The charming island of Maui, the second-largest of the Hawaiian Islands truly has everything it takes to be a great vacation destination: a warm climate, excellent beaches, scenic mountains and valleys, lush jungles, historical sites, an interesting local culture, spas, golf courses and a great deal of activities from snorkeling and surfing to trekking, biking and whale watching. With all this, it is no wonder Maui has been continuously voted the best island in the world, as well as the best Pacific Island by travel magazine readers’ poll.
Polynesian paradise island located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, Maui belongs to Hawaiian Islands that are a state of the USA. Known as the Valley Island because of its central valley surrounded by two large old volcanoes, Maui is the most developed of the Hawaiian Islands outside the main island Oahu. Originally inhabited by Polynesian Hawaiians, European explorers found Maui in the late 1700s. It became an important whaling center in the mid-1800s and was annexed by the United States in 1898. Today, Maui has a multicultural population of Asian, American, European and Polynesian origin that is growing rapidly since many people move to the island to retire.
The east side of Maui is dominated by the huge Haleakala Mountain, an extinct volcano and a national park that offers great chances for trekking on Maui with some stunning views. Biking on Maui is also popular there, and the mountain range in Western Maui offers also beautiful jungle areas and waterfalls. The narrow and windy road to the village of Hana runs along the East coast of Maui, offering excellent views and secluded beaches. The historic town of Lahaina is an interesting place to visit and a good place to find sunset dinner cruises. Whale watching in Maui is also popular during the winter months. Maui has a large number of old sacred stones and ancient temples, for example the Haleki'i-Pihana Heiau temples that are interesting places to visit. The modern spas on Maui offer relaxing treatments, and scenic flights, traditional Hawaiian luaus and jeep tours are also available on Maui.
Polynesian paradise island located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, Maui belongs to Hawaiian Islands that are a state of the USA. Known as the Valley Island because of its central valley surrounded by two large old volcanoes, Maui is the most developed of the Hawaiian Islands outside the main island Oahu. Originally inhabited by Polynesian Hawaiians, European explorers found Maui in the late 1700s. It became an important whaling center in the mid-1800s and was annexed by the United States in 1898. Today, Maui has a multicultural population of Asian, American, European and Polynesian origin that is growing rapidly since many people move to the island to retire.
Sights and activities on Maui: beaches, golf courses, water sports & amazing landscapes
Maui is home to breathtaking mountain scenery as well as gorgeous white sand beaches along the sunny western coast of the island. Famous beach resort areas on Maui include Lahaina, Kihei, Ka’anapali, Kapalua and Wailea. Beaches on Maui offer great chances for windsurfing and surfing, and snorkeling and diving on Maui are also very good in the warm tropical waters surrounding the island. Golf on Maui is great with over 15 golf courses on the island, and the resort areas and towns offer good opportunities for shopping on Maui as well. Kayaking, hiking, kite-boarding, sailing, biking, deep-sea fishing and horseback riding are some of the many outdoor activities available on Maui.The east side of Maui is dominated by the huge Haleakala Mountain, an extinct volcano and a national park that offers great chances for trekking on Maui with some stunning views. Biking on Maui is also popular there, and the mountain range in Western Maui offers also beautiful jungle areas and waterfalls. The narrow and windy road to the village of Hana runs along the East coast of Maui, offering excellent views and secluded beaches. The historic town of Lahaina is an interesting place to visit and a good place to find sunset dinner cruises. Whale watching in Maui is also popular during the winter months. Maui has a large number of old sacred stones and ancient temples, for example the Haleki'i-Pihana Heiau temples that are interesting places to visit. The modern spas on Maui offer relaxing treatments, and scenic flights, traditional Hawaiian luaus and jeep tours are also available on Maui.
Maui travel information and practical tips
Maui has a pleasantly warm climate throughout the year, with big variations in weather depending on altitude and location.
Photo: gimpbully, used under Creative Commons License (By 2.0)
The leeward western coast of Maui has a drier and sunnier weather, while the eastern windward side of the island is more windy and rainy. The interior mountain areas of Maui are cloudy and humid with plenty of rainfall throughout the year, while some high mountain areas can experience really cold temperatures. There is a rainy winter season on Maui from November to March, and a warmer and drier summer season from April to October that is the best time to visit Maui.
Traveling to Maui can be done by air or by sea. There are three airports on Maui, located in Kahului, Hana and Kapalua that receive flights to Maui from elsewhere in Hawaii and from North America. In addition to flying, you can also take a cruise to Maui from the US West coast cities, or travel to the island by ferry from Oahu or Lanai Islands or by your own yacht. Once on Maui, there are limited shuttle bus services between the main airport in Kahului and the main beach resort areas, as well as tourist transport trolleys, a railroad between Lahaina and Kannapali resort area, and a catamaran service between Lahaina and Kahului. Car rental on Maui is a good option with competitive prices. Taxis are also available throughout the island.
Popular vacation destination. Once an important sugarcane cultivation area, the economy of Maui is today led by both tourism and agriculture. Receiving almost 2.5 million visitors a year, Maui is a popular tourism destination with a great number of hotels on Maui, located throughout the island and concentrated in west and south parts of Maui. Restaurants on Maui offer a wide range of cuisines from Asia, America and Europe, as well as local Hawaiian specialties. Maui also has a lively nightlife scene in the main resort areas, but the bars close quite early. Maui is a safe, English-speaking destination with only little crime. However, it is advisable not to leave valuables unattended at the beach or in your car.
hint See also these nearby destinations: Honolulu, Hawaii (Big Island)
