Island Guide: O‘ahu
TOWN: WAIKIKI AND HONOLULU
FEAST
La Provence - Go for breakfast, maybe after watching the sunrise over Haleakala. Feels like a little slice of France was tucked into this quaint Kula restaurant. Their sticky buns and almond croissants are amazing!! Pro tip: Don't forget to bring cash--they don't take cards.
Kula Bistro - This homestyle cafe is perfect for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Think homestyle meals with a bit of Italian flair, this local gem is BYOB (with no corkage fee)!!
Grandma's Coffee House - A local favorite, Grandma's is ALWAYS crowded but brave the long line and you'll see why. If you happen to see the pineapple banana cake in their bakery display, get a slice!! Note: Be prepared to walk a ways if you need to use the bathroom--Grandma's doesn't have one. Not to worry though, the walk is quick, easy, and pretty.
Market Fresh Bistro - With an ever changing menu (it's based on what's fresh and local), this is a great spot for brunch. Order one of the specials!
T Komoda Store & Bakery - CREME PUFF. STICK DONUT. CHANTILLY CAKE. That's pretty much all you need to know, though the butter rolls are also amazing. Go early because things sell out fast and trust me when I say that you don't want to miss out on any of these local favorites.
Hali'imaile General Store - Open for lunch and dinner, this restaurant is a great spot to stop at after you've spent the morning at the Lavender Farm or O'o Farm. Personal favorites include the sashimi pizza and the pineapple upside down cake!
EXPLORE, SEE, DO
Haleakala National Park - This is a MUST. Come up early and watch the sunrise with an unobstructed view. It's pretty breathtaking and also really cold up on the summit, so bundle up and wear lots of layers (it's freezing--literally). You can also do a bit of hiking--the summit has over 30 miles of hiking trails. My favorite is Sliding Sands.
Ali'i Kula Lavender Farm - This is one of my all time favorite spots on Maui. The minute you step out of your car, you'll see why. Not only is it beautiful but the air is heavenly scented. They grow over 45 different varieties of lavender here as well as everything from olive trees to sunflowers at AKL. I can't think of a better spot to start your day (perhaps after watching the sunrise over Haleakala)!
O’o Farm - A new find for me, this gorgeous property is home to an incredible sustainable and biodynamic farm that produces coffee, fruit, lettuce, veggies, herbs, and flowers for many local eateries like Pacific’O and The Feast at Lele. Sign up for a 'seed to cup' morning coffee tour (like my mom and I did) or do a lunch and farm tour. Either way, you'll be treated to beautiful sights, scents, flavors, and an unforgettable experience. The meals are cooked up with farm fresh ingredients (everything's grown on the property) and the coffee is fantastic!
Maui Wine - Known to locals as Tedeschi Winery, this is Maui's only winery! They offer a complimentary tour and tasting and you'll find the Ulupalakua Ranch Store & Grill right across the street from the winery where you can enjoy a nice lunch or pick up some deli items to nosh on at the winery.
Ocean Vodka - This is Maui's only vodka distillery. They practice sustainable and organic farming and offer daily tours. It's best to book tours at least 24 hours in advance.
Surfing Goat - "I don't want to go to a goat farm," said no one ever. This place is awesome. They offer a variety of tours including one where you get to feed and milk a goat as well as explore the cheese making process. Make sure you sample some of the award winning cheese made on site.
SHOP
Morihara Store - Open since 1948, I grew up walking over to this store after school for snacks and treats like spam musubis and li hing mui (salted plum) gummy bears. They carry local fruits and veggies and local packaged goods, and also have a little hot bar. Get the chili and rice or a spam musubi!!
Pukalani Superette - "Welcome to upcountry, welcome to your easy does it store." This song plays in the back of my mind whenever I think of Pukalani Superette. They're celebrating over 50 years of service and are one of the most popular markets on the island. Pick up some cone sushi, spam musubis, and a bento if you stop by.
Upcountry Farmers Market - Open every Saturday from 7 am 'til 11 am, this is a great spot to support local artisans and farmers. It's also home to Maui Cones, aka the best mochiko chicken, kalo (taro), Ono ceviche, and ahi poke cones and I highly recommend you stop by if you're in the area. My best friend, Kammy, and her husband are the lovely couple behind the cones, so please make sure you tell them Alana sent you and sends all her love.
Makawao Town Boutiques - Makawao is an eclectic little paniolo (cowboy) town and home to cute boutiques and local galleries. You'll find shops that cater to fashionistas, paniolos, and artisans alike. Don't forget to stop by T Komoda Store and Bakery if you're in the neighborhood!
