105 BEST CANOE CLUB
kihei
Contrary to popular opinion, Hawai’i’s official state sport is not surfing. It’s outrigger canoe paddling. And whether you do it for recreation or competition, joining a canoe club can do more for you than working those shoulder muscles. Canoe clubs provide a community of neighbors and visitors who’re generally stoked to incorporate a little aerobic exercise with the chance to learn more about Hawaiian culture, while checking out fellow cruisers like green sea turtles, stingrays, dolphins and humpback whales. Aside from the excitement of regatta season, the Kihei Canoe Club’s biggest focus is clearly on that community spirit. You’ve seen their yellow and red canoes at every beachside event and you know they’re not shy or greedy—instead, they welcome you with open arms into their ‘ohana. For more info, visit www.kiheicanoeclub.com. Located on Ka Lae Pohaku Beach, at the north end of Kihei Rd., 879-5505.
runner-up: kahana (sc)
106 BEST EASY HIKE
iao valley
At the end of Iao Valley Road, or Highway 32 in Wailuku, is the state park dedicated to a 2,250-foot, natural rock pinnacle and running, freshwater stream that is enveloped by the walls of Pu’u Kukui Crater. It is also a tranquil area, lush with exotic tropical plants and clear, natural pools to jump into—not that you’ll have a chance to be sweaty, this is “easy hike” territory. You’ll probably be more worn out walking up the flight of steps to the ridge-top lookout (where’ll you get a stunning view of the valley and Kahului Harbor) than by following any of the trails here. Ah, yes… that’s my kind of hiking!
runner-up: twin falls (sc)
107 BEST PLACE TO PLAY BOCCE BALL
kamoale iii beach park
Bocce players know the most important factor of the game is the playing field. Bocce players chose Kam III in Kihei as their favorite place to play. Kam III has challenging terrain without crazy obstacles like divits or sand traps. The 10-acre park offers plenty of room to set your course. There are also 22 picnic tables and eight barbecue grills, and we all know bocce goes hand in hand with picnicking. Just check for kids and small animals before you throw that heavy ball.
runner-up: kalama park (mr)
108 BEST BEACH FOR SWIMMING
baby beach
If you’ve been to Baby Beach you would know that it got its name because it’s about three feet deep during high tide, deeming it appropriate for babies to swim. While I prefer a deeper ocean for swimming, I won’t hold it against you, dear readers, who believe Baby Beach to be the best for swimming here on Maui.
runner-up: kam i (jr)
109 BEST DIFFICULT HIKE
haleakala
Haleakala National Park boasts miles and miles of hiking in lava sand as well as freezing temperatures and rocky trails. And it all takes place in a crater reminiscent of some Martian tundra. Oh, and there’s a lot less oxygen than you’re used to inhaling. Yeah it’s a challenge. If you’re planning to spend the night you will need to pack plenty of water, too. Given all this, it’s one of the most humbling experiences you’ll have. One thing for sure, you’ll be jealous when the rangers come by riding on the back of a horse. Kipahulu, 248-7375.
runner-up: bamboo forest (jr)
110 BEST WATERMAN
the water store
Of all the watermen who serve Maui, The Water Store is truly the best, hand’s down. No question—their bottles are easier to lug around, their rates are good and they just plain sell good water. Located island-wide.
runner-up: laird hamilton (ap)
111 BEST PLACE TO HUNT WILD BOAR
polipoli state park
Never have actually seen a wild boar here, but I did recently come across a wild cow. Scared the hell out of the girl I was with. But she was from the city, and you know how city-people react to wild animals of any kind—even cows. Anyway, your voting on this one was pretty decisive, so grab those Bowie knives or rifles or whatever it is you guys use to bring down feral pigs and get to it. Located Upcountry, at the end of Waipoli Rd.
runner-up: hana (ap)
112 BEST LOCAL GROM
imaikalani devault
This seven-year-old from Princess Nahienaena is already sponsored by Volcom, Hi-Tech and Kazuma. His accomplishments include 2nd Place in the 2005 HASA Championships and 3rd Place in the 2004 Local Motion Lahaina Surf Classic, Menehune Division. All in all, a solid choice.
