Maui’s Top 10 Off the Beaten Path

One mission of the Sacred Garden is providing a place of rest for all people—open to all beliefs and faiths. The 2-level renovated greenhouse is abundant with gorgeous Hawaiian plant and tropical flower species. While walking through the greenhouse aisles, guests will be instantly mesmerized by each little decorative detail, strategically placed spiritual icons and positive messages. The Buddha Garden is garnished by a Buddha statue carved from a Monkeypod Tree and offers a quaint space for quiet time, meditation, and small workshops. As if this space isn’t already topping out on majestic vibes, guests are welcome to walk both their classical indoor 7-circuit Coral Labyrinth or the outdoor 11-circuit Medieval-style Labyrinth. When visiting the Sacred Garden of Maliko, definitely check out their gift shop, it is stocked full of locally made artwork, jewelry, books, healing stones, and special Maui gifts.

Beach access is through two black lava rock walls, where you will find that heaven awaits you. The ocean here is protected and mostly calm, but please obey all high surf posting and warnings. Paako Cove offers one of the most fabulous snorkeling experiences in Maui, during the early morning and mid-day. Here, visitors and guests alike can see beautiful reef formations, colorful tropical fish, and vibrant sea beds. Throughout the day, it is common to see bodyboarding and skimboarding just off from the cove. This fact not only makes Secret Beach one of the most fascinating and intimate beaches in Maui but also one that provides an amazing visual display of Maui’s best water athletes.

At the Lahaina Jodo Mission, visitors can see the Great Buddha, Temple, Temple Bell, the Pagoda, and more. Without a doubt, this in-the-know Maui locale is peaceful, serene, relaxing, and inspiring. The mission was initially founded in 1912 to cultivate Buddhism in Lahaina and moved to its current property in 1931. Some people say that the property feels more like Japan than Maui!

The Great Buddha at the Lahaina Jodo Mission is the largest Buddha statue outside of Asia. The 12-ft high Great Buddha was cast in Kyoto, Japan, and it’s constructed of copper and bronze. In 1968, the Great Buddha and the Temple Bell were built to commemorate the Centennial Celebration of Hawaii’s first Japanese immigrants. Two years later, the main Temple and the Pagoda were built by funding collected through public donations and mission members.

On the Lahaina Jodo Mission property, the Temple is on Puunoa Point. It provides vast Pacific Ocean views, and a fantastic vantage point of the islands of Molokai, Lanai, and Kaho’olawe.

Inside the Temple, visitors can appreciate many beautiful and authentic Japanese design elements, including five incredible Buddhist paintings by Hajin Iwasaki.

Ho’omana translates to “empowered” in the ancient Hawaiian language, and that is how guests feel precisely post-treatment at this uniquely private Maui spa. A handful of the most popular spa treatments at the Ho’omana Spa are Traditional Lomi Lomi Massage, Ancient Hawaiian Bodywork, Hawaiian Herbal Facials, and Hot Stone Therapy. For massage therapists, you can deepen your knowledge with Lomi Lomi Instruction, and Hawaiian Healing Programs offered throughout the year. In addition to providing luxurious spa treatments, the Ho’omana Spa also offers Workshops & Classes, Cultural Activities, and Maui Eco Tours.

This spot is a beautiful Maui gem to visit while taking a scenic tour of West Maui, driving North of Kapalua towards Wailuku. Two hiking trails access the Nakalele Blowhole, one that begins from a gravel parking lot near mile marker 38, and the second past mile marker 38 noted by a red dirt pullout on the side of the road. Each hike is approximately 30 minutes to the Nakalele Blowhole, but it is possible to see the blowhole from the 2nd hike entrance marked by a light beacon. We recommend that hikers use extreme caution, be conscious of rogue wave conditions, and wear proper footwear to travel through the rocky terrain safely. During your next vacation in Maui, maximize on all activities possible, and savor out the unique coastal beauty of the most beautiful island in the world.