WINDWARD (EAST) SIDE
FEAST
La Provence - Go for breakfast, maybe after watching the sunrise over Haleakala. Feels like a little slice of France was tucked into this quaint Kula restaurant. Their sticky buns and almond croissants are amazing!! Pro tip: Don't forget to bring cash--they don't take cards.
Kula Bistro - This homestyle cafe is perfect for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Think homestyle meals with a bit of Italian flair, this local gem is BYOB (with no corkage fee)!!
Grandma's Coffee House - A local favorite, Grandma's is ALWAYS crowded but brave the long line and you'll see why. If you happen to see the pineapple banana cake in their bakery display, get a slice!! Note: Be prepared to walk a ways if you need to use the bathroom--Grandma's doesn't have one. Not to worry though, the walk is quick, easy, and pretty.
Market Fresh Bistro - With an ever changing menu (it's based on what's fresh and local), this is a great spot for brunch. Order one of the specials!
T Komoda Store & Bakery - CREME PUFF. STICK DONUT. CHANTILLY CAKE. That's pretty much all you need to know, though the butter rolls are also amazing. Go early because things sell out fast and trust me when I say that you don't want to miss out on any of these local favorites.
Hali'imaile General Store - Open for lunch and dinner, this restaurant is a great spot to stop at after you've spent the morning at the Lavender Farm or O'o Farm. Personal favorites include the sashimi pizza and the pineapple upside down cake!
EXPLORE, SEE, DO
Haleakala National Park - This is a MUST. Come up early and watch the sunrise with an unobstructed view. It's pretty breathtaking and also really cold up on the summit, so bundle up and wear lots of layers (it's freezing--literally). You can also do a bit of hiking--the summit has over 30 miles of hiking trails. My favorite is Sliding Sands.
Ali'i Kula Lavender Farm - This is one of my all time favorite spots on Maui. The minute you step out of your car, you'll see why. Not only is it beautiful but the air is heavenly scented. They grow over 45 different varieties of lavender here as well as everything from olive trees to sunflowers at AKL. I can't think of a better spot to start your day (perhaps after watching the sunrise over Haleakala)!
O’o Farm - A new find for me, this gorgeous property is home to an incredible sustainable and biodynamic farm that produces coffee, fruit, lettuce, veggies, herbs, and flowers for many local eateries like Pacific’O and The Feast at Lele. Sign up for a 'seed to cup' morning coffee tour (like my mom and I did) or do a lunch and farm tour. Either way, you'll be treated to beautiful sights, scents, flavors, and an unforgettable experience. The meals are cooked up with farm fresh ingredients (everything's grown on the property) and the coffee is fantastic!
Maui Wine - Known to locals as Tedeschi Winery, this is Maui's only winery! They offer a complimentary tour and tasting and you'll find the Ulupalakua Ranch Store & Grill right across the street from the winery where you can enjoy a nice lunch or pick up some deli items to nosh on at the winery.
Ocean Vodka - This is Maui's only vodka distillery. They practice sustainable and organic farming and offer daily tours. It's best to book tours at least 24 hours in advance.
Surfing Goat - "I don't want to go to a goat farm," said no one ever. This place is awesome. They offer a variety of tours including one where you get to feed and milk a goat as well as explore the cheese making process. Make sure you sample some of the award winning cheese made on site.
SHOP
Morihara Store - Open since 1948, I grew up walking over to this store after school for snacks and treats like spam musubis and li hing mui (salted plum) gummy bears. They carry local fruits and veggies and local packaged goods, and also have a little hot bar. Get the chili and rice or a spam musubi!!
Pukalani Superette - "Welcome to upcountry, welcome to your easy does it store." This song plays in the back of my mind whenever I think of Pukalani Superette. They're celebrating over 50 years of service and are one of the most popular markets on the island. Pick up some cone sushi, spam musubis, and a bento if you stop by.
Upcountry Farmers Market - Open every Saturday from 7 am 'til 11 am, this is a great spot to support local artisans and farmers. It's also home to Maui Cones, aka the best mochiko chicken, kalo (taro), Ono ceviche, and ahi poke cones and I highly recommend you stop by if you're in the area. My best friend, Kammy, and her husband are the lovely couple behind the cones, so please make sure you tell them Alana sent you and sends all her love.
Makawao Town Boutiques - Makawao is an eclectic little paniolo (cowboy) town and home to cute boutiques and local galleries. You'll find shops that cater to fashionistas, paniolos, and artisans alike. Don't forget to stop by T Komoda Store and Bakery if you're in the neighborhood!
