Proteas,
Haleakala, Humpback Whales, Lahaina,
Scuba, Surfing Proteas,
Haleakala, Humpback Whales, Lahaina,
Scuba, Surfing
The list could go on and on! Voted #1 by Conde Nast travelers not once but 11 years in a row should shed a bright Aloha sunbeam into the mind of anyone looking for a fantastic vacation. It's no accident that Maui has earned this top honor. Combining its well-protected natural beauty with the finest collection of hotels, resorts and activities, Maui knows how to please visitors of all kinds.
Sporting lush rainforests, fine beaches, vivid aquatic life, Haleakala Volcano, and of course fine shopping, luxury resorts and incredible golf, deciding where to go in Maui can be a pleasant challenge. Here are a few of the highlights to help you choose. Whatever you decide, the main attraction of Maui is in its spectacular natural beauty, so be sure to take time to look around you.
Nature: Much of Maui is covered with thick rainforests providing a vivid home to thousands of exotic flowers and plants. Delicate orchids and rare protea grow wild as well as inhabit botanical gardens and nurseries. North shore and east Maui offer many fine botanical gardens. Maui also offers interesting landscape features such as caves created by ancient volcanic flows (east Maui) and wind-shaped spires of rock such as Iao Needle (Central Maui). Hiking, horseback riding and bicycling are all fun ways to get out and smell the flowers. Book it now!
Haleakala National Park: The park preserves the outstanding volcanic landscape of the upper slopes of Haleakala and protects the unique and fragile ecosystems of the Kipahulu Valley, the "Seven Sacred Pools" along Oheo Gulch, and many rare and endangered species. The park has two distinct sections located in two different areas: the readily accessible Summit section is located in Upcountry Maui while the more remote Kipahulu section is located near Hana. Book it now!
Diving/Snorkeling: Experience snorkel adventures to the sunken crater of Molokini off the south coast or the beautiful Coral Gardens out of Maalaea Harbor. Wailea Point is a great choice for less experienced scuba divers that includes a pretty inshore reef and lots of green sea turtles. For the more experienced diver, Battleship Rock on the inshore Hawaiian Reef or Edge of the World along the backside of Molokini provide fresh adventure that include unspoiled seascapes but also the occasional shark sighting. Book it now!
Whale Watching: Pacific Whale Foundation Eco-Adventures, Maui's oldest and largest marine conservation organization, offers a chance to view whales and dolphins with experts out of Lahaina and Maalaea Harbors. Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, the nation's newest National Marine Sanctuary, is located in Kihei, south Maui. Book it now!
Hiking: Waterfalls, rainforest and volcano hikes are all available from most locations in Maui. Kipahulu Valley offers some of the best scenic waterfalls and a look at the area known as "Old Hawaii". Looking for majestic views and a variety of nature? Try a Haleakala hike that takes you to the crater by way of desert-like scenery and a cloud forest full of colorful native birds or a mountain ridge hike that is both challenging and breathtakingly beautiful. Book it now!
Golfing: A golf vacation to Maui will make it clear why Maui is host to many of the world’s most famous professional tournaments. Kapalua Golf Resort is ranked as the best public golf course in all of Hawaii and home to the Mercedes Championships as well as the official starting point of the PGA Tour season. Both the Gold and Emerald Courses of the Wailea Golf Resort are in the top 10 list of best Hawaiian golf courses for their challenging courses, gorgeous views and great service. In fact, there are 15 golf courses on Maui, both on private resorts or public courses with plenty of accommodations ranging from comfortable to sinfully luxurious nearby. Book it now!
Surfing: In the summer, a south swell provides many spots that break consistently along the west coast. Lahaina, Launiopoko along the Pali highway, Maalaea, and Cove Park in Kihei are typically good locations. In the winter, the north shore is usually excellent in the areas of Honolua Bay, the Kahana area, Hookipa and Paia. Other good surf locations on Maui include Honolua Bay, Napili Bay and Baldwin Park. If you're a hardcore surfer looking for Peahi, also known as "Jaws", it's about 10 minutes past Hookipa Beach on the road to Hana. You'll need a wave runner to reach these 30-50 foot waves, and a friendly local to share the secret of the exact location. However, on good day you can follow the crowds. Book it now!