runner-up: kai lenny (ap)
113 BEST THING TO SEE AT MAUI RACEWAY PARK
drag races
In 1963, drag race enthusiasts on Maui had a Field of Dreams moment. They’d been using the old Puunene military airport unofficially for races but then decided if they built an actual track, more racers would come. And so, Valley Isle Timing Association (VITA) and the National Hot Rod Association joined forces and made the track at Maui Raceway Park legit. Now, MRP also features four other motor sports users and events. But you all enjoy the drag races the best. And I’m wondering… could it be because of the “runner-up” vote? Y’all have one-track minds, I tell ya! Drag Races are held on the third Friday and Saturday nights, starting at 5:30 p.m., February through November. Located off Mokulele (311) Highway, between Kihei and Kahului, 281-1273.
runner-up: hot chicks (sc)
114 BEST SURF EGO
laird hamilton
Oh, so I guess you guys have all seen his American Express commercials, too. I think that says it all.
runner-up: “lahaina side guys” (ap)
115 BEST SNORKELING SPOT
tie: molokini/honolua bay
Snorkeling is a wonderful way to experience the magic of our undersea world. But just think, if we over-develop Maui; if we take shortcuts to protect our ocean environment; if we continue to place the interests of big business and quick profits first, these could be your last glimpses of beautiful live reefs and colorful fish. Or maybe man-made reefs and extinct tropical fish appeals to you?
runner-up: la perouse (jr)
116 BEST PLACE TO BREAK UP
over the phone
Ooo… ouch! You people are harsh! We were hoping that when you’re out there breaking hearts and giving the ole “it’s not you, it’s me” speech, it would be at actual places, like maybe over “dinner at Roy’s” or hell, we’d even settle for “breakfast at Denny’s.” Perhaps even at a public park or beach, so that when he/she gets the bad news, you can take off running with little or no fanfare—you know, it would look like you’re just jogging or something. But nooooo! You sick bastards want to coldly text message your lover from the comfort of home—or maybe the comfort of someone else’s home… sick!—and then carry on with the rest of your day without having the hindrance of actually having to look in the eye of the person who was—not so long ago—good enough for you to bump uglies with for a time. Well, frankly, I’m disgusted. And I’m so totally canceling my long distance.
runner-up: the airport (sc)
117 BEST MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAIL
polipoli to kaupo
What!? No Haleakala? Not this year—and I think you feel like I do. I live on the road these crazy cyclists ride down and have seen them in their silly bike helmets and yellow jackets more than enough. On the flip side, Kaupo Road is a reminder of old Maui, with its peaceful gravel road… Polipoli is gorgeous and experienced mountain bikers can bob and weave their own way downhill. Check out mauimountainbiking.com for more information on biking on Maui.
runner-up: haleakala (lg)
118 BEST PLACE TO PLAY TENNIS, BASKETBALL, SOCCER AND BASEBALL
kalama park
Kalama Park has been voted best site for a number of sports this year. Located on South Kihei Road, the park is accessible and specializes in all kinds of recreation. Readers chose Kalama Park as their favorite place to play tennis, basketball, soccer, and baseball. The nicely maintained facilities are open to whoever wants to play. An assortment of recreationists creates a lively spirit here, making it hard not to join the fun. After working up a sweat, it’s very easy to cool off by jumping in the ocean through the park’s beach access point.
runners-up (respectively): lahaina civic center; baldwin beach lot; keopulani; war memorial stadium. (mr)
119 BEST SPEARFISHING SPOT
not revealed
The reef fish around Maui have asked me to keep quiet about the best spear fishing spot on island. Just imagine some tan sporty enthusiast, underwater, just trunks and a spear, and fishing bag, for the catch. Out of the water, fresh tako, sashimi and grilled island fish. Mmmm, those sexy hunter-gatherers. Just be sure to avoid the Humuhumunukunukuapua’a, our state fish. Those are off limits.
runner-up: off-island spearfishing, of course! (jr)
120 BEST SURF SPOT
ho,okipa beach park
Yeah, it’s out. You voted the best surf spot on Maui was Ho’okipa Beach Park. While surfers may debate this, there is plenty of evidence when driving into this park that it’s utilized by ocean lovers on the wide. A mean game of horseshoes is played here, too.
runner-up: honolua bay (jr)
121 BEST GOLF COURSE THAT ISN , T KAPALUA
wailea
Wailea Golf Course has a special place in my heart. On the ninth green, after a few cocktails at Mulligan’s, I had the opportunity to run through the sprinklers. It was one of those spur of the moment things that you can’t help but seize and enjoy. It was also a moment that—upon reflection the next day when I sobered up—I was so grateful I wasn’t arrested for being drunk in public or that I didn’t trip and sprain anything. Gold & Emerald Courses, 100 Wailea Golf Club Dr.; Blue Course, 120 Kaukahi St., Wailea, 875-5111.
