BEST OF MAUI 2016: Best Maui Sports Activities Parks and Recreation Revealed
Here are our readers’ votes on the county’s best sports and leisure. We tallied up all of your votes and posted them right here. Here you’ll find Maui’s Best Grom and where you can find the best SUP equipment and what best beaches and parks locals love.
BEST LOCAL COACH
Amanda Furgiuele, Body In Balance
When you need to get your ass (or any other part) in shape, there’s no better coach than Amanda Furgiuele. Her Body in Balance studio in Lahaina has every group fitness class you can think of: TRX, barre, pilates, pole dancing and yoga. They also have great deals for kama‘aina, like your first week free. She’s tried everything in fitness and turns her innovation and impressive frame of mind to motivating her students. Furgiuele really puts the fun into fitness. (JR)
(142 Kupuohi St., Lahaina); 808-661-1116; Bodybalancemaui.com
AMANDA FURGIUELE, BODY IN BALANCE 9%
SCOTTIE ZUCCO 6%
KAWIKA WILLIAMS 3%
BEST ACTIVITY COMPANY
Hawaiian Paddle Sports
Hawaiian Paddle Sports is the place to go for everything related to canoeing, kayaking, surfing and SUP on Maui. Here, residents and visitors can attend unique private lessons and tours. One of the best things about Maui’s best activity company is that they offer truly customized water sports lessons and tours. Want to take take surfing lessons, but you don’t want to do it at a crowded surf break with half of Maui and all the tourist groups? Try Hawaiian Paddle Sports. Want to see the North Pacific Humpback Whales during the Winter season in a more authentic setting? Perhaps, upon a SUP? Call these guys. (AM)
(27 Halekuai St., Kihei); 808-442-6436; Hawaiianpaddlesports.com
HAWAIIAN PADDLE SPORTS 10%
TRILOGY EXCURSIONS 9%
BEACH ACTIVITIES OF MAUI 8%
BEST SWIMMING BEACH
Baby Beach – Paia
Baby Beach, one of two Maui Baby Beaches, is located in Paia (Spreckelsville). A reef keeps this section of the Paia Bay calm and with warm waters. Many families visit this beach every day to swim and splash in its clear waters. Baby Beach is part of Baldwin Beach located at the west end of the long beach stretch, so it’s common to see people jogging from Baldwin Beach to Baby Beach, especially with their dogs. Baby Beach’s reef also creates a barrier to swim laps along making it Maui’s best swimming beach. (AR)
(Hana Highway, Paia); 808-572-8122
BABY BEACH – PAIA 14%
BIG BEACH 12%
KAANAPALI BEACH (BLACK ROCK) 9%
BEST BARBECUING BEACH
Kamaole III
Heat up the fire, crank up the music and lets have some fun. Kamaole III has won our reader’s hearts when it comes to best place to host a barbecue. This is perfectly understandable and acceptable. It’s a beautiful piece of land for all our families to spend time together and have fun. (LKT)
(2800 S. Kihei Rd.); 808-879-4364; Mauihawaii.org/kamaole-beaches-parks-kihei
KAMAOLE III 28%
LAUNIUPOKO BEACH PARK 15%
AIRPORT BEACH 9%
BEST PUBLIC POOL
Kihei Aquatic Center
When you’re not really into the whole idea of sand, sea urchins, and your occasional rogue sea bird, they go to the public pool. Kihei Aquatic Center is a pool I generally make a trip down the mountain just to visit. This pool is spectacular, there’s a little something for every type of swimmer. From small children in their kiddie pool to the elderly folk and their water aerobics. The diving board is also pretty fun. (SBM)
(303 E. Lipoa St., Kihei); 808-874-8137; Mauicounty.gov/Facilities/Facility/Details/129
KIHEI AQUATIC CENTER 45%
LAHAINA AQUATIC CENTER 19%
PUKALANI POOL 15%
BEST SNORKELING SPOT
Black Rock
A wonderful place to be, Black Rock in Ka‘anapali is like the corner of heaven. On one side is a wide white sandy beach with bodyboarding waves, on the other side is a huge and majestic wall of lava rock and in between these two walls is an ocean full of fish and crystal clear water. The grand igneous rock wall that’s the namesake of this beach, Black Rock inspires images of people jumping from high places into the sea. People jumping into the water from the beach with snorkeling masks, like everyone wants to be in the ocean. That’s the only way to describe this watery corner of heaven. It’s easy to see why this place wins Best Snorkeling Spot on Maui. (ME)
(Ka‘anapali); 808-464-0840; Liveinhawaiinow.com/black-rock-beach
