Maui Overview

Aloha! Welcome to Maui, the tropical paradise known as the "Valley Isle." Millions of visitors flock to the surf and sand that rises from the blue Pacific. Explore its dramatic volcanic past and island heritage--and experience its modern amenities.

Districts

Maui is an island of such stunning natural beauty that the journey from one town to the next is a scenic tour within itself. Blue water, white sand, and miles of sugarcane fields dominate the south end of the island, while the majestic West Maui Mountains are the Lahaina-side landmark.

West Maui
The jolly, busy resort town of Lahaina resembles Main Street Disneyland in many ways. Front Street, the main drag area, is wall-to-wall art galleries and fine restaurants. Dozens of pleasure cruisers and fishing boats set sail from the harbor daily, carrying vacationers to nearby coves and reefs. Lahaina is also the hot spot for shopping and nightlife.

About 10 minutes' driving distance from Lahaina is the resort community of Ka'anapali, famed for its golf courses, beaches and fantasy hotels. Further down the coastal highway one will find the charming seaside towns of Kahana, Kapalua, and Napili.

South Maui
Approximately 30 minutes from West Maui is the other main tourist area, known as South Maui even though it's actually further west than south. The uppermost segment of South Maui is Kihei, site of many mid-priced hotels and swimming beaches. This is a very popular spot with families; it's affordable, safe, and offers all kinds of diversions.

South of Kihei is Wailea, one of the most breathtaking resort communities in the world. The air is perfumed with island blossoms, the beaches (all of them public-access) are white sand, and the resorts are architectural wonders. After that, the road travels along through a few miles of dry underbrush and weeds that give some indication of what South Kihei looked like before it was developed. About five minutes down the road are the three turn-offs to Makena State Park, thought by many to be the world's best swimming beach.

Upcountry
The tiny towns in Upcountry Maui are the opposite of Wailea and Lahaina in every way. Laid-back, local, simple, and friendly, they are populated by an odd mix of islanders, white locals, eccentric recluses, and passionate nature lovers. Protea farms, cattle ranches, and botanical gardens thrive on most of the land, while the "towns" are usually comprised of a few streets with a handful of stores and a couple of restaurants. Makawao and Pukalani are the two largest upcountry towns.

Haleakala/Hana
While Haleakala and Hana are two of Maui's major tourist attractions, almost no tourists stay in either of the areas. Hana has a couple of hotels, but it's impossible to lodge at Haleakala National Park; most of it is volcanic crater or scientific research zone.

Still, no trip to Maui is complete without a Hana or Haleakala experience. The twisty road to Hana is as famous as the epic waterfalls at journey's end. The sunrise over Haleakala is truly inspirational--as any fan of Jimi Hendrix's "Purple Haze" knows.

While the adorable seaside town of Paia is not in Hana--or anywhere near--it is probably the town that is most often passed through on the way to the rain forest. This town is a destination in itself. It is arguably the world's top windsurfing location. It's also home to some fabulous art galleries, clothing boutiques and restaurants. Anyone who wonders what ever happened to the '60s should visit Pa'ia--it seems to be stuck in them.

North Shore
The North Shore of Maui offers a refreshing change from the ordinary vacation. Between exotic recreational opportunities, a peaceful and natural setting, and a diversified cultural environment, this is not your typical vacation spot.

Entertainment

Maui doesn't have a quarter of Oahu's population, but it seems to have almost as many activity choices. Whether hiking, biking, snorkeling or windsurfing is your passion, there are a dozen places to go and a dozen companies to act as guide.

Beaches
The first thing to do on Maui (aside from checking into the hotel, of course) is to hit the beach. Ka'anapali Beach on West Maui is one of the top sunning spots, while Makena State Park's Big Beach is probably the most popular swimming and bodyboarding beach. There are dozens of other beach parks, and since all of Hawaii's beaches are public-access, you're free to plop down in any spot that appeals to you.

Cruises
Whether it is an early morning whale watch complete with breakfast, a full-day cruise to neighboring Lanai or a sunset cocktail cruise, Maui's boats are built for pleasure. For something a bit different, climb aboard one of the submarine vessels that cruise the island.

Snorkeling & Diving
The best time to snorkel or dive in the waters off Maui is the early morning. Scuba companies are also numerous and most will work with any level diver, even the most nervous beginners. A variety of underwater excursions are available to offshore wrecks, reefs, and caverns.

Golf
As a world-class golf destination, the Valley Isle boasts over a dozen courses, spread across the island and ranging from inexpensive municipal courses to internationally famous resorts.

Galleries
Maui boasts more galleries than any other city on the West Coast. Most of them are located in two blocks on Front Street.

Luaus
Maybe it's the weather, maybe it's the music on the radio, or maybe it's just the infectious Aloha spirit. Whatever the cause, it's a fact that anyone who visits Maui feels compelled to get to a luau. Visitors to South Maui have only a few choices, but West Maui offers several spectacular luaus.

Nightlife
Everybody knows, if it's raging nightlife you're after, you should go...to Honolulu. That said, Maui does its best to rabble-rouse once the sun goes down. There are no full-scale nightclubs on the island, but a few places have decent club nights.

Dining and Drinking

Dining in Maui is overwhelming. Culinary styles hail from around the world, and some styles are unique to Maui alone. In one week-and in one town-a visitor can feast on Thai and French cuisine, fresh game and fresh fish, sandwiches, burritos, and, of course, a few scoops of ridiculously decadent ice cream.

Where To Stay

As one of the top vacation destinations in the world, Maui can boast more than its fair share of lodging choices-large and small, inexpensive and princely. The "Valley Isle," as it's known, is sprinkled liberally with hotels, especially on the coast, while inns and B&Bs can seemingly be found around every corner.

Maui by the Numbers

Elevation: 48 feet (average)
Average Annual Rainfall: 19.8 inches
Average January Temperature: 72 degrees F
Average July Temperature:79 degrees F

Time Zone: GMT-10
Country Dialing Code: 1
Area Code: 808

Population: 128, 241
Ethnic Mix: 42% Caucasian, 14% Hawaiian, 39% Asian, 5% Other

Major Tourist Attractions: Beaches, Golf Courses, Whale Watching, Snorkeling, Haleakala Crater, Helicopter tours, Hawaiian Aquarium, Maui Tropical Plantation, Hana Rainforest

Did You Know?

Considered the most scenically beautiful of the Hawaiian Islands, Maui attracts tourists in search of an Eden-like experience away from the hustle and bustle of the more urbanized cities of Honolulu and Waikiki.

Orientation/Geography

The island of Maui is located in the Hawaiian islands in the Pacific Ocean; it is east of Oahu and west of the Big Island of Hawaii.


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