Enjoy your meal with a view of the ocean.

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Canoes at the Ilikai Hotel Now Open

As an island chain surrounded by the great Pacific Ocean, Hawaii naturally has some of the best seafood to offer and the fishermen of Maui provide some of the freshest catch. Below are a few of Maui’s most popular food fish.

Grab your favorite at a local grocery store or relish the flavors and textures at a few of Maui’s award-winning restaurants. The stars denote island favorites.

Ahi – The early Hawaiian’s gave this yellowfin tuna its name, meaning fire, due to the smoke that arose from the friction of fishing ropes rubbing against the gunwhales of their wooden canoes while pulling the enormous fish in.

Ahi can weigh up to 440 pounds and their body is a dark metallic blue, changing to silver on the underbelly. Both dorsal and anal fins are bright yellow.

The flesh is light pink, changing to dark red due to the oxidation of pigmented protein when exposed to air. Larger fish have a higher fat content, which is more desirable for raw dishes. Most ahi is cooked seared to rare and is very popular for sashimi or blackened for Cajun cuisine.

* Roy’s Restaurant’s Hawaiian Blackened Island Ahi with Spicy Soy Mustard & Butter

Mahi Mahi – These surface-dwelling fish are also known as dolphinfish and rarely live beyond three or four years. In Hawaiian, Mahi Mahi translates to strong-strong, but they seldom exceed 33 pounds.

When alive, Mahi Mahi are beautifully colored gold, blue and green, but their hues quickly fade after they’ve been hooked. The moist, flaky flesh is light pink when raw and turns white when cooked. It is slightly sweet and is faintly reminiscent of chicken.

* Mama Fish House’s Mahi Mahi Macadamia Nut Saute with Tropical Fruit Salad

Ono – Ono means “good to eat” in Hawaiian. It is also called wahoo and can weigh up to 180 pounds, but they are typically caught between 8 and 30 pounds. The white flesh is delicate, flaky, sweet.

Hapu`upu`u – This grouper, or sea bass, can change its skin color to blend into its surroundings. Most hapu’upu’u found in Hawaiian markets are black, but they can range from brown to reddish.

They typically weigh between five and ten pounds when caught, but groupers are known to weigh up to 220 pounds. The clear white flesh is very delicate and often served steamed or used to make a sweet-and-sour fish head soup

* Seahouse’s Taro Crusted Sea Bass with a Green Papaya Salad

Opakapaka – Opakapaka, or pink snapper, are found at depths ranging between 180 and 600 feet below the surface.

They are a relatively slow-growing fish; 12 to 18 pounders can be as old as 10 years. The clear, light pink flesh has a higher fat content in the winter, which produces better sashimi.

Opakapaka is often referred to as the “most important bottomfish species in terms of total landed weight and value in Hawaii.”

Onaga – Commonly referred to as red snapper, these bottom fish dwell at depths reaching 1,000 feet beneath the ocean surface and range between 10 and 40 pounds.

The light pink flesh is similar to opakapaka, but a little softer and moister. Local Hawaiians traditionally serve onaga at ceremonial events such as New Years Eve, weddings or birthdays. Onaga sashimi is better in winter due to a higher fat content on the fish.

Ulua – Ulua are also known as Pampano or, when under 10 pounds, papio. They are fast-swimming predatory fish and are typically caught by rod and reel from beach. Their white fillets are delicious cooked in a variety of ways.

Opah – These Moonfish are one of most commercial fishes in Hawaii. They range from 60 to over 200 pounds and their four types of flesh are each a different color. The meat located behind the head and along the back is somewhat orangish while the belly is a pale pink and slightly stringy. Along the cheeks is dark red flesh and inside the breastplate is a brightly liver colored.

Except for the breast meat, which turns brown and tough when cooked, all the flesh turns white when prepared. The large-grain flesh is fatty and rich and in high demand among the restaurant business.

* Lahaina Fish Company’s Grilled or Blackened Opah

Nairagi – Widely know for its long sharp bill, the striped marlin ranges between 40 and 100 pounds. They are very strong and often dangerous to land. The light pink to orange red flesh is tender and often eaten smoked or served raw

Hebi – Also known as the spearfish, the hebi ranges from 20 to 40 pounds. It has an amber-colored flesh that is rather mild and it is typically found grilled or broiled.

Mama’s Fish House in Kuau
Waterfront Restaurant in Ma’alaea
Buzz’s Wharf in Ma’alaea
I’O Restaurant in Lahaina
Pacific’O Restaurant in Lahaina
Sea House Restaurant in Napili
Lahaina Fish Company in Lahaina
Roy’s Restaurant in Lahaina or Kihei
For sushi try Sansei in Kihei or Ka’anapali

Post originally from: Hawaii condo rentals

Fresh Catch on Maui

In early Hawaiian folklore, Haleakala crater was home to the grandmother of the mythological hero, Maui. As the legend goes, Maui and his grandmother captured the sun and demanded that it slow its journey across the sky in order to lengthen the day. Today, Haleakala is often referred to as the largest extinct volcanic crater in the world, although volcanic activity in the last 30,000 years has produced several small lava flows and activity continues to be relatively frequent. It stands at over 10,000 feet above sea level, but beneath the ocean, it extends for miles more, making it even larger than Mount Everest.