BLACK ROCK , KAANAPALI BEACH 16%
HONOLUA BAY 14%
MAKENA LANDING 9%
BEST HIKE
Pipiwai Trail
Pipiwai Trail is possibly the most breathtaking and amazing hikes I have ever treked on this island. Aside from all of the waterfalls, secret swimming spots, and centipedes the bamboo forest is the best part. Walking on a walkway through the chutes, as they creak and groan in the wind, you can feel a peaceful ambience. That is if you are not thinking about a ninja ambush, because that is also a possible feeling while cruising this path. At the end you are gifted with a very beautiful waterfall. After all of this, you get the privilege of being able to see this all again as you make your way back to the parking lot. (SBM)
PIPIWAI TRAIL 22%
WAIHEE RIDGE TRAIL 10%
HALEAKALA CRATER 8%
BEST LOCALS BEACH
Big Beach
Big Beach, a popular spot for our island’s avid beachgoers. It doesn’t matter if you’re a local or visitor, surfer or sunbather. This beautiful long stretch of sand is the perfect paradise to spend some well deserved R&R under the hot sun and in the cool water. There’s no contest to this beach, and I know for a fact that plenty of you readers agree. (SBM)
(Makena Road)
BIG BEACH 13%
BABY BEACH 12%
BALDWIN BEACH 9%
BEST LOCAL WATERMAN
Kai Lenny
Kai Lenny has had quite an accomplished career at such a young age. At 23, he’s accomplished jaw dropping results up to this point. He is a seven-time SUP World Champion, 2013 2nd KSP Kitesurfing World Champion, 2009 PWA Rookie of the Year, 2010 SUPWT Sunset Beach Pro Winner, 2010 SUPWT Hawaii Island Pro Winner, 2010 SUPWT World Champion, 2011 SUPWT Sunset Beach Pro Winner, 2011 SUPWT La Torche, France Pro Winner, and 2011 SUPWT World Champion. Kai Lenny has had surfing in his blood ever since he was young. It was either play in the sand or get out on the water. Safe to say that he made the right choice. (JF)
KAI LENNY 23%
ZANE KEKOA SCHWEITZER 14%
ARCHIE KALEPA 10%
BEST LOCAL WATERWOMAN
Andrea Moller
Andrea Moller isn’t just Maui’s best local water woman, she’s also a paramedic, a mother, and one of Brazil’s top medalists in windsurfing, swimming and biking. Here on Maui, Andrea can be found gracing our shores paddling outrigger canoes, windsurfing, stand up paddling, and surfing big waves at popular breaks like Ho‘okipa Beach Park and Peahi. Internationally recognized as a professional water woman, Andrea is one of those kinds of women that you just watch in total awe. We wish her the best and hope she’s healing well from her hamstring injury. (AM)
Facebook.com/andrea.moller.161
ANDREA MOLLER 16%
PAIGE ALMS 16%
SUZIE COONEY 7%
BEST LOCAL BIG WAVE SURFER
Ian Walsh
Maui native Ian Walsh is no newbie to our readers. Ever since he was a young grom, Ian’s been impressing the surf scene with his quick and well-deserved rise, motivation and surfing skills. Not only is he Maui’s best big wave surfer, he’s also one of the most passionate and dedicated surfers in the big wave scene. Committed to his Maui community, Ian Walsh also hosts the annual Menehune Mayhem at Ho‘okipa Beach Park every spring. The event is geared towards Maui’s keiki and their families, inviting all to partake in a fun day of activities, entertainment, games, food and surfing competitions. (AM)
IAN WALSH 21%
ALBEE LAYER 18%
KAI LENNY 13%
BEST LOCAL SURFER
Dustin Payne
This year’s winner of the best local surfer award goes to Volcom team rider, Dusty Payne. Born on Oahu, and raised on Maui, Dusty Payne has been on the surf scene for pretty much his whole life. Dusty was raised in Hawaii’s oceans surrounded by a handful of the best surfers in the world. Contest after contest, this guy continues to sets the bar higher for his peers and aspiring surfers. You can see Dusty kill it on waves in Bali, Oahu’s North Shore, Peahi, Honolua Bay and pretty much daily on the Surf Channel. (AM)
DUSTIN PAYNE 15%
KAI LENNY 10%
IAN WALSH 10%
BEST LOCAL AMATEUR SURFER
Dante Silva
Dante Silva is a great surfer. He already is a 2015 MIL Surfing All-Star and has finished second in the Maui Interscholastic League Surf Championships at Ho‘okipa in the boy’s shortboard event. He also finished in 4th place in the shortboard competition at the 2015 MIL Surfing Championships. He currently attends Maui Preparatory Academy, so he’s still only scratching the surface of his potential. In a few years, don’t be surprised to hear Dante Silva’s name near the top of even more surfing competitions. (JF)
