From the East Coast to West Coast

Question

After several lovely days in our lush rainforest accommodations at our peaceful Huelo Point Lookout B&B, we headed off to begin our stay in Kaanapali. My husband and I were gifted a week stay iat a timeshare at the Hilton Resort. We have learned how easy it was to fill up our days , and this would be no different. How lucky that it was a Saturday! The Maui Swap Meet is every Saturday from 7am- to 1:00pm at the UH Maui College grounds. ( not far from the airport) Fun, fun, fun, and we scored some gifts to take home. Heading down the Honoapiilani Hwy ( RT 30), we stopped at Cafe O’Lei at the Maui Tropical Plantation. and Kumu Farms Country Market. The grounds were lovely and our lunch was delicious! Of course , fresh produce, jams , bread and more were available to purchase. Lots of open land and agriculture in this area of Maui.

Next stop on our way to the East Coast was at Maui Ocean Center, the Aquarium of Hawaii. This is a wonderful place- the exhibits nicely presented and even some hands on fun. There was a short 3D Whales movie. Kids would love this. We saw our first whales out in the Maalaea Bay. So glad we brought our binoculars!

At this point, we were ready to get to our new spot in the Ka'anapali area. The coastline was breathtaking! The water so many shades of blue. Anxious to see where we would be staying for the next week, we had to make one more stop at the store. We found the Foodland, picked up groceries and off we went! We arrived!

Answer

Your journey from the lush east side of Maui to the resort area of Ka’anapali sounds like a perfect mix of adventure, local culture, and scenic beauty. Staying at Huelo Point Lookout B&B allowed you to experience the peaceful rainforest side of the island, and moving to Ka’anapali gave you access to beaches, resorts, and activities on the west coast.

The Maui Swap Meet is a fantastic way to experience local culture, crafts, and foods. Visiting early in the morning allows you to browse the full range of vendors and pick up unique souvenirs, fresh produce, and gifts. It’s a great spot for families, couples, or solo travelers to explore and interact with locals.

Maui Swap Meet: Every Saturday from 7:00 am to 1:00 pm at UH Maui College. Ideal for local crafts, souvenirs, fresh fruit, and snacks.
Shopping tips: Bring cash for smaller vendors, wear comfortable shoes, and arrive early for the best selection.

Stopping along Honoapiilani Highway (Route 30) provides an opportunity to enjoy both scenic views and local food. Cafe O’Lei at the Maui Tropical Plantation offers a relaxing spot to have lunch with beautiful views of the plantation and surrounding lands. Kumu Farms Country Market is also a wonderful stop for fresh, local produce, jams, bread, and other island treats.

Cafe O’Lei at Maui Tropical Plantation: Delicious lunches, scenic plantation views, and a casual, family-friendly atmosphere.
Kumu Farms Country Market: Local produce, baked goods, and handcrafted items perfect for gifts or snacks.

The Maui Ocean Center is a must-visit for families or anyone interested in marine life. It offers well-designed exhibits, hands-on experiences, and educational content. Watching whales in Maalaea Bay from the center or with binoculars adds an unforgettable element to the visit, especially if your timing coincides with whale season.

Maui Ocean Center: Exhibits include tropical fish, sharks, turtles, and coral reefs.
Special experiences: 3D whale movie, touch pools, and occasional feeding demonstrations.
Whale watching: Maalaea Bay is ideal for spotting humpback whales during the season.

As you approached Ka’anapali, the stunning coastline and turquoise waters set the stage for your week-long stay at the Hilton Resort. Grocery stops like Foodland are practical for stocking up on essentials, snacks, or picnic supplies, allowing you to enjoy more flexibility during your resort stay.

Ka’anapali Coastline: Known for gorgeous beaches, sunsets, and resort amenities.
Foodland grocery: Convenient for picking up breakfast items, snacks, and picnic supplies for days at the beach or excursions.
Hilton Resort: Offers beachfront access, pools, family-friendly amenities, and easy access to Ka’anapali activities.

Overall, your travel day highlights the perfect balance of exploration, culture, and relaxation that Maui offers, transitioning seamlessly from the quiet, lush east side to the vibrant, amenity-rich west side.

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