Maui is the second largest island in the Hawaiian Island chain. It offers everything from ocean and volcanoes, all the way to the rainforest. This diverse island might be easy to drive around, but you could get lost exploring for weeks! We love sharing information about Maui, Hawaii, and hope that you can take something from this article and enjoy this island too. We’ve put together some updated information on traveling to Maui in 2022, along with some pointers, favorite spots, and a packing list! Safe travels!

Traveling to Maui in 2022

It has been a rough couple of years with Covid. It has highly effected our islands as well as people wanting to travel here from elsewhere. The tourist industry had closed late March of 2020 as the islands went into a lockdown. Following this, any travelers had to do a two week quarantine upon arrival to the islands. Then it got a little more flexible with Covid testing and vaccination rules in place. Finally, two years later, effective March 26, 2022, the travel quarantine and Safe Travels program has ended! Now, there are no COVID-related requirements for domestic travelers to Hawaii. However, travelers arriving Internationally must still comply with the U.S. Federal requirements.

Although things are changing, our islands and residents that live here still need to be considered. Please take precautions if you are sick, and do your best not to travel if you are, or pass it on to others. We all want to stay healthy and keep our islands open!

Tips & Tricks traveling to Maui, Hawaii

People always ask for our best tips on traveling to Hawaii! We have a few tricks up our sleeve. First things first, travel with a purpose. You may be coming here on your hard earned vacation, but keep in mind that our islands are fragile, and really need people that come here to care and have respect for the Aina (land). We recommend getting out of the resort “bubble”, and visiting local shops, restaurants and businesses. Supporting local will help our community that has suffered a lot during the pandemic. There are some amazing places to eat and shop on the island just waiting to be discovered by you!

Don’t get too close to the wild animals! Make sure to keep your distance and give these beautiful creatures space in their home. The turtles, monk seals, whales and fish are all so beautiful and we understand wanting to get up close and personal with them. However, they are fragile! We want them to stay in our waters and feel welcome rather than scaring them off. Watch from a distance, and make sure not to touch them! You can even book a Whale Watch to get close to the whales, or snorkeling tour to see some beautiful turtles and fish!

Wear reef safe sunscreen.

We cannot emphasize this one enough! It is so important to protect the reef and animals that are in danger from the chemicals coming from many sunscreens. Click here to see the ingredients to avoid. Even wearing swim leggings, long sleeves and hats will help you protect the environment and your skin in a healthy way!

Beware of flash floods when hiking in Maui. This may not seem like a real thing, but you really do need to take caution to hiking in Maui. Especially during our winter months when there is plenty of rain, you can end up in a dangerous situation if you aren’t careful. We don’t say this to scare you off, we just don’t want to see you get hurt! If you are going to the rainforest, Hana, make sure to go hiking on a sunny day! If it’s very rainy and big stormy rainclouds, we would recommend avoiding hiking that day. Flash floods are real, and they happen very quickly. Aside from that, be safe and enjoy your hiking and adventures!

Book through airbnb, or locally owned rentals in order to support Hawaii residents. Same with renting a car, Turo is a great option! Rather than heading to the bigger resorts or car rental companies, you can get an authentic experience staying in a local’s vacation rental here. You might even get a great price! Plus, usually these rentals provide beach chairs, towels, umbrellas, etc so that you are set to go! We highly recommend traveling this way!

Our favorite spots in Maui

We love the entire island! However, there are some spots that really stand out to us. Click here to read more recommendation and  info on spots around the island.

Coffee, breakfast, and lunch at Belle Surf Cafe. You won’t be disappointed. With our diverse menu, we have something for everyone here! Our organic coffee is unique and delicious. You will want to come back everyday for your morning coffee! The outdoor patio space is clean, cute and comfortable for those who need to do some work, or just want to get cozy and read a book. Open everyday from 7:30am-1pm!

Kapalua Bay is a gorgeous beach, located in Kapalua, Maui. This is one of our favorite beaches for snorkeling, swimming, and lounging! It is beautiful. If you are looking for turtles, you will definitely want to go for a snorkel here!

Black Rock Kaanapali is a very fun beach for cliff jumping, snorkeling, and swimming. The water gets deep very quick, so you can enjoy jumping off the cliffs. Be careful and only do what you are comfortable with!