DANTE SILVA 10%
JEFF SPENCER 8%
RUSSELL KUAMOO 5%
BEST LOCAL GROM
Dylan Sloan
This kid already has a solid career and it’s just the beginning. When I was his age, I was only dreaming about what I wanted to do for a living. He finished in first place in the Rell Sun contest at Makana, second place in the Haleiwa Menehune contest, and finished second in the 39th annual North Shore Menehune Surf Contest 2015 for the boy’s 7-8 shortboard division. All of that is just a sample size of Dylan Sloan’s accomplishments at this point in his career. The future is very bright for this grom. (JF)
DYLAN SLOAN 15%
RAFINERI 14%
AXEL ROSENBLAD 9%
BEST YOGA TEACHER
Jasmine Judson, Afterglow Yoga
Jasmin Judson teaches yoga at her studio Afterglow Yoga in Wailuku, and has been devoted to her mindful practice since she could say “breath.” She’s told me that, “All you need is five to 10 minutes of yoga to transform your day and maybe your life!” That may be true, but we recommend the full class since MauiTime readers say practicing yoga with Jasmine is the best. (JR)
(1942 Main St., Wailuku); 808-495-7159; Afterglowyoga.com
JASMINE JUDSON, AFTERGLOW YOGA 14%
TENYA JAYAWUK12%
NADIA AT THE SHALA 9%
BEST FITNESS CLUB
24 Hour Fitness
If you want to workout at the best fitness club on Maui, then head to the 24 Hour Fitness in Kahului. The one, and only 24 Hour Fitness on Maui is pretty much amazing with every machine you could want, expert level personal training, cardio equipment, free weights, group exercise classes and a pro shop. One of the biggest perks of this Maui gym is that there’s a kids club, so you can actually workout while your child is being watched just steps away. The exercise class offerings are super with weekly yoga, total body conditioning, cycling, Zumba, TurboKICK, Les Mills Body Pump and SilverSneakers to name a few. (AM)
(150 Hana Hwy., Kahului); 808-877-7474; 24hourfitness.com/Website/Club/558
24 HOUR FITNESS 14%
MAUI POWERHOUSE GYM 13%
BODY IN BALANCE 13%
BEST SCHOLASTIC ATHLETE
Amy Ozee
Seabury Hall graduate Amy Ozee is our readers’ choice for best scholastic athlete of 2016. She is the first Interscholastic League player to accept a sand volleyball scholarship, and she’s headed to play and study at University of Hawaii-Manoa in the Fall. This is a great accomplishment for Amy, and she has lots to look forward to playing for the UH sand volleyball team, who also happened to make it to the AVCA National Championships last year. Amy has been a member of Maui’s Aloha Volleyball Club since she was in the 4th grade; she’s definitely a huge role model for aspiring athletes in the Maui community. (AM)
AMY OZEE 15%
CHAZ KANEAKUA 5%
SOPHIA JOHNSTON 5%
BEST COUNTY PARK
Keopuolani
Keopuolani Park is an absolutely massive park that consists of 85 acres. It’s the largest park in the County of Maui parks system. There are no shortages of fields as you can play baseball, softball, soccer or even skateboard. If relaxing is more your style, just pull out a picnic basket or go on a nice walk. After winning the Best County Park three out of the past four years, it’s no surprise that our readers love going to Keopuolani Park. (JF)
(Kahului); 808-270-7389; Co.maui.hi.us/Facilities/Facility/Details/318
KEOPUOLANI 12%
KALAMA BEACH PARK 11%
GIGGLE HILL 8%
BEST YOGA STUDIO
Island Spirit Yoga Center
Christy Abelov and Deborah DiPierro have built a support system for yoga on the island like no other. With several practices in Hatha, gentle, Kundalini and vinyasa flow every day, there’s a class for every level and every yogi and yogini. Plunge into your asanas with passion or quietly tap into meditation at Maui’s best yoga studio–Island Spirit Yoga. Namaste. (JR)
(840 Wainee St., Lahaina); 808-668-2111; Islandspirityoga.com
ISLAND SPIRIT YOGA CENTER 36%
BODY ALIVE YOGA 13%
MAUI YOGA SHALA 12%
BEST HIGH SCHOOL SPIRIT
Lahainaluna High School
Who has the best high school spirit on Maui? Once again, our readers chose Lahainaluna High School. Let’s hear our winner’s alma mater and give them a round of applause for winning the Best High School Spirit award.
