Hauʻoli Makahiki Hou! (Happy New Year!) If you’re planning to visit Maui in 2022, you’re in for a treat! With stunning waters, white sand beaches, cascading waterfalls, volcanoes, and more, Maui is an amazing vacation destination. But, with tons of beauty to marvel at and countless ways to encounter adventure, it can be a little intimidating when mapping out your visit to Maui. If you’ve been beating your head on what to include in your 2022 Maui bucket list, worry no more! Whether you’re a local or visitor, we’ve put together your in depth outline on what to make sure you hit before the year is up or before your trip is over! 

1. Poke from Tamura’s

The best way to eat like a local is to try Tamura’s fresh and ready poke to go. Made with fresh and ono sashimi grade ahi picked up fresh every morning.

2. Maui 5K

On Sunday March 6th, the 11th annual Maui 5K will take place! A timed race and a fun, untimed 1 Mile Run/Walk for Keiki and adults will be happening. People off-island can still participate through the  "Virtual Run" option. T-shirts will be mailed and proceeds will be donated back to the participating schools.

3. Wine Tour in Kula

Originating from local pineapples and traditional grapes, Maui Winery is the only 23-acre vineyard that allows this type of unique view, especially at sunset. Rows of grapes and rich volcanic soils litter the lush grounds as well as complimentary wine tastings every day from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m at the King’s Cottage. 

4. Experiencing a Haleakala sunrise 

A sunrise at Haleakala is like nothing else in this world. Meaning “House of the Sun”, Halekala is a dormant volcano that offers beautiful and majestic views of the Maui skyline. (Be sure to make a reservation before beginning your assent).

5. Hike Poli Poli 

A beautiful and peaceful escape for you and your furry friends on the hillsides of Haleakala. The Poli Poli trail begins at the recreation area and goes on to pass through the Haleakala Ridge trail. Along the way you’ll see pine trees, cypress and cedars, all leading to a breathtaking grassy field that you can relax in and marvel at the views. 

6. Paragliding

If adrenaline is always at the tip of your fingers, you will never find a sport as breathtakingly extreme as paragliding Maui’s sky. Soar above the Maui clouds and beam at a view many will never experience in their entire lives. Breathe the freshest air and bask in a panorama worth a thousand words as you paraglide down to sea level. Flying with a certified instructor brings you a safe yet exciting excursion.

7. Tin Roof Mochiko Chicken (Top Chef’s Sheldon SImeon) 

Top Chef contestant Sheldon SImeon’s world-renowned homemade mochiko chicken takes the cake! Made with ginger sake shoyu, sweet mochiko batter, and su-miso sauce with gochujang aioli made in-house. 

8. Surfing Olowalu

If gliding along crystal clear waters is your passion then this is the surf spot for you. Mostly serving as a good beach for beginners, Olowalu is known for its smaller waves during the summer months. Even if you’re not surfing the pristine waters this makes for ideal beach for any water activities. 

9. Pipiwai Trail and Waimoku Falls

Pipiwai Route and Waimoku Falls are two trails that run along the same path and are a modest 3.4 mile in and out, perfect for families, inexperienced, and seasoned hikers. The hike is through a tall and massive bamboo grove that leads you deep into the lush forest before arriving at the 400-foot waterfall at the finish. 

10. Lahaina's Maui Gift & Craft Fair

As West Maui’s largest gift and craft fair, this event is perfect for anyone looking to spend a beautiful morning looking for Maui made gifts from over 50 talented local vendors. Maui Gift and Craft Fair is located in the Lahaina Gateway and is held every Sunday from 9am-2pm. See the link for more info: https://mauigiftandcraftfair.com

11. Kahului Food Trucks 

What better way to grab a bite for the whole family, including the most picky eaters! Choose from food trucks like Thai Mee Up, Kalei’s Lunch Box, Mo Ono, Kraken Coffee, Geste Shrimp, and more for some ONOlicious local food. 

12. Stargazing at Lipoa Point

Out on the West Side of Maui, Lipoa Point offers breathtaking views of the sunset off Moloka’i and, a couple hours later, a private show of the stars. Right past the expansive line of hotels and resorts in Kapalua, Lipoa Point is completely surrounded by Honolua wilderness and sits above the volcanic shoreline. A perfect evening if you ask us. 

