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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. Here
one can spend an unforgettable vacation.
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.”
When
searching for
Maui real estate many buyers prefer to stay in
Maui vacation rentals to see how they like the area.
Staying at a
Maui beach rental or
Maui condos while on your Maui vacation is a better
option than a hotel.
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