The Dharma Center in Paia pays homage to Tibetan Buddhism and community enrichment. The ‘Great Paia Lha Bab Peace Stupa’ is dedicated to the late Lama Tenzin, who was the first resident teacher of the Maui Dharma Center. The Paia Stupa was completed in 2007 and blessed by His Holiness, the Dalai Lama, before 500 guests of the community. The Stupa was built in the traditions of Tibetan Buddhist architecture, with interior walls displaying the innate beauty and colorful vibrancies of Buddhist deities. Travelers from all around the world have visited Paia Stupa to ring the bell, to immerse themselves within this symbol of peace and love.

This forest offers a genuine outdoor vacation experience for everyone and is at the very top of Piiholo Road. The 5.2-mile Kahakapao Loop provides picnic tables on both the East and West sides of the trail, making it easy to pack a lunch, stop, rest and enjoy the breathtaking scenery. Throughout the Makawao Forest, see wild Koa, young Redwoods, Cook Pines, Eucalyptus varieties, Rasberry bushes, and sweet fragrant Ginger plants. The temperature at this elevation is colder than at sea level, allowing for a calm and comfortable morning or afternoon. After this fun adventure in Upcountry Maui, travel to Makawao Town, a historically famous Maui Paniolo (cowboy) town. Here, guests can stroll the area shopping at a selection of ‘singular’ Maui boutiques and galleries, and dine at delicious restaurants like the Makawao Steak House and Market Fresh Bistro.
Makawao Forest Reserve

When exploring Maui’s hiking trails, make sure to hike with a buddy, and stay on the trails. It’s also best to hike in the morning hours, so you have plenty of time to return to your vehicle before sunset. Don’t forget to bring drinking water, snacks, sunscreen, a charged cell phone, and it’s always a good idea to wear sturdy hiking shoes.

The original main house and carriage house converted into art studios, classrooms, and exhibition galleries. The surrounding property is landscaped beautifully with tropical varieties and outdoor art installations. Offering year-round classes and workshops by Maui resident and visiting teachers, the Hui is a real value to the Maui community. Seek out arts and culture at the Hui No’eau during your next vacation in Maui. Plan and register for art classes, or contact them for a schedule of upcoming events and art openings.

Located right off the Hana Highway in Kipahulu, this Maui gem offers considerable value to the Island of Maui; farm-fresh deliveries to homes and businesses, work-study programs, farm consultation services, and a Fruit Tasting Tour for visitors. On your next trip to Maui, plan ahead of time and reserve your spot in their tropical Fruit Tasting Tour, Mondays-Fridays at 1:30 pm. Here, visitors can have a truly unique afternoon sampling 10-12 ‘ono’ (delicious in Hawaiian) tropical fruits, and “ono-licious” Arabica estate coffee. Visitors will receive a short education on organic farming, and get the rare chance to experience a guided tour through one of Hawaii’s best organic farms.

To reserve your place for a Fruit Tasting Tour during your next vacation, please email [email protected] or call (808) 248-7779.

Today, the Kaupo Store embodies a real sense of ‘Old Hawaii’ nostalgia and is one of the few remaining Hawaiian-style mom-and-pop businesses. Family owned and operated, this off-the-grid store provides the much-needed refreshments, snacks and locally made arts and crafts for road-trippers, and a chance to be immersed in one of Maui’s most gorgeous landscapes. At this Maui gem, visitors also have a rare opportunity to take a step back into time and view a collection of antique collectibles from the turn of the century; collections of antique cameras, tools, household items, and Kaupo Store’s infamous crank-style cash register. Owners Linda and Manny Domen, have made the Kaupo Store their personal mission of historical preservation. Hawaii residents and visitors are appreciative of their success, and their place in the Upcountry community. This old-time Maui favorite is a charming rest-stop liken to an oasis when venturing to and from Hana and East Maui locales.