If you’ve read your guidebooks and done a little research about the Valley Island, you’ve most likely been warned about the long drive up the slopes of the crater and the cold temperatures awaiting you at the summit. Steel yourself for the early morning wake up call (sometime between 2 and 4 am) by brewing a hot pot of Kona coffee in the morning and filling a thermos to enjoy while you await the rising sun. Grit your teeth with each switchback (there are 21 in all!) and pass the miles by imagining the beautiful sight of the golden sun as it rises over fluffy white clouds. And finally, steel yourself for the frigid, raw air and biting winds by dressing warmly and bringing a downy blanket to wrap your body in. Despite these minor discomforts, watching the clouds become rimmed in gold, the sky lighten from dark blue to turquoise to pink and the stars fade away is truly one of Maui’s finest splendors.

A few notes before you go:

- It is cold, so dress warmly!
- There are very few restaurants on the drive up, so if you’re expecting to enjoy at snack at the summit, you’d better pack one the night before
- There are no gas stations, so fill up before you go!
- Although getting there early means a longer wait outside, it’s worth it to get a good spot to view the sunrise – There are some great hiking and biking trails in the crater and you can opt to overnight at a campsite or, if you’ve booked well in advance, in a primitive cabin – A popular tourist activity is biking down the slopes of the volcano after the sunrise. Several tour operators pick up their clients and provide bikes, helmets, and warm clothing

Haleakala National Park website

U.S. National Park Service

Haleakala Bike Company

Maui Mountain Riders

Post originally from: Hawaii condo rentals

House of the Sun

Kihei – for the young and restless and those who like to think they are

Kihei is Maui’s fastest growing town and the recent boom in condo and vacation rental construction has offered travelers numerous choices for ocean view settings and beachfront properties. The town itself stretches for a mile or so along South Kihei Road and provides tourists with everything they need from tacky souvenirs to expensive gallery art to basic supermarkets to upscale restaurants.
Let it be known that Maui is not Waikiki and the nightlife on the island is almost non-existent. You’re best chance to sing some late night karaoke or find a live band on the weekend is in Kihei. Lots of young locals and tourists alike favor the bar scene here over other Maui destinations.
The town also parallels a six-mile long stretch of sandy beach with gentle waves suitable for bodysurfing and the Kihei Canoe Club invites visitors to join them for a paddle on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.

Paia – for the crunchy granolan’s

It’s saying a lot if a town’s largest grocery is a health food store. Paia has that funky hippie vibe of surfer meets the 70’s with a few Hawaiian shirt clad tourists thrown into the mix. Located on the north shore, Paia is the place to be if you’re looking for the laid-back Hawaiian lifestyle. That is to say, you want to surf every morning and walk around the streets barefoot.
There are some interesting shops to browse through in Paia as well as some great restaurants, most of which cater to vegetarians and vegans. Don’t miss out on Fresh Mint, a vegetarian Vietnamese restaurant, or Mana Foods salad bar and deli.
World-renowned windsurfing Mecca, Ho’okipa Beach park is 10 minutes east on Hana Highway. Bring a picnic lunch and spend the afternoon watching the surfers, kiteboarders and windsurfers take on monster waves.

Lahaina – for the refined tastes

Lahaina is comparable to Maine’s Bar Harbor, Connecticut’s Mystic, or Massachusetts’s Martha’s Vineyard. Small, quiet, charming, yet catered to tourists. Located on the west end of Maui, Lahaina’s main street parallels the seashore, providing an excellent view of the dipping sun over the Pacific ocean.
Numerous shops and galleries will satisfy the shoppers and art collectors alike. Some of Maui’s finest restaurants are also located along the water’s edge such as Pacific’O, I’O and the Old Lahaina Luau, an award winning performance.

Upcountry – for those who enjoy the country setting, cooler climates and local spirit

Known as cowboy country, the small rural towns of upcountry have a local Hawaiian feel and you won’t find the high-end resorts that span the west and south coasts of the island. Abundant gardens, rolling pastures, hiking and mountain biking trails, and more, upcountry Maui is a nice break from endless days on the beach. Few tourists choose to stay upcountry, but those who do prefer to bed down in B&B’s in Kula, Makawao and Haiku where they can enjoy the lush surroundings and a view of the turquoise ocean spanning out on the horizon.
While you’re there, visit the Kula Botanical Gardens, take a meandering horseback ride into the Haleakala Crater or spend the night in one of the cabins at the crater floor. The Kula Lodge offers deluxe accommodations and fine food as well as stellar views of the ocean.

Hana – for those who want to get away from it all

Despite all the glory and publicity ascribed to Hana Highway (which it deserves because the 54-mile drive from Kahului to Hana is an experience not to be missed) the town of Hana is actually relatively barren. A general store, several local eateries, a museum and gift shop, and a handful of hotels and condos including the luxurious AAA Four Diamond resort, the Hotel Hana-Maui, make up the crux of the town.
If you’re looking to beat the tourist crowd, yet still experience the beauty and adventures of Maui, Hana is the place for you. Several tour operators offer snorkeling trips, horseback rides, kayak rentals, and more and the southern end of Haleakala National Park dips down into nearby Kipahulu where you can find the trailhead to several waterfalls and a bamboo forest.
As for beaches, the east coast of Maui is not known for the long sandy stretches of sugary seashore. There are several decent ones however, such as Hana Beach Park, Waikoloa Beach and Red Sand Beach if you can find it!