Seahouse Restaurant is one of our favorite dinner spots. With fresh fish, and something for everyone, this place is delicious! We recommend going there for sunset dinner and drinks, so you can watch the beautiful sunset on Napili Bay.

Little Sea Gypsy jewelry is one of our favorite places to treat ourselves to jewelry. She has sterling silver, gold filled, and rose gold filled pieces that are elegant, and complimented with the highest quality of Tahitian Pearls or shells. Check out her instagram! She also sells in a few spots around the island or you can book a slot to view her pieces.

Packing your bags for Maui, Hawaii

Maui is always warm, especially if you are coming from somewhere cold. The winter months here are a bit chillier (at least to the residents), with winds and heavy rainfall. Here is a list of what we would recommend bringing to Maui :

Sandals & a pair of sneakers
Reef safe sunscreen & a hat!
Mostly light weight clothing because it is hot! Jeans are not necessary here. Shorts, skirts, dresses, linen, and swimwear are the best things to have.
A light sweater or jacket for the plane and rainy days
Day bag
Extra space in your luggage to bring home gifts and goodies!
A dressy / “going out” outfit for a nice dinner or date
A water bottle

We hope that this was helpful! Feel free to ask us any questions that you may have. See you here in Maui!

Spring break is right around the corner and what better way to spend it than a vacation in Maui?! Families and friends from all around the world love to treat themselves to a nice holiday this time of year. Maui is one of the most beautiful places in the world with stunning beaches, rainforest, mountains and more! It is a place that everyone of any age can enjoy. This island is definitely on the quiet side of things. There is not much night life or late night clubbing to be found, however there are some great bars! Check out our list of the best bars on Maui here. One of the busiest seasons in Hawaii is spring break. Although it can get a little crazy, we have curated a list of fun things to do on the island for Spring Break in Maui.

The Beach

Everyone loves the beach, am I right?! From babies to elders, this is a place that anyone can enjoy. We have beaches that are great for surfing, swimming, snorkeling, lounging, viewing whales, or having a cocktail at! There are so many beautiful beaches to explore that you could spend your entire vacation just doing that. Many condos already have beach chairs, snorkel gear and boogie boards stowed away in the closets for the guests to use. If you don’t have the gear and are looking to rent snorkel gear somewhere, there are many dive shops all over the island. Looking to take a surf lesson or rent a board while you’re here? Check out this surf shop! 

Here is a beach guide for more information. 

Coffee, Breakfast & Lunch at Belle Surf Cafe

Here at Belle Surf Cafe, we serve organic espresso, breakfast and lunch. Our menu has a wide variety of options, and caters to all different diets. We have refreshing smoothies or smoothie bowls, avocado toasts, and more! Come say hello and enjoy our adorable outdoor seating at the cafe. We are looking forward to serving you!

Whale watching or boat trips

It wouldn’t be spring break without a boat trip! This time of year the whales are still around! A whale watch would be a great activity to book for the entire family. You can get up close and personal with the whales and learn all about them. It’s quite an amazing experience and we highly recommend it! There are other boat trips too. A day trip to the island of Lanai, a snorkel cruise to Molokini, a sunset dinner cruise, and more! There are two harbors, Lahaina Harbor (across the street from Belle Surf Cafe) or Maalaea Harbor. We recommend booking a boat that leaves from the harbor closest to where you are staying.

The Road to Hana

Have you heard of The Road to Hana? Maui has an incredible rainforest located on the rugged Eastern coastline of the island. It is considered to be one of the last unspoiled Hawaiian frontiers. The road to Hana is 52 miles from Kahului and can take up to 4 hours to complete as the roads are very narrow with one lane bridges, challenging turns, and can be wet and rainy. Just make sure to exercise caution and drive slow. The views are spectacular, so you will want to stop every 5 minutes!

We recommend starting at the crack of dawn in order to take your time, make stops along the way, and see everything that there is to see. You might even want to book a campground or hotel for the night to get the full Hana experience! There are hikes, bamboo forest, waterfalls, black sand beaches, red sand beaches, and more to see.

