Visit Maui, Hawaii

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Maui, known as Hawaii’s “Valley Isle”, has been voted Conde Nast Traveler magazine’s “Best Island” nineteen times. For many, Maui embodies the quintessential Hawaiian holiday with its spectacular beaches, dramatic landscapes, quaint towns, impressive resorts, broad based activities and cultural offerings. From watching Humpback whales breach just offshore to golfing on world class courses that host the top professionals almost anything that conjures up the perfect island getaway can be found on Maui. Maui maintains its special place in the world of surfing, kiteboarding and wind surfing with some of the cathedrals of those ocean sports spread across the island. Maui is home to the Haleakala National Park which stretches across Maui’s south and east coastlines and is home to its namesake and Maui’s tallest peak, Haleakala volcano. Haleakala rises 10,023 feet above sea level and is seen from virtually every spot on the island of Maui. Recreation in and around the park includes bike tours, hiking, camping, sunrise and sunset watching as well as touring farms, villages and wineries that are located on the upslope of the volcano, known as Maui’s Up Country. The Hana Highway skirts the perimeter of Haleakala on its run from the city of Kahului to the town of Hana, approximately 52 miles along the rugged coastline and a world of difference away. The highway has 620 curves and 59 bridges along its path through flourishing rainforests, past flowing waterfalls, plunging pools and dramatic seascapes. There are plenty of opportunities to park and enjoy the incredible vistas and take a dip in any number of secluded pools below the falls. The town of Hana is a throwback to a slower and gentler time and is steeped in Hawaiian traditions. Near Hana are unforgettable locations like picturesque Hamoa Beach, Waianapanapa State Park, a beautiful black sand beach where snorkeling is recommended and Piilanihale, the state’s largest heiau (Hawaiian temple), in Kahanu Gardens, one of five National Tropical Botanical Gardens in Hawaii. Beyond Hana, into Haleakala National Park, the Pools of Oheo, spawned by a series of waterfalls and the hiking trails of the Pipiwai Trail are favored by visitors. The county seat of Maui is located in the central island town of Wailuku. Wailuku is also the gateway to Iao Valley State Park where vaulting brilliant green peaks guard the verdant valley floor which attracts hikers and sightseers. Perhaps the most recognizable landmark on Maui, the 1,200 foot tall Iao Needle, rises dramatically from the valley floor in the center of the park. The resort areas are primarily divided between Maui’s south and west coasts. South Maui contains the luxurious resort community of Wailea with its multi-million dollar mansions, expansive hotel properties and generous golf course offerings. The funky town of Kihei is located in the driest, sunniest part of Maui’s south coast with six miles of beaches providing access for swimming, snorkeling and surfing along with some impressive views. The town of Kihei has a collection of affordable accommodations, with condominiums, small hotels and cottages along the beachfront road. Small shopping malls, a bustling farmers market and an eclectic mix of restaurants cater to residents and visitors. Karaoke bars, dance clubs and sports bars provide for a vibrant nightlife. The harbor at Maalaea is a popular place to embark on whale watching, diving, snorkeling and deep sea fishing excursions. The submerged crescent-moon shaped island known as Molokini, a state marine life and bird sanctuary, is a frequent target of those excursions. West Maui is home to its own collection of spectacular resorts, shopping areas, activities and incredibly beautiful spots for relaxation and renewal. Once the bastion of Hawaiian royalty, West Maui is home to communities with names recognized the world over – Kaanapali, Kapalua and Lahaina. Lahaina is an historic whaling village that has been converted to a collection of world class art galleries, unique shops and a broad range of restaurants that cater to every segment of the foodie culture from fine dining establishments emphasizing sustainable, locally grown produce and wild seafood to island favorite ice cream parlors, taco stands and hamburger joints. Lahaina Harbor offers its own fleet for whale watching, snorkeling, sunset cruises, diving and fishing adventures. Lahaina is on the National Register of Historic Places and is a port-of-call for cruise ships. Approximately 55 acres of old Lahaina have been set aside as historic districts along lively Front Street with historic stops like the U.S. Seamen’s Hospital, Hale Paaho (Lahaina Prison), the Pioneer Inn and other sites on the Lahaina Historic Trail. The three miles of Kaanapali Beach is often thought of as the signature beach of Maui while often named as “America’s Best Beach” in a number of publications. Kaanapali was Hawaii’s first planned resort area and has become a model for resorts around the globe. Hotels and condominium villages front the renowned beach along with a world-class shopping complex that has a wide variety of shops, bars and restaurants and Hawaiian entertainment. Kaanapali has two championship golf courses where, at the right time of the year, it’s possible to see breaching whales while contemplating a shot on the fairways overlooking the channel that separates Maui from Lanai and Molokai. Culturally significant Luaus with indigenous food offerings and native dance and music are staged at a number of hotel and condominium properties that are popular with first-time and returning visitors to Maui alike. One of Kaanapali Beach’s favorite attractions is the daily cliff diving ceremony at the beach’s northernmost cliff known as Puu Kekaa, or Black Rock, held every evening at sunset. Below Black Rock teaming schools of tropical fish, including the famous humuhumunukunukuapua’a, await snorkelers along with Honu, green sea turtles, regularly seen only a few yards from the sandy beach. Kapalua is located at the foot of the West Maui Mountains and is one of the island’s premier resort areas. World class golfing facilities, upscale restaurants, luxurious accommodations and access to recreation combined with scenic bays and white sand beaches where board riders and wind surfers exercise their passions makes Kapalua the destination of choice for many visitors to Hawaii. Maui is also home to a number of world famous annual festivals, tournaments and celebrations including the Hawaiian Steel Guitar festival, the Maui Film festival, the Kapalua Wine and Food festival and the Maui Invitational Collegiate basketball tournament. Kahului Airport is the main airport for the island of Maui and the second largest commercial airport in the state. U.S. airlines provide non-stop service to Maui from the mainland. There are smaller general aviation airports at Kapalua and Hana. Most visitors to Maui rent a car but many of the resorts offer shuttle services to and from Kahului.

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