Maalaea, Maui is small oceanfront village with a slow, easygoing feel. Yet, this gem is often overlooked as a tourist destination. Centrally located between Maui’s sunny south and west shores, Maalaea condos are on the ocean within walking distance to the island’s longest beach. Shops and restaurants anchor one end of Ma’alaea small boat harbor. Many of our affordable and fully equipped studio, one and two bedroom condos line the cove.
During this merry season, we’d like to introduce you to magnificent Maalaea.
Meaningful History
Captain George Vancouver first landed his ship at Maalaea Bay and brought the first cattle onto Maui. Members of the Maalaea Ebisu Kotohira Jinsha, keepers of a traditional Shintö fishing shrine at Mä‘alaea Harbor since 1914. .The Maaleaa area was also home to Maui’s first official airport in 1927.
Magical Beach Walks
From a Maalaea condo, you can go on a 3.5 mile roundtrip beach walk, on golden sand. During winter months, its a great spot to see whales frolicking off shore. As you near Kihei, the Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge parallels the beach, with a boardwalk and interpetive signs overlooking the inland wetlands. It is a great place for birdwatching and photography. The walk takes about an hour and a half, plus time for stops. It is best done in the morning, as trade winds come up around 11am, and can grow quite blustery in the afternoon.
Modest Condo Prices
Because of the geography of Maalaea, the village has not expanded as much as other popular vacation spots. People that love the area think the relaxed beach harbor vibe and smaller crowds are just fine. Fewer people also mean more modest condo prices, even those with spectacular oceanfront views.
Maui Ocean Center
You might not expect a world-class marine park in this remote spot, but Maui Ocean Center exceeds expectations. The aquarium tells the story of Hawaii’s ocean from the near shore to deep ocean, including all of the marine life you might later encounter in the ocean. A more recent addition is a sphere theater with a 3-D humpback whale movie. The expansive Ocean Treasures retail experience is some of the best shopping on the island, and their Seascape restaurant overlooking the harbor has an inventive menu, with a little something for everyone.
Marine Activities
Departing daily from Maalaea Harbor, boats of all sizes provide many options for travelers looking to explore some of Maui’s best snorkeling and scuba diving destinations, including Molokini Crater and South Maui’s Turtle Town. During winter months, a boat tour is the best opportunity to spot Pacific Humpback whales up close. Anglers will have their choice of exciting deep-sea fishing adventures. Others might melt their cares away on a sunset sail, with delicious food and drinks.
Marvelous Merchants
Maalaea Harbor Village also contains boutique shops, a late night entertainment venue, and other dining options where you can nosh and sip Mai Tais and Margaritas oceanside.
Maalaea’s central location makes the perfect jumping off point for your multifaceted Maui vacation!
