Maui is one of the most beautiful places on Earth, as is evidenced by yet another title of "Best Island in the World" by Conde Nast. A true outdoor-lover paradise, it boasts breathtaking beaches, pristine tropical jungles, and unparalleled wildlife. The possibilities of a Maui lifestyle are boundless, from hiking in Haleakala, surfing in Paia, exploring immaculate beaches in Wailea and Makena, taking in yet another awe-inspiring sunset in Kihei or Lahaina, your imagination will be the only limit. Information about Maui communities can be found here, and new communities will be updated on a regular basis so visit regularly. GOLFSHOPPINGDININGSCHOOLSACTIVITIES
Golf in Maui is the ultimate golf experience. Experts and amateurs will relish the experience of golfing in some of the most picture-perfect, yet challenging courses in the world. For those looking to purchase a property in a golf community, feel free to browse the many available Houses and Condos in Golf Communities. Below are some of our favorite courses:
* Three championship courses, The Bay, The Village and The Plantation, set amidst Maui's magnificent landscape, make Kapalua a world class experience. Each distinctive course presents its own challenge to a player's abilities.
* World famous Kaanapali Golf Courses offer 36 holes of legendary golf that plays through the picturesque foothills of the West Maui Mountains and thrills golfers with sweeping panoramas of the coastline. The North Course is one of only two courses in all of Hawaii designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr. to create a course that is distinctive and demanding. The renowned EMC Kaanapali Classic repeatedly places Kaanapali at center stage in the world of golf. Kaanapali's traditional role as each year's conclusion to the regular SENIOR PGA TOUR has attracted a virtual who's who of the sport.
* Known by golfers worldwide as the "Grand Lady" of Maui's resort courses, the Blue Course in the Wailea Golf Club is laid out amidst the affluent architecture and impeccable landscaping of Wailea. The Emerald Course is one of the newest courses on Maui. Designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr., it is a par-72, stretching 6,825 yards, and was designed to be a "pure golf" experience, with a backdrop resembling a tropical garden.
* Home of the Hawaii State Open, the exclusive Makena Golf Course at the Makena Resort is well known not only for its challenging layout, its excellent daily tournament playing conditions, and helpful professional staff; but also for the best golfing weather to be found anywhere in the world. The North Course goes out of its way to make golfers feel at one with their natural surroundings. The South Course is a course with natural rolling fairways, undulating greens, and capitivating ocean and mountain views.
* Golf Digest calls it "One of the Five Best Kept Secret Golf Courses in America." GOLF magazine named it among the top 35 best new courses in America. GOLFWEEK ranks it in the Top 10 Maui golf courses in Hawaii. The accolades go on and on. If you are seeking a unique Maui golf experience, your search ends at The Dunes at Maui Lani
* The 18-hole "King Kamehameha" course at the King Kamehameha Golf Club facility in Wailuku, Hawaii features all the hallmarks of Hawaii golf. Designed by Ted Robinson, ASGCA/(R)Ted Robinson, Jr., the King Kamehameha golf course opened in 2006.
Shopping in Maui is an experience in it of itself. From world-famous retailers like Tiffany's and Louis Vuitton, to quaint antique stores, to the neighborhood local retailer, you can enjoy it all in Maui.
* The Shops at Wailea is easily Hawaii's most exclusively and renowned shopping center, it will leave you breathless. Located in the heart of Maui's world-famous Wailea Resort, The Shops at Wailea is Hawaii's ultimate destination for remarkable and unforgettable shopping and dining. Choose from internationally renowned designers and artisans or spend time looking for distinctive island treasures. Then top off your visit with leisurely dining at a fine restaurant to match your mood and taste, casual to elegant, familiar American fare to exotic Pacific inspired cuisine.
* A day of shopping. A day at the beach. They are separated by the mere flick of a towel. A hand through your hair says you are ready for lunch. While slippers highlight your dinner attire. With local stores, designer boutiques, fashion, art and restaurants, it's not a mall, it's Whaler's Village, a true vacation for the senses.
* Queen Ka'ahumanu Center is Maui's own Town Square. The island's premiere shopping and entertainment destination. The home of Maui's only department stores, Sears and Macy's, plus more than 100 shops and restaurants, from cool island-style boutiques to such national names as American Eagle Outfitters, Pacific Sunwear, Foot Locker and Borders Express.
