Attractions
In the 1820s, when Maui had become a premier port for carousing sailors, Protestant missionaries attempted to curtail the debauchery by outlawing prostitution. The sailors rioted and, in one incident, fired a cannon at the home of a prominent churchman.Today, were modern visitors denied their pristine beaches and stunning mountain vistas, they—like the whalers of old—might take up arms to win them back.
It’s a land worth fighting for, with gorgeous white sand, sugarcane fields, highland ranches, waterfall-fed pools and twisting mountain roads. A valley cleaves the island, giving Maui its nickname—the “Valley Isle.” There are mountainous regions on either side of this central divide. Mt. Haleakala (10,000 ft/3,000 m) and the rolling hills of Upcountry Maui are to the east. On the opposite side are the dramatic mountains of the West Maui Range (with peaks rising mor e than 5,000 ft/1,500 m).
The island’s major roads and towns follow the coastline and run along the central valley. The western Maui coastal towns of Lahaina and Kaanapali are hotbeds of tourist activity. In the central valley, most visitors stay at the deluxe resorts in Wailea or rent condos in Kihei. For visitors who want to see what the island was like before the tourist infrastructure set in, we recommend lodging in Upcountry Maui or Hana, both in the eastern half of the island. Regardless of where you’re staying, the entire island can be seen in a series of day trips.
Maui is no hidden gem—it’s the second most popular Hawaiian island, and you’ll have to work hard to find some tropical solitude. Still, Maui’s beauty and the mix of different areas make it a good choice. Water-sports enthusiasts, golfers and nature lovers will be in heaven. There are good restaurants and shopping, but rather limited nightlife (which woul dn’t set well with carousing sailors).
Suggested Itinerary
First-time visitors can easily spend a minimum of seven days on Maui. Repeat visitors will want to stay in Hana for two days or more to enjoy its beauty and solitude.
Day 1—Arrive Maui. If you arrive early enough and are staying in western Maui, go to the hotel via Iao Valley State Monument, near Kahului. If your flight arrives in the evening, visit the monument on the last day.
Day 2—Ease yourself into the Hawaiian lifestyle by spending a relaxing day at the beach.
Day 3—Drive the road to Hana. Take time to see as many of the sights as possible and return late to your hotel (but be careful if you’re driving the twisting Hana Highway after dark).
Day 4—Wake up early to see the sunrise at the summit of Haleakala Crater. If you wish to experience more of the mountain, spend the day in one of several activit ies: Hike down to the crater floor, explore the area on horseback, or participate in a bicycle ride down the mountain.
Day 5—During the winter months (November-April), join a whale-watching tour to see the humpbacks. Another option is to take a boat to Lanai or Molokini to dive or snorkel with sea turtles and tropical fish.
Day 6—Spend the day in Lahaina. Visit the historic buildings in the area and the shops, restaurants and art galleries along Front Street. Afterward, visit the Maui Tropical Plantation in Waikapu Valley.
Day 7—Depart Maui. See the Iao Valley State Monument before heading to the airport, if you haven’t done so already.