Watch out for flash floods. If there is a storm or rain in the forecast, it’s probably best to change your plans or at least hold off from hiking. Flash floods are a serious danger! The ocean on this side of the island can be rough, so make sure if you go swimming that you are a strong swimmer. Don’t forget your camera, you will want to document this trip! Check out this guide to Hana for some more information and good spots to stop along the way.

*If you get very car sick, this might not be the right trip for you.

Parasailing Adventures

Parasailing is a recreational kiting activity where a person(s) is being towed behind a boat attached to a canopy wing that looks like a parachute. This activity makes you feel like you are flying! You float 50 stories above the water with the best views of the ocean! You will see views of Maui, and the neighboring islands of Lanai and Molokai on this awesome adventure. It’s actually a very peaceful experience. Maui has a couple of great companies that offer parasailing if you would like to try this!

Maui Zipline

Last but not least, one of our favorite spring break activities is zip-lining! There are many different parts of the island that offer this fun activity. Go up into the mountains and jungles, see insane views, and get a little thrill ride out of it! Depending on which part of the island you are staying on, or which part you prefer to go zip lining, will depend on the one that you book. All of them are great, and offer different views and experiences.

We hope that you enjoy your spring break in Maui! If you are wondering what to pack for your trip, check out our article that’s all about packing your bags for Maui!  

Safe travels and we will see you soon! Aloha!

Hawaii is known for having some of the world’s most beautiful sunsets. There is something special about watching the sun go down. It can be a romantic moment with your partner, the perfect way to end the day alongside your family and friends, or a moment of peace to yourself. Maui is a beautiful and diverse island. At the beginning of the day you could be on top of a volcano or hiking in the rainforest, and then a few hours later you could be swimming in the ocean! We wanted to share our top 5 amazing places to watch the sunset in Maui Hawaii.

1. Makena Cove Secret Beach 

Makena Cove Secret Beach, also known as Paako Cove, is located in Wailea, Maui. This is a small and intimate place to watch the sun set amongst the lava rocks and ocean. There are also some beautiful coconut trees that give you the perfect tropical feel. A great place to take some portraits!

2. Haleakala Crater

Haleakala is a very popular sunrise destination. However, did you ever think about going there for sunset?! The National Park requires a reservation to enter for the sunrise in order to limit the amount of people. This is why sunset is a great idea! From the 10,000 foot elevation, you feel as though you are on top of the world (or Mars)! We recommend arriving a couple of hours before sunset so that you can do a hike, walk around and explore a little bit. Make sure to bring some warm clothes because although you are on an island, the elevation is so high that it can get up to freezing temperatures!

3. Hookipa Beach Park

This beach is famous for windsurfing, kitesurfing, surfing and wing foiling! Located close to Paia town, it is quite a slice of paradise. If you are not an avid water person or great swimmer, this is definitely not a good beach for swimming. However, it is a great spot to walk down the beach, explore the tide pools, view some sea turtles and watch the sunset. After watching the sunset, head on over to Mama’s Fish House for an unforgettable dinner! Paia town is an adorable little town to explore as well.

4. Honolua Bay

Honolua Bay is a world class surf spot (you may have heard us mention this wave once or twice in previous blogs). With or without waves, this is a beautiful place to see. If the waves are small or flat, it is safe to go out for a swim or snorkel. The drive out to ‘the bay’ never gets old. It is a perfect little tropical paradise where you won’t find any resorts or buildings (other than the occasional home tucked behind the foliage). There is a dirt road you can drive off, you can’t miss it! This makes for the perfect sunset spot from the cliff! Bring some food, wine, or whatever your heart desires and watch the sun go down in this breathtaking location.

5. Flemings Beach 

Flemings Beach is located in Kapalua near the Ritz Carlton. Grab a shake, dinner or cocktail from the Burger Shack and watch the sunset here! Fleming’s is a long white sand beach great for walking. There is a labrynth on the lava rocks on the far left side of the beach. It is really interesting and worth checking out! The Kapalua Coastal Trail starts (or ends) here and goes all through the beaches of Kapalua. This trail is moderate intensity and absolutely beautiful!

We hope that you enjoyed reading about our top 5 amazing places to watch the sunset in Maui, Hawaii. Comment below your favorite sunset place in Maui!

