Best Maui Sports, Activities, Parks and Recreation
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 ACTIVITY COMPANY ON MAUI
Hawaiian Paddle Sports
Our readers like feeling special. And that’s because they are. So it’s simple to understand why Hawaiian Paddle Sports was voted as 2015’s best activity company for its private canoe, kayak, surf and stand up paddle board lessons and tours. Hawaiian Paddle Sports boasts that it “tailors to you and your party.” You will experience this when you can see each barnacle on a humpback whale from your kayak instead of trying to tippy-toe above people’s iPhones to catch a glimpse of a flipper from the deck of an overcrowded boat. @Jadeyylady
8% (27 Halekuai St., Kihei); 808-442-6436; Hawaiianpaddlesports.com
Runners Up: Trilogy, 7%; Hike Maui, 7%
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BEST SWIMMING BEACH ON MAUI
Ka`anapali
This beach makes you feel like you fell into the aquarium’s deep sea exhibit, but its sudden shore drop isn’t a red flag for danger. The Ka‘anapali beach is an ideal place to wade with its miniscule waves and royal blue waters, so clear you can see fishies cruising by your feet. A quick jump off Black Rock and surprise turtle visits provide quick rushes of adrenaline if the serene ocean conditions tire you. Kudos to our readers for making a surprisingly responsible choice in this year’s best swimming beach. @Jadeyylady
14%
Runners Up: Baby Beach, 11%; Big Beach, 10%; Napili Bay, 7%
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BEST BARBECUING BEACH ON MAUI
Kamaole III
You could literally grill a thousand burgers and teriyaki steaks at Kamaole III. The infinite amount of barbecue pits and park benches to seat hungry ohanas makes the beach a cookout paradise. Judging from the amount of blowup castles that occupy its grass park every Saturday, Kamaole III by far wins the popularity contest in places to host food parties. @Jadeyylady
34%
Runners Up: Launiupoko, 13%; Airport Beach, 8%; D.T. Fleming, 7%
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BEST PUBLIC POOL ON MAUI
Kihei
The Kihei Pool is decked out. Two eight-lane pools, one of them up to Olympic size standards, and a fountain towering over the gigantic Keiki pool are all results of the county’s feat that is the south side public pool. It’s a no brainer that our readers saw no other concrete swimming destination than the Kihei Pool. When I was five years old taking swimming lessons in its lanes, the Kihei Pool might as well have been the Wisconsin Dells Water Park. @Jadeyylady
47% (303 E. Lipoa St., Kihei); 808-874-8137
Runners Up: Lahaina, 24%; Pukalani, 13%; Wailuku, 5%
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BEST SNORKELING SPOT ON MAUI
Black Rock, Ka’anapali
Maui’s favorite snorkeling spot doesn’t require you to scrounge for a decent Groupon deal on a luxurious charter that’ll take you out into the middle of the Pacific. Tropical fish and coral are accessible at only a minute swim from the Ka‘anapali shore. Spotted eagle rays and honus are surprise guests than can show up in this easy snorkel trip. There’s even a cove on the other side of the rock with more marine life treasures, but be wary of wave conditions. Another warning: don’t let the Black Rock jumpers squash you. @Jadeyylady
19%
Runners Up: Honolua Bay, 13%; Makena Landing, 10%; Molokini, 7%
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BEST HIKE ON MAUI
Bamboo Forest
The Pipiwai Trail has an emerald jewel in the middle of its hike to the Waimoku Falls. This treasure is the Bamboo Forest, a lush woodland of bamboo stalks and leaves which one can explore via the hike’s boardwalk path. There is so much bamboo it makes you wonder if pandas from China built the forest as a timeshare for their Hawaiian vacations. The hike overall is only four miles round-trip, making it the perfect trek for those who don’t want to exert too much energy in getting that impeccable nature picture for the Instagram. @Jadeyylady
20%
Runners Up: Iao Valley, 10%; Waihe’e Ridge, 10%; Commando, 6%
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BEST LOCALS’ BEACH ON MAUI
Big Beach
Let me emphasize–best local’s beach. This isn’t the place to bring your boogie board from the ABC store and pretend you’re Duke Kahanamoku. Despite its insidious nickname of “Neckbreak Beach,” our readers deemed Big Beach as the local best because it’s Maui’s favorite hangout spot. The shoreline’s nearly one mile expanse provides a comfortable amount of room to chill with the whole crew, or watch bodyboarders who do know what they’re doing. With waves often breaking at six feet, Big Beach sets the stage for a spectacular water show. @Jadeyylady
