From Beaches To Hikes and History, Maui Has It All
Iao Valley
A visit to Iao Valley State Park to see the 1,200 foot Iao Needle will take you back in time. This ancient valley is the burial place of chiefs and the site of an important battle of the rising young warrior who would become King Kamehameha I. Located in the valley is an Interactive Nature Museum run by the Hawaii Nature Center.
Maui Ocean Center
The saltwater aquarium at the Maui Ocean Center overlooking Maalaea Harbor holds three-quarters of a million gallons and is home to thousands of interesting fish. Viewing is facilitated by the acrylic tunnel right through the aquarium!
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Upcountry Maui
This higher elevation area on Haleakala’s slopes known as the “Upcountry” is one of Maui’s prettiest areas. Profuse with blossoming flowers of all sorts, the Upcountry region has lovely botanical gardens with panoramic views, and you can see working Hawaiian farms and ranch lands in the communities of Ulupalakua, Keokea, Kula, and Makawao. If you happen to be around on July 4 check out the Makawao Rodeo.
Kula is known for its beautiful flower farms with countless varieties of orchids and protea along with many others colorful blossoms. Check out the Kula Botanical Gardens at 3,300 feet above sea level with its charming gazebo and koi pond. This area is also where the fresh produce comes from that is served at many fine restaurants, including the famous Maui onions.
Lahaina Is Thriving Tourist Town
Lahaina on the western coast of Maui is an old whaling town that is now a thriving hub of Maui visitors and locals alike including the many fishermen and whale watchers that leave out of Lahaina Harbor. Make sure and check out the giant Banyan Tree that is one of the largest in the world and also the center of the town’s activities.
Kaanapali
Just north of Lahaina is the luxurious resort area of Kaanapali with miles of white sand beaches bordering high rise hotels. Also in Kaanapali are two championship golf courses and the Royal Lahaina Resort Tennis ranch featuring 40 tennis courts.
Lots of good shopping, dining, and interesting displays can be found at the Whalers Village Shopping Center and Whalers Village Museum. As you might imagine by the name, the emphasis is on Maui’s whaling days.
Haleakala National Park
Driving to the 10,000-foot summit of Haleakala is one of the most popular Maui activities. A 7-mile long crater atop the volcano will leave you breathless as you stare down into barren, red-streaked slopes dotted with huge cinder cones. Many people journey to the top before sunrise so they are there at the moment the sun rises in the east and the other islands come into view.
The Hana Highway and Heavenly Hana
Among the most scenic drives in all of Hawaii, the road to Hana along the Hana Highway on Maui’s eastern tip is an all day journey that will not disappoint. Make sure and stop at the many pull-outs to see waterfalls, take a swim in a stream, or just to enjoy stunning coastal views.
At the end of your drive–after more than 600 turns and after crossing over 56 bridges–you will reach “Heavenly Hana” which has two very nice beaches and also a unique red sand beach.
Maui Arts & Cultural Center
The world-class Castle Theater at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center includes balcony, mezzanine and orchestra levels and hosts symphonies, hula, ballet, and major theater and music productions. The $32-million Center is situated above Kahului Harbor.