The Valley Isle
With an almost ideal mix of great beaches, good weather, excellent golfing and just-enough nightlife and sightseeing options, Maui is the best choice for many vacationers. The island contains two primary resort areas: Ka'anapali/West Maui and Wailea/Kihei. Ka'anapali is a three-mile stretch of white-sand beach bordered by 10 major resorts and at least 30 restaurants. Once home to a thriving commercial whaling port, the nearby town of Lahaina now provides additional shopping and dining options, as well as most of the island's nightlife.
North of Ka'anapali lie the resort areas of Kahana, Napili and Kapalua. The southern part of the island contains the resort areas of Kihei, Wailea and Makena. Residing at the base of 10,000' Mt. Haleakala, these areas have a quieter, more relaxed pace than Ka'anapali and contain some of the island's best golf and tennis facilities.
Museums
Hale Hoikeike: 2375-A Main St., Wailuku, 244-3326, 10am - 4pm except Sunday. This old missionary house built in 1833 is also known as the Maui Historical Society Museum. It features Maui's most impressive collection of Hawaiian artifacts.
Lahaina Whaling Museum: 865 Front St. Lahaina, 661-4775, 9a m - 9pm daily. Maui was once the whaling capitol of Hawaii, and this museum has all of the artifacts to prove it.
Nature Preserves
Oheo Gulch: Past Hana on Route 31 in Haleakala National Park, this ultimate local swimming hole is comprised of more than 24 pools formed by Oheo stream. Many people stop here to cool off, so get there early to beat the rush.
Kula Botanical Gardens: 878-1715, Route 37, 9am - 4pm daily. Home to rare, native Koa trees on land once owned by Princess Kinoiki Kekaulike, these beautiful grounds contain ponds, bridges and a display of orchids and other beautiful flowers.
Unique Places
Tedeschi Vineyards & Winery: Route 37 up country, 878-6058.This winery in Maui produces pineapple wine, It also produces Blanc de Noir sparkling wine and features beautifully landscaped grounds on which you can sip your pineapple wine.
Beaches
Olowalu: Just off Route 30-south-of Lahaina in West, Maui, this beach is known as one of Maui's best snorkeling spots.The only parking is on the side of the road.
Awalua: Located close to Olowalu, this is a popular locals' beach. It's good' for hanging out with Mauians, swimming and learning to surf.
Oneloa: An hour drive from Ka'anapali to Makena takes you to this popular' locals' beach.The beach, about a half-mile long and 40-yards wide, is much less populated than the beaches in the resort areas.
Kamaole: You'll find these three beaches in Kihei, East Maui. They are very popular locals' beaches.
Black Sand Beach: Located in Wainapanapa Park near Hana in East Maui,this ebony sand beach is a departure from Maui's white/beige sand. If you're staying in Hana or just driving there, this unique beach is worth exploring.
Hiking & Scenic Views
Haleakala Crater: Experienced, physically fit hikers will enjoy the many miles of steep trails winding through the crater. Park rangers lead guided morning walks along the nature trails from June through August. Don't forget a light sweater, as it can get chilly in the morning.
Hana Highway: Twin Falls is a popular four-mile hike that starts at a turnoff just before Hoolawa Bridge. Follow the jeep trail that winds through the forest and meadows alongside Hoolawa stream. Take any of the several trails leading from the jeep trail to one of several pools. The most popular pool is about a half-mile in, where you'll find a larger pool below a waterfall. The first of the twin falls is about a mile and a half down the jeep road,and the second is just a bit further.
Haikamoi Ridge Nature Walk: Located about six miles past Twin Falls, the beginning of this trail is marked by a parking area to the right of the highway. The walk is about two miles round trip and past natural flora and fauna that includes guava, mahogany, tree ferns, flowers and other rainforest plants. |