runner-up: pukalani country club. 360 pukalani, 572-1336. (hk)
122 BEST CAMPING SPOT
waianapanapa state park
Hana is our perfect island getaway for those times when you need a break from our regular work-week lifestyle. A mere 52 bridges and an endless windy road will get you to your favorite camping destination, Wainapanapa State Park. There you can camp in a tent on site or rent a cabin and enjoy the beautiful grounds that include picnic tables and barbecues. You will have to call ahead, get a permit and always bring exact change in cash. But beyond that it’s all laid back fun. Plus you can sometimes find someone making and selling shave ice! Call 984-8109 for reservations.
runner-up: la perouse (jr)
123 BEST PLACE TO GET MAUI , D
makena
Keawala’i Church has been deemed the best for taking vows and exchanging rings. It’s a cute little church in Makena overlooking the ocean. I especially like the turquoise trim, which makes it a bit more islandy and a little less holier-than-thou. The walls are three feet thick, made of lava and with coral used for mortar. Also, Ti plants are placed around the site to protect it from evil. And that’s just about as romantic as you can get. 1900 Makena Rd., Makena, 879-5557.
runner-up: wailea (hk)
124 BEST FISHING SPOT
everywhere and nowhere
Every coastal spot on the island has the potential to be a terrific fishing location depending on what you’re trying to catch. But be akamai! The Hawaiian people have been fishing for generations and continue to fish for their family dinners. If we let developers take over all of our coastlines, and if nobody observes our fishing seasons, then our coastlines could be barren and the reefs will die. Protect our coastlines and fishing resources at all costs, and that may mean paying attention to what our state and county is up to.
runner-up: deep sea fishing in the channel (jr)
125 BEST PUBLIC POOL
kihei aquatic center
Maui has no shortage of fantastic waterfall-backed watering holes and—hello!—beaches to swim. But when it comes to donning your cap and training for the 5K, or even just for a leisurely lap or two, Kihei Aquatic Center has the clean, Olympic-sized competitive facilities for you! Since 1998, the center also features warm-up and rest pools, a scoreboard, meeting rooms, and hosts some large aquatic events annually. Open Mon, Tue, Thu-Sat, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Wed, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Sun, 12-4:30 p.m. Early morning lap swim is offered Mon-Fri, 6:30-8 a.m. 303 E. Lipoa St., Kihei, 874-8137.
runner-up: lahaina aquatic center. (sc)
126 BEST SPORT FISHING TOURNAMENT
maui jackpot tournament
Lahaina Harbor erupts once a year, usually in October, with the revelry of the Jackpot tournament, thousands of dollars in fabulous prizes, pictures with a bikini clad jackpot girl, large game fish and lots of salty fisherman. One year, not just one but two giant thousand-pound Marlins were caught. Man, that would suck to get second place even though you caught a thousand-pound marlin. You can join in the fun by chartering your own sport fishing boat or simply hang out at the bar at the Pioneer Inn.
runner-up: wahine jackpot tournament (jr)
127 BEST LOCAL SURFER
laird hamilton
See BEST SURF EGO above.
runner-up: the late steve cooney. (ap)
128 BEST WESTSIDE WINDSURFING SPOT
s-turns
Maui Time Weekly readers picked S-Turns in Kahana as the select place to windsurf on the Westside. Situated in the Honokowai/Kahana area, this beach is blessed with what windsurfers love most: wind. And it comes from all directions. S-Turns is known for its reef break and fun waves, which makes it a great spot for longboarders and windsurfers alike. The waves give long rides which are terrific for intermediate surfers, too. Just watch out for Tiger Sharks.
runner-up: ho,okipa beach park, which last time i checked was on the north shore. (mr)
129 BEST BEACH TO LOOK AT BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE
ka,anapali
All the beautiful people hang out at Ka’anapali, so if you want an eyeful go there. Slick tanned bodies, perfectly and artificially formed bosoms, Speedos and buffed triceps abound. They’ve also planted the Rusty Harpoon, Leilani’s and Hula Grill nearby so you can put your beer goggles on, eat delicious food and watch a game when you’re not people-watching. If you’re not all that into beautiful people, try Little Beach, just north of Makena Beach.