Humpback Whales make their grand debut in the Hawaiian waters every year from December through March. They come to breed, give birth, and to play! These incredible mammals are very easy to spot this time of year! All you need to do, is simply go to the beach and look out into the ocean. Within seconds to minutes you will spot one, two, or 10 whales! It is baffling how many whales you can see during the season here in Maui. Whether it’s your first time seeing a Humpback Whale, or you are lucky to experience them each year, they amaze each and everyone no matter how many times you’ve lived through the whale season. Although they appear to be harmless, it is important to keep your distance from these magnificent creatures. Human’s can also cause harm, and we don’t want to crowd them.  Below I have listed the best places on Maui to see Humpback Whales.

Whale Watching Boat

There are 2 harbors where you can depart from Whale Watching boats. One is Lahaina Harbor, and the other is Maalaea Harbor. Both are great and offer the same types of experiences, however it just depends which location is closest to where you are staying. One of our favorites is Ultimate Whale Watch and Snorkel. You can book Whale Watching tours, snorkeling tours, or both combined for affordable prices! This is a great activity for the whole family. You will get to be so up close and personal with the whales, in comparison to watching them from land. If you’re lucky, you may even get a surprise appearance from dolphins!

McGregor Point

Ma’alaea Bay off of Honoapiilani Highway

This is one of the most popular scenic lookouts to spot the Humpback Whales! The viewpoint is located on the west side of Ma’alaea Bay. You will find it between mile markers 8 and 9. There is a pull off from Highway 30, with plenty of parking spaces. It never gets horribly crowded, and is spread apart enough so you can enjoy your time there. Sometimes the whales get very close! If you bring a pair of binoculars, you will see them even better. This is a great spot for taking photos-don’t forget your long lens!

Kaanapali Beach

Kaanapali is a beautiful, long beach where you can spot whales and dolphins close to shore! Morning time is always best with wind and currents-making it easier to spot the whales at that time of day while the water is “glassy”. However, the whales are out and about all day, so you will see them no matter what time it is! If you spot some whales close by, go take a dip underwater. You might even be able to hear them singing. It is quite the experience! Kaanapali Beach is also a great area for snorkeling, lounging, and close to restaurants and shopping areas.

Wailea

The Wailea Oceanside Pathway is the perfect place to watch the sunset and spot the whales! The pathway runs from the Kealani Hotel to Ulua Beach.

Lahaina Pali Trail

This is a beautiful hike that leads you up onto one of the most beautiful mountains in Maui. If you start on the Olowalu side, you will get ocean views and it’s the perfect place to spot whales! There is such a magnificent view and you will incline straight up the mountain. It’s definitely a rigorous hike and would only recommend it if you’re comfortable doing this. Bring lots of water and snacks! You can do part of the hike just to see the views and the whales. Or if you are doing the whole thing, it’s best done with either two cars (one parked at beginning of trail, one parked at the end of the trail).  You can also have someone drop you off on one side of the trail, and pick you up on the other.

As the hike is not a loop, you would need to do it all over again to get back to your car.

Have a great time whale watching! We hope that our guide to the best places on Maui to see Humpback Whales was helpful! Feel free to stop by Belle Surf Cafe and say hello! We are open Thursday through Monday 7:30 to 1pm!

2022 is here! After a long and crazy 2021, many people are looking forward to this new year to focus on their ambitions and goals. You might be asking yourself, “what is my New Years resolution?”. We decided to put together some good ideas to help motivate you. It’s never too late to begin! Check out our list of New Years Resolutions for 2022!

Less screen time, more outdoor time!

It can be incredibly easy to get sucked into your computer or phone. Whether you work from these devices, or just use them in your free time…too much screen time can negatively impact your mind, body and overall health. Telling yourself to put the phone down and get outside, will not only feel great, but will also allow your brain and eyes some space to think and refresh. Disconnecting and taking in some outdoor air is good for you. Everyone needs it! This will help to increase your overall health and happiness over time.

Eating healthier

Everyone tends to have a resolution similar to this, post-holiday season. Eating healthy is definitely a lifestyle, and something that isn’t just practiced for one month, but over a lifespan. It is never too late to begin! You can start simply by incorporating fresh fruits and veggies into one meal per day. Staying away from junk food or processed food also helps eliminate those bad habits. If you don’t have time to cook, meal prepping for the week ahead, or finding a local restaurant that has a healthy menu is key.

