Maui - The Valley Isle
With its close proximity and leisurely pace, you never have to travel too far or plan in advance to discover pleasant surprises on Maui. It is an island of spontaneous moments; big enough to provide lots of options and small enough to take the work out of choosing. Maui offers endless opportunities for spur of the moment fun. You can be as relaxed or as active as you choose.
It's really no wonder that Maui's sun blessed beaches, its "golf coasts" and scenic small towns nestled at the base of volcanic summits have captured the hearts of those who visit. Maui is the second largest island in the Hawaiian chain and many destinations in one.
From the scenic heights of Haleakala to the whale-rich waters that hug the shoreline, Maui invites exploration and celebrates romance. Here you'll find dramatic geography alongside world-class resorts, small-town charm with five-star dining, high octane activities and blissful relaxation; perfect for a family or for two of you. Refresh body and spirit in the cooling mist of waterfalls as you follow the winding Road to Hana. Take in the rainbow hues of sunrise or sunset from Maui's highest peak. Stroll hand-in-hand through the lush surrounds of the Iao Valley. Enjoy the wonders of Maui's beaches, waters and nearby islands. So much to do; or, if you prefer, so little. Let Maui work its magic on you!
LAHAINA: A National Historic District, Lahaina includes restored, period-piece museums that provide a sense of historic continuity and several attractions along the Lahaina Historic Trail that serve as a reminder of days long past. Lahaina, however, is no stuffy relic, but a lively town of one-of-a-kind shops, art galleries and excellent restaurants. At night, Lahaina comes alive with a friendly mix of visitors and residents enjoying the action. Your Maui ocean adventures begin at Lahaina's picturesque harbor, home to a fleet of sport fishing vessels, catamarans and yachts. Head out on whale watching excursions, snorkel sails, sightseeing cruises, or picnic trips to Lanai or Molokai.
KAANAPALI: In ancient times, Kaanapali was the playground of Hawaiian royalty. Located just two miles up the coast from Lahaina, Kaanapali offers appealing variety in accommodations, activities, shopping and dining. Hotels and condominium villages, ranging from indulgent to casual, face Kaanapali's three-mile stretch of beach. This playground also includes two championship golf courses. It's one of the few places where a breaching whale may distract you as you line up a putt. Kaanapali's Whalers Village shopping center, has some of Maui's best shops and restaurants. After shopping and/or dining, you can watch a diver in silhouette as he plunges from Puu Kekaa (Black Rock) into waters that reflect the brilliance of the Maui sunset.
KAPALUA: At the northwest end of the island, elegantly manicured Kapalua is quietly nestled among Cook Pines that lend a country flavor to this popular resort. Dramatic lava peninsulas shelter the five bays of Kapalua, whose name is poetically interpreted as "arms embracing the sea." Kapalua is a resort community featuring luxury hotels and condominiums, three white sand beaches, award winning restaurants, more than 20 boutiques and galleries, historic sites, an art center, a tennis complex and two renowned golf courses. Thousands of acres of pineapple surround the resort and provide a blue-green tint to the hillsides.
UPCOUNTRY MAUI: On Maui, upcountry is a state of mind as well as a region that begins at Pukalani and climbs the slopes of magnificent Haleakala to the ranchland communities of Makawao, Kula, Keokea and Ulupalakua. This is home to Maui's oldest and largest ranches, where paniolo (Hawaiian cowboys) still ride the range. Rural Makawao introduces upcountry with hitching posts fronting the boutiques and restaurants and art galleries that create the eclectic atmosphere of the area. Farther up the slope is Kula. Flower farms flourish here. Farms also grow sweet Kula onions and giant strawberries, as well as the exotic produce served in many of Maui's best restaurants. Sweeping vistas, cool dewy mornings, rainbows springing from vast pastures, plus botanical gardens hypnotically alive with floral color, are all part of the upcountry experience.
KIHEI: A few minutes south of Maalaea is the Kihei Coast, a great spot for beachcombing, snorkeling, kayaking and catching the spout or the breach of a giant humpback whale. Kihei is home to a vibrant community with a mix of moderately priced hotels and condominiums. Local businesses, restaurants and one-of-a-kind shops cater to residents and visitors alike. When the sun goes down, Kihei's nightspots light up.
WAILEA: Continue south and you'll arrive at Wailea, a resort community distinguished by its five beautiful, crescent shaped beaches. Book a tee time in Wailea and golf some of the more beautiful courses in the country. The weather in Wailea is just about perfect for any outdoor activity with sunny days and clear, starry nights. Wailea is also known for its beautiful beaches, great for swimming and snorkeling. Nestled at the base of Haleakala Crater, the meticulous design and exquisite landscaping of Wailea's gently rolling terrain have combined to create a resort community of luxury condominiums, stately private homes, award winning luxury hotels, restaurants and shops.