runner-up: little beach (jr)
130 BEST PLACE TO PLAY POOL
henry,s
There’s nothing fancy or high class about playing pool at Henry’s. But I believe that’s part of the appeal. With its dim lighting, windowless interior, mass quantities of domestic beer and sports-related paraphernalia hanging from the rafters, wall-to-wall bar games like pinball, shuffleboard, two pool tables and a couple of dart boards filling the expansive space and smoke-friendly environment, Henry’s feels like a real biker bar pool hall. Also, there’s a stage with a decent sound system for live bands Thursday through Sunday nights, a jukebox that’s likely to spurt out “Too Shy” by ‘80s new wavers Kajagoogoo, followed by Deep Purple’s “Smoke on the Water,” and cheap booze. What else could you need? 41 E. Lipoa St., Kihei, 879-2849.
runner-up: sports page. 2411 s. kihei rd., 879-0602. (sc)
131 BEST BEACH THAT , S QUIET AND SECLUDED
secret beach
Secret beach is so secret we can’t tell you where it is. Only that it’s quiet and secluded with soft white sand, turquoise blue water, cool breezes, hammocks and free ice cold beer. Hot men and women fan you with palm fronds while you suck down cold drinks and refreshing pupus. The sunlight won’t burn you, either. Sound like a fantasy? It is.
runner-up: little beach (jr)
132 BEST BEACH FOR BARBEQUING
kamaole iii
You guys know Maui has other beaches besides Kam III, right? Now I know that Kam III’s vast grassy slopes, beautiful sunsets and sketchy roadside parking attracts hundreds of barbequers every week. And that’s it’s pretty much the greatest meat mixer on the island there is. But come on! Get out and check out some other beaches, people!
runner-up: launiupoko (jr)
133 BEST SURF CONTEST
s-turns keiki surf classic
Not bad. It’s in a great spot, they hold it in February and it’s free for the kids.
runner-up: jaws. (mr)
134 BEST BIKER CLUB
koa punas
Most everyone within the biking community knows that Hawai’i is one of the best places on earth to ride. And so, since 1950, biker clubs have been a-formin’ as an outlet for guys to get together and gittyup on their steel stallions. Plus, they get really cool patches for their leather jackets. Anyway, your vote is for the Koa Puna Club—a Hawaiian motorcycle club with chapters on the Big Island, Kauai and Maui. They’re generally involved raising funds or providing volunteer work for local charities, like the Special Olympics and Toys for Tots. But they’ve also provided Merrie Monarch Festival security for 16 years. They do good work, take up less room on our roadways, use less gas and they wear leather in Hawai’i—you gotta love ‘em!
runner-up: henry,s (sc)
135 BEST PLACE TO PLAY VIDEO GAMES
fun factory
Who can resist a place called the Fun Factory? Wall to wall video games and prizes—this place churns out fun by the quarter. I’m talking about fistfuls of quarters. By the way, you also look really hot on the hip-hop dance game challenging the teenyboppers to your slick moves. Grow up people! How about playing games at the Kahului Ale House where you can sip cocktails while racing your virtual speed boat. Queen Ka’ahumanu Center, 877-5096; Maui Mall 873-6229
runner-up: kahului ale house. 355 e. kamehameha, kahului, 877-9001. (jr)
136 BEST DIVE SPOT
molokini
Are you serious? Molokini? Have you actually dived there? It’s pretty boring, if you ask me. Were you all just mesmerized by the boat trip out there? Well, if you can get out and dive, anywhere in our ocean is pretty good. It’s a pure natural high to be submerged, as you breath through a tank, swim like a fish, all while experiencing the beauty our underwater grottos can offer. Plus I hear divers do it best underwater…
runner-up: 5 graves (jr)
137 BEST STATE PARK
haleakala
Okay folks, here’s a breaking newsflash: Haleakala is a National Park, not a State Park. The difference? One gets federal funds and protections, the other is run by the State of Hawai’i. Think back to your fourth grade civics class, people! You must have meant Polipoli State Park, which is up there on the slopes of Haleakala. It’s Blair Witch Project country up there: rustic cabins, dark and cold forests, leaf-covered trails and spooky nights filled with chicken skin ghost stories. Haleakala National Park, Kipahulu, 248-7375
runner-up: wainapanapa. call 984-8109 for reservations. (jr)
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