Maui offers some of the finest and most diverse cuisine in the world. Often overlooked in all its natural beauty is the talent of cuisine revolutionaries who reinvent the art of cooking. Below are a few of our favorites, although not a complete list by any means.
* For over 35 years Mama's Fish House has been the Maui destination for special occasions. A stone path leads you through the cool coconut grove to what would be, in an ideal world, a good friend's house. The Hawaiian nautical theme is hospitable and fun, the menu even names which boat reeled in your fish. A true Maui institution, it also boasts a hotel for those who wish to stay in paradise and is located on the North Shore, where you can see some of the biggest waves in the world.
* Formerly named Seawatch, now owned by Chef Beverly Gannon of Joe's and Hali'imaile General Store. Pacific Rim seafood, steaks, salads, burgers. Open air seating on the Wailea golf course. Ocean and sunset views, full bar. It is truly an experience by one of the world's culinary masters.
* Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar is Maui's best-known sushi restaurant. But it has a lot more than sushi, with numerous delicious and innovative foods that have nothing to do with sushi. Sansei Maui has two locations, Sansei Kapalua and Sansei Kihei.
* The Waterfront Restaurant is family-owned and besides the delicious food, it offers spectacular oceanfront views. The restaurant is a local favorite where you can enjoy fresh Hawaiian fish dishes. Named time and time again as "Best Restaurant in Maui", it is a distinction it certainly deserves.
* Roy Yamaguchi invented Hawaii's Pacific Rim Cuisine, so that's what you'll find on the Roy's Restaurant Maui menu. Roys restaurants are in shopping centers, so there's no view, but it is Maui's tastiest food. It's one of our personal favorite restaurants in the world. Our favorite is the upside-down pineapple cake, truly out of this world.
Schooling is an essential element of any family in Maui. Below please find information on some of your schooling options.
Public Schools
* Maui schools are organized into two complex-areas, a "complex" consists of a high school and all of the intermediate/middle and elementary schools that flow into it. When we group two to four complexes, we have a "complex area" that is under the supervision of a complex area superintendent. Think of them as "mini-districts". For more information on Maui public schools, please click here.
Private Schools
* The centerpiece of the Montessori School approach is allowing children to learn on their own while being guided by the teacher. Montessori teachers do not correct work and hand it back with lots of red marks. A child's work is not graded. The teacher assesses what the child has learned and then guides him into new areas of discovery.
* Seabury Hall is an independent school affiliated with the Episcopal Church designed to prepare students for successful college and university work; move students to develop mind, body, and soul; and cause students to realize their responsibility to community.
* Haleakala Waldorf School places human development and creativity at the center of its work and curriculum. The HWS approach provides a rich education preparing children to meet the challenges of our world and the future with clarity of thought, trust in the value of each human being, and inner confidence.
Maui is known as a true utopia, from body-defying water sports, to indescribable hiking opportunities, activities to enjoy are limitless. Below are a few of our favorites, there are just too many to list.
* You can often SEE whales from shore ... but you can not experience them from that distance. There is a tremendous difference between watching a whale splashing in the water two miles away and experiencing the thrill of looking over the edge of the boat and having one of these gentle giants swim directly underneath you. If you are here during peak season from December 15th to April 15th, do yourself a favor and go on a whale watch.
* Snorkeling in Maui is some of the best snorkeling in the world. From Molokini Crater, to Lanai, and even out in front at your closest Maui beaches, it is an experience not to be missed.
* Everyone knows Maui has great surf, we've all seen the amazing video clips of pros tackling the monster Maui wave called "Jaws." But how about for beginners? Is it safe and fun to surf in Maui? Of course! Anyone can learn to surf in Maui. Surfing is fun, easy and great exercise for the whole body (every single muscle in your shoulders and back will remember it).
* The Road to Hana is an event in it of itself. This scenic coastal road consists of over 600 curves and more than 50 one-lane bridges. Offering views of the ocean, beaches, valleys, and waterfalls, you will have glorious photo opportunities the whole day through. Amazing properties abound in Hana.