Check out our menu here at Belle Surf Cafe! We have options for all diets and allergy restrictions. Our menu is made to focus on being healthy, and enjoying food. We have organic coffee, smoothies, smoothie bowls, bagel sandwiches, and more! If you would like some ideas on how to eat healthier, check out our blogs. We have written recipes, discussed superfoods, and other health related articles for our viewers to learn how to fuel their bodies with what they need.

Travel more

This is a tricky one, because of the current worldwide pandemic going on! But luckily, Hawaii is open! Traveling takes you out of your daily routine, and into new experiences and surroundings. Planning a trip somewhere boosts your happiness and gives you something exciting to look forward to. After all your hard work, it can feel extremely rewarding treating yourself to a trip. Maybe it’s been a long time since you have seen your family or friends and are craving a trip to visit them! It’s always great to break the routine, take some work off, and de stress. Your body and mind will have a chance to reset, and you will come back feeling refreshed.

Maui, Hawaii is a great place to visit right now! As the holidays are over, there are less people visiting this time of year. You might even find some good deals on rentals! There are many wonderful activities such as whale watching, snorkeling, hiking, and more!

If you visit the island, make sure to stop by and say hello! Belle Surf Cafe is open Thursday-Monday 7:30am-1pm.

Self care and mental health

Too many times, we place other things above ourselves. Whether it be work, friends, family, cleaning the house / car, or all of these things. Remembering to take the time to care for yourself, and your mental health, is extremely important. We wanted to list this as one of our resolution ideas, because usually it’s placed on the back burner. Although putting others before you is selfless and kind, if you aren’t taking good care of yourself, how can you be there for others? Sometime’s you may feel guilty saying “no” to people. Maybe work is starting to burn you out and you are craving some self care time. Well, it’s as easy as marking a little spot on your calendar once, twice, or everyday a week leaving 30 minutes or longer to do what YOU need. This could be exercise, yoga, a bubble bath, getting your nails done, getting a massage, going shopping, getting a hair cut, going to therapy, or doing an at-home facial. The ideas are endless! Making efforts to treat yourself well (just like you do for others), will have a major impact on your happiness and well being.

Take up a new hobby, sport, or other interest

Who’s ready to try some new things this year?! Are you tired of the same old activities? Well, how about trying a new sport, hobby, or something else? After all, there are so many things to do in this world!

Here are some of our ideas : 

Surfing – The ocean is therapy! If you live in Hawaii, or a place with ocean, stop on by to your local surf school and book a lesson. We guarantee you will love it!
Pickle ball – This is one of the fastest growing sports in America! Grab some rackets & balls at the store, gather a few friends and go play some pickle ball! It’s all fun and games. There are many courts popping around everywhere these days to cater to those who are eager to play. You could make a weekly practice or game schedule for people to join in! This is also a great way to meet new people.
Photography – We absolutely love photography! It is a wonderful activity to do alone, and can almost be meditative in a way. Going around and exploring and capturing sweet moments will make you see the town or city you live in, through new eyes. You can sign up for a photography class, or Youtube has an array of different videos to learn from!
Start a garden – Have you always wanted to grow your own fruits and vegetables, or just plants in general? Why not start now? Gardens are fun, and you will learn many new things as you go. If you’re lucky, you will even get to eat from it! This is a very rewarding hobby.

We hope that these New Years Resolutions for 2022 helped motivate you to get moving!

Share in the comments your New Years resolutions and how you will stick to them for the year!

Christmas is almost here, and many of you are probably trying to sip up all the holiday inspired flavors and drinks before the new year arrives! I know I am! Here at Belle Surf Cafe, we love celebrating each holiday throughout the year, and serving our customers accordingly! This year, our cafe won’t be open on Christmas Day, however, we will be open on Christmas Eve and day after Christmas with regular hours. Come join us for a tasty meal or drink. If you are looking for somewhere to bring someone special, Belle Surf is the perfect spot! Keep reading to discover our list of the best Christmas inspired coffee drinks.

Gingerbread spiced mocha

This gingerbread spiced mocha is a tasty drink that will bring warm and comfort to you. Even though we are in Hawaii, it is technically the rainy season. This gives us a good excuse to make this. You can also take this recipe with you wherever you go!

