Sports & Leisure
Best Fitness Club
Photo credit to Sean M. Hower
After personally watching lots people get into the best shape of their lives through this program, it’s no wonder our readers once again chose CrossFit State of Mind as Maui’s best fitness club. Although the intense workouts can be a lot to handle at first, the encouraging coaches will ensure that you see results through their intimate training sessions which allow for each athlete to get the attention they deserve. No matter your level of experience, CrossFit State of Mind has everything that you need to enhance your healthy lifestyle and have fun while you do it. 151 Kupuohi St., Lahaina; 808-446-6007; Crossfitstateofmind.com. @ashprobsticle
Crossfit State of Mind 26%
24 Hour Fitness 16%
Powerhouse 16%
Other 42%
Best Hike
Photo credit to Sean M. Hower
Bamboo Forest
Although our readers didn’t specify which Bamboo Forest is their top pick, our readers seem to think that both hikes are equally wonderful. Both locations are on the opposite ends of Hana and hiking through either Bamboo Forest will allow you to immerse yourself in the lush bamboo stalks which guide your path to majestic waterfalls that flow into crisp, freshwater ponds. Our readers know that these beautiful rainforests are the best that Maui has to offer, so grab your walking shoes and your favorite swim suit and embark on an adventure that even the least experienced hikers are sure to enjoy. Oheo Gulch, Hana / Milemarker 6.5 on the Hana Hwy., Haiku. @ashprobsticle
Bamboo Forest 18%
Iao Valley 11%
Twin Falls 8%
Other 63%
Best Locals’ Beach
Photo credit to Sean M. Hower
Ho‘okipa
Ho‘okipa Beach is the perfect spot for all types of beach-goers. Known for its remarkable waves, Ho‘okipa is a world-renowned windsurfing destination as well as a local favorite for board surfing. Tide pools run along the middle of the beach, which are great for the keiki to play in and discover little ocean critters. If you’re hoping to see wildlife that’s a bit more sizable, Ho‘okipa is a common hangout for green sea turtles who enjoy basking in the sun on the pristine white sand just as much as our readers do. Milemarker 9 on the Hana Hwy., Hookipa Park; Hookipabeach.org. @ashprobsticle
Hookipa 7%
Baby Beach 6%
Baldwin Beach 6%
Other 80%
You know your career is going places when you’re as decorated as Miles Serafica is going into his senior year of high school at King Kekaulike. This Pukalani native began surfing competitively when he was six and he has placed in countless contests, including 1st place in the 2014 Longboard Hawaii State Championships and 4th place in the 2014 Nationals Explorer Longboard (NSSA) competition in California. With tons of support from his family and the community, Miles has nowhere to go but up and our readers agree that that is something worth celebrating. @ashprobsticle
Miles Serafica 8%
Kelson Lau 6%
Mac Krilley 4%
Other 82%
Dakota Grossman
Recent Seabury Hall graduate Dakota Grossman is getting ready to attend the University of Utah this fall, on a full-ride scholarship for track. This all-star athlete holds an MIL record of ten individual state titles including her first place finishes in the 1,500 and 3,000 meter runs at the state championships earlier this year. She also competed in cross country throughout her high school career and is a four-time state champion for the three-mile course, which lead to her being named MIL Runner of the Year. Dakota got the send-off of a lifetime when she ended her senior year with Seabury becoming the first MIL team to win a girl’s track and field title at states. Keep running! @ashprobsticle
Dakota Grossman 13%
Amy Ozee 10%
Kiko Fonohema 9%
Other 68%
Best Local Coach
Photo courtesy of Crossfitstateofmind.com
Amy Suh
Every bead of sweat that drips down Amy Suh’s body is filled with passion for CrossFit. which radiates from the inside out. She is all about leading a healthy lifestyle that will help encourage you to reach your personal fitness goals and make you into a better version of yourself. Ranked number four in Hawaii at the 2013 CrossFit Open and number one on Maui, Amy really knows that she’s doing when it comes to a good workout. She will never give up on herself, and she definitely will never give up on you. As she takes home the title of best local coach at Maui’s best fitness club, our readers have chosen Amy as truly being the best of the best.
