Hawaii - Maui Travel Guide
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Introduction |
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The island of MAUI , the second largest in the Hawaiian chain, is Oahu's fastest-growing rival, attracting roughly a third of all visitors to the state. Some would say that things have gone too far. What were once remote, unspoiled beaches, around Kaanapali and Kihei for example, have been swamped by sprawling resorts, and Lahaina , once "whaling capital of the world," is now little more than just another tourist trap.
On the other hand, the crowds come to Maui for the good reason that it's still beautiful. This is probably the best equipped of all the islands for activity holidays - whale-watching, windsurfing, diving, sailing, snorkeling and cycling. Temperatures along the coast can be searing, especially at Lahaina, but it's always possible to escape to somewhere cooler. Upcountry Maui , on the slopes of the mighty Haleakala volcano, is a delight, well away from the bustle; Makawao and Paia here make good alternative hangouts, although they're short on accommodation. Finally, the waterfalls and ravines along the tortuous road out west to Hana outclass anything on Oahu. |
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Attractions |
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Atlantis Submarines/Atlantis Adventures
Family Friendly!
808-667-7816, 808-667-2224
658 Front St., Ste. 175
If you've ever dreamed of undersea explorations by submarine, Maui can fulfill your fantasy. Atlantis Submarines carries up to 48 passengers to the depths of 120 feet, offering views of coral, lava formations, and sea life. For children, a minimum height of 36 inches is required.
Blue Hawaiian Helicopters
Family Friendly!
808-871-8844
150 Kahului Heliport
Since 1985, Blue Hawaiian Helicopters has been Hawaii's premiere helicopter tour operator. They fly over 140,000 passengers annually on 16 state-of-the-art, six-passenger, American Eurocopter ASTAR helicopters. Guests can take tours that visit specific sections of Maui or Molokai, or customize their own tour. Call ahead for an appointment.
Pacific Whale Foundation tours
Family Friendly!
808-879-8860
101 North Kihei Rd.
Approximately one-quarter of the world's 10,000 humpback whales migrate to Maui's southwestern coast between mid-December and mid-May. You can watch for them from the coast or join a tour that heads out for a closer look. The profits from the Pacific Whale Foundation's tours go toward projects that research and protect these precious leviathans.
Sugar Cane Train
Family Friendly!
808-661-0089, 808-661-0080
957 Liimahana Place
Visitors can take the Sugar Cane Train, a reconstructed steam-engine train that putts along a six-mile route through old cane fields. There are several stations on the Lahaina-Puukolii route.
The drive from central Maui to Hana on the eastern tip
Family Friendly!
The drive from central Maui to Hana on the eastern tip is the most scenic drive in the Hawaiian archipelago. Narrow and winding, it plunges into steep canyons and moves along seaside cliffs. Without stopping, the drive would take two hours. But it's better to take your time and enjoy the waterfalls and coastal views along the way. |
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Restaurants |
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David Paul's Lahaina Grill
(Continental, American Fusion, Seafood, Asian, Polynesian)
($$$-$$$$)
Accept: AE, DC, D, MC, V
808-667-5117
127 Lahainaluna Rd.
This is the original David Paul's Lahaina Grill, which is now also found on Oahu. It features Pacific Rim "New American" cuisine, with items like Napoleon of hamachi, lobster, and unagi; Tequila shrimp with firecracker rice; and Kona coffee-roasted rack of lamb. The atmosphere here is elegant and intimate.
Pioneer Bar and Grill
(American, Seafood)
($$)
Accept: AE, DC, D, MC, V
800-457-5457
658 Wharf St.
In Lahaina, the Pioneer Bar and Grill is a dining and drinking tradition with its historical location, artifacts, and view of the harbor. The food is always fresh, and the atmosphere is elegant and romantic. |
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Recreation |
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Parks and Beaches
Banyan Tree Square
Family Friendly!
Near the Lahaina harbor and the Old Courthouse, Banyan Tree Square contains the famous banyan tree planted in 1873. It's the largest in Hawaii, spreading out over nearly an acre; some of its branches are nearly 50 yards long, supporting themselves by sending out "trunks" of their own. This is a great place to rest in the shade after walking around shopping or seeing the sights.
Haleakala National Park
Family Friendly!
