Whether you’re craving grilled fish tacos or a hearty seafood platter.
The laid-back vibe of the restaurant, combined with the friendly staff, makes it a perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploring Kihei. If you’re a seafood lover, Paia Fish Market is a must-visit when you’re in the area. Get the ONO (mild white fish) or the Ahi!!
Maui Surfriders in Kihei is a fantastic place to dive into the world of surfing. Offering lessons and rentals, it caters to both beginners and experienced surfers looking to catch some waves in the beautiful waters of Maui. The instructors are knowledgeable and passionate, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Jaden and I have always loved surfing, surfing in Hawaii is unbeatable! The waves in Kihei are perfect for all skill levels, providing a great environment for learning and honing our surfing techniques. The warm waters and stunning views make each session on the surfboard even more memorable
Ululani's Hawaiian Shave Ice in Kihei is a delightful treat that perfectly captures the essence of Hawaiian flavors. Known for its finely shaved ice and extensive range of delicious syrups, Ululani's offers a refreshing escape from the Maui heat. Our favorite Snow Cone Shack!!!
Kaanapali Beach, located on the stunning west coast of Maui, is a must-visit destination with a plethora of activities to enjoy. One of the highlights is the famous Black Rock, or Pu'u Keka'a, where adventurous visitors can experience the thrill of cliff diving. This iconic spot offers not only excitement but also fantastic snorkeling opportunities, where you can encounter vibrant marine life in the crystal-clear waters.
When we last visited Kaanapali Beach, we parked at the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa, which made access to the beach incredibly convenient. The Sheraton offers paid parking and excellent hotel accommodations, providing a perfect base for exploring the area.
Kaanapali Beach is also renowned for its three-mile stretch of golden sand, ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and leisurely beach walks. The beach walk path connects various resorts, restaurants, and shops, making it easy to explore the local amenities. Golf enthusiasts can enjoy world-class courses at the nearby Kaanapali Golf Courses, offering stunning ocean views and challenging play.
If you’re staying in Wailea, Kaanapali Beach is approximately a 45-minute to 1-hour drive away, depending on traffic. The scenic drive along the coast provides beautiful views, making the journey part of the adventure.
With its combination of thrilling activities, beautiful scenery, and convenient amenities, Kaanapali Beach is a fantastic destination for a memorable day trip or a longer stay.
Makena Beach or Big Beach (as the hippies coined it back in the day, cause you know, it’s really big) is the iconic Hawaiian beach—beautiful long, wide, and sandy with lush mountains gently sloping up behind the tree line. Popular spot for swimmers, snorkelers, and beachgoers (also hippies).
There’s a pod of dolphins that like to frequent the area from La Perouse Bay up to Big Beach in the early mornings, so keep your eyes peeled! (Anyone else think that’s a strange saying?)
If you're looking for the best Mai Tai on the island, head over to Monkeypod Kitchen. Their Mai Tai is renowned for its perfect balance of flavors, crafted with high-quality ingredients and a generous pour of rum, making it a must-try for cocktail enthusiasts. The addition of a honey-lilikoi foam on top gives it a unique and delicious twist that sets it apart from the rest.
However, while Monkeypod is great for drinks, I wouldn’t recommend eating there. The food is decent but doesn’t quite match the exceptional quality of their cocktails. So, if you’re in the mood for an outstanding Mai Tai, Monkeypod is the place to go, but you might want to explore other dining options for your meal.
The Road to Hana is one of Maui's most iconic and scenic drives, stretching approximately 64 miles along the island's northeastern coast. This winding road takes you through lush rainforests, past cascading waterfalls, and along dramatic coastal cliffs, offering breathtaking views at every turn. The journey itself is an adventure, with numerous stops along the way to explore hidden gems and natural wonders.
One of the highlights of the Road to Hana is the abundance of waterfalls, many of which have inviting pools perfect for a refreshing swim. In the picture shown, you can see me and my friend enjoying a swim in one of these beautiful waterfalls, a memory that perfectly captures the magic of this journey.
Another must-see along the Road to Hana is the Red Sand Beach, or Kaihalulu Beach. This unique beach is known for its striking red sand, created by the erosion of the surrounding red lava cinder cliffs. The contrasting colors of the red sand, blue ocean, and green vegetation create a stunning landscape that’s truly one-of-a-kind. It's a bit of a hike to get there, but the breathtaking scenery makes it well worth the effort.