13. Iao Needle 

Known as the second wettest place in the world, ‘Iao Needle (Kuka’emoku) is infamous for it’s incredible height and luscious green valley. The incredibly historic and uncomparable views make it a must see. 

14. Biking Down Haleakala

Experience the thrill of Haleakala’s sloping hills for yourself on exciting guided bike tours. Feel the fresh crisp mountain air whip past your face as you fly by eucalyptus, rolling pastures, and the occasional Maui steer. Tour guides will lead you on quality bikes, with a reliable escort van, and give you an experience you could only find on the Valley Isle. 

15. Ho’okipa Lookout

Take a front seat to some of the biggest waves and best surfers on the island. As a hotspot for surfing competitions throughout the year and the biggest swells on the island, Ho’okipa let’s you witness the thrill of surfing without ever touching the water. 

16. Discover Lanai’s Manele Golf Course

If you find yourself venturing next door to Lanai island for the weekend and staying at the Four Seasons Resort, Manele Golf Course is THE place to spend your day. The course is situated on the Four Seasons Resort property, overlooking the coastal beauty of Lanai, and is exclusively available to guests.

17. Go To a Steel Pulse Concert

For all the reggae loving people on Maui, Steel Pulse will be in concert on April 1st, 2022 at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center in Kahului! Buy tickets here. 

18. A Class at Hui No’eau

The only non-profit visual arts center on the island, Hui No’eau offers an incredibly expansive array of arts classes with professional equipment and leadership. Choose from glassblowing, ceramics, printmaking, painting, drawing, jewelry and more.

19. Dry Mein at Sam Sato’s

Nothing makes you scratch your head quite like a mile long line of people standing outside the smallest restaurant in Wailuku. Everyone knows no year is complete without at least 43729 bowls of Sam Sato’s famous dry mein. A combination of al dente noodles, bits of char siu pork, bean sprouts and cut green onions, nothing screams kanack attack quite like this.

20. Banana bread from Four Sisters Bakery

Possibly the best pastries you could ever gift yourself for breakfast, Four Sisters takes the cake for ono homemade delicacies. Try their infamous banana bread, mango bread, or delicious buttery rolls. 

21. Snorkeling Molokini crater

If crystal clear waters, diverse and beautiful coral reefs, and family fun adventure is your thing then this is an adventure for you. Snorkeling Molokini crater has to be the best way to discover Hawaiian waters in a safe yet breathtaking way.

22. Hiking Haleakala crater

As one of the most sacred sites on Maui, hiking the beautiful volcanic craters is a magical experience on it’s own. Be aware of the extremely high elevation and much endurance needed while you take in the magnificent landscape and expansive skyline views.  

Visitors to Hawaii will need to know what COVID limitations are in effect before arriving for at least part of 2022. There are two sorts of requirements: those for entering Hawaii and those to be aware of after you get there. 

Getting to Hawaii: 

Travelers to Hawaii are still subject to a 10-day quarantine as part of the Safe Travels program. However, there are two methods to get through the quarantine. 

First and foremost, there is the vaccination exemption. By submitting a copy of their vaccination card to the Safe Travels website before their journey, fully vaccinated passengers can avoid confinement. This is currently only available to tourists who have been vaccinated in the United States.

The second is the pre-travel testing. A traveler can submit a test from a trustworthy travel companion that was taken no more than 72 hours before their last flight out of the country before arriving in Hawaii.

While in Hawaii, you should be aware of a variety of state-wide and island-specific limitations that may impair your travel plans. Here are a few that you should be aware of: 

1. Indoor mask mandate: Hawaii has an indoor mask mandate, which means you must wear a mask if you go into a store, restaurant, or venue. 

2. Capacity constraints: Many restaurants and tour companies operate with capacity constraints (often 50 percent ). While there may be more space at that restaurant or on your boat excursion, getting reservations is sometimes more challenging. 

3. Immunization requirements: Bring your vaccination card with you while eating out on Maui. Unvaccinated guests are barred from select eateries under the Safe Access Oahu and Safer Outside Maui initiatives.