Maui, Hawaii

April 11, 2025

I had taken advantage of a Southwest Airlines Companion Pass promotion in the prior quarter and so I used my earned companion pass to Maui. I had hoped to used it more than once but it worked out this way. I was able to find a Jeep through Enterprise. I didn't know if I would need a Jeep but there are parts of Maui that a 4x4 is easiest and I was able to get the new hybrid Rubicon.

I checked into the Hilton Grand Vacations Club Maui Bay Villas. It is one of Hilton's newer timeshare properties and still in construction on their final phases. If you are expecting a full resort, this isn't quite the property. I characterize the property as a high scale apartment complex with beach access. Unfortunately for me, the week prior the island experienced a mudslide due to heavy rains. Between the fires last year and the mudslides this year, Maui is not having a good time of it. The hotel was in the path of the mudslide but they cleared alot of it during the weekend. The mudslides also made the ocean inaccessible because it wasn't considered safe to swim in.

HGVC Maui Villas Pool

HGVC Maui Villas Two Bedroom Suite King Bedroom

HGVC Maui Villas Two Bedroom Suite Master Bathroom

HGVC Maui Villas Two Bedroom Suite Doubles Bedroom

HGVC Maui Villas Two Bedroom Suite Living Room

Activities

Waiʻānapanapa State Park - I wasn't able to get into the park the last time. I was able to secure a parking reservation and glad that I did. Given the recent heavy rains in Maui, the state park ended up being one of the few areas unaffected by contaminated waters from the mudslides from the mountain to the ocean. The waters were still rough and the "black sand beach" is still more like a black rocky beach.

Wai'anapanapa State Park Cliff

Wai'anapanapa State Park Black Rock Beach

Ocean Distillery - I had high hopes of visiting a few distilleries but I ended up only going to Ocean for a tasting after coming back from the Ranch. Of course, I ended up buying a few bottles, I enjoyed their gin (not being a gin fan in general)! It was nice to see the bottles being made for Costco during the tour.

Ocean Distillery Pizza

Ocean Distillery Bread Pudding and cocktails

Ulupalakura Ranch - I headed out to the ranch because I remembered seeing the meats they sold a better value than the supermarkets. It didn't turn out to be the case this time around but I did greatly enjoy their chili and rice. I've never had chili on rice before and a fan of both the combination and also the chili itself. I went back to order another cup to only find out I had already bought the last cup! The burger is good too.

Chili Rice and Burger from Ulupalakura Ranch

Maui Wine - After enjoying my chili and burger from the Ranch, walked across the street to check out the winery. The dining area/tasting area was full but they do have a patio and you can order wine at the bar. I also ended up trying the pineapple popcorn they had in their shop side and found it tasty.

Costco - Before getting into the Hilton, stopped at Costco to get some supplies and pick up any souvenirs. There wasn't much and I don't know if that is a reflection of the downturn of tourists to the island.

Walmart - I was hoping to get my favorite hawaiian snacks in bulk but I was denied. Eggs were also in scarce supplies.

Dining

Like Poke - located in a food truck lot at 1960 Main St Wailuku, HI 96732, one of the best pokes I've had in Maui. Chunky and tasty.

Poke from Like Poke, two meat lunch plates from Da Soriano Grindz, and teas from Bobalei

Da Soriano Grindz - located in the same food truck lot as Like Poke, I opted to order the two meat plate lunch. It was good but I would be interested in trying the other food trucks. There were a few that weren't open and I assume they only do dinner.

Bobalei - located in the same food truck lot as Like Poke, a boba truck with appetizer menu. I ordered the popcorn chicken and milk teas. Overall, decent but not a repeat for me.

Ululani's Hawaiian Shave Ice - my favorite shave ice and near to the Hilton in Kihei.

Ululani's Shave Ice

Takamiya Market - located at 359 N Market St Wailuku, HI 96793, the grocery store sells poke and hot foods. The best thing I had was the ube haupia pie. Everything else was ok but nice to support a long time local business.

Kaohu Store - located at 1833 Kaohu St Wailuku, HI 96793, this convenience store sells poke. It seemed fine but a little out of the way.

Sugar Beach Shack - Owned by the same folks as Ululani's, one of the better malasadas I've had lately in Hawaii AND spam musubis. The scones and rolls are also delicious. I went almost every morning to pick up breakfast.

Sugar Beach Shack Pastries

Humble Market Kitchin - Being a fan of Roy Yamaguchi, tried this new outlet. I had the shutome entree and the chocolate lava cake. I was OK with the entree and enjoyed the dessert. The birthday dessert is an ube cheesecake which was tasty.