Make your stay magical on Maui
Residents of the Valley Isle say “Maui no ka oi,” meaning “Maui is the best!” It could be because of the long stretches of white sand beaches …or the idyllic offshore views of neighboring Lana‘i, Kaho‘olawe, Moloka‘i and the tiny islet of Molokini.
Maui has lots to see and do to suit visitors of all ages. Whether you want to visit the towering Iao Needle, take the scenic Highway to Hana, explore natural landmarks like Haleakala National Park, or snorkel Molokini, Maui is yours for the taking!
Haleakala, nicknamed “House of the Sun” is a massive, dormant volcano rising over 10,000 feet above sea level with a 21-mile circumference. Haleakala National Park, an International Biosphere Reserve, is home to rare and endangered plants like the unusual Haleakala Silversword. Activities include watching the sunrise, visiting the majestic overlooks to view the volcanic landscape above the clouds, hiking and downhill bike tours through Maui’s scenic upcountry.
Half the fun is getting there and that’s the case with the Highway to Hana on the island’s southeastern side. A 52-mile coastal drive along a winding road with hairpin curves and one-lane bridges, the speed limit is mostly 25 mph. There’s beautiful ocean vistas and waterfalls along the 2.5-hour trip en route to Hana, an isolated community with a picturesque bay. Located off Hana Highway is Wai‘anapanapa State Park with its black sand beach.
A striking natural landmark, history and garden delights await visitors to Iao Valley State Monument in Wailuku. Take a paved, half-mile walk to the famed Iao “Needle,” which rises 1200 feet from the valley floor. Visit a botanical garden and learn about the battle where Kamehameha the Great conquered Maui warriors in 1790.
A crescent shaped, partially submerged volcanic crater, Molokini is a volcanic islet located between Maui and Kaho‘olawe. A protected marine conservation area, the crater is only accessible by boat. Molokini is a popular spot for snorkeling coral, marine life and underwater lava formations.
Hero Image: HTA TorJohnson, Haleakala