808-572-4400, 808-248-7375
Mark Twain made the sunrise over Haleakala Crater in Haleakala National Park famous by calling it the "sublimest spectacle" he'd ever seen. Even if you miss the sunrise, you'll want to check out this dormant volcano's giant crater, filled with cinder cones that create a science fiction-like landscape. You can reach the summit from Highway 37 in the center of the island. Take the Highway 377 spur to Highway 378 (Haleakala Crater Road) 11 miles to the summit. Be aware that no food or gas is available in the park. Also, mornings generally provide the best viewing conditions.
Kapalua Bay
Family Friendly!
In the very northwest of the island, Kapalua Bay is totally sheltered from large ocean waves by a coral reef and two rocky peninsulas, and there is no noticeable current. This is a great place to bring the whole family, including small children. It's very safe to swim here, the view of Molokai is spectacular, and there is food, drink, and full facilities available. Plus, whale-watching, kayaking, scuba diving, and snorkeling are all possible.
Red Sand Beach
Family Friendly!
This beach is little known and hard to find, but well worth the effort. It's actually in the caldera of an old cinder cone volcano, Pu'u Ka'uki'i, and the sand is red because it's made of finely-ground red volcanic cinder. It's a longish hike and there are no facilities, but the water here is very clear and calm. It's also fairly isolated, and the views are spectacular.
Seven Sacred Pools, Oheo Gulch
Family Friendly!
Oheo Gulch presents a network of pools dubbed the "Seven Sacred Pools" by a hotel in the 40s. There are really over 20 pools brimming over on their way to the ocean, with a bridge overlooking them and scenery that shouldn't be missed.
Recreational and Spectator Sports
Aloha Bicycle Tours (Mountain Biking, Cycling)
Family Friendly!
808-249-0911
P.O. Box 455
Aloha Bicycle Tours is a family-run operation specializing in relaxed tours for smaller groups. Cyclists can set their own pace and stop to look around, and non-cyclists can ride along in the tour van. The Volcano Bike Adventure Tour starts in Rice Park with a continental breakfast, goes on to Sunrise Market & Protea Flower Farm, then Keokea, the local China Town, and finally ends with lunch at the Tedeschi Winery. Call to arrange a time and meeting point.
Blue Water Rafting (Water Sports)
808-879-7238, 808-874-0924
Blue Water Rafting offers a range of snorkeling, rafting, and charter boat tours for the adventurous. Whale watching, snorkeling in the famous Molokini Crater, and seeing the Kanaio sea caves, sea turtles, or a school of spinner dolphins are all possibilities. Children under 12 okay with adult supervision.
Kapalua Resort and Golf Courses (Golf, Tennis)
808-661-3691
800 Kapalua Drive
Golfers love Maui. And why not, since Maui treats golfers to over a dozen golf courses, many of them world-class. Three of the most prestigious courses are at the Kaanapali Beach Resort. Kapalua, home of the PGA Tour's season opening, Mercedes Championships, has been call the golf mecca of the Pacific. Tennis and other activities are also available at the resort. |
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Activities |
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| Promotional handouts and free newspapers advertise a wide range of tours and activities; agencies along Front Street in Lahaina can offer cut-rate deals.
Molokini
Maui's best-known snorkeling and diving spot is the tiny crescent of Molokini poking above the sea, all that's left of a once-great volcano. There's no beach, or landfall of any kind, but you do see a lot of fish, including deep-water species. Countless cruises leave early each morning (to avoid the worst of the heat) from Maalea Harbor; snorkelers can pay anything from $45 to $100 for a morning trip, and from $30 for a shorter afternoon jaunt. Vessels range from the forty-passenger Blue Dolphin (tel 808/622-0075) up to the 150-seater Prince Kuhio (tel 808/242-8777).
Downhill cycle rides
One of Maui's more unusual opportunities is to be taken by van to the top of Haleakala , watch the sun rise, and then ride a bicycle 39 miles down to Paia by the sea - without pedaling once. Serious cyclists may find the slow pace of the trip frustrating; complete novices or the unfit shouldn't try; the in-betweens will think it's great. Companies running trips for around $80 (including pickups) include Haleakala Bike Co (tel 808/572-2200) and Maui Downhill (tel 808/871-2155). |
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Snapshot |
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| As with most Hawaiian locations, it's not when you're on Maui, it's where you are that determines the weather. The western, leeward side of the island generally receives less than 20 inches of rain a year, and even less than that in the more protected areas. In contrast, Hana, on the eastern tip of the island, receives about 90 inches per year, and the mountainous regions can receive a drenching 300 inches per year. |
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