Attractions in and around Honokowai
In Kaanapali, you'll find casual to elegant restaurants, rooms from modest to luxury prices, just about every kind of beach activity there is, challenging golf, fun historical attractions, and delightful shopping.
Landmark Puu Kekaa: This is commonly referred to as "Black Rock" and was once a sacred location to native Hawaiians. They revered it as a place where the spirits of the dead went to leap from this world to the next. It was considered extremely brave to leap from the same spot as the spirits of the dead. Puu Kekaa, along with many other sites along the beach and rolling greens of Kaanapali, becomes even more fascinating than usual when you learn about the mythology and history behind it. The best learning experience is through the Kaanapali Historical Trail & History and Legends Tour. This fascination may help explain why a great majority of visitors to Maui stay in Kaanapali.
Maui Ocean Center: The Maui Ocean Center is the only aquarium in the world dedicated to fostering understanding, wonder and respect for Hawaiis marine life. The three-acre marine park, the largest tropical reef aquarium in the western hemisphere, provides information, tours by marine naturalists and exhibits on thousands of indigenous fish, sharks, turtles, stingrays and other fascinating marine animals. Sea Talks are FREE and open to the public.
Haleakala National Park: Ongoing Ranger/Naturalist programs include guided walks, hikes, as well as programs on geology and natural and cultural history. In the Summit area, special evening star watching programs are conducted periodically. Occasionally special all day and half day hikes, three day service trips, or full moon hikes are offered.
Mcgregor Point Lookout: Free whale and ocean information is provided by the Pacific Whale Foundation. The (PWF) Ocean Outreach Van is at this scenic lookout daily 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. with interesting whale displays and free information about whales. PWF's Marine Research naturalists will be on hand to help the visitors spot whales from one of the best shore-based whalewatching locations on Maui.
Activities in and around Honokowai
Tours:
Maui House of the Sun Tour: Maui residents are invited to tour homes and businesses that save money by using solar energy during early October every year. The tour is part of a National Solar Tour to help recognize October as National Energy Awareness Month. Maui's Annual "House of the Sun Solar Tour", sponsored by the Hawaii PV Coalition, opens properties to the public, providing an in-depth look at solar electricity and solar hot water. During the tour, participants will learn energy-efficiency strategies and methods, speak with property owners and experts, and learn how the technology works, what it costs, and why it makes sense-both financially and for the environment.
Astronomy Tour of the Stars: A brilliant tour of the stars is given nightly on the roof of Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa, Kaanapali for one hour. Astronomy-quality telescopes are set up for viewing pleasure by the star guide.
Dining: you will enjoy a variety of seafood available in various restaurants in Honokowai.
Outdoor Sports and Activities:
Maui Polo Club Games: Polo is a great sport for players and spectators alike held in beautiful Upcountry Maui. You can be part of the excitement while you are in Honokowai.
Sunset Cliff-Diving: The Sheraton Maui, Kaanapali (West Maui) rests atop the famed black rock, Puu Kekaa, site of many Hawaiian legends. A torch lighting and cliff diving ceremony is enacted each evening right before sunset. The public can watch a young man in ancient Hawaiian garb light torches as he runs to the rock's summit. Perched at the top, he dives off the cliff into the calm waters surrounding the landmark.
Whale Watch: You have the opportunity to spot whales and enjoy one of the best shore-based whalewatching experiences at McGregor Point Lookout while you are in Honokowai.
Other prominent activities in Honokowaii are snorkeling (Honokowai Beach); water activities like diving, whale watching, sailing, parasailing, sunset cruises, kayaking, surfing and day trips to neighboring islands) (Lahaina).
Festivals and Events in and around Honokowai:
Aloha Festivals (Late Summer, Early Fall): Aloha Festivals is Hawaii's premier cultural showcase, a celebration of Hawai'i's music, dance and history intended to preserve the unique island traditions.
Maui County Fair (Early October): One of the oldest fairs in Hawaii and one of Maui's premier community events with a parade, carnival rides, island arts & crafts, horticulture displays, flower shows, lifestyle tents, livestock and more. The four-day fair is held at the Wailuku War Memorial Complex.
Maui Orchid Society Show (Early October): A beautiful show with hundreds of orchids on display and for sale, lectures and demonstrations. One of the many orchid shows presented throughout the year by the Orchid Societies in Hawaii. War Memorial Complex, Wailuku.
Aloha Festivals Hana Opening Ceremonies and Parade (Mid October): The sleepy town of Hana will burst to life for the opening ceremony and parade that will feature floats designed and built by local high school students and elegant pau riders. The opening ceremonies will offer a day of fun-filled activities, food, games and displays.
E Kui Lima (Mid October): Celebrate Hawaii's multi-ethnic heritage at this annual event featuring an eclectic array of interactive arts, crafts, cuisine, music and dance culminating in a special appearance by the Aloha Festivals Royal Court and presentation of hookupu.
Kuu Home O Home (Mid October) (Wailuku): Vacationers can enjoy music, dance, entertainment, ono (delicious) food and arts and crafts on Main Street in historic Wailuku town.
International Cultural Festival (Mid October) (Lahaina): A two-day event featuring the rich, multicultural heritage of the islands. Enjoy a showcase of local ethnic performers and a visit from the Aloha Festivals Royal Court as well as cultural crafts throughout the mall.
Hawaii International Festival (Mid to Late October): Films from Asia, the Pacific and North America are presented. Shown at Maui Arts & Cultural Center, Castle Theatre and McCoy Studio Theatre and at the Maui Communiyt College at various times.
Lahaina Banyan Tree Hoolaulea (Mid October): Held under the largest banyan tree in the state, this annual hoolaulea features arts, crafts, hula, food booths and music.
Nissan Xterra World Championship (Late October): The annual Nissan Xterra World Championship is the culmination of a series of global XTERRA events. An elite field of qualified athletes competes in a 1.5 kilometer roughwater swim, 30 kilometer mountain bike on the slopes of Haleakala, and an 11 kilometer trail run including the beaches of Makena and Wailea.
Halloween (Mardi Gras of the Pacific) (Late October): Celebrated since 1990 as the "Mardi Gras of the Pacific," this is more than just a night on the town in costume! Over 30,000 revelers come to Front Street on Halloween night, which is closed to vehicle traffic from 4pm to 2am. The annual children's costume parade down Front Street at 4:30 pm kicks-off the evening. Other features include crafters, activities and food booths, live music and dancing. Lahaina Town sponsors The Great Halloween Costume Contest in Banyan Tree Park which begins at 7pm. Restaurants and retail merchants offer costume contests throughout the evening. Shopping centers feature Haunted Houses for kids during the week.
Cannery Kids Night (Late October): A fun-filled night for the keiki (children), mixed with trick-o-treating throughout the mall. Games, fun activities for the entire family and a keiki costume contest at the Lahaina Cannery Mall (West Maui).
