Things To Do And See On Maui’s East Side

Located in the center of the eastern portion on Maui is Haleakala National Park; a sure travel destination for both tourists and locals alike. However, it is some of the smaller towns that surround it and lay near the ocean that brings charm to this half of the island. These towns offer everything from shops and restaurants to beaches and scenery.

Paia
If you have just landed at the Kahului Airport, and are a bit hungry or want to walk around some, then head four miles east to the historic town of Paia. Paia is known for its restaurants and its local shopping. For example, the famous Paia Fishmarket has been featured on the Food Network with Rachel Ray for their incredible fish burgers. Afterwards you can relax with a refreshing margarita by walking right across the street to Milagro’s and get your fill along with some chips and salsa.
Looking for something a little more upscale or romantic, then head down the highway a couple of miles to Mama’s Fish House on the beach. Paia is also home to many of the smaller shops, boutiques and its art galleries with art done by local artists. Paia is also home to the Hookipa Beach along the north shore. You can just sit on the ridge and watch as many kite surfers hit the waves, along with some pro windsurfers. H. A. Baldwin Beach Park is another local beach that is little calmer and offers a baby beach that includes a lagoon.

Hana
Along the eastern side of Maui is Hana, as in the “Road to Hana.” Hana is one of Hawaii’s last areas that has avoided construction and has remained in its natural state. The road itself is known to be 52 miles long if traveling from Kahului, and with all its twists and turns, as well as its 59 one-lane bridges, this trip can take anywhere from a couple of hours on up to about four hours.
Despite that, the trip is worth it! Along the way you will have the opportunity to see waterfalls, rainforests, oceanscapes and pools of natural waters. You could also plan ahead and instead of a day trip, bring a tent and camp overnight so you can get an early start on one of many hiking trails Hana has to offer. These trails often lead up to some of the best waterfalls you will ever see and you can feel the pure power they possess.

Wailea
What Ka’anapali does for the resort areas of the western part of the island, Wailea does it for the east. Wailea is a resort community that is in size, three times that of Waikiki on Oahu. Wailea has five resort hotels, including the Four Season Resort Maui, magnificent golf courses and five beaches that are each shaped in a crescent form. Wailea is the perfect place to include a Maui photographer to capture your moments to cherish.
In addition to the beaches and golf courses, The Shops at Wailea are known for its variety of shopping. Here you will see jewelry, accessories, specialties, gifts and clothing shops such as:
– Banana Republic
– Billabong
– Coach
– Louis Vuitton
– Tommy Bahamas

In addition, back in 1999, Wailea Beach was named as “America’s Best Beach.” The city of Wailea is also home to some of the top world-class restaurants, entertainment and shopping, and is home to the Maui Film Festival.

Kihei
If you travel south from Kahului Airport along Kuihelani Highway you will come to a split before you near the end of the island. If you stay on the highway as it goes to your right, you will head towards Lahaina. However, if you veer off to the left onto N. Kihei Road, you will then be heading east to your first destination, the city of Kihei.
The city of Kihei is known for its six miles of beaches and as the driest from rains and the sunniest on Maui, which makes for great water sport action such as surfing, snorkeling and swimming. For those who love to take in a great view from the beaches, you can see Molokini and Lanai, as well as Lahaina. Just north of Kihei is Maalaea, where you are able to launch out to the ocean on various excursions and is home to the Maui Ocean Center.
Kihei is a very residential location in which to live and many of your day to day needs take place here, such as restaurants, dance clubs, sports bars and the local roller rink.