Ingredients :

1 cup coffee
1 cup almond milk (or sub for preferred milk choice)
1/4 cup coconut oil
3 tbsp honey
1 tbsp molasses
2 tbsp cacao powder
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ginger
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
pinch of salt

How to make :

Place your hot cup of coffee, and all of the ingredients into a blender. Blend everything on high for 30 seconds. It will create a frothy texture and combine all the ingredients perfectly together. Enjoy!

Eggnog Latte

This Eggnog Latte is very simple to make. It consists of coffee, eggnog, brown sugar, and some fun toppings if you feel like adding them in! This is a great coffee to make if you are hosting a Christmas cookie decorating party. It pairs perfectly with some gingerbread cookies!

Ingredients :

1 cup brewed coffee
1-2 tbsp light brown sugar
1 cup of warmed eggnog

Toppings :

Whipped cream
Powdered nutmeg

How to make :

Prepare the coffee, and once it’s ready stir in the light brown sugar. Warm the eggnog, and then pour the eggnog into the coffee. Top with whipped cream and nutmeg! Enjoy!

Cinnamon Roll Latte

Ingredients :

2 teaspoons cinnamon
2 teaspoons vanilla
1/4 cup sugar
Pinch of salt
Espresso
2 cups milk of choice

How to make :

In a saucepan, on low heat roast the cinnamon by shaking over the heat continuously. Do this for roughly 2 minutes. Add the cinnamon into a frothing cup, and add in your milk, vanilla, sugar and salt. Make your cup of espresso (one or 2 shots). Steam your milk / spice combination. Pour the espresso into a cup, and then pour the milk over the espresso. Now it’s ready to drink!

Snickerdoodle Latte

This delicious and easy coffee brings the warm and fuzzy feeling of cookies into your morning cup of coffee!

Ingredients :

1/2 cup strongly brewed coffee or espresso
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1-2 tbsp brown sugar
1 pinch of nutmeg
1 cup milk of choice

How to make :

Pour the hot coffee or espresso into a large mug and set aside. Add the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg & milk into a mason jar. Secure the lid and shake hard for 1 minute. Pour the mixture into a cup to steam or froth to heat up and boil the mixture. Pour the warm sweetened milk into your cup of coffee or espresso. Sprinkle some cinnamon on top to garnish.

Cashew Latte

If you are looking for a warm, creamy and rich coffee drink, this one is perfect!

Ingredients :

1/4 cup raw cashews
1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
1/2 cup black coffee
Pinch of salt
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/8 tsp ground cinnamon
High powered blender

How to make :

Combine all of the ingredients in a high powered blender. Blend on high for 1 min or til the coffee mixture is creamy and frothy. Pour into a cup and sprinkle nutmeg on top. Bon Appetit!

We hope that this list of the best Christmas inspired coffee drinks makes you want to go try them all. Let us know which one is your favorite down below in the comments!

Happy Holidays from the Belle Surf Fam!

Are you planning on taking a day trip to Maui? Maybe you are staying on a different island but interested in exploring the other Hawaiian Islands? Well, Maui has so much to offer! It is a very fun island filled with many different types of activities. Although the options seem endless, we have curated a list of our favorite things to do on a day trip to Maui. This way, you can explore the island, have fun, and still have time to catch the boat or plane back to the island you came from!

Breakfast at Belle Surf Cafe

Belle Surf Cafe is the perfect way to start your day! With our delicious espresso, coffee drinks, smoothies, food, and more… you are bound to find something here that will satisfy you for the beginning of your day! We have options for  dietary needs and restrictions. Check out our menu here!

Snorkeling with the turtles at Kapalua Bay

Kapalua Bay is a beautiful beach located in Kapalua, on the West side of Maui. Snorkeling is always best in the early morning time. You can either bring your own snorkel and fins, or rent them! In this bay, you will find a variety of coral reef, Hawaiian fish, and turtles. Make sure to be careful and aware of currents, winds, and waves. When in doubt, don’t go out! Always have a buddy, and even bring a flotation device in case you get tired. Enjoy the turtles!

Parasailing in Lahaina, Maui

Parasailing is a very fun and exhilarating activity! This is a recreational activity where a person is towed behind a vehicle while attached to a special canopy wing similar to a parachute. It’s a great way to get a birds eye perspective of the ocean in Hawaii! Very beautiful, and great activity to do in the morning time as well, before the strong winds pick up.

