As many of our friends, family, and customers know, Maui holds a very special place in Hana and Will’s hearts. Hana’s parents loved Maui so much that they actually named her after the town of Hana. On one of her first trips there, Hana’s parents took her photo under every sign that read “Hana”—Hana School, Hana Baseball Field, Hana Market, Hana Highway. It’s no mystery why so many people love Maui. The ocean, the wildlife, the air, the vegetation, the food, the community—it truly is something special. Hana and Will try to visit at least once a year. Each trip is a mix of returning to old favorites and discovering something new: pulling over at beaches they hadn’t noticed before, wandering through small towns, eating at locally loved restaurants, exploring new markets, staying in different neighborhoods, and soaking it all in. Over time, Maui has deeply influenced Thalken. You’ll see it in the island-inspired jewelry, the scents of the candles, the art, and the subtle Hawaiian design elements woven throughout the brand.
There’s a big dream of someday splitting time between Colorado and Maui—and maybe building another micro-store, where they can paint another giant gold heart and sell their candles, jewelry, and conversation cards. Hana gets especially excited when someone tells her they’re going to Maui. For years, her gut reflex has been to grab a piece of paper and start writing—restaurants to try, small businesses to visit, places to eat (mostly food… always food). That is what eventually sparked Thalken’s Guide to Maui.
What you’ll find here is a collection of Hana and Will’s favorite small businesses, eateries, and spots they genuinely love—along with a few personal notes along the way. We hope it helps you experience Maui in a way that feels thoughtful, delicious, and connected. We hope you have the very best time!
Aloha!
Leoda's Kitchen and Pie Shop
820 Olowalu Village Rd
Lahaina, HI 96761
Oh boy are you in for a treat. 🤤 We have tried all of their pies and they are all amazing but the apple crumb pie is our absolute favorite. The crumble is so sugary and crunchy, I'm literally salivating as I think about it right now. They have the best banana bread, chocolate chip cookies, hand cut fries with garlic aioli, and THE BEST veggie burger even if you're not a vegetarian.
Leoda’s sits right on the side of the road, and nearby there are some fun spots to explore, like the Butterfly Farm. A little further down, there’s an open-air tent with all sorts of goodies—fruit, nuts, and more. The macadamia nuts are unbelievable. My personal favorites? Cinnamon & sugar, coffee, and honey-glazed.
Marriot's Maui Ocean Club
100 Nohea Kai Drive
Lahaina, HI 96761
This is a great hotel right on the boardwalk over by Kaanapali. The pool is hands-down one of the best—lagoon-like, with rocks, a waterslide, and serious vacation energy. They also serve the best virgin piña coladas anywhere. Truly undefeated.
You can walk straight out to the ocean, lounge by the pool, or head down the boardwalk to Whalers Village, a beautiful outdoor mall with great restaurants, shops, and live entertainment. Easy, fun, and perfectly located.
Island Vintage Coffee
Island Vintage Coffee Wailea- 3750 Wailea Alanui Dr, Ste B17
Wailea, HI 96753
Island Vintage Coffee Whalers Village- 2435 Kaanapali Pkwy, Unit L5
Lahaina, HI 96761
This business can be found on several Hawaiian Islands, with two locations on Maui—one in The Shops at Wailea in Wailea and one in Whalers Village in Kaanapali. They serve the best acai bowls, and our favorite is the Haupia Moana Bowl. Their island latte is absolutely to die for, and they also have the best breakfast we’ve found on the island: the Breakfast Plate.
It comes with bacon, scrambled eggs, avocado, asparagus, mixed greens with apple, cranberry walnut bread, sourdough, and usually salted butter. You wouldn’t think a coffee shop could serve the best breakfast in town, but this one 100% does.
MYTH Legendary Kitchen
South Maui Gardens - Kihei Food (Truck) Oasis
30 Alahele Pl
Kihei, HI 96753
Oh, MYTH. How we love thee. 😂 We literally ate here every day on one trip. Their Chicken Gyro is SO FLIPPIN’ GOOD—marinated chicken, Greek spices, handmade pita, arugula, cherry tomatoes, red onion… stick a fork in me, I’m done.
Their service is super friendly too. A girl named Angie was always so kind and welcoming that we even started following her on Instagram! They also have amazing Italian sodas, and their fries are an absolute must. Also tucked away in the South Maui Gardens Kihei Food (Truck) Oasis in Kihei.
Sweet Hula
South Maui Gardens - Kihei Food (Truck) Oasis
30 Alahele Pl
Kihei, HI 96753
This was the first time I ever had a Matcha Bowl! Omg—so good! 😍 These guys are nestled in the South Maui Gardens Kihei Food (Truck) Oasis in Kihei. This is literally one of our favorite spots for food—so many amazing options, and we haven’t even tried them all… yet!
Thai Mee Up
South Maui Gardens - Kihei Food (Truck) Oasis
30 Alahele Pl
Kihei, HI 96753
This is a must-try at the South Maui Gardens Food Truck Oasis. Their green curry is hands-down the best we’ve ever had—so fresh, perfectly spicy, and with a subtle sweetness that makes it irresistible.
