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Dec 23 2023

Best Breakfast in West Maui – The Guide to What’s Open

The wildfires in August 2023 devastated the town of Lahaina and forced the closure of many small businesses in West Maui. As businesses begin to reopen, please support our West Maui restaurants and activity vendors.

The spirit of Aloha remains in every West Maui restaurant, and with so many places reopening, how can a person choose the best one? The good news is Chase ‘N Rainbows has the local scoop on what’s available and a must-try item from each. Check out our guide to finding breakfast in West Maui below.

Best Breakfast in West Maui at a Glance

Kā‘anapali

Castaway Cafe – Must Try: Kalua Pork Huevos Rancheros
Duke’s Beach House – Must Try: Onolicious French Toast
Java Jazz – Must Try: Uncle Mike’s Loco Moco
Hula Grill Ka’anapli– Must Try: Ka’anapali Beach Omelet

Honokōwai-Napili

A’A Roots (Vegan) – Must Try: Breakfast Burrito
Cruzin’ Cafe – Must Try: Signature Breakfast Sandwich
Slappy Cakes – Must Try: Custom Tabletop Pancakes

Kapalua

Plantation House Restaurant – Must Try: Portuguese Sausage, Bacon, and Cheddar Omelet

West Maui Breakfast Spots: Additional Info

The Gazebo

Dine poolside and oceanfront at The Gazebo in Lāhainā! The Gazebo serves up classic breakfast fare at reasonable rates from 7:30am – 2pm daily. While just about anything you can order will be delicious, we especially love their omelettes.

Roy’s Kaanapali

Overlooking the 18th hole of the Kaanapali Golf Course, Roy’s Kaanapali offers a luxurious breakfast experience from 6am – 10:30am daily. While their menu changes, you can expect artfully crafted favorites like Crab Cake Benedict, Avocado Toast, French Toast and traditional Puka Breakfast platters.

Sea House Restaurant

Enjoy open-air seating and views of the Napili Bay as you feast on sea-to-table cuisine, prepared by Chef Alexander Stanislaw’s team. The Sea House Restaurant serves breakfast from 7am – 2pm daily, with beverage services starting at 8am. We love the Molokai Sweet Potato Frittata and the Home-Made Macadamia Nut Cinnamon Roll is to die for.

Merriman’s Kapalua

This award-winning restaurant serves brunch just one day a week – and you won’t want to miss it. Dine in an open-air setting with the most stunning views (you might catch yourself thinking you’re in the water). Merriman’s Kapalua serves brunch on Sundays from 9:30am – 1pm, with live music from 10am – 1pm. They offer house-pressed vegetable juice, doughnuts cooked to order and french press coffee. If that doesn’t have you rounding up the family to get ready for brunch, then think about their Keahole Lobster Benedict, Prime Corned Beef Hash & Eggs, or their Organic Big Island Cinnamon French Toast.

West Maui Vacation Rentals and Condos

Finding the best breakfast in West Maui can feel daunting, especially when you’re hungry! Hopefully, our brief guide can help you navigate the local morning cuisine scene as new places open up around the area. So, now that you have a few options available, it’s time to start creating your morning itineraries. And when you’re ready to book your stay, Chase ‘N Rainbows will be here with a collection of Maui vacation rentals, giving you ideal access to the best breakfast and more. Browse our collection or reach out online today.

Dec 16 2023

What to Know for Planning Your Next Maui Vacation

Maui Vacation: A scenic view of a beautiful beach in Maui.

Days after the wildfires ravaged Maui, the initial response was to ask people to cancel their vacations. Although this decision was difficult, allowing the community to heal as much as possible after such a loss was crucial. There’s no denying that our beloved isle has a tourism-based economy, so we’re looking forward to visitors returning responsibly. If you’re ready to reestablish your Maui vacation plans, there are a few things you may be wondering and want to consider.