Lunch on the water at Mala Tavern

After all those fun morning activities, you have probably worked up an appetite! If you are looking for somewhere fairly casual with indoor / outdoor dining and great food, Mala Tavern is the place! This intimate and local waterfront restaurant is located in Lahaina, Maui. Their delicious cuisine consists of Pacific Rim and Mediterranean style dishes. They have a variety of wines and drinks to choose from as well. Male Tavern is extremely popular to both tourists and local residents!

Ululani’s Shave Ice

You can’t go to Hawaii without trying shave ice! Ululani’s Shave Ice is one of the most popular places to get shave ice in Hawaii. They serve gourmet shave ice, and are experts at it. The taste, texture, and appearance of their shave ice is like no other! We highly recommend trying out Ululani’s for a yummy dessert after lunch!

Whale Watching

Once your lunch has digested, we highly recommend going whale watching. Every year, over 10,000 Humpback Whales migrate to the warm waters of Maui. This is where they birth their young. If you are here between November to March, you are highly likely to see the whales. Booking a spot on an afternoon or sunset boat to whale watch is incredibly fun. It’s a great way to see these beautiful creatures up close.

Dinner and Drinks at Monkeypod

Monkeypod Kitchen is located in Kaanapali, in Whaler’s Village. They have a great happy hour and you will find a little bit of something for everyone here. Even the kids will enjoy! It’s the perfect location to end the day. Close to the ocean, refreshing food and drinks, and an easy location to access. You can even do some shopping afterward in Whaler’s Village.

We hope you enjoy your time on the beautiful island of Maui! Enjoy our list of our favorite things to do on a day trip to Maui. Comment below to tell us what your favorite activities are!

Although here in Hawaii we might not experience the classic changes for Fall and Winter, we still want to be included in all of the fun and holiday spirit! Hawaii is definitely warm year round. As winter approaches, we get more wind and rain which tends to “cool” down the islands a bit. Now that Fall is here, we wanted to put together a list of fun things to do for Fall in Maui Hawaii.

Stay at a romantic bed & breakfast

We highly recommend booking a cute bed and breakfast in Upcountry Maui. Once you head Upcountry, you will start to feel the air cool as you gain elevation up the slopes of the mountain. Enjoy the weekend in the cooler weather, relaxing in a jacuzzi, hiking, drinking warm pumpkin lattes, or watching the sunrise at Haleakala!

Go to the pumpkin patch

Kula Country Farms has a beautiful pumpkin patch. They take reservations online, and those with a reservation will be allowed in first. They welcome you to take pictures, walk around, and pick out your favorite pumpkin! The patch is open from Oct. 1-31 from 9am to 4pm. What a fun activity for the kids!

Have a pumpkin carving contest

Well, what better way to celebrate the Halloween and Fall spirit, than to have a pumpkin carving contest! Invite your friends and family over, and carve the pumpkins that you picked out from the patch. Best carving wins a prize! You can even make your own fall inspired drinks, cookies, food, and more!

Have a movie night

Time to invite the friends over for a movie night! Get cozy inside or outside and put up the projector for a big movie screen. Make some popcorn and hot chocolates! Maybe put on something scary!

Host a Pie bakeoff

It’s pie season, and who doesn’t love pie?! You can put your baking skills to the test with a fun and friendly competition. See who can make the best pie using fall’s most delicious flavors. Our favorites are apple, pumpkin and pecan!

Decorate your home

Feel like being festive and welcoming the new season? Decorate your porch with flowers, haystacks, and lots of pumpkins! If you would like to bring the decorations inside, there are plenty of fun ways to decorate your home. Go to a thrift store to be more sustainable, or support your local boutique in purchasing fall or Halloween inspired decorations.

Go to your local Farmer’s Market

What better way to pick out some fresh and local Fall produce, than by shopping at the Farmer’s Market! There is an abundance of food to choose from, and then you can go home and whip up something delicious in the kitchen!

Make a tasty Pumpkin Spiced Mocha Latte

Are you in the mood for a yummy holiday drink?! Head on over to our blog that features a Pumpkin Spiced Mocha Latte Recipe. This one is delicious, and can be made either warm or iced! Tell us your favorite holiday drink in the comments below!

