Ultimate Maui Travel Guide

Recommendations and Insights from a Local Photographer

Welcome to Maui, the Valley Isle, an island woven with stunning vistas and vibrant culture. I put together a Maui Travel Guide from the perspective of a local photographer and gallery owner who has seen countless people come and enjoy the splendor of my home island.

I'll give you practical Maui travel tips and some insider information on which beaches or tourist destinations are actually worth it. This guide is your gateway to exploring Maui not just as a tourist, but as a true island aficionado.

Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, Maui has it all. From the majestic peaks of the West Maui Mountains to the serene waters of Wailea, I’ll share my personal recommendations and tips, helping you experience the island's beauty beyond the usual tourist trails.

Eco Tourism & Photo Tourism in Maui: A Local's Guide
June 28, 2024  |  Maui, Hawaii

The trend of responsible tourism has surged in recent years, and Hawaii has long been at the forefront of this movement. With initiatives like State-supported GreenBusiness Hawaii and Travel Pono, various programs to promote eco-tourism and sustainable tourism activities and practices...

Top 5 Maui Beaches & What to Know
Maui, Hawaii

As a Maui based fine art photographer, I've had the privilege of exploring and capturing the island's most stunning beaches. Each beach offers a unique allure, making them not only popular destinations for visitors but also fantastic subjects for photography...

Epic Maui Road Trip: The 10 Best Stops on the Road to Hana
Maui, Hawaii

The Road to Hana on Maui is one of the most unique and memorable destinations for visitors of the Hawaiian Islands. With stunning views and a host of unforgettable activities to experience, this scenic drive is sure to have something for everyone...

Why The Best Time to Visit Hawaii Is in Spring and Autumn

Let’s start by getting one thing out of the way: Really, any day, month or season is the best time to visit Hawaii.

So, if your cousin is getting married on the Big Island in July or you want to ring in the New Year in Waikiki, you will surely have a wonderful and magical time in the scenic and sunny state that I’m proud to call home...

5 Tips for a Stellar Maui Stargazing Adventure
Maui, Hawaii

Maui is well-known for its beautiful beaches and incredible scenery. But for those who enjoy astronomy, the Maui stargazing cannot be beat.

While all of Hawaii is well known for having some of the best conditions for stargazing in the world, Maui in particular is where you can get the best views and ideal opportunities for taking night sky photos...

Top 5 Things To Do On A Rainy Day On Maui

You made your plans around the rainy season in Maui (November to March) but on one of your few days in paradise, you get hit with a rain storm. So now you're asking yourself: what is there to do in maui when it rains?

Have no worries, you can ditch your outdoor plans and still find plenty of memorable, photogenic and amazing experiences...

Best Hikes in Maui & Tips for Out of State Visitors
Maui, Hawaii

Maui, the poster child for breathtaking beaches and vibrant culture, has a secret identity. When you venture beyond its shores, you'll discover a different world: its remarkable hiking trails. Maui’s hiking trails let us peek into the island's hidden gems, from volcanic craters to emerald valleys and vibrant ecosystems...

3 Tips for Taking Photos in Every Part of Hawaii
Maui, Hawaii

Hawaii is a uniquely photogenic part of the world, with its natural beauty and diverse landscapes. Landforms range from ocean to mountains, with beaches, jungles, and volcanoes in between. Here are some tips on creating unique landscape images, from beach photography to mountain photography, and more...

The Top Five Photography & Maui Art Galleries
Art in Hawaii

As a major travel destination for many, residents and business owners throughout the Hawaiian Islands offer a broad collection of fine arts, including photography, for travelers to bring with them on their journey home...

Navigate the Best Local Experiences

Explore this map to easily find Maui's best beaches, hiking trails, stargazing spots, and more highlighted in the Visitor’s Guide above.

Locate and plan your visits to the island's must see spots for the ultimate Maui vacation. Click on the top left of the map to highlight your interests or click on the top right to open in Google Maps

A very special panoramic view of sunset at a very special Secret Beach in Makena on the island of Maui, Hawaii.  Hawaii sunset pictures by Andrew Shoemaker

A very special sunset at a very special Secret Beach. I captured this one with a polarizer to really bring out the color in the sky and what a special, iconic scene

Collector's Edition of 50