Lending a Helping Hand

As the community moves forward with what’s left and rebuilds from a strong foundation, we’ll continue to do our part. By providing our vacation rentals as safe havens for disaster workers, we’ve proudly helped make these valued visitors feel at home while giving them a launch pad for their efforts. With that in mind, if you’re looking for a volunteer opportunity, reach out to let us know, and we’ll help you find the best place to stay. And even if you aren’t volunteering, simply visiting is one of the best ways to support Maui.

Where to Go During Your Maui Vacation

As you begin creating your vacation itinerary, you’ll quickly realize there are some areas you can’t and shouldn’t go on the northwestern side of Maui. For example, Lāhainā and its surrounding areas remain inaccessible, while Kā’anapali, Nāpili, Honokōwai, and Kapalua are open. The silver lining is that the northwestern portion is a relatively small area compared to other parts, boasting dense rainforests, iconic black-sand beaches, and immersive hiking trails. And with fewer crowds, now is an excellent time to explore.

Maui Vacation Rentals and Resort Condos

Supporting local businesses is essential to many people working in Maui, and a vacation is an excellent way to do that while creating cherished memories. Chase ‘N Rainbows is a locally owned company offering a vast collection of vacation rentals, including affordable and luxurious accommodations. Reach out online and book your Maui getaway today!

Oct 07 2023

Finding the Best Waterfalls in Maui

Water Falls in Maui: Twin Falls is among the best waterfalls in Maui.

The waterfalls in Maui are captivating natural attractions you shouldn’t miss during your vacation. To add to the allure, many of these mesmerizing displays have paved viewing sites that are safe and comfortable for visitors, while other waterfalls are not as easily accessible. No matter how you prefer to experience these beautiful wonders, here are a few recommendations to help you narrow down your choices and make the most of the best Maui waterfalls and ways to enjoy them.

Waterfall Safety

It’s easy to get caught up in the moment when you’re seeking out waterfalls in Maui, but safety is crucial. Here are some tips:

If safe parking isn’t available, move on and do not cause traffic jams
Heed all warning signs
Stay on marked trails and be prepared for slippery conditions
Streams and waterfalls may not be safe to drink or swim.
Rainy weather upstream could mean dangerous flash flooding downstream

Twin Falls

Twin Falls is one of the first stops along the Road to Hana. Parking is limited to a first-come-first-serve basis, so you’ll need to do some planning. Still, management at Twin Falls is dedicated to ensuring easy access for visitors, making this stop worth the effort. The round-trip hike to see Twin Falls is a moderately challenging route for most, taking nearly an hour to complete.

It’s important to use care when walking because the trail has loose rocks and is sometimes muddy. The trail will bring you to a resting area near the waterfall with lush surroundings and a swimming area. Since Twin Falls is on a farm property, visitors can also enjoy local fruit and smoothies before or after their hike.

Pua’a Ka‘a State Wayside

Starting with a low-key spot to rest, stop for a bathroom break or a picnic, Pua’a Ka‘a State Wayside is an inviting introduction to waterfalls in Maui. It’s one of the more accessible waterfalls because of dedicated off-street parking and a paved trail leading to several small waterfalls. A dirt rainforest trail across the road from the bathrooms leads to an open area with a swimming hole and a modest yet pretty waterfall.

Kings Garden

If you’re looking for a more exclusive way to experience one of the best waterfalls in Maui, The Kings Gardens is a worthy consideration. Set amid a native rainforest with prehistoric flora and an ancient water cave, The Kings Gardens offers a two-hour private tour with a knowledgeable guide. The archeological area is an enriching historical site, but the main draw is the private cascading waterfall visible from two vantage points. The hike is an immersive experience that also lets you see chocolate grow in its natural habitat.

Maui’s Garden of Eden

Located directly adjacent to the legendary Puohokamoa Waterfall, Maui’s Garden of Eden is a treasure trove of scenic beauty. Featuring 26 acres of rainforest, three waterfall lookouts, and over two miles of trails, Maui’s Garden of Eden lives up to its name. Although standard admission doesn’t permit access to Puohokamoa Waterfall, you can witness it from a lookout or schedule a tour with Rappel Maui (see below).

