West Maui w/ hurt foot & any bookstores?

Question

Aloha, I’m traveling to Maui next week, solo, for 8 nights, 5 in Napili and 3 in Kula. Last night I tweaked my bad right foot so I’m re-thinking activities.

First: are there really NO bookstores on west Maui? 😢 The Friends of the Library in Lahaina is closed. I also checked the website for Little Free Libraries and there’s nothing on the West Side.

Can you suggest any chill activities? I’m rethinking snorkeling since pointing my foot with a fin may not be great. Rather than an uphill hike, maybe the coastal walk that is paved. I’m thinking of skipping whale watching scheduled for the first morning (after a fair amount of walking in the airports). Would it be ok later in the trip —not sure if the boats twist, requiring stable footing.

I had planned to relax on this trip but it may be more vegging than originally planned. 😆

I’ve been to Maui 5-6 times before but stayed in Kihei (once with a 3 night stay in Hana). This trip, I wanted to stay someone new and less touristy (if possible). I’ve had great trips to Kailua, Oahu with a more locals vibe. Mahalo for your help!

Answer

It sounds like you’re doing exactly the right thing by reassessing your plans with your foot injury in mind. Fortunately, West Maui and Upcountry Maui both offer plenty of relaxing, low-impact activities that still make for a truly wonderful trip. Below you’ll find thoughts on bookstores, gentle activities, whale watching considerations, and chill ways to enjoy both Napili and Kula without stressing your foot.

About bookstores: You are correct—West Maui no longer has traditional bookstores. The Friends of the Library location in Lahaina was lost in the fire and has not reopened. Little Free Libraries are sparse on the West Side as well. Your best options will require a drive:

Akaku Bookstore (Kahului / Wailuku area) – Not a huge shop, but local authors and Hawaii-interest books.
Friends of the Library – Kahului location – The main surviving one; inexpensive used books and an easy stop if you’re already on that side.
Barnes & Noble (Kahului) – The only big bookstore on Maui.
Swap meets / local thrift stores – Surprisingly good for cheap beach reads.

Now, for easy, foot-friendly activities:

Napili Coastal Walk (Kapalua Coastal Trail) – This is one of the best gentle walks on Maui. Much of it is paved or well-maintained, flat, and low effort. You can go at your own pace with plenty of benches and places to stop. Amazing ocean views without needing to climb anything.
Relaxing beach time at Napili Bay or Kapalua Bay – Both have easy access from parking areas (though Napili Bay’s parking can be tight). You can simply sit with a book, dip your feet in the water, and watch turtles bob around. These are safe, low-surf beaches in May.
Snorkeling alternatives – Instead of traditional snorkeling with fins, you can:
- Use short-travel fins or snorkel booties only, which require less pointing of the foot.
- Simply float with a mask in knee- to waist-deep water along the shoreline at Kapalua Bay.
- Skip fins entirely; many people do in calm bays.
Whale watching with an injured foot – By your travel dates, it’s the tail end of the season but still very possible. Boats don’t typically twist or require strenuous balance unless it’s a small raft. If you choose:
- Larger catamarans – These are very stable and have handrails; better for a tender foot.
- Rafts / zodiac boats – Avoid these due to jarring motion and awkward boarding.
If you’re worried about your first morning being too much walking after airports, doing the whale tour later in the trip is totally fine.
Spend time at Napili Kai or Sea House patio – Oceanfront seating with easy access and minimal walking, great for reading, sunset, and lingering over a drink.
Drive to blowholes and viewpoints – The Nakalele Blowhole viewpoint from the upper parking area allows you to admire from above without doing the steep/cliffy descent.
Art galleries in Lahaina area (now dispersed) – Some have reopened in other areas like Wailea or Upcountry; these involve very minimal walking.

For a few relaxing activities particularly suited to a low-impact trip:

Spa day in Kapalua or Kaanapali – Ritz-Carlton Spa or smaller boutique spas nearby.
Upcountry drives during your Kula stay – you can enjoy:
- Ali‘i Kula Lavender Farm (easy pathways and great views)
- Kula Lodge terrace for sweeping vistas with almost no walking
- Wine tasting at MauiWine (flat grounds)
A slow drive through Makawao – Lots of small shops, galleries, and a very manageable walking loop.
Sunset watching – From Kapalua Bay, Napili Bay, or even from your lanai.

Given your past trips to Kihei and Hana, staying in Napili and Kula really does give you that quieter, more local, more laid-back vibe—especially with your goal to relax. Both areas are lovely for doing “a little bit of something” without wearing yourself out.

You’ll still have a deeply enjoyable trip, even if it’s more “unwind and enjoy the breeze” than “go-go-go.” Maui lends itself beautifully to that.