It may be a simple concept, but you can’t help but smile in awe at Reef’s Real Fruit Ice Cream truck. And that’s the goal for Abby Alvin, owner of the vibrant food truck in Kīhei, Maui. With a huge grin, she says it brings her joy watching her customers’ reactions—whether it’s their first or tenth time to her business—as they watch their ice cream swirl out of the machines. Real fruit […]
From Kō, its signature and recently refreshed restaurant, to Pilina, its new lounge, Fairmont Kea Lani is creating a dining scene within its beautiful grounds. Known for its spacious suites and luxe villas perched along Wailea’s golden sands, the resort continues to raise the restaurant bar by thoughtfully showcasing local ingredients in imaginative dishes and
*This story was originally published on Dec. 24, 2024, and updated in December 2025. With its year-round tropical climate and an endless-summer energy, it’s no surprise snowbirds flock to Maui every winter. But that doesn’t mean the island lacks holiday spirit. Across the Valley Isle, you can enjoy festive celebrations throughout December. From
When my older brother came back to Maui on his college breaks, he would often pick me up from school and we’d spend the rest of the afternoon at the beach. Many days ended with us grabbing plates of poke at one of his favorite spots, a shave ice stand in Pāʻia—which remains one of
Dark chocolate melts on my tongue as I stand in the shade of the orchards at Maui Ku‘ia Estate Cacao Farm, grateful for the brief reprieve from the infamous Lahaina sun. I feel as close as I can get to savoring chocolate straight from the source. I’m here for the Maui Chocolate Tour’s newest offering:
Following the pandemic and the devastating fires of 2023, Maui’s businesses and residents have shown remarkable strength and perseverance. In the face of unimaginable challenges, local communities have proven invaluable coming together to heal and rebuild the island. For years, the Maui Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce has played a pivotal role in connecting Native
With deep roots in local history, Wailuku has been significant since before the Hawaiian Kingdom—the nearby ʻĪao Valley was the site of Kamehameha’s infamous Battle of Kepaniwai in 1790, a key turning point in his effort to unify the Hawaiian Islands. Today, this Central Maui town honors its past while embracing new businesses that bring
Tequila lovers are in for a treat at Waikulu Distillery, Hawai‘i’s only producer of blue agave spirits. Located in Makawao, this farm-to-bottle operation began as a horticulture experiment and has grown into an award-winning distillery crafting libations exclusive to Maui. “My plan wasn’t to make it an enormous distillery, just something that could get to
I haven’t reached the 2025 Maui Music & Food Experience yet, but already I can hear the echo of “Paint It Black” reverberating through the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa. I ask myself if it’s still considered a cover of the Rolling Stones’ original song when Bernard Fowler—who’s been in the world-renowned rock band
The theater lights dim, a drumbeat ripples through your headphones and the IMAX-style screen bursts to life with stunning footage that takes you from the slopes of Haleakalā to the depths of the Pacific Ocean. Live musicians and dancers blur the line between stage and screen in a fusion of Hawaiian tradition and modern technology.
Spanning just a few blocks, the colorful town of Pāʻia is packed with unique boutiques, surf shops, art galleries and must-try eateries. It’s also just a short walk to Pāʻia Bay, a popular beach for locals, and just a short drive from Hoʻokipa Beach Park, one of the best windsurfing spots in Hawaiʻi. Once a
My first bite of the Kona kampachi crudo bursts with bright citrus, delicate herbaceous notes, and a punch of spice, balanced by the silky richness of avocado purée. Slow-dripped tomato water serves as an homage to Taylor Ponte’s childhood in Upcountry Maui, where he would sip the juice left behind in bowls of lomi lomi