HANA: The Road to Hana, renowned for its hairpin turns and one-lane bridges is one of the more beautiful drives in the world and a highlight of any Maui visit. Panoramic views shift from breathtaking coastal vistas to the rugged wilderness of Maui's mountainous interior. This is the fantasy tropics; a place of waterfalls and rainforests that provide access to freshly draped in vines, of taro fields and botanical gardens and nurseries alive with exotic flowers. The town of Hana is a magical little hamlet of simple homes and quiet gardens. Hana's isolation is the source of its charm, but as relaxing as it can be, it is also home to real adventure. In addition to dramatic coastal hikes, you can hang glide high above Hana, rewarded with unmatched views of Haleakala; or go underground and explore a cave.
MAKENA: Makena offers a secluded alternative at the end of the road. It's a place of dramatic contrasts. Plush landscaping faces an untamed wilderness where swimmers and snorkelers can find perfection in Makena's pristine waters and sunbathe on the beach. Hikers can make their way along the King's Road, a rock-paved trail that encircled the island in early times. With so much space, this area tends to be less crowded than other parts of the island. Past Makena, Haleakala's massive slope, cascading ruggedly into the ocean, stops you from reaching the tropical rainforests that await you in East Maui. No matter. There are plenty of reasons to go back the other way and take the long and winding Road to Hana.
Travel Tips and Tidbits
Towering emerald peaks guard the lush valley floor of ʻIao Valley State Monument. The valley is rich in cultural and spiritual values and is the site of the battle of Kepaniwai where the forces of Kamehameha I conquered the Maui army in 1790. A paved 0.6 mile walk provides a scenic viewpoint of 1200 ft. Kuka‘emoku (ʻIao Needle). This iconic green-mantled rock outcropping overlooks ʻIao stream and is an ideal attraction for easy hiking, The ridge-top lookout provides incredible views of the valley. Non-residents require advance reservations for entry, which can be made here.
Wai'anapanapa (glistening waters) State Park, located near the end of the Road to Hana, is well worth a visit with its beautiful black sand beach and remote volcanic coastline with stunning coastal views. Camping (including cabin rentals), picnicking, shore fishing, and hiking along an ancient Hawaiian coastal trail that leads to Hana are some of the things you can do at Wai'anapanapa. Features include a native hala forest, a heiau (temple), sea stacks, blow holes, a seabird colony and a natural stone arch. Non-residents require advance reservations in order to visit the park. Reservations can be made here.
Haleakala (house of the sun) National Park is home to Maui's highest peak. The park's Summit District begins at 7,000 ft. of elevation and reaches 10,023 ft. The high elevation, lack of light, and dynamic weather patterns make it an ideal place to view the sky. Due to the popularity of sunrise viewing at the summit and limited parking, Haleakala National Park requires a ticket for each vehicle entering the park between 3:00 AM and 7:00 AM. Tickets can be purchased here.
Located in Whalers Village on Ka'anapali Beach, the 5,000 sq. ft. Hawaii Wildlife Discovery Center is an interactive discovery center with over 30 exhibits on protected native marine life, whaling, conservation and cultural values. It features an incredible immersion room, stunning photography, a giant slideshow, a keiki (childrens') playroom, exhibits on marine debris, and naturalists on staff to help you learn more about these islands that Hawaiian wildlife call home. Admission is by donation and it's a great organization to support, as well as a great place to spend an hour or more before or after you visit some of the shops and restaurants at Whalers Village.
If you're going to do a self-drive on the Road to Hana, make sure you bring water, beverages, and snacks with you. A stop at the Ku'au Store in Pa'ia, where the Road begins, will give you a chance to pick up everything you'll need. Be sure to check your gas gauge before you head out since once you "hit the road" you won't see a gas station until you're in Hana Town.
Pre-Covid, every Friday from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM there was a street party called a Maui Friday Town Party in different towns on Maui. Admission was free. Streets were closed and there were numerous vendors selling food, arts and crafts, clothing, jewelry, etc. There was also live music and many of the town's shops were open for business. The food, the music, the shops and the local people created a wonderful atmosphere and an opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture. As of this writing, the "party" has resumed in Lahaina on the second Friday of every month and in Kihei on the fourth Friday of every month. Hopefully, the other parties will resume soon. You can check their Facebook page for updates.
Travelers usually enjoy the destinations they visit a lot more when they spend some time immersing themselves in the destination's culture, learning about its history, etc. One of the ways you can do that on Maui is by doing the Lahaina Heritage Walking Tour. It's an easy stroll along Front Street and some of the side streets in Lahaina that gives you a look into the past of the former capital of Hawaii. You'll see much of it, including the Baldwin Home Museum and an Old Prison, on the walk. (Don't worry, the prison isn't accepting guests.) You can access a map of the tour here.
Farmers' markets stimulate the local economy, preserve farmland, increase access to fresh food, and give you an opportunity to connect with locals and learn about their culture. Maui is a sustainable island with a wonderful community of local farmers and ranchers. On your next visit, take time to experience the local food and culture by visiting some of the island's farmers' markets. Your taste buds will be tantalized and you could make some new friends along the way.