Amy Suh 16%
Jake James 9%
Anthony Bianucci/Kalii Molina 4%
Other 71%
Best Local Grom
Sometimes we just shake our heads at our readers’ choices, but on this one, they nailed it. Just last month, Eli, who’s from Lahaina, won Surfing America’s 2014 USA Championships, which was held in Trestles, California. He’s 11, and he’s been skating since he was three and surfing since he was five. “He simply rips and has a work ethic to match it,” states a Mar. 14, 2014 Filtrateeyewear.com blog post. “He has everyone turning heads in the lineup and everyone psyching on the progressive surfing coming from such a little human…It’s been a pleasure watching Eli progress over the last year and we are beyond excited to see what is in store for the little Legend.” So do we. @apignataro
Eli Hanneman 9%
Sophie Johnson 5%
Nick Diaz 4%
Other 82%
Best High School Spirit
Photo credit to Sean M. Hower
As a Lahainaluna graduate, I’m proud to say that my old high school has yet again won over the hearts of our readers as having the best school spirit. There are so many amazing things about Lahainaluna, from having the only full Hawaiian alma mater in the world to being the oldest school west of the Rockies, it’s hard not to take pride in being a Luna. May their school spirit continue to burn as bright as the iconic “L” that lights up the West Maui Mountains every year on the night of graduation. 980 Lahainaluna Rd., Lahaina; 808-662-4000; Lahainalunahs.org. @ashprobsticle
Lahainaluna High School 33%
Baldwin High School 26%
Maui High 14%
Other 27%
Best Swimming Beach
Photo credit to Sean M. Hower
Big Beach
Are you people trying to get us in trouble? Every year you people vote Big Beach the best Swimming Beach, and every year some cranky nurse who doesn’t understand the concept of reporting vote tallies starts calling us, saying we’re irresponsible for telling people to go swimming at Big Beach. Come on–anyone who’s spent 30 seconds on the sand at Big Beach knows that place isn’t for swimming. It’s for watching crazy people get pounded into pulp by that murderous beach break. So in the name of us not getting reamed again this year for YOUR votes, please, Please, PLEASE don’t go swimming at Big Beach. @apignataro
Big Beach 13%
Ka‘anapali 9%
Napili Bay 7%
Other 71%
Best Barbecuing Beach
Photo credit to Sean M. Hower
Kam III
This is a very popular spot for barbecuing, possibly because it has so much grass. Also, there’s a huge lawn where people can go and spread out blankets. I know folks, I’m here all week. Anywaaaaaaay… like I was saying, you can pretty much find half of South Maui at Kam III on a Sunday afternoon. Also, it’s a killer spot to watch the sun go down. @apignataro
Kam III 34%
Lauinupoko 14%
Airport Beach 8%
Other 44%
Best Public Pool
Photo credit to Sean M. Hower
Kihei Aquatic Center
As far as public pools go, this one is nice. Start with an eight-lane, Olympic-sized competition pool. Then add an eight-lane warm-up pool that’s 25 by 30 yards. And they’ve got a 10 by 30 foot keiki pool, too–with a fountain! Now add a couple springboards, a scoreboard and meeting rooms for officials and competitors. It’s no wonder this place hosted the 2001 Western Zones Aquatic Meet and the 2005 and 2007 Junior Pan Pacific Swimming Championships. Best of all–it’s for the public. 303 E. Lipoa St., Kihei; 808-874-8137. @apignataro
Kihei Aquatic Center 49%
Lahaina Aquatic Center 26%
Pukalani Pool 11%
Other 14%
Black Rock, Ka’anapali
Black Rock
We’re not sure why this spot always wins. It’s popular, sure, but not the best snorkeling spot on the island. In fact, it’s sheer popularity pretty much guarantees that it isn’t–who wants to swim around with a bunch of people anyway while trying to spot reef fish? Besides, Black Rock–located in the heart of Ka‘anapali–is surrounded by high-rise resorts and isn’t particularly easy for residents to get to. And that might be why this place wins every year: readers just offer up well-known Black Rock instead of giving away their favorite secret spot. @apignataro
Black Rock 22%
Honolua Bay 17%
Makena 7%
Other 54%
Best County Park
Photo credit to Sean M. Hower
Kanaha Beach Park
Located between Spreckelsville and Kahului Harbor, Kanaha Beach can get really windy is thus very popular with the kite-surfing crowd. There are lots of trees, volleyball courts and parking spaces. You can camp there, but keep in mind that the county charges user fees. Amala Place, Kahului; 808-270-7389. @apignataro
Kanaha 10%
Kalama Park 6%
Harold Rice Park 3%
