Entry to The Harbor Shops at Ma'alaea

LET'S START OUR TOUR in the northernmost portion, the harbor town of Ma'alaea. Pronounced MA-A-LIE-A, its harbor docks close to 100 craft of every description, from luxury yachts to 12-passenger dive boats. Every morning at 7 most of this fleet sets sail for Maui's favorite snorkel spots while the wind is down and the sea is calm. Here are Harbor Shops, restaurants, condominiums, a sports park, surfers, fishermen and Maui's ocean aquarium.

In the winter months ( between October and May), visitors to Ma'alaea can watch Humpback Whales cavort in the Bay from the decks of their lanais. Our annual visitors, the whales travel here from their feeding grounds in Alaska to calve and mate.

The Fleet's In
Down at the Harbor are docked boats of every description. The boats of Ocean Activities Center are typical. There's the 65' catamaran, Wailea Kai, for whale watching, snorkeling and ocean kayaking.
Sister ship, Maka Kai, also features whale watching and snorkeling, plus a live marine show.
On Maka Kai's fun bottom fishing tour you catch 'em and keep 'em and enjoy BBQ steak, beer, wine and Mai Tais.
For some serious fishing, get a share or charter the No Ka Oi III and maybe reel in a really big one. More info at 808 879-4485.

Ma'alaea Harbor is the enbarkation point for six of the Ocean Activities Center craft that include Snorkel, Whale Watch and Fishing boats. (Above Left) Ocean Activities Center features a live marine show for visitors. (Right) It's not about how big the fish, but how big the fun.

The 750,000 gallon aquarium features an acrylic walk-through tunnel for a 360 degree view.

See the Fish, Stay Dry
Maalaea's premier attraction is the Maui Ocean Center with Maui's only public aquarium. There are thousands of marine species, living coral reefs and self-paced interactive exhibits in this state-of-the-art facility. And, you see all the wildlife without even getting wet!

Acres of Fun - Golf & Games
Just north of the Maui aquarium parking lot you'll find Maui Golf & Sports Park where you'll find fun for the whole family. You can play on two challenging miniature golf courses, ride the bumper boats, soar on the X-Treme Trampoline, climb the Rock Pinnacle and have a snack in a Hawaiian village setting. It's a fun place to hold a party for all ages too. 808 242-7818

	(Ffrom Left) New Rock Pinnacle and E-Treme Trampoline. The walk-through volcano and one of two miniature golf courses. Bumper Boat Lake and the Hawaiian Village Snack area.

Colorful tropical drinks brighten the dining experience

A Yummy Success Story
Chef Michael and Dana Pastula, proprietors of the highly successful Olei Cafés (Makawao, Wailuku and Lahaina) have brought their magical combination of gourmet dining and affordable prices to Ma'alaea with the opening of the Ma'alaea Grill.

Featured entrees are Togarashi Seared Ahi, Macadamia Nut Roast Duckling and Thai Coconut Seafood. Desserts are homemade and there's a full bar with tropical cocktails. Live entertainment, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.

Their catering is also highly sought for parties, community affairs and wedding receptions. Come in for lunch, dinner or after a more sedate sealife experience at the aquarium. Reservations: 808 243-2206 The large, airy, yet inimate dining room of the Ma'alaea Grill with a panoramic view of the the harbor.

The beach at Ma'alaea looking West from 280 Hauoli St.

Ma'alaea Vacation Headquarters
If you've fallen in love with Ma'alaea, perhaps you'd like to stay. Take a side trip down the lane where all the condos line the beach, Hauoli, and drop by Ma'alaea Bay Realty and Rentals at number 280. With over 25 years in serving the Ma'alaea vacation experience, Jeanne and Marsha will show you true kama'aina treatment and an aloha attitude. 808 244-5627

The long expanse of Sugar Beach looking south towards Kihei.

Headin' South
Connecting Ma'alaea to the rest of South Maui is a 2-mile stretch of winding highway that travels for the most part along the beach. This is a fine beach for long, private walks.

Returning to Maui every year, Green Sea Turtles lay their eggs at Sugar Beach. On the other side of the road is the wildlife sanctuary of Kealia Pond, a birdwatcher's favorite.

This cruiser broke its moorings and washed ashore at Sugar Beach Resort. This is a terrific walking beach, but it can get windy afternoons.

Side Trip for a Treat
Approaching Kihei, we pass the beachside condos along Sugar Beach. At the end of Sugar Beach, our road opens up into the Piilani Highway (Rt. 31), the "fast way" south. Follow the highway to the third traffic light (you'll see Tesoro's gas station) and take a left for a special treat.

Fresh Fish Daily
The new Ashley's Café (off Ohukai Rd. just behind Tesoro) features the catch of the day cooked and frequently hooked by co-owner and chef, Alfred Ching, a bottom-fishing enthuiast.

Chef Alfred with a brace of Opakapaka.

Alfred also features an extensive menu ranging from local favorites like Moco Loco to good old American Meat Loaf. The theme here is "home cooking." Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Ashley's is a great take out stop to bring that home cooking back to your condo. They also feature Maui's own Rosalani ice cream... a sweet accompaniment to your South Maui Tour. 808 874-8600

Head down Ohukai Rd. and across the highway to Kihei Rd. to continue your South Maui Tour.

••> Go on to KIHEI
You can skip around too.
Ma'alaea • Kihei • Wailea • Makena & La Perouse Bay