
Maui was voted the “Best Island on Earth” for 20 years. Explore pristine beaches, stunning waterfalls, majestic jungle forests, and dramatic lava rocks while immersing yourself in Maui’s rich cultural heritage. The awe-inspiring natural landscapes and aloha spirit speak to the adventurer and world-traveler within us all. May you experience the magic of our island and create unforgettable memories here.
Exploring also comes with a great responsibility to travel with care. We ask that you bring your own reusable water bottles and utensils, pick up all of your trash, and leave each place better than you found it. Honor the island’s resources, support local businesses, and keep an eye out for the local farm stands on the side of the roads!


“Even though I have lived here for over 40 years, Maui still continues to reveal new, awe-inspiring treasures to me.” – Kutira
On-Site Hikes
Space is the new luxury
Discover our exclusive, adventurous trails and secret waterfalls that are hidden from the public. No lines. No people. Just you and nature.
In the wintertime, the whales can even be spotted breaching from your bed.
Waterfall Lagoon (short hike)
This beautiful trail is at the top of a waterfall. If there is a neighbor using the lagoon, please be attentive and respect their space.
Ocean Trail (long hike)
For the adventurer, our ocean trail is a moderately challenging cliff trail that takes about a half hour to get down to the ocean. Once you have signed our waiver, we suggest you bring a water bottle, snacks, a good pair of hiking shoes, and feel your feet—the trail is slippery after a heavy rain.
For a longer day hike, and to find yourself at the bottom of a majestic waterfall, give yourself an extra two hours, as you will need to navigate your way through a winding trail to get to this amazing time-out-of-time spot. Please note, the only way out is the way you go in. We do require at least two people to hike together, as this trail is more advanced.
Nearby Towns
Central Location
We are located 15 minutes away from Haiku, 30 minutes from Makawao and 30 minutes from Paia. Below, you can discover lists of our favorite restaurants in these nearby towns.
Local Restaurants
- Haiku (15 minutes)
- Toohey’s Butchery and Bistro offers local Hawaiian meats
- Nuka Maui is a first-class Japanese restaurant
- Maui Kombucha is a vegan restaurant with a variety of kombucha options, as well as delicious, raw desserts
- Colleen’s at the Cannery offers homey, organic food and delicious pizza straight from the oven
- Makawao (30 minutes)
- Casanova Italian Restaurant and Deli serves wood-fired pizzas and classic pastas
- Hali’imaile General Store is an acclaimed destination for regional Hawaiian food
- Paia (30 minutes)
- Mama’s Fish House is a world famous restaurant and the perfect destination for special occasions. Please keep in mind that you will need a reservation, and that while the dishes are higher priced, the cost is worth the experience.
- Cafe des Amis features a Mediterranean and Indian menu with a courtyard featuring live music.
- Cafe Mambo is a vibrant restaurant that serves burgers, fajitas and salads.
- Milagros Food Company is a relaxed Mexican joint.
- Charley’s Restaurant and Saloon features American fare and is Willie Nelson’s favorite bar.
- Flatbread Company has wood-fired pizzas with organic ingredients and free-range meats.
- Paia Fish Market offers local, fresh fish and is the best reviewed seafood restaurant in Hawaii.
Beaches
World's Best Beaches
Discover Maui’s beautiful, world famous beaches. Here, you can find everything from pristine, white sand beaches to exotic red and black sand beaches, accessible resort areas to undeveloped, secret spots. Below, we have listed some of the best beaches on the island by location.
Nearby Towns
- Baldwin Beach (white sand)
- Ho’okipa Beach (surfing and turtles)
Road To Hana
- Waianapanapa State Park (black sand)
- As of 3/1/21 – Entry and Parking Reservations for Waianapanapa are now required for all non-residents. For reservations go to www.gowaianapanapa.com
- Hāmoa Beach (white sand)
- Pa’iloa Beach (black sand)
- Koki Beach (red send)
West Maui
- Ka’anapali Beach
- Black Rock Beach
- Honolua Bay
- Oneloa Beach
- Kapalua Beach
- Napili Beach
- Kahekili Beach Park
South Maui
- Kama’ole Beach
- Keawakapu Beach
- Wailea Beach
- Palauea Beach
- Po’olenalena Beach
- Maluaka Beach/Makena
- Onueli Beach/Black Sand Beach
- Big Beach
- Pa’ako Beach
Adventures
Road To Hana
- Pi’ilanihale Heiau is Hawaii’s largest heiau (almost 3 acres) and a cultural gift. It was first constructed out of lava rock in the 14th century, carried by hand from as far as Hana Bay, and then later added to during the 16th century after Pi’ilani unified the island. Pi’ilanihale means “house of Pi’ilani” but its history is largely unknown.
