South Maui is often experienced through its beaches, sunshine, and easygoing coastal lifestyle…but there’s another side to being here that’s just as meaningful. Across Kihei and Wailea, there are countless ways to connect more deeply with the island through mālama, caring for the land, the ocean, and the community that makes this place home.

For residents and visitors alike, giving back isn’t separate from the Maui experience; it’s part of it. Whether you’re here for a week or a lifetime, there are meaningful ways to step in, connect, and contribute. Below are a few ways to get involved across Kihei and Wailea, with exactly how to start.

Aloha Backpack Buddies (Maui Food Bank)

Supporting local families often begins with something simple:

While much of the country is layering up, Maui’s version of the season is defined by golden light, gentle trade winds, and days that naturally unfold outdoors. Morning coffee on the lanai. Afternoons by the pool. Evenings that end with a sunset and the soft sound of the ocean. Homes designed around infinity edge pools embody that rhythm. They frame the horizon, extend the living space outward, and create a feeling that blends comfort with resort style ease.

These three exceptional properties offer distinct interpretations of that lifestyle, each capturing a unique expression of island living. Different settings, unique architecture, but all connected by a shared experience: elevated indoor outdoor living anchored by views, privacy, and a pool that

In West Maui, food has always carried meaning beyond what is on the plate. It is how stories are told without needing to be written down. How generations stay connected. How neighbors check in on one another. A shared table here is rarely rushed and almost never just about eating.

In Lahaina especially, food has long been one of the town’s quiet anchors. Restaurants are places where locals mark milestones, where fishermen drop off the day’s catch, where chefs know their farmers by name, and where visitors are welcomed into something that feels personal rather than polished. To dine in Lahaina is to experience the town’s rhythm, its warmth, and its generosity.

This February, the Lahaina Food and Wine Festival returns from February 18 through 22,

There are few places on Maui where the island’s resort lifestyle, natural beauty, and easy everyday rhythm blend as seamlessly as they do along the Kā‘anapali Beachwalk. Stretching across the golden shoreline and connecting world class dining, shopping, snorkeling, and recreation, this oceanside path is more than a scenic walkway. It is a way of life. Mornings begin with soft sunlight over the ocean, afternoons drift between beach and pool, and evenings invite sunset strolls framed by the silhouettes of Lāna‘i and Moloka‘i.

Along this celebrated coastline sits Honua Kai Resort & Spa, one of West Maui’s most coveted beachfront communities. With a prime location directly on the beachwalk, Honua Kai offers residents the ability to step from their

South Maui is often introduced through its sparkling beaches, sunset dinners, and resort pools, yet there is a deeper story woven into this coast. Ancient fishpond walls still catch the light at low tide. Lava flows remember the island’s most recent eruptions. Whales, turtles, and native birds return season after season, following paths that have existed long before any shoreline condos or beach paths.

This guide highlights some of South Maui’s lesser known cultural and natural landmarks, along with insight into why this coastline continues to captivate those seeking serenity and scenery.

Makena Landing and Turtle Town

Today, Makena Landing is known as a launch point for kayakers, snorkelers, and divers who head toward Nahuna Point and

There is something magical about Kapalua. Maybe it is the way the ocean trades places with the mountains as you round each bend. Maybe it is the quiet hum of palms in the breeze, or that west-side golden hour that makes everything feel like a postcard. Whatever it is, Kapalua is not just a destination. It is a mood. A slowed-down, barefoot-elegant, glass-of-wine-at-sunset kind of mood.

And if you love food, you are in the right place.

Photo courtesy of Banyan Tree Kapalua

Kapalua's dining scene balances oceanfront classics, award-winning resort restaurants, and relaxed neighborhood spots, all wrapped in views that make every meal feel like a celebration. From fresh-caught fish and hand-rolled pasta to elevated island plates and perfect

Wailea, Maui, is world-renowned for its golden beaches, sparkling waters, and luxury living. But beyond its breathtaking beauty, Wailea is also home to four of Maui’s most exceptional resorts: the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, the Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort, Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort and the Fairmont Kea Lani. Each of these destinations offers much more than overnight accommodations. From indulgent spas and award-winning restaurants to pool day passes and oceanfront adventures, these resorts create unforgettable experiences for visitors and locals alike.

Here’s your insider’s guide to the best ways to enjoy Wailea’s luxury resorts—whether you’re planning a vacation or looking for a rejuvenating staycation on the Valley Isle.

Along the lush North Shore of Maui, Haiku is a place where the pace slows down, the air feels fresher, and every view is a brushstroke of natural beauty. Known for its rolling green hills, misty mornings, and a creative spirit that seems to hum through the trees, Haiku invites you to live both intentionally and luxuriously. It's no wonder that some of Maui’s most striking modern homes are located right here, and two extraordinary properties currently on the market offer a rare chance to experience this lifestyle for yourself.

Whether you're drawn to mid-century charm reinvented for today or a sleek architectural marvel designed with gallery-like precision, both of these Haiku homes deliver a modern escape rooted in the island's soulful beauty.

When it comes to finding the perfect place to call home, pet parents know that it isn’t just about the view or the square footage…it’s about lifestyle. South Maui is a dream destination not only for humans but for their four-legged companions as well. With miles of walkable coastline, dog-welcoming beaches, and local businesses that roll out the red carpet for pups, South Maui is a haven for those who want to share their Hawaiian lifestyle with their furry family members.

From open-air restaurants to scenic trails and beaches where tails wag freely, we’ve rounded up the ultimate list of where you and your dog can enjoy life to the fullest.

1. Keawakapu Beach 

End of South Kihei Rd, (From Hwy 31 aka Piilani Hwy, turn off between mi 9.6 & 10.4)

Upcountry Maui is a place where rolling pastures meet panoramic ocean views, where volcanic slopes nourish generations of farmers, and where food isn’t just a meal—it’s a story of place, people, and passion. From historic general stores to modern zero-waste kitchens, Upcountry’s farm-to-table scene is a rich tapestry of locally sourced ingredients and unforgettable flavors.

Whether you’re a Maui resident or visiting for the first time, here are seven can’t-miss spots to savor the best of Upcountry Maui’s culinary bounty—all grounded in sustainability, community, and true island hospitality.

Haliʻimaile General Store

900 Hali'imaile Rd, Makawao
Hours: Daily 11:00 AM–8:00 PM
haliimailegeneralstore.com | @haliimailegeneralstore

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