It’s true, Maui is known for spectacular sunsets and a type of pineapple so sweet it tastes like candy.But like other tourist-friendly destinations, there’s a whole side that most visitors never get to see. Find out the secret experiences that are so exceptional, the locals don’t even want you to know about them!

Peter Kater, Grammy-nominated pianist, composer & producer

I’ve had sushi from New York to Los Angeles to Tokyo and Koiso’s Sushi Bar in Kihei is my favorite place. In fact, I almost don’t even want to tell anyone about this place—it’s that good.

I’ve always loved Vietnamese food, so imagine my surprise to find the most delicious authentic Vietnamese food here on Maui, at Saigon Cafe in Wailuku.

Drive the road to Hana. The *back* road, that is.

This road goes up over Kula (not through Haiku) and it’s a way to experience Maui like never before. You can’t tell whether you’re in New Zealand, Colorado or on some undiscovered island out in a nameless ocean, untouched.

This place is timeless and nameless. Amazing.

Mark Ellman, restaurateur, local philanthropist and author of Practice Aloha

Besides my own restaurant, Mala Ocean Tavern, one of our favorite spots is Fresh Mint in Paia. It’s a vegan Vietnamese restaurant where they use seitan and tempeh in various ways—you can’t tell if it’s real meat or not.

Next would be Dragon Dragon in Kahului, which serves simple Cantonese food. It has some killer wok-fried lamb riblets and dim sum.

After yoga I always go to the Maui Coffee Roasters in Lahaina for a dark organic coffee and a low-sugar bran muffin. I’ll just sit on their wood porch and watch the world go by.

If you want to learn more about Hawaii’s coffee industry, ask for Jeff or Diane, who are serious coffee experts.

As for outdoor experiences, I like to take the Kapalua Trail hike, which starts at the Kapalua Visitors Center. It’s a 3 or 4-mile trail that walks you through the beautiful West Maui Mountains where you can eat wild guava along the way and get a great workout at the same time!

Shawn Ardoin, horticulturist and artist

Once you drive the road to Hana, visit the Kahanu Gardens. On site is the Pi’ilanihale Heiau (place of worship), the largest of its kind in the world. The gardens also have the largest breadfruit tree collection in the world. The Pi’ilanihale Heiau is a magnificent and awe-inspiring example of Polynesian architecture.

In my opinion, the number-one fine-dining restaurant on Maui is Mama’s Fish House restaurant in Paia. In terms of food, location and atmosphere, it has it all!

Mala Ocean Tavern at the Wailea Beach Marriott Resort & Spa has the best ocean-view location in Wailea.

It’s the place to sit back and enjoy cocktails while watching the sunset, and—in winter—spotting the migrating whales.

My favorite beach is Keawakapu Beach in Wailea. It’s great for families, but it truly has something to offer everyone, and it’s simply gorgeous.

Check out more entries in our Ask the Locals series.

Photos & Editing by Sarika Chawla for PeterGreenberg.com