Maui is so beautiful. You honestly don’t have to go anywhere special to enjoy the scenery. I kept telling the kids to look out the window while driving to absorb the sights because no pictures could capture these moments.
Iao Valley State Park
This is one of my favourite places to visit in Maui. Once you park at the Iao Valley State Park, make your way up to the top. We were able to take the stroller to a certain point and then it was an easy hike up the stairs to the top. It’s breathtaking once you’re up there—I didn’t want to come down. I also read reviews where people tell you to bring bathing suits. If I didn’t have the kids with me, I would’ve gone for a quick dip. However, with young children, it can be tricky. The rocks are a bit slippery and if I fall down, I’d probably take the kids down with me. Plus, they are not strong swimmers yet. I did see a man with his two older sons in the water. So if you decide to go for a swim, definitely bring water shoes. There are signs everywhere telling you not to go into the water because of flash floods so if you decide to swim, go at your own discretion.
Iao Valley State Park
Kepaniwai Heritage Gardens
After visiting the Iao Valley State Park, we made our way to Kepaniwai Heritage Gardens. They are a 3 minute drive away from each other and it’s a perfect place to have a picnic lunch there. I packed a simple lunch of sandwiches and snacks for our family. We could’ve even barbequed there because there were plenty of picnic pavilions we could use. Each pavilion comes with picnic tables, a barbeque, a faucet and sink to fill up water bottles or wash dishes. While we were hanging around there, we noticed lots of people bringing tons of empty water cooler bottles and glass bottles. Apparently, the “best” water in Maui is from here and people bring bottles to fill them. (I think people were just getting free water from these faucets 😉 .) Admission is free and the restrooms there are very clean. It’s a perfect place for the kids to hang out and people to fill water bottles!
Kepaniwai Heritage Gardens
Old Lahaina Luau
The next day we headed to the Old Lahaina Luau for an evening full of food and fun. After talking to some friends and doing a bit of research, I found out that this is one of the best luaus in Maui. It is recommended to book your luau as soon as you book your trip because the spots get filled up fast. The sooner you book, the better spot you get. Having said that, the place’s layout is very good and you get a good vantage point no matter where you sit.
Old Lahaina Luau
As soon as we arrived they served us with a delightful alcoholic beverage. The kids also get non-alcoholic versions as well. We were also given leis to put around our necks and as we entered the premise, we truly got into the aloha spirit. Everything was set up beautifully and we were facing the ocean. As the sun set, the festivities began. We got to see them take out the roasted pig from their underground oven which was pretty cool. Everything was so well organized—they announced, in an orderly fashion, when each table could go up to the buffet table. Check out the buffet menu if you want to know what is served. Everything was delicious. Our boys absolutely LOVED the pork! They went back for seconds and all of us were thoroughly stuffed.
Buffet Plate: Roasted Pork, Ahi Poke, Crab Salad, Fried Rice, Fish, Poi
Left: Roasted Pork from the Ground Oven
Right: Assorted Island Desserts (Passion Fruit Cake, Upcountry Lavender Lemon Shortbread Cookies, Hawaiian Chocolate Chili Pepper Brownie, and Haupia)
Not only did we taste all the Memorable Dishes at the luau, it was truly a memorable night for the whole family. The last day of Maui is coming as Hawaiian Food Trip: Maui: Part 3 continues.
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