- Kahanu garden is part of the National Tropical Botanic Garden and on sacred ground. Visitors can learn about historical varieties grown in Maui. Here, the history/culture of plants connects visitors to old Hawaii.
Wai’anapanapa State Park
The Hawaiian translation of Wai’anapanapa is “glistening fresh water.” The expansive park is named after the freshwater caves, and also features a black sand beach (Pa’iloa Beach), lava tubes, tide pools, heiau, blowholes, hala grove, coastal forests, and hikes. Pa’iloa Beach was formed when Haleakala last erupted. Black sand is created when hot lava is cooled very quickly by the sea.
The legend of the main cave is that: “Once upon a time, a Hawaiian princess named Popoalaea fled from her cruel husband, the Chief Kakae. She hid on a ledge just inside the underwater entrance to this cave. A faithful serving maid sat across from her, fanning the princess with a feather kahili, symbol of royalty. Noticing the reflection of the kahili in the water, the Chief Kakae discovered Popoalaea’s hiding place and killed her. At certain times of the year, tiny red shrimp appear in the pool, turning the water red. Some say it is a reminder of the blood of the slain princess.”
*Please note: 3/1/21 – [MAUI] – Waianapanapa State Park – Entry and Parking Reservations are now required for all non-residents. For reservations go to www.gowaianapanapa.com
Hāmoa Beach
Hāmoa Beach was designated by Ernest Hemingway as the world’s best beach, and is well known for body surfing. Legend says that the waves (puhelee) of the waters used to be reserved for royalty until a daughter of a Hana Chief surfed them herself and allowed others to join.
Haleakalā National Park
Haleakalā means the “House of the sun,” and legend holds that the demigod Maui lassoed the sun from the heights of Haleakalā to slow it down and extend the days. The crater at the summit was home to the grandmother of the demigod Maui, who helped him.
The sunrise or sunset at the summit is spectacular and a must see when in Maui. Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain) said that “It was the sublimest spectacle I ever witnessed, and I think the memory of it will remain with me always.”
Haleakalā is also one of the only places in the world to see the spectre of the Brocken, or akaku anuenue. During sunset, when standing at crater’s edge with the clouds below and in front of you and the sun low and directly behind you, you can see your own shadow on the clouds with a rainbow surrounding it. Hawaiians believe that they’re seeing their actual soul and that the rainbow is a promise from heaven. A good spot to experience this phenomenon is Leleiwi Lookout, which also offers a stunning view of Maui.
Haleakalā National Park also offers many trails, including the Sliding Sands Trail, which leads from the summit area to the crater. ‘Ohe’o Gulch, or the 7 Sacred Pools, is located in Haleakalā National Park and is another popular stop on the Road to Hana. ‘Ohe’o means “something special,” and ‘Ohe’o Gulch is a series of (more than 7!) swimming holes connected by waterfalls. Above the 7 Sacred Pools is the Pīpīwai Trail, which is one of the best hikes on the island.
Whale watching (November - April)
Community
Meet Locals
- Farmer’s Markets are abundant across Maui featuring the most delicious organic vegetables and food displays.
. We recommend the Upcountry Farmer’s Market, which is open on Saturdays from 7am to noon. Upcountry Farmer’s Market. - Maui Swap Meet is a large outdoor market that is open every Saturday from 7am to 1pm. It is the perfect place to buy fresh produce and locally made gifts! Mauiexposition.com
- Maui Friday Town Parties: Every Friday our community gathers in a different town to celebrate art, music and Maui culture. Mauifridays.com
Art
- Handcrafted gourds: One of our neighbors creates the most beautiful, handcrafted gourds. In old Hawaii, gourds were used for cooking, musical instruments and headdresses. Adorn your home with a beautiful piece of art, or choose the perfect gift to memorialize the richness of the Hawaiian culture.
- Every Friday in Lahaina, there are open art walks where the artists are often present.
Drum Circles
There is drumming every Friday at Baldwin Beach in Paia from 3pm to sunset and every Sunday at Little Beach in Makena from 3pm to sunset.
Churches
Temple of Peace Healing Sanctuary is a spiritual sanctuary in Haiku. Raphael often plays here.
Door of Faith is a local Christian Church that is located at the top of the road on the way to our property.
Cultural Events & Activities
Protecting Maui Through Sustainability
At Maui Eco Retreat, you will find the serenity you seek knowing you are safe in our care and aligned with the A'ina: the spirit of the land.