13% (Makena)
Runners Up: Baby Beach, 12%; Secret’s Beach, 9%; Ho’okipa, 9%
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BEST LOCAL AMATEUR SURFER ON MAUI
Jackson Bunch
We’re told that Jackson Bunch, of Paia, is an 11-year-old sixth grader at Doris Todd School. He loves surfing Ho‘okipa, his home break. We’ve also heard that his surfing rail work is way beyond his years. In fact, Jackson recently showed the world his skills at the Volcom Totally Crustaceous Tour. There he defeated an international field to win the Squids Division at Lower Trestles in San Clemente, California. @Apignataro
8%
Runners Up: Slater Fleck, 5%; Kai Berger, 3%; Kaimana Kinimaka, 3%
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BEST LOCAL GROM ON MAUI
Eli Hanneman
Eli Hanneman is a 12-year-old Lahaina resident who can be found searching for barrels at Honolua Bay or in the water at Lahaina Harbor–when he’s not home-schooling or traveling the world with his sponsors. In fact, Eli recently claimed another national title–the Surfing America USA Championship in the Under 14 division after winning the Under 12 title last year. @Apignataro
13%
Runners Up: Jeff Spencer, 4%; Raphael Watson, 4%
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BEST YOGA TEACHER ON MAUI
Julie Mitchell
Power up the asana with Julie Mitchell. Her practice can take you around the world, like her most recent Maui-to-Italy yoga retreat. When her yoga mat is on island, she takes her classes to the beach or to Island Spirit Yoga. For a strong adho mukha svanasana to a relaxing supta badha konasana, yogis voted Mitchell best. @Jenrusso
Runners Up: Nadia Toraman, 7%; Jennifer Lynn, 6%; Tenya Finlayson, 6%
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BEST FITNESS CLUB ON MAUI
24 Hour Fitness
This gym doesn’t just have an outstanding row of treadmills and elliptical machines. Maui’s 24 Hour Fitness will impress you with its wide array of equipment sure to bulk up your biceps, thighs, traps–you name the muscle, and the Hana Highway gym will provide the means for it to get shredded. If that isn’t enough to whip you into Baywatch shape, then you can jump in a room with twenty others and play follow the leader or request one of their personal trainers to give you that extra push towards the butt of your dreams. Whatever your exercise style is, 24 Hour Fitness is sure to cater to it. @Jadeyylady
20% (150 Hana Hwy., Kahului); 808-877-7474; 24hourfitness.com
Runners Up: Powerhouse, 10%; Crossfit State of Mind, 9%; The Gym Maui, 8%
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BEST SCHOLASTIC ATHLETE ON MAUI
Sophia Johnston
The 2015 Best Scholastic Athlete title goes to Sophia Johnston, a 4-star athlete attending Maui Preparatory Academy. Just like Johnston, her achievements run on… forever. She was MIL Champion in cross-country this past school year, then went on to place 14th at the HHSAA State Championships. Johnston continued her track of triumphs into the spring season, often dominating in the 1,500 and 3,000-meter run track and field events. This star runner can demonstrate her athletic prowess in a different element, too: water. Johnston contributed to Maui Preparatory Academy earning the gold medal in the 400-yard medley relay at the MIL Swimming Championships last fall. Johnston holds a division title from this year’s MIL Surfing Championship, alongside a streak of previous wins. @Jadeyylady
16%
Runners Up: Amy Ozee, 13%; Shane Victorino, 7%; Kelii Kaiama, 4%; Maiki Viela, 4%
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BEST LOCAL COACH ON MAUI
Photo Courtesy of Crossfitstateofmind.com
Amy Suh
The owner of Lahaina’s Crossfit State of Mind wears the crown of Maui’s best local coach and has more than her muscles to back up that title. The Patao weightlifter was the sole woman at the Aloha State Games to qualify for the 2015 Senior National Championships. At the 2013 Crossfit Open, Suh championed the title of number one on the island and number four in the overall state. Suh is zealous about her sport, which not just shows through her training but the passion she inspires into other Crossfit lovers. @Jadeyylady
11% Facebook.com/pages/Amy-Suh/919370261448071
Runners Up: Kauhane “Paul” Luuwai, 7%; Jud Lau, 7%; Melissa Rajesh, 6%
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BEST COUNTY PARK ON MAUI
Keopuolani Park