The rice comes on the side, so you can scoop it into the curry or pour the curry over the rice—either way, it’s incredible. The vegetables taste super fresh, and the curry itself is clean, flavorful, and perfectly balanced. I’ve honestly never had green curry this good.
A true gem for anyone craving bold, sweet-spicy Thai flavors in Maui.
Oku's Sushi
1993 S Kihei Rd, Unit 17
Kihei, HI 96753
This was such a special experience. I’m always a little nervous trying a new sushi spot—especially since I was raised vegetarian, which probably has something to do with it. William discovered Oku's Sushi during one of our last stays in Maui, and it truly moved us.
It’s a hidden gem in the truest sense. It’s intimate and intentional. Beautiful, traditional Japanese music plays softly. The space is very small—five tables total, four seats at the sushi bar. One person cooking. One person serving. And it’s perfect.
The attention to detail is on point. Everything feels thoughtful and incredibly clean. We ordered the miso soup, edamame, green salad, yellowtail, and the veggie roll—each dish balanced and deeply satisfying.
Oku’s is also a place with history. Chef Oku arrived on Maui in 1996 at the invitation of former owner and founder Rod Gardiner of Kobe Steakhouse, where he opened a sushi bar inside Kobe Steakhouse in Lahaina. He worked as a teppanyaki chef in Honolulu before relocating to Maui for what became a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Kobe Steakhouse & Oku’s Sushi Bar in Lahaina closed in March 2022, and Oku’s Sushi reopened in Kihei in May 2023.
Maui Powerhouse Gym
1279 S Kihei Rd, Ste 118
Kihei, HI 96753
This place is wild—in the very best way. If you’re looking for a gym on Maui, this is the spot. They offer day passes (huge win), and the energy is unlike anywhere else.
There’s one room with a full black light, covered in murals of ripped mermaids and skulls with barbells in their mouths, and the words “LIFT WITH ALOHA OR DIE” painted on the walls. It’s intense. It’s hilarious. It’s amazing.
Tons of machines, tons of equipment, and really great merch too—perfect for a fun souvenir. I grabbed a T-shirt, and the next day while walking along the boardwalk, another guy was wearing one too. We pointed at each other, smiled big, and high-fived without saying a word.
I friggin’ love this gym—and the people who love it too.
Island Gourmet Markets
3750 Wailea Alanui Drive
Wailea, HI 96753
This is the best place for everything. We always go to the location in The Shops at Wailea. They have great food cooked fresh for eating there, tons of prepared grab-and-go options, groceries, beach essentials like towels and sunscreen—and a really great coffee spot inside.
They make an amazing iced Americano and iced mango green tea. We love grabbing those and heading out for a slow, sunny morning stroll along the Wailea boardwalk. Easy, delicious, and one of our favorite little rituals.
Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea
3900 Wailea Alanui Drive
Wailea, Maui, HI 96753
This all started with a steam room.
We were staying with friends and went on the hunt for one—spa, gym, anywhere. The only place we found that had one was the Four Seasons, and the only way to use it was to book a spa treatment or a room.
Way out of our budget. Or so we thought.
We’d had a good year, had some credit card cash back, and decided to ask the front desk if we could just see a room—to know if it was even worth dreaming about. That’s when we met Sari. Kind. Warm. Professional. The kind of human you instantly trust. She went out of her way to show us a room, and it was beautiful.
A few days later, we booked a room for our last night on Maui.
Sari greeted us with radiant energy and two gorgeous leis. We felt like royalty. Our room had special treats waiting for us—including chocolate-covered strawberries dusted in Oreo crumbles that I still think about. The spa, the steam room, the indoor and outdoor gym, the infinity pool—pure heaven.
Our favorite part? The complimentary sunrise outrigger for guests. Just a few of us, a guide, and the ocean. He shared stories about the islands and briefly brought up a sea creature to show us—then gently returned it back to the ocean, unharmed.
The next trip back, we stayed two nights. I know. Big deal. 😌
It’s a true luxury experience—and honestly, worth stretching for, even if it feels a little outside your comfort zone.
Mama's Fish House
799 Poho Pl
Paia, HI 96779
I mentioned earlier that I was raised vegetarian, so this whole seafood world is still fairly new to me. I had my very first lobster here—and it was both a blessing and a curse. A blessing because it was one of the best things I’ve ever tasted. A curse because it was the best lobster ever. I’ve tried lobster elsewhere since, thinking, Oh, I love lobster now. No. You love lobster at Mama’s Fish House.
Every time we come, the food is incredible. The restaurant sits right on the beach—you can look out and see the ocean and palm trees while you eat. It absolutely requires a reservation, usually months in advance, so plan ahead. If you don’t have one and are feeling hopeful, the bar is first come, first served.
We always come here for our anniversary. If you note that in your reservation, they’ll often include a sweet little “Happy Anniversary” note, which feels like such a thoughtful touch.
And don’t skip dessert. The Polynesian Black Pearl is a true work of art—and worth every bite.