Maui - the Valley Isle

Hawaii’s Valley Isle

 

 

Maui is what comes to mind when most people think of a Hawaiian paradise.  The island is best known for its whale watching (Oct-April), beautiful beaches, Haleakala & it is home to the best luau in the islands - the Old Lahaina Luau. 

 

Maui is a popular choice for travelers because it offers a good mix of unspoiled natural beauty, tons of fun water sports & activities, nightlife, shopping, - plus a very laid back island style. 

 

Different from Oahu where 98% of the islands hotels are in the downtown area of Waikiki - the hotels on Maui are spread out on the islands surrounding beaches & mountain areas - so there’s a lot more open space… 

It’s a good choice if you want a good balance of the beauty of Hawaii with the conveniences of cities when and if you want it.

My Favorite things to do and see:

·         Lahaina town

·         Old Lahaina Luau

·         Kapalua & Kaanapali Beach

·         Whale Watch Tour (October thru April)

·         Haleakala – go early and see the sunrise, you can also bicycle down the mountain, &/or hike the crater

·         Maui Ocean Center in Maalaea

·         Iao Valley

·         Visit up country Maui – the towns of Kula, Makawao & Paia.

·         Spend a night or two in Hana.  While driving to Hana pull over often, get out to take photos, smell the flowers, and jump in the mountain-stream pools. Wave to everyone and move off the road for those speeding by.

·         Take a boat trip to Lanai for a day

·         Take a trip to Molokai for a day

·         Black sands of Waianapanapa State Park

·         Get a picnic lunch and drive out to the Kipihulu end of the Haleakala National Park at Oheo Gulch. Hike to the waterfalls, swim in the pools, take lots of photos.

·         Ulapalakua Ranch and the Tedeschi Winery.