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How to Explore Maui Like a Local

  • Updated: March 7, 2019

When a Hawaiian waterman shares his island home, you better buckle up. Josh Stone, owner of Big Wave Realty and world-champion windsurfer, offers his advice for seeing the real Maui.

1 Maui Local Travel Guide | Best Things to Do in Maui | Hulopoe Beach
I’ve lived on Maui for 22 years. The one place I can’t believe isn’t more visited is Lanai. Just 3,100 people live on the island. The ferry runs five times a day and takes just an hour each way. On weekdays, I take my family to Hulopoe Beach. We’ll have it to ourselves except for a pod of dolphins we snorkel with. Shutterstock
Maui Local Travel Guide | Best Things to Do in Maui | Red Sand Beach
Everybody who drives to Hana gets there, scratches their head and says what the hell. Ask around about Red Sand Beach. It’s a short hike, and it’s stunning. So is Homoa Beach, Maui’s most beautiful shoreline, in my opinion. You drive to it over a potholed asphalt road. Just be sure to pull off when locals need to pass. Shutterstock
Maui Local Travel Guide | Best things to do in maui | oheo gulch
To complete the Hana loop, I tell people to ignore their rental-car policy. Ask the park rangers at Ohe’o Gulch if the road along the south coast back to Kula is passable. If so, head past Kaupo and into upcountry. Shutterstock
Maui Local Travel Guide | Best Things to Do in Maui | Bullys Burgers
One you’re past Kaupo, Stop at Bully’s Burgers. The roadside stand is near a ranch, right where the landscape turns to desert. Insane burgers. Shutterstock
Maui Local Travel Guide | Best Things to Do in Maui | Learn to Surf
Don’t try to learn to surf on the North Shore. Go to Launiupoku Beach Park, just south of Lahaina. It’s a Waikiki-style wave that offers a 20-second window to stand up.
maui local travel guide | best things to do in maui | honolua bay
The best place to watch surfing is Honolua Bay. A cliff overlooks the bay, creating a perfect amphitheater. Shutterstock
6 Maui Local Travel Guide | Best Things to Do in Maui | Best Banana Bread
Just past Honolua Bay is the perfect snack. Keep heading north for a sign that reads “Best Banana Bread in the World.” Try a slice and get a glimpse of old Hawaii. Shutterstock
7 Maui Local Travel Guide | best things to do in maui | mamas fish house
Mama’s Fish House is expensive…and so worth it. They catch their own fish. The drinks are phenomenal. If we’re going out to rock it, we’ll start at the bar at Mama’s. Courtesy Mama’s Fish House
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