‘O Lahaina, Lahainaluna nani
Ka hoku hele ho‘i o ka Pakipika
Ipu kukui ‘a mau (pio ‘ole)
I ka makani Kaua ‘ula (LKT)
(980 Lahainaluna Rd., Lahaina); 808-662-4000; Lahainalunahs.org
LAHAINALUNA HIGH SCHOOL 34%
HENRY PERRINE BALDWIN HIGH SCHOOL 24%
KING KEKAULIKE HIGH SCHOOL 13%
BEST PLAYGROUND
Giggle Hill
As a child (And later as a slightly immature teenager) I had plenty of incredible experiences playing on the Kalakupua Playground of Giggle Hill. After an extremely long and tedious purgatory of indefinite chain link incommunicado, it’s finally reopened to the public. Now Maui’s children (and immature teenagers) can return to the new and improved playground. These kids are now free to shriek at each other as loud as they want as they chase each other around the boardwalks of their towering castle of imagination. (SBM)
(4th Marine Division Park, Haiku); Co.maui.hi.us/facilities/facility/details/4th-Marine-Division-Memorial-Park-160
GIGGLE HILL 34%
KALAMA BEACH PARK 16%
KEOPUOLANI PARK 12%
BEST SPA
Spa Grande at Grand Wailea
Spa Grande at the Grand Wailea is consistently voted as one of the best spas in Hawaii. Conde Nast and Travel & Leisure Magazine list them in their ‘Top 10 Spas in the US’ articles, and MauiTime readers say that Spa Grande at the Grand Wailea is the best spa in Maui! When booking a spa day at the Grande, guests can explore the Terme Hydrotherapy Circuit for water therapies, book a couples massage for a romantic holiday, or you can just treat yourself to a personal day of R&R with a massage, facial or body treatment. Time for a Maui staycation. (AM)
(3850 Wailea Alanui Dr.); 808-875-1234; Grandwailea.com
SPA GRANDE AT GRAND WAILEA 38%
MONTAGE KAPALUA BAY 10%
KAMAHA’O A MARILYN MONROE SPA AT HYATT REGENCY MAUI 5%
BEST CHILDREN’S ACTIVITY
Maui Ocean Center
Let’s take a trip down memory lane and the East Australian Current with century-old turtles. Yes, Maui Ocean Center has won the prestigious Best Children’s Activity award. The beauty and peace of deep and shallow ocean entices the audience to take a journey through the many exhibits showcasing a wide variety of the mysterious sea creatures. (LKT)
(192 Ma‘alaea Rd.); 808-270-7000; Mauioceancenter.com
MAUI OCEAN CENTER 20%
MONKEYPOD ART STUDIO 12%
SURFING 8%
BEST LOCAL CROWDFUNDING PROJECT
Trucker Duke
Trucker Duke and his family have faced great adversity since 2014, when Trucker was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a cancer that develops from immature nerve cells found in several areas of the body. Since then Trucker has faced the cancer, which spread throughout 50 percent of his body and a fast growing tumor in the abdomen. In 2015, a newly-developed tumor in Trucker’s brain was removed by doctors at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. Trucker and his mother now commute back and forth between New York City and Maui where Trucker’s father works as a firefighter. This crowd-funded project has helped fund the family’s rising medical bills and to help fund travel costs for the Duke family to travel between Maui and New York City.
TRUCKER DUKE 17%
VALLEY ISLE KEIKI FEST 5%
MANAKAI SWIMWEAR 5%
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