Other 81%
Best Place To Get A Workout With A View [STAFF PICK]
Photo: Kevin Roe/Wikimedia
Be warned: the view’s tremendous, but so is the physical exertion that’s required to get to that view. And you must wear proper hiking footwear and pack food, water and sunscreen (sherpas are optional) if you go. Though we call it a “trail,” it’s actually more like a million stairs built out of rocks that corkscrew up the pali. But even if you don’t make to the top (and no one will berate you if you don’t), your view of the island and the Pacific will amaze will you. @apignataro
Best Activity Company
Skyline Eco Adventures
If flying over gulches and treelines suits you, then harness up, strap on your helmet and let the wind flow through your hair as you glide through the sky. Our readers say the best activity on Maui is ziplining at Skyline. There you can take your adventurous soul on their Zip and Dip tour, with a trip on a zipline that lets you drop into the cool mountain water in Maui. 2580 Keka’a Dr. #122, Ka’anapali; 808-878-8400; Zipline.com. @jenrusso
Skyline Eco Adventures 18%
Trilogy 10%
Hawaiian Paddle Sports 4%
Other 68%
Best Place for Ocean Sports Enthusiasts
Adventure Sports Maui
Just one stop at this ocean sports emporium will have you outfitted and geared up for a day of fun in the sun. They’ve got Hobie Cats, sunglasses, windsurfing gear, waterwear, kiteboarding, paddle boarding, kayaking and stand up boards. Whatever you’re into they can outfit from keiki to adult. 400 Hana Hwy., Kahului; 808-877-7443 @jenrusso
Best Yoga Teacher
Jennifer Lynn
Our readers say the best yoga teacher on the island practices her Wisdom Flow Yoga in Makawao and shares her yogini knowledge with new teachers, too. Jennifer Lynn’s vinyasa flow is embellished with dance-like transitions that make her style more playful. If getting to Makawao is difficult, try her online classes and yogi philosophy at mauionlineyoga.com. Wisdomflowyoga.com. @jenrusso
Jennifer Lynn 13%
Margan Torres 6%
Judy Audino 4%
Other 77%
Best Yoga Studio
Photo courtesy of Passionofmovement.com
Passion of Movement
Located in the Royal Lahaina, the Passion of Movement studio has tabata, aerial yoga, pilates, hot yoga, resistance training and flow–all winners with our readers. Founder Morgan Torres is serious about bringing fitness to Maui in her own passionate way. 2780 Keka’a Dr., Ka’anapali; 808-757-2318; Passionofmovement.com.
Passion of Movement 16%
Island Spirit Yoga 15%
Maui Yoga Shala 6%
Other 63%
Best Playground
Photo credit to Sean M. Hower
Skate Parks
When it’s time to play, our kids say they like to be on wheels at their local skate park. Maui’s skate parks, located from Hana to Lahaina, are keeping kids entertained and healthy while still letting them have fun. Located islandwide. @jenrusso
Skate Parks 26%
Giggle Hill 19%
Kalama Park 17%
Other 38%
Best Spa
Photo credit to Sean M. Hower
Spa Grande
When our readers want to soak at the spa, apparently only the best will do. In the lavish grandeur of Spa Grande, they will find the traditions of spas worldwide from the Asian furo to the Greco-Roman tubs. There you can lounge on cushioned chairs in between dips and scrubs and eat fruit and tea, or get a massage under the waterfall showers. 3850 Wailea Alanui Dr.; 808-875-1234; Grandwailea.com/spa. @jenrusso
Spa Grande 49%
Green Ti 16%
Kapalua Spa Montage 5%
Other 30%
The cool, dark corridors of Maui Ocean Center offer us a fascinating glimpse into the undersea world. When you’re done with the views from under the ocean, pop out to visit the petting zoo, where kids can get up close and personal with starfish and sea cucumbers. Then catch turtle mania by watching the honu glide around their own tank. But what the kids really love are the center’s sleep-overs, where they get the place all to themselves. 192 Ma’alaea Rd.; 808-270-7000; Mauioceancenter.com. @jenrusso
Maui Ocean Center 14%
Boys & Girls Club 7%
Fun Factory 2%
Other 77%
Best Place to Buy Kitesurf Gear
Photo courtesy of Mauisails.com
Second Wind
Harnessing the wind and towing yourself around at top speeds across the water is an exhilarating extreme sport, and that means you need to have the right equipment and safe gear. MauiTime‘s readers say Second Wind is where they go to shop kite gear–bars, boards, harnesses and kites. 111 Hana Hwy., Kahului; 808-877-7467; Secondwindmaui.com. @jenrusso
Second Wind 21%
Adventure Sports Maui 5%
Cabrinha 2%
Other 72%
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