|
Aloha and welcome to the island of Maui, where local
pride is confidently displayed by the unofficial motto “Maui no ka oi”
or “Maui is the best.” Maui, nicknamed “The Magic Isle” and also “The
Valley Isle,” is an island destination where stunning scenery, sleepy
towns and upscale resorts coexist to provide something for everyone.
Find buzzing action in the port of Lahaina, a former whaling town rich
with funky art galleries, exotic restaurants, pubs, the islands biggest
harbor and unique shops that rarely close early. Whether you want a
secluded, next-to-nature experience or a social outlet, Maui is sure
to gratify those of all tastes. A variety of activities delight ocean
and land lovers alike with ample hiking, sightseeing and water sports.
The island’s 727 square miles leave so much to the outdoor adventurer’s
imagination. Maui combines luxury with simplicity like no other island.
On the west coast, you’ll find world-class resorts for those who crave
a little pampering. Maui is also home to a dozen championship golf courses
designed by golf legends like Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer. In contrast,
drive over to Maui’s undeveloped east coast for a step back in time.
Here in the isolated town of Hana, you’ll find picturesque views, waterfalls
and landmarks of historical significance.
Geography and Climate
Maui is the second largest Hawaiian island with a resident population
of just under 120,000. Maui’s tropical climate is quite comfortable,
averaging mild temperatures between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit (23.8-29.4
C) at sea level. Prevailing trade winds carry rain clouds to the northern
end of the island, creating a drier south shore.
Maui is sometimes also referred to as “The Valley Isle” for the lush
valley region that connects its two volcanoes, West Maui (Puu Kukui)
and East Maui (Haleakala or “House of the Sun”). The topography of Maui
is diverse, combining interior lowlands, high-altitude mountain slopes,
lower mountain slopes and high mountains.
In the areas above 3,000 feet (914 m), visitors will find drier conditions
with noticeably colder temperatures. Because of Maui’s irregular topography,
weather characteristics such as cloud cover, rainfall, temperature and
wind speed can vary greatly even within short distances. Haleakala boasts
seven different climate zones on its terrain alone.
Haleakala Crater
Haleakala Crater, the peak of the East Maui volcano, is situated an
impressive 10,023 feet (3,055 m) above sea level. Haleakala is infamous
for its stunning sunrise views, an experience deemed by many to be nothing
short of divine. Visitors to Maui must plan at least one day to explore
the world’s largest dormant volcano.
Kaanapali
The west Maui three-mile (4.8 km) stretch of beach called Kaanapali
is an area rich with history and culture. Here visitors can visit Black
Rock (Puu Kekaa), a sacred location in Hawaiian mythology, where souls
of the dead leapt from the human to the spiritual realm. The southern
area of Kaanapali is home to the delightful Whalers Village, an open-air
marketplace with dozens of eclectic shops and restaurants. Catch the
Sugar Cane Train from Kaanapali to Lahaina and back for a unique ride.
Hana Highway
Drive this gorgeous 55-mile (88 km) stretch of roadway to appreciate
the true diversity of Maui’s landscape. Pass over bridges and along
bamboo forests, cruise by towering cliffs and spot fruit trees and brilliant
native Hawaiian flowers as you take in the amazing scenery of the Hana
Highway on your picturesque trip. The town of Hana is the pot of gold
at the end of this rainbow. Spend the rest of your day leisurely at
one of Hana’s beautiful beaches, the Hana Cultural Center, Hana Ranch,
or any combination of this town’s many exciting attractions.
Molokini Island
Molokini looks like a crescent-shaped tiny island off of Maui’s coast.
It is actually a partially submerged volcano that has been inactive
for decades. Molokini is well-known to divers for its colorful and diverse
underwater inhabitants, its nature preserve status and its humpback
whale sightings.
Maui Ocean Center
The Maui Ocean Center is a wonderful place to visit if you’re interested
in learning about the underwater life forms that dwell around Maui and
the other Hawaiian Islands.
View thousands of ia (fish) in a larger-than-life 750,000-gallon tank.
Kids love the interactive touch pond and up-close-and-personal views
of their favorite creatures, such as turtles, stingrays and starfish.
Whale Watching
Many visitors do not realize that Hawaiian waters are home to thousands
of humpback whales during the months of December to April. These colossal
mammals migrate to this warm Pacific region from Alaskan waters to mate
and give birth. Whales favor the Auau Channel between Maui and Lanai
for its relative seclusion. The Kaanapali area is notably the most popular
spot to view these colossal 40-ton creatures.
What makes Maui unique?
The island of Maui is the perfect destination for visitors, who want
extreme diversity in their activities, who desire the broad options
of a larger town, but appreciate the solitude of a natural retreat,
and who take pleasure in exploring unique and variant landscapes. Have
a pampering massage at one of Maui’s fine resorts in the morning, head
out to the highlands for a challenging trek you’ll never forget, and
end your day with a rewarding dinner of Hawaiian Regional Cuisine. Maui
is for romantics, sightseers and adventurers who want the benefits of
both big and small islands, bustling and peaceful islands all rolled
into one. For many, the island of Maui is “just right.”
|
