Maui Hawaii

Maui is the second largest of the Hawaiian islands, after the “Big Island” of Hawaii itself. Like all of the major Hawaiian Islands, Maui has a nickname: “The Valley Isle.” The “valley” from which Maui takes its nickname is the large isthmus between the two volcanoes that make up the island, one in the northwest and one in the southeast.

Maui is one of the most popular of the Hawaiian Islands to visit – in 2007, Maui said “Aloha” to nearly 3 million tourists, who in turn contributed an astounding US$3.5 billion to the local economy. What do all these tourists see and do in Maui? Here's a quick look.

Regions of Maui

Maui's southern shore is one of the main tourist destinations on the island. It includes Kihei, which offers plenty of beach-side accommodations, condos, and high-rise hotels; Makena, whose beaches are popular with the locals; and Wailea, an upscale collection of resorts, five-star hotels, and golf courses.

Western Maui is dominated by Lahaina, a historic town that at one time was the royal seat of the King of Maui. As westerners and missionaries moved into Hawaii, they built many churches, schools, and modern streets. Some of these buildings are still standing and are open to tourists, including the Lahaina Fort. Not far from Lahaina are the two famous and popular beaches, Kaanapali and Kapalua. Both beaches have major resorts as well as condominiums, villas, and other places to stay.

Central Maui is often ignored by tourists, but that doesn't mean there's nothing there to see. In fact, central Maui is a great place for visitors who enjoy learning more about history, culture, and native flora and fauna. In central Maui, the curious tourist will find the Kanaha Pond Wildlife Sanctuary, the Maui Community and Cultural Arts Center, and the Maui Tropical Plantation, amongst other sites of interest.

Maui's upcountry region is scenic and ruggedly beautiful – a great destination for visitors who enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and other outdoor activities. Halekala National Park lies at the heart of the region, and encompasses over 27,000 acres, including Halekala itself, Maui's massive volcano.

Hana, located on Maui's eastern side, also borders Halekala National Park. Located at the end of a winding, 68-mile highway nicknamed the “Road to Hana”, which itself is a tourist destination, the region of Hana is quieter, more tropical, and more mystical than western and southern Maui. Along the Road to Hana, visitors might stop in at Paia, an old plantation town that was revitalized in the late 1970s by hippies and windsurfers. Not far from Paia is Hookipa Beach Park, which is probably the most famous windsurfing destination in the world. Hookipa is not for beginners, but for experienced windsurfers, it's a destination not to be missed.

Whether you choose the cultural sites of central Maui, the adventure of traveling along the Road to Hana, hiking in the upcountry, or the popular resort regions of western and southern Maui – or if you decide to visit the whole island – the island of Maui will provide you with everything you need for a most memorable holiday.

Photo credit: Hawaii Tourism Japan (HTJ)
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100% Privacy guarantee

  • We use your details so our expert travel advisers can help with your holiday plans... simple!
  • If you tick to receive our newsletter then... you get our newsletter (sent every few weeks).
  • Occasionally if your request is outside our expertise we may ask an expert at a different travel firm to help you instead.
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So you can fill in our holiday enquiry form in confidence.

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Destinations in Hawaii