Rappel Maui

For adventurers seeking an adrenaline boost, Rappel Maui offers the perfect blend of tranquility and excitement within Maui’s Garden of Eden. Visitors will explore waterfalls, tropical canyons, and serene freshwater pools via their choice of a group tour or private tour. As the island’s only waterfall rappelling service, Rappel Maui offers a unique experience you’ll remember forever.

Blue Hawaiian Helicopter Tours

For an aerial perspective of hidden waterfalls on Maui, you should contact Blue Hawaiian Helicopter Tours. Jaw-dropping panoramic views, awe-inspiring craters, and iconic mountaintops are all visible from the clouds. The West Maui and Molokai tour showcases nearly 90 miles of pristine shoreline, captivating cliffsides, and stunning cascades—most of which aren’t visible from ground level.

West Maui Vacation Rentals and Condo Resorts

Discovering Maui waterfalls is one of the most popular things to do for visitors. Outdoor adventure is abundant on this beautiful island. There’s nothing like making yourself at home in the comfort of your vacation condo rental. Prepare a hearty breakfast or a picnic lunch in your fully equipped kitchen. At the end of each day of exploration, many condos have in-room or on-site laundry to be ready for another day of adventure. What’s more, many tour services offer pickup from your West Maui vacation rental in Ka’anapali, Honokawai, or Kahana. To start planning your Maui vacation, please visit us online and book your stay today.

Jun 07 2023

The Ultimate Guide for Your Maui Family Vacation

Planning a Maui family vacation? Maui is a great place to take the entire family because of its deep-rooted tradition, beautiful landscape, and abundance of recreation opportunities. A family vacation on Maui offers the perfect opportunity to make lasting memories and experience the Hawaii culture.

Whether you’re looking to get adventurous in the great outdoors or learn about the community and history of Maui, your options are endless. Here are a few of our favorite things to do on your Maui family vacation.

Hiking

While Maui is home to some strenuous and advanced hikes, it also features several trails that offer beautiful views that even the littlest kiddos can handle. The Kapalua Coastal Trail is an easy and flat 1.9 mile-trail that hugs along the coastline. This scenic trail is perfect for a sunset walk. Another great and family-friendly hike in Maui is the Kaanapali Beach Boardwalk, which is a 4.4-mile out-and-back trail that features a 500-foot elevation gain. This trail passes by a few spots where you can stop off for lunch or to just take in the landscape.

Whale Watching

Seeing a whale in wildlife will make everyone in the family feel like a kid again, and Maui is the place to go for whale watching. Local whale watching companies offers small group tours for every level of whale watchers. You’ll find tours range from 1.5-hour, 2-hour, and 3-hour tours, and more. Whale watching is most popular during the winter season when humpback whales travel to the warmer waters of Maui.

Kayaking

A kayaking and snorkeling tour is great for older kids and young teenagers. Kelii’s Kayak Tours offer 2.5-hour and 3.5 to 4-hour tours. It’s recommended that kids be at least 10 years old for the longer tour. The entire family will love watching tropical fish, sea turtles, and even humpback whales in their natural habitat. The team at Kelii’s knows the best spots to view marine life.

Haleakalā National Park

Haleakalā National Park is one of Maui’s most popular attractions, and for good reason. Known as the “house of the sun,” Haleakalā sits along the southeastern coast and is known for the Haleakalā Crater, which sits more than 10,000 above sea level. This park has more endangered species than any other park in the National Park Service, making it an ideal place for kids to learn about the precious and fragile ecosystem of Maui.

Maui Tropical Plantation

The Maui Tropical Plantation not only offers families an inside look at the process of planting, growing, and harvesting Hawaii’s most iconic produce, it features the longest, fastest, and highest zip line on Maui. Traveling with younger kids? The Maui Tropical Plantation also has a family-friendly zip line course for kids as young as five. You’ll learn about Hawaii agriculture on the tropical express tour, which takes you along lagoons throughout the entire plantation. Be sure to grab something to eat or drink here, like a coffee, fresh smoothie, or ice pop.

