A Maui Guide

Maui stole my heart in 2018. It goes beyond words, the feeling of this island. Saying it’s special seems limiting when describing this island. Maui is often labeled the heart chakra, which I find very fitting because I have had many healing and loving experiences take place here. I’ve felt held and nurtured, even during the most challenging times. Throughout my time here, two things stand out the most: the breathtaking nature and the creativity of the humans who have chosen Maui as their home.

Below, you’ll find a list of all my favorite things I have tried to date, October 7th, 2026.

xo,

Megan 

Food

• Moku Roots: (Kula) Originally located in Lahaina, Moku is now based on their farm upcountry. They host a Friday night dinner and Sunday brunch, both centered around incredible vegan, farm-to-table food. Alpacas and horses wander the property, which makes the experience even more fun. They also often host yoga or breathwork before Sunday brunch. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even go paragliding nearby at the lavender farms.

• O’o Farms (Kula) - A great farm tour with an even better meal afterward

• Homestead bakery: Four words: Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Crossiont. A beautiful atmosphere as well. A lovely garden to walk through, they also do sourdough avocado toast.

• Marlowe: Located in (Pukalani). The best pizza on the island, incredbile fresh salads and savory dishes. They are also great for a morning cafe item and crossiant.

• Choice Heath Bar (Paia, Wailea, Kaanapali) : Choice has a few locations throughout the island. I frequent the Paia location. Great easy vegan options.

• Café Mambo (Paia) : Newly renovated with an updated menu, Izze has done an incredible job reimagining this restaurant. The menu has a great mix of options. For breakfast, I love the sweet potato bowl (add eggs). For lunch, the gilda and kanpachi are both standouts. If you’re in the mood for a salad, the little gem or the warm winter salad are excellent choices.

• Artisan Ice Cream (Pāʻia): Yeah, just go. My favorite sweet treat in Pāʻia.

• Nobu (Wailea): Located at the Grand Wailea and newly opened. I’m not usually big on raw fish, but I love the veggie roll. They also have a special dish—Japanese sweet potatoes roasted on kiawe wood…and I would honestly go to Nobu Maui just for that alone.

• Aurum (Wailea): A new restaurant by chef Taylor Ponte. I loved the food—and it’s the first place I ever tried bone marrow.

• Spoon & Key (Wailea): I just love everything about this place, their sandwiches, salads, and the atmosphere.

• Maui Juice Co (Wailuku): The best açaí bowl on the island, make sure to add the homemade mac nut butter.

• Hāna Farms (Hana): This might sound a little extreme, but I’ve driven to Hāna just for their gluten-free pizza and salad. Two hours for great food and a waterfall feels completely worth it.

• Nuka (Haiku): If you like sushi a great place! I enjoy their Nuka Bowl

• Mama’s Fish House: Worth the hype and consistently amazing. You can’t go wrong with anything you order, but make sure to try the steak in papaya, savory with a hint of sweetness

• A’a Roots (Lahaina): Great vegan food near on the west side.

• Ahonui Food Truck 

Grocery Stores / Markets

• Upcountry Farmers Market (Pukalani): My favorite Saturday tradition. Try the ramen, tacos and shots!

• Okoa Farms (Pukalani)

• Kūʻau Store (North Shore)

• Mana Health Foods (Paia)

• Down to Earth (Kahului)

• Alive and Well (Kahului)

• Hawaiian Moons Natural Foods (Kihei)

Wellness

• Scape Maui: (Paia) Yes, I know this is my business, but I truly believe in what we’re offering. Our massage therapists are exceptional, and we serve some of the best cacao, matcha, and chai. Also, our boutique is pretty fun :)
  

• Blue Mango Yoga (Haiku or Kahului) : I love this yoga studio. The owner Tiffany is amazing!

• Fuzion Fit (Haiku): If you need a gym on the North shore

• Mangala Yoga: (Makawao) Great yoga studio upcountry

• Maui Healing Center (Kula): Best acupuncture i’ve ever had, Eva has helped me with so many things

• Jessica Quinn Ayuerveda (Olinda): Jess has an incredible Shirodhara a, calming Ayurvedic therapy involving a continuous, gentle stream of warm, medicated oil poured onto the forehead.

• Kilolani Spa (Wailea): I do really enjoy their renovations. Plus they have Erewhon snacks!

• Mint Maui: a pilates and versaclimber studio located in Paia and Wailea.

• Ho'omana Spa: A hidden gem located up Piiholo Rd. 

Hikes / Nature

• Iao Valley Hike (Iao)

• Waiheʻe Ridge Trail (West Maui)

• Sliding Sands Trail (Haleakalā Crater)

• Pipiwai Trail (Hāna)

• Olinda Forest Loop (Olinda)

• Makawao Forest (Makawao)

• Cow Pastures (near Hoʻokipa) (Paia)

• Red Sand Beach (Hana)
  

Beaches on the North Shore

• Hoʻokipa

• Baby Beach

• Baldwin Beach

• Mama’s Beach

Hotels

• Paia Inn (Paia)

• Mama’s Inn (Located at Mama’s Fish House)

• Lumeria (North Shore)

• Grand Wailea (if you enjoy a resort)

• Four Seasons Wailea

• Hana Hotel (Hana)

• Banana Bungalow (Budget Travel) - Wailuku

• Aloha Surf Hostel (Budget Travel - Paia

Shopping (North Shore)

• Scape Maui

• Clhei

• Imrie

• Acacia

• Pink By Nature

• Tribe Maui

• Biasa Rose

• Soley Aloha

• Nuage Bleu

• Driftwood

• The Mercantile