DIY your Halloween costume!

This one is great for everyone. Halloween is just around the corner, and it’s time to decide what you would like to be! Creating your own costume is a fun way to have something unique, that no one else will be wearing! Head on over to your local Goodwill, and you will be able to piece together the coolest costume! Not only that, but creating a costume through thrift store finds is much more sustainable and eco-friendly.

We hope that these fun things to do for Fall in Maui Hawaii inspired you to get outside (or inside), and enjoy the season! Happy Fall!

What exactly are superfoods? Superfood is a term typically used to describe nutrient-dense foods. These foods are rich in vitamins, minerals and nutrients. Basically, we’re talking whole, unprocessed fruits, veggies, nuts, seeds and whole grains. They’re all packed with different bod-boosters, from immunity-increasing antioxidants to healthy-healthy fatty acids and more. Your body requires these nutrients to complete the essential functions that keep you alive and healthy. In order to get the best benefit, you’ll want to incorporate the widest variety of superfoods that you can. Here is our take on 5 superfoods you should be eating.

Dark Leafy Greens

Watercress, chard, spinach, romaine lettuce and collard greens rank among the most nutrient-dense fruits and veggies, according to a study  published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

This study developed a method of calculating the nutrient density of a large sampling fruits and veggies that are considered to be “powerhouses”, or those most strongly associated with reducing the risk of chronic disease. The higher the nutrient density score, the higher the amount of overall nutrients and phytochemicals per calorie. Of all the types of fruits and veggies that were ranked in this study, dark, leafy greens were consistently on top of the list.

One cup raw or one-half cup of cooked leafy greens counts toward your daily vegetable servings. How cool is that?!

If you are not a huge fan of dark leafy greens, there are a number of ways where you can eat them, without having to really taste them.

Add spinach into a smoothie!
Add some leafy greens into a creamy soup, that will later be blended.  I swear you won’t taste them!
Time to get juicing! You can make a delicious juice with loads of veggies. Top it off with some apple or a sweeter fruit to mask the taste of the greens.

Avocado

We love avocados. Can you imagine life before avo toast?! Avocados are a bit pricy in most states, but completely worth it. The fruit, packed with healthy fats, folate, vitamin C, and vitamin K is extremely healthy! There are numerous ways to eat avocado. Turn them into guacamole, put them on toast, or just put some Himalayan pink salt on them and eat them whole! Children love them too!

Blueberries

Blueberries are an antioxidant-packed superfood that features phytochemicals and vitamins C, K, and manganese. Phytochemicals are compounds found in plants that have been found to have an impressive amount of health benefits, including helping to protect the cells in your body from damage that could lead to cancer. Blueberries taste amazing on cereal, in baked goods, or frozen. I love eating them alone, or putting them as a topping to granola and yogurt!

Legumes

Legumes are a class of plant foods made up of beans (including soy), lentils, peas, peanuts and alfalfa. These are definitely a top one on our list of 5 superfoods you should be eating. They earn the superfood title because they’re loaded with nutrients. Legumes help prevent and manage a wide variety of diseases. Legumes are a rich source of B vitamins, various minerals, protein and fiber. Research indicates that they offer many health benefits including improved type 2 diabetes management, as well as reduced blood pressure and cholesterol. Eating beans and legumes regularly may also promote healthy weight maintenance, due to their ability to improve feelings of fullness. We love our legumes!

Nuts & Seeds

Are you looking for something rich in fiber? Are you vegetarian or vegan in need of protein and heart-healthy fats? Well, nuts and seeds are great for all of these reasons. These are definitely a necessary super food for any kind of diet! They also have various plant compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This helps protect agains oxidative stress. Research also shows that eating nuts and seeds can have a protective effect against heart disease. We recommend trying almonds, pistachios, walnuts, cashews, macadamia nuts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds. Chia seeds and hemp seeds are also delicious and can be added as toppings or in smoothies!

Are you feeling hungry? Did this article motivate you to eat healthier? We hope that our list of 5 superfoods you should be eating can help by providing the proper tools and information in order to support a healthy diet. Check out the Belle Surf Menu, we offer many diet friendly, healthy and tasty meals.