Here under Maui, you will find travel information about the Island of Maui, as well as general information.
Maui is the second youngest, second largest and second most-developed island in the Hawaiian chain. People on the island like to say "Maui no ka oi!" (Maui is the best!). With much of the same natural beauty as Kauai and tourist attractions of Oahu, Maui combines the best its sister islands have to offer. This "Magic Isle" is lined with beautiful beaches and warm crystal clear waters, which are ideal for sunbathing, swimming or snorkeling. The islands superb scenery and diverse landscapes, which range from rolling hills, flower gardens and green pastures to massive volcanic craters, attract visitors year after year.
Maui has a number of beautiful old towns and a rich local culture. Lahaina, an old whaling town and Maui's former capital, is one of the best places for shopping and sightseeing and belongs to Maui's main tourist destinations. It offers plenty of historical sights, art galleries, boutiques, festivals, concerts and lots of action.
The island's accommodation options vary from studio-style cottages and apartments over pleasant B&Bs to luxury hotels and condos. The biggest resort developments are Kaanapali Beach Resort and Wailea Resort. Here the visitors have numerous opportunities for shopping, dining, golf, tennis and many more.
On the eastern part of Maui you'll find the Haleakala Crater, the largest dormant volcano in the world and the centerpiece of Haleakala National Park, which offers great trails for hiking, biking, horse riding and nature walks. The National Park is also a popular spot for camping and from the summit of Haleakala ("House of the Sun") you can see incredible sunrises. On the other side of the island are the West Maui Mountains, the remains of the extinct volcano Puu Kukui Caldera.
One other famous attraction on the island is the Hana Highway which runs from central Maui to the village of Hana and beyond to the waterfall fed pools at Oheo Gulch. It is the state's most spectacular coastal drive and leads along tropical rainforests, waterfalls, bamboo groves and a rugged coastline.
Maui is also known for its consistent winds and therefore a mecca for all windsurfers. In winter, Maui is the best place in Hawaii for viewing humpback whales, as they choose its shallow waters as their main wintering grounds. Halfway between Maui Kahoolawe is Molokini. It is a crescent moon shaped volcanic crater and with its abundant fish and coral a popular spot for diving and snorkeling.
Nickname: "The Valley Isle" Capital: Wailuku County: Maui Area: 730 sq miles Population: 120,000 Highest Point: Haleakala (10,123 feet) Official Color: pink Official Flower: lokelani (pink cottage rose)
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On the eastern part of Maui you'll find the Haleakala Crater, the largest dormant volcano in the world and the centerpiece of Haleakala National Park, which offers great trails for hiking, biking, horse riding and nature walks. The National Park is also a popular spot for camping and from the summit of Haleakala ("House of the Sun") you can see incredible sunrises. On the other side of the island are the West Maui Mountains, the remains of the extinct volcano Puu Kukui Caldera.
Maui is also known for its consistent winds and therefore a mecca for all windsurfers. In winter, Maui is the best place in Hawaii for viewing humpback whales, as they choose its shallow waters as their main wintering grounds. Halfway between Maui Kahoolawe is Molokini. It is a crescent moon shaped volcanic crater and with its abundant fish and coral a popular spot for diving and snorkeling.