You could hold the FIFA World Cup at Keopuolani Park. Just the sheer size of the county park was enough for our readers to vote is as the best. Maui has taken advantage of the 85 acres consisting of soccer, baseball, and softball fields as well as a skate park. Don’t forget the maze of running trails. Take a stroll through the park and you’ll see a hundred MIL games going on and an even larger number of people jogging. @Jadeyylady
14% (Kahului)
Runners Up: Kalama Park, 11%; Giggle Hill, 7%; Rice Park, 7%
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BEST YOGA STUDIO ON MAUI
Island Spirit Yoga
All levels of practices are welcome at this Lahaina studio with Hatha, Vinyasa, Flow, NIA, Dynamic and Restorative yoga on the schedule. The talented instructors guide you through classes to bring the best practice and breath to your mind, body and spirit. Their slice of yoga paradise embodies the therapeutic movement. @Jenrusso
26% (840 Wainee St., Lahaina); 808-667-2111; Islandspirityoga.com
Runners Up: Maui Yoga & Dance Shala, 11%; Bikram, 9%; Infusion Yoga, 8%
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BEST HIGH SCHOOL SPIRIT ON MAUI
Lahainaluna
Lahainaluna has got so much spirit that the Maui County Fair stopped its School Spirit Award after a ten year run. Why? The Lunas kept winning. Just like the very conspicuous letter “L” which rests on the West Maui Mountains, the Lunas’ spirit is a presence everyone can feel. @Jadeyylady
42% (980 Lahainaluna Rd., Lahaina); 808-662-4000; Lahainalunahs.org
Runners Up: Baldwin, 23%; Maui High, 14%; Kamehameha, 6%
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BEST PLAYGROUND ON MAUI
Giggle Hill
Giggle Hill always wins best playground and for good reason. It’s chain link fence, disintegrating structure and sign in all red caps that reads CLOSED provides a nurturing environment for keiki to run around and build friendships. Now let’s avoid a satirical write-up next year and donate to Giggle Hill’s Playground Fund or help out on one of its volunteer days. The Kalakupua Playground can be restored to its once greatness and receive the sincere blurb it deserves. @Jadeyylady
28% (Haiku)
Runners Up: Kalama Park, 22%; Keopulani, 14%; Napili Park, 7%
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BEST SPA ON MAUI
Spa Grande, Grand Wailea
Submerge yourself in the lap of luxury at Maui’s best spa, the Spa Grande. The name says it all: thousands of square feet encompass a hydrotherapy circuit like no other. There are Swiss jet showers, furo tubs, a roman sauna, steam room and cold plunges. A complimentary scrub starts every therapy off right, and don’t forget to look for their exclusive Hawaii products for the spa. Spa Grande has an extensive menu of massage and facials, reflecting their balance of Eastern and Western spa philosophy. @Jenrusso
44% (3850 Wailea Alanui Dr.); 808-875-1234; Grandwailea.com/spa
Runners Up: Spa Helani, 9%; Spa Montage, 9%; The Hidden Spa, 5%
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BEST CHILDREN’S ACTIVITY ON MAUI
Maui Ocean Center
Fish amaze keiki, as exemplified every time a guppy swims by the pet shop window at The Maui Mall. It’s only logical that the Maui Ocean Aquarium Center was chosen as the Best Children’s Activity. Home to the famous glass tunnel so you can see manta rays smile at you from above and the 750,000 gallon shark tank where even a tiger shark lurks, the local aquarium will amaze you too, mom and dad. Events called “Sleep With The Sharks” are a special highlight, which are family sleepovers that host a number of activities, one being feeding turtles and rays with an Ocean Naturalist. Overall, we all know the highlight of the Maui Ocean Aquarium is the touch pool. The sea cucumbers are just so squishy. @Jadeyylady
21% (192 Maalaea Rd., Wailuku); 808-270-7000; Mauioceancenter.com
Runners Up: Surfing, 7%; Swimming, 6%; Maui Tumblers, 5%
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BEST PLACE TO BUY KITESURF GEAR ON MAUI
Naish
These aren’t the kites you’d buy at Walmart and fly in your neighborhood park. Naish offers the 2015 lineup of professional Naish kitesurf gear for all you sport extremists. If you’re going to fly through the air with Maui’s tradewinds as your guide, then you’d better go with the trusted kitesurfing headquarters. @Jadeyylady
28% (111 Hana Hwy., Kahului); 808-871-1503; Naishmaui.com
Runners Up: Adventure Sports Maui, 24%; Second Wind, 17%; Hawaiian Island Surf & Sports, 10%
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