Maui HawaiiWelcome to Maui, voted the ‘World's Best Island’ year after year by travellers. Praise is nothing new, however, with Maui famed as one of the most romantic and magical places on earth and this reputation having its origins deep in the mists of time.
The island of Maui is made up of 5 key areas, all offering the visitor a slightly different experience.
The island of Maui is made up of 5 key areas, all offering the visitor a slightly different experience.
West Maui
With its abundant sunshine and plentiful water, West Maui was once a major Hawaiian population centre and the favourite playground of royalty. West Maui’s shores are truly blessed: sheltered from trade winds, fringed by calm clear waters and famous for their spectacular sunsets - it's little wonder there are many beautiful resort areas to be enjoyed along the coast. Today, West Maui encompasses the resort areas of Kapalua and Kaanapali, Napili, Kahana, Honokowai and the historic whaling town of Lahaina.
Lahaina Town is the hub of the West Coast and still retains much of the charm of the old whaling days – be sure to take your time and enjoy a self-guided walking tour of the historic sites.
A little further north, Kaanapali extends over an area of 1200 acres, bordered by nearly three miles of white sand beaches – here you’ll find an abundance of condominiums, hotels and two golf courses.
Follow the road and you’ll come across the little villages of Napili, Honokawai, and Kahana where West Maui's best accommodation bargains can be found.
Kapalua - a former pineapple plantation - is a 1,500-acre jewel at the end of the resort chain on the West side. The gently rolling hillside, spreading from the white sand beach of Kapalua Bay to the base of the West Maui Mountains, boasts high-end accommodations, three of the finest golf courses on Maui and beautiful upscale villa communities.
South Maui
South Maui is known for its coastal areas, with mile-after-mile of sandy white beaches, with pristine reef as well as low-level wetlands. Sheltered by Mount Haleakala, this area is sunnier and drier than the rest of the island and is also ideal for diving and snorkelling, with remnants of ancient Hawaiian fishponds also still visible today.
South Maui incorporates the coastal communities of Maalaea and Kihei, as well as the resort communities of Wailea and Maken.
Maalaea is a laid back village made up of smaller condominiums alongside a small boat harbour where many day trips and fishing charters depart from.
Kihei, is beachcombing territory and a great spot for snorkelling and kayaking. It’s a vibrant community with a good mix of accommodation including condo’s and mid priced hotels.
Wailea, is a resort community, made up of luxurious resorts all set in stunning landscape setting. Wailea boasts 54 holes of championship golf and five beautiful crescent shaped beaches.
Makena, located four miles on from Wailea, is home to "Big Beach" - one of Maui's most perfect beaches. As this is the last resort area at the end of the West Coast, it offers a more private and secluded experience. Keen hikers can hike along the King’s Road, a rock paved trail that in earlier Polynesian times, encircled the whole island of Maui.
Central Maui
Central Maui is made up of residential communities, sugar and pineapple plantations as well as some of Maui’s most popular visitor attractions, including the Iao Valley and the Maui Tropical Plantation.
As well as being where Maui’s airport is located, Kahului is also the commercial centre of the island and therefore a great town to shop for all your holiday needs. Wailuku is home to the State and County government offices and its old town provides a glimpse back to the early days of Maui's history.
A great way to learn more about the many exotic plants grown on the Hawaiian Island is to visit Maui Tropical Plantation where you’ll come across papaya trees, banana plants, palms and more.
One of the highlights in this area is surely the Iao Valley, a lush, deep, tropical valley where the Iao Needle - a natural rock pinnacle - presides over the Iao stream.
Upcountry
‘Upcountry Maui’ refers to the towns, ranches, vineyards, farmlands and visitor attractions found on the upper slopes of the island, including the majestic Haleakala ( Ha – lee- aka – la) National Park and Haleakala Crater, the largest dormant volcano on earth and the torso of the entire island. Haleakala means ‘ house of the sun’ and a not to be missed event on Maui is to watch the sun rise from the summit of Mount Haleakala.
The majority of visitors who make the pilgrimage to Haleakala usually then take the 45-minute drive up country. The area is home to many quaint bed and breakfasts and small inns. Many flower farms in the area also add to its charm.
Maui’s Upcountry takes in spectacularly varied landscapes, from alpine terrain and lava-encrusted wasteland to pasturelands blessed with huge jacaranda and eucalyptus trees as well as lovely traditional country houses. It is home to a thriving artist community – pop in to enjoy classes and exhibitions.
This area is also home to one of Hawaii’s few vineyards. At the Tedeschi Winery where you can even sample some pineapple wine!
East Maui
This area of Maui stretches from Kahului Airport out to the community of Hana on the north-eastern tip of the island and is renowned for its great surfing as well as kite-surfing, quaint towns and lush rural scenery.
Known as the windward side, this East Coast is largely undeveloped, but home to one of the worlds most beautiful self drives – The Road to Hana. The route takes you along beautiful coastlines, pasture land and lush tropical rainforest. Be sure to allow an entire day for the trip as there’s plenty to see: you’ll not only have to navigate 54 bridges but also 600 hairpin bends en route. You will also pass valleys brimming with ferns, trees and flowers of all colours along with waterfalls and freshwater pools - perfect for a cooling break along the way.
Similarly, if you set out from Kahului and drive all the way to Hana you’ll come across the old sugar plantation town of Paia - the windsurfing capital of the world and a destination for artists of all mediums. Three miles on from Paia is Hookipa Beach, where the world’s best windsurfers can be seen either competing or polishing up their skills thanks to the great surf and strong trade winds that have made the area synonymous with the sport.