Ka’anapali, Napili and Wailea – for the resort-goers and golf fanatics

If your idea of a vacation is lounging in a beach chair with a book and icy cocktail in hand and an umbrella shading the sun from your eyes, you’ll love the coastal resorts of Ka’anapali, Napili and Wailea. Both Ka’anapali and Napili are on the northwestern coast of the island while Wailea is on the south shore, but they are all rather similar. Imagine white sandy beaches, beautiful hotels, turquoise blue waters and 18-hole golf courses. Be prepared for crowded beaches and expensive, but tasty, dinners.

Post originally from: Hawaii condo rentals

There’s a place for everyone on Maui

The warm Pacific waters surrounding America’s western most state is teeming with tropical fish such as the humuhumunukunukuapua’a. A myriad of reefs formed millions of years ago by violent volcanic explosions extend from the Big Island’s eastern shores to Kauai’s Napili coast and all the way to the historic Midway Islands where American troops manned a naval station during WWII.

Each island has its own unique reefs and snorkeling sights, but Maui boasts some of the best the islands have to offer. Calm turquoise waters with clear visibility, white sandy beaches and numerous aquatic species together invite Maui visitors to done their snorkel goggles and snap on their flippers to experience an underwater marvel.

The best snorkeling on Maui is found along the west coast and south shores of the island. Below are 10 of the finest to be found.

To view a map of these snorkeling sites click here

Molokini Island

Perhaps Maui’s #1 tourist destination for snorkeling, Molokini Island is well known for its coral reefs and abundant fish. The crescent shaped island lies off the southwest coast between Makena and the sacred island of Kaho’olawe. It was once an active volcano, but now the barren island serves as a bird sanctuary and a marine preserve. Due to its popularity, overcrowding has become an issue and the quality of coral and quantity of fish has begun to decrease, but it is still well worth a visit. The only way to visit the island is by boat, which leave Ma’alaea and Lahaina daily and typically cost between $40 and $50 dollars for drinks, lunch and snorkel gear.

Malu’aka Beach

Located in front of the Maui Prince Hotel in Maken, Malu’aka Beach is better known as Turtle Town due to its large number of the slothful creatures. Fantastic coral and abundant fish lie only 100 yards offshore and underwater arches provide a fun playground for the free-diver. The bay can be reached by two parking lots located at each end of the beach or several boat companies offer snorkeling trips to the turtle haven.

Ahihi-Kina’u Natural Reserve

This 2045-acre preserve extends out over Maui’s last lava flow at the base of Haleakala’s southwestern slopes. The jagged a’a (solidified lava) is a little tricky to pass over, but the snorkeling is great all along the coast. There is a ranger station and parking lot where snorkelers can get information about the best places to slip on their fins and masks

Pu’u Keka’a

Locally known as Black Rock, Pu’u Keka’a is a snorkeler’s paradise. The beach is located in front of the Sheraton in Ka’anapali and the waters are positively teeming with bright corals and exotic fish. The horseshoe cove at the tip of the rock hosts more abundant fish as well as the occasional turtle.

Olowalu Beach

Shallow waters and calm surfaces make this beach ideal for snorkelers. Located on the Honoapi’ilani Highway heading toward Lahaina, the reefs are home to plenty of native fish and turtles and it’s a great place to practice your free-diving! The farther out you go, the better the viewing is.

Kapalua Beach

Picture the long, white sandy beaches of Hawaiian magazines and you have Kapalua Beach. There is great snorkeling just off the shoreline and if you’re lucky, you may catch a glimpse of a sunbathing monk seal.

Makena Landing

Swim along the rocky shoreline of Makena Landing’s bay and you’ll see numerous species of fish, large and small, spotted and striped and everything in between. Not as prominent on the tourist radar, Makena Landing offers some of the best snorkeling on Maui. Lots of turtles too!

Manele and Hulopo’e Beach Parks

Ok, so these two beaches aren’t located on Maui, but it’s easy to take a ferry over to Lana’i for a day and snorkel the two impressive bays. They are both part of a marine life conservation area, which prohibits any fishing, making them prime for snorkeling and diving. Catch the ferry for $25 one-way at either Ma’alaea or Lahaina harbors. If you’re game, camp out on the beach or splurge on a room at the Four Seasons five star hotel.

Hana Beach Park

Let it be known that Maui’s east coast is not known for its snorkeling. Nevertheless, Hana beach is can be decent when water conditions are calm. Currents can be strong, however, so always be aware of where you are.

To view a map of these and forsnorkeling sites click here and check out these great places to stay on the Napili shores

Post originally from: Hawaii condo rentals

Maui’s Underwater Gardens: A guide to snorkeling on the Valley Island