We’re not “tour guides” but we can certainly point you in some interesting directions.
Here’s one of several nice drives that can be done during a half day rental.
We took our family on a small self-guided tour that perhaps not many folks know about - we’d like to share it with you.
First Stop: We began our journey around 1PM with a stop at Momona Bakery and Coffee Shop
Located: 7 E Ka’ahumanu Ave, Kahului. Open: M-F from 6AM to 4PM Sat 7AM to 3PM Sun 7AM to 2PM
Back in the day, this building was a bank and still has the vault inside. If you’re lucky, you can sit at the table inside the vault for a neat dining experience while you peruse your safety deposit box (not really ;-)). The decor is modern and welcoming and the pastries are not only artistically beautiful but also flakey, crispy and delicious!
They serve all sorts of coffees and teas, some sandwiches and other tasty things to eat and drink.
Head north past Waiehu and Waihe’e. Keep driving…you can do it the other way around (clockwise) as well, but to get to today’s destination, this is the shorter route.
Be mindful, you will be driving on some winding and twisty roads that have blind corners, cliffs and single lanes at times. Keep alert, allow locals to pass you - they know the road better than you. As we say in our orientation, find a safe place to pull over, let them by and offer the shaka!
Stop #2: 10 miles and about a half hour later you will come to the Turnbull Studios and Sculpture Gardens on the makai side of the road. The owners and artists Steven and Christine create and sell their art here. There are also several local artists that have their pieces for sale in the gallery.
Wander around the rooms filled with art. The shopkeeper, Ariana will help you with all you need to know about the artists and the art on display.
Located: 5030 Kahekili Hwy, Wailuku. Open: 10AM to 5PM Thur thru Monday (closed on Tuesday and Wednesday).
They have also created a garden walk on their property with sculptures and other art pieces scattered throughout the trail. Of course there’s a great photo op along the path.
Next we head back toward Kahului and beyond. The best way to head to this next point of interest is by following:
Kahekili Hwy > Waiehu Beach Rd > Kahului Beach Rd > Ka’ahumanu Ave > Hana Hwy > Ho’okele St > Pulehu Rd > Ōma’opio Rd
Stop #3: Yep, you guessed it - Ocean Vodka Distillery for food, drinks and sunset! One of our favorite stops. Get there about a half hour to an hour before the sun sets and enjoy the relaxing serene scenery. You can make a reservation, but we typically just walk in. Listen to live, local music and order some fantastic Farmbreads (10” flat bread) pizzas (always get more than one!). We have lots of favorites: Paniolo, Wild Mushroom, Carbonara, Uncle’s Favorite, just to name a few. They are ALL so good. They offer more than pizzas - check out their menu here: Menu. We also have a little drink of Tangerine Dream and Kula Tai, but drink responsibly.
Located: 4051 Omaopio Rd, Kula Open: All week long from 10:30AM to 7PM.
If you decide to go to Ocean Vodka earlier, then you could also do the tasting experience or the food and cocktail pairing. They have a little farm store with cool gifts and souvenirs that you won’t want to give away :-)
Sunset was at 6:49PM on this day. From April until October, the sun sets behind the West Maui Mountains as seen from this vantage point.
This is a super fun day and you get to experience a little bit of city, some rain forested winding roads and a little upcountry with a nice overview of the valley portion of the valley isle.
We hope you enjoyed our little virtual tour.
Mahalo for your respect while on the island and while driving our Speedsters!