Road to Hana

The Road to Hana is one of the most iconic drives on Maui. If your family is renting a car while on the island, this adventure surely cannot be missed. The Road to Hana features many stop off points where you can view waterfalls, scenic ocean views, and learn about the area’s history. There are a lot of stops, so plan ahead to check out just a few stops on the Road to Hana. You can even take a guided tour of the year if you’d prefer to simply take in the sights.

Old Lāhainā Luau

The Old Lāhainā Luau captures the essence of culture and tradition on Maui. Voted one of the Top Luaus in Maui, this traditional Luau and feast have been running since 1986 on Maui. The entire family will get to experience Hawaiian cuisine, music, cultural dances, and demonstrations. Reservations are required ahead of time, which includes food and drinks as well. It’s an experience that the family will not soon forget.

Begin planning your Maui family vacation today. Maui is home to an abundance of things to do with the entire family, no matter what kind of excursion you’re planning. Our Maui vacation rentals offer the perfect home base for your adventure. Browse our selection of West Maui condos and homes to find the ideal place to unwind and relax with your family. Have any questions? Contact us directly for more information.

Jun 07 2023

Best West Maui Kayak Tours

Loads of sunshine and relatively rain-free months year round make West Maui an excellent place for kayaking. The waters surrounding West Maui are dense with life, and on any kayaking trip you might encounter Green Sea Turtles, tropical fish, and even Humpback Whales! There are short kayaking trips for novices, and those in strong physical shape can enjoy longer excursions to unique environments like the rugged sea cliffs of Pali.

West Maui kayaking is an excellent activity for families and couples, and singles can join a group tour and meet new friends. The island is dense with kayak excursion tour guides, so to help you find the best trip for your lifestyle, we’ve made a guide to the best West Maui Kayak tours.

Pali Sea Cliff Tour by South Pacific Kayaks Maui

The Pali Sea Cliff Tour is a longer kayaking tour, so it’s best for those in good physical shape. This five mile kayak trip is definately worth the paddle, taking you to the rugged sea cliffs of Pali. You’ll enjoy two to three snorkel stops on your trip, all in areas that are teeming with wildlife.

You can expect to see the infamous (and endangered) Green Sea Turtle, among other beautiful water dwellers. This tour can be booked in public (ages 16+) or private groups (ages 12+). If you’re looking to experience the natural beauty of West Maui, we highly recommend this kayaking excursion.

More About South Pacific Kayaks Maui >

Kelii’s 2.5 Hour Kayak & Snorkeling Tour by Kelii’s Kayak Tours

The 2.5 Hour Kayaking & Snorkeling Tour by Kelii’s Kayak Tours is our top choice for those with children (although adults will love this tour just as much). You’ll paddle about two and a half miles, and snorkel for around 45 minutes. The waters are calm and all skill levels are welcome, which is why this tour is so great for those with kiddos.

Even with the shorter excursion length, you’ll get a chance to see tropical fish, Green Sea Turtles and Humpback Whales (if it’s the right time of year, as they come to West Maui seasonally). Kelii’s also offers a 3.5 to 4 hour kayaking trip, so you can experience two different reefs.

More About Kelii’s Kayak Tours >

Kayak, Whale Watch & Snorkel Excursion by Maui Adventure Tours

West Maui Adventure Tours is our top choice for an exciting and educational kayak excursion. Each year, from December to May, the Humpback Whales take over Olowalu. They make grand entrances from below the surface, giving visitors the opportunity to view this magnificent creature in detail.

Your West Maui Adventure Tour guide will teach you all about this annual migration, as you watch from the center of the Hawaiian Islands National Whale Marine Sanctuary. West Maui Adventures also offers a Turtle Reef Kayak & Snorkel Excursion, which is a great choice when the whales aren’t in season.

More About Maui Adventure Tours >

Book Your West Maui Vacation Today

We hope our guide to the best West Maui kayak tours helped you find the perfect excursion. If you’re still not sure which tour is best for you, check out our guide to snorkeling, kayaking and water excursions in West Maui. Planning a vacation to West Maui? Don’t forget to book your Chase ‘N Rainbows vacation rental. Contact us today for more information.