NORTH SHORE
FEAST
La Provence - Go for breakfast, maybe after watching the sunrise over Haleakala. Feels like a little slice of France was tucked into this quaint Kula restaurant. Their sticky buns and almond croissants are amazing!! Pro tip: Don't forget to bring cash--they don't take cards.
Kula Bistro - This homestyle cafe is perfect for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Think homestyle meals with a bit of Italian flair, this local gem is BYOB (with no corkage fee)!!
Grandma's Coffee House - A local favorite, Grandma's is ALWAYS crowded but brave the long line and you'll see why. If you happen to see the pineapple banana cake in their bakery display, get a slice!! Note: Be prepared to walk a ways if you need to use the bathroom--Grandma's doesn't have one. Not to worry though, the walk is quick, easy, and pretty.
Market Fresh Bistro - With an ever changing menu (it's based on what's fresh and local), this is a great spot for brunch. Order one of the specials!
T Komoda Store & Bakery - CREME PUFF. STICK DONUT. CHANTILLY CAKE. That's pretty much all you need to know, though the butter rolls are also amazing. Go early because things sell out fast and trust me when I say that you don't want to miss out on any of these local favorites.
Hali'imaile General Store - Open for lunch and dinner, this restaurant is a great spot to stop at after you've spent the morning at the Lavender Farm or O'o Farm. Personal favorites include the sashimi pizza and the pineapple upside down cake!
EXPLORE, SEE, DO
Haleakala National Park - This is a MUST. Come up early and watch the sunrise with an unobstructed view. It's pretty breathtaking and also really cold up on the summit, so bundle up and wear lots of layers (it's freezing--literally). You can also do a bit of hiking--the summit has over 30 miles of hiking trails. My favorite is Sliding Sands.
Ali'i Kula Lavender Farm - This is one of my all time favorite spots on Maui. The minute you step out of your car, you'll see why. Not only is it beautiful but the air is heavenly scented. They grow over 45 different varieties of lavender here as well as everything from olive trees to sunflowers at AKL. I can't think of a better spot to start your day (perhaps after watching the sunrise over Haleakala)!
O’o Farm - A new find for me, this gorgeous property is home to an incredible sustainable and biodynamic farm that produces coffee, fruit, lettuce, veggies, herbs, and flowers for many local eateries like Pacific’O and The Feast at Lele. Sign up for a 'seed to cup' morning coffee tour (like my mom and I did) or do a lunch and farm tour. Either way, you'll be treated to beautiful sights, scents, flavors, and an unforgettable experience. The meals are cooked up with farm fresh ingredients (everything's grown on the property) and the coffee is fantastic!
Maui Wine - Known to locals as Tedeschi Winery, this is Maui's only winery! They offer a complimentary tour and tasting and you'll find the Ulupalakua Ranch Store & Grill right across the street from the winery where you can enjoy a nice lunch or pick up some deli items to nosh on at the winery.
Ocean Vodka - This is Maui's only vodka distillery. They practice sustainable and organic farming and offer daily tours. It's best to book tours at least 24 hours in advance.
Surfing Goat - "I don't want to go to a goat farm," said no one ever. This place is awesome. They offer a variety of tours including one where you get to feed and milk a goat as well as explore the cheese making process. Make sure you sample some of the award winning cheese made on site.
SHOP
Morihara Store - Open since 1948, I grew up walking over to this store after school for snacks and treats like spam musubis and li hing mui (salted plum) gummy bears. They carry local fruits and veggies and local packaged goods, and also have a little hot bar. Get the chili and rice or a spam musubi!!
Pukalani Superette - "Welcome to upcountry, welcome to your easy does it store." This song plays in the back of my mind whenever I think of Pukalani Superette. They're celebrating over 50 years of service and are one of the most popular markets on the island. Pick up some cone sushi, spam musubis, and a bento if you stop by.
Upcountry Farmers Market - Open every Saturday from 7 am 'til 11 am, this is a great spot to support local artisans and farmers. It's also home to Maui Cones, aka the best mochiko chicken, kalo (taro), Ono ceviche, and ahi poke cones and I highly recommend you stop by if you're in the area. My best friend, Kammy, and her husband are the lovely couple behind the cones, so please make sure you tell them Alana sent you and sends all her love.
Makawao Town Boutiques - Makawao is an eclectic little paniolo (cowboy) town and home to cute boutiques and local galleries. You'll find shops that cater to fashionistas, paniolos, and artisans alike. Don't forget to stop by T Komoda Store and Bakery if you're in the neighborhood!