Maui Basics
Situated just northwest of the Big Island, Maui is the second largest island in the chain of Hawaiian Islands. Covering more than 727 square miles, Maui is home to more than 80 beaches as well as waterfalls, tropical forests and more. Between the incredible diversity of its landscape and its rich culture, it has been ranked as the best country in the world many times. Before you explore Maui vacation rentals and make your travel plans, however, take time to learn more about the sights and experiences waiting for you across different regions of the island.
Making Maui Travel Plans
One of the first things that many vacationers want to know before immersing themselves in a Maui travel guide relates to the ease of travel. More than 9 million people travel to the Hawaiian Islands each year, and many of those visitors make plans to spend at least some of their time in Maui villas or vacation rentals. Throughout the island, you can enjoy friendly hospitality with a charming vibe. However, all areas have unique qualities that could influence your vacation agenda.
Whether your Maui travel plans originate from other U.S. states or from Canada, you can explore flights from numerous airlines. Many major airlines offer nonstop flights from major cities along the West Coast directly to Maui. These airlines include Virgin America, United, Alaska, Hawaiian, American and Delta. Some of these airlines also offer nonstop flights from Phoenix, Denver and Dallas. These flights arrive at Kahului Airport (OGG), which is located near the northern coast of Maui.
Maui’s Deep Roots
As is the case with all islands in the chain, Maui was formed by volcanic activity. Its elevation spans from sea level up to more than 10,000 feet above sea level. Through the effects of erosion and other natural forces, the island has developed a truly diverse range of landscapes with gorgeous vegetation and fascinating wildlife.
The first travelers arrived on Maui’s beautiful shores more than 1,500 years ago, but settlement on the island was not significant until the Polynesians arrived from Tahiti approximately 1,000 years ago. These settlers traveled more than 2,400 miles across the Pacific Ocean to reach their new home, and many of these seafarers made the trip numerous times on ancient vessels relying only on their memory for navigation.
For almost 300 years, the Tahitian settlers enjoyed life on the island without outside interruption. This ended when Captain James Cook and his crew arrived in 1778. While they only viewed the island from sea, Jean Francsois de Galaup La Perouse become the first Westerner to step on the island.
Prior to this time, several chiefs ruled over separate kingdoms across the island. Shortly after Captain Cook arrived, a historic battle for power took place. The ruler of the Big Island, Kamehameha the Great, attacked Maui. At the time, Maui was centrally ruled by King Kahekili. Over the course of two epic battles, Kamahameha the Great took control of Maui and became the first ruler of the Kingdom of Hawaii. He and his descendants ruled for several hundred years.
As you explore Maui, you will notice its rich history and culture on full display. Strong family bonds across extended family members and even friends, a laid-back vibe and a deep love for their island tie the people together.
Getting to Know Maui
Each region of Maui offers unique landscapes, attractions and activities for you to enjoy on your vacation. Because of the island’s size, you can easily travel from Maui villas or vacation rentals anywhere on the island to reach top attractions. However, you may prefer to stay in a beautiful location that is conveniently located close to the attractions that are most fascinating or appealing to you.
When planning a trip to Maui, keep in mind that weather conditions vary considerably depending on the region, elevation and season. The eastern region is generally much wetter than the western region. December through February are the wettest months overall, and high temperatures range between 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. June and July are the warmest and driest months overall, and the average high temperature ranges between 69 to 87 degrees Fahrenheit. The remaining spring and fall months are transitional.
The western coast of the island is home to the largest array of gorgeous beaches, including Lahaina, Kihei, Kapalua, Wailea, Kaanapali, Makena and others. In western Maui, you can also enjoy beautiful sights along hiking trails that run through tropical hillsides and mountains. Through the northern region of the island, this same mountainous terrain is also combined with some of the most popular waterfalls in the state. Along the coast, you will find bluffs edging up against bays, and this area is well-known for viewing whales and other aquatic wildlife. Beaches are also scattered along the southern and eastern coasts, and the central region of the island holds the crater of the volcano that gave birth to the island.
West Maui
West Maui is among the most popular destinations for vacationers. It is located approximately 20 to 30 miles from the island’s airport. There are several good reasons for the area’s popularity. Here, you can view some of the most photographed locations in the state. These include Black Rock at Kaanapali Beach and the West Maui Mountains. When you are not taking full advantage of the world-class beaches located up and down the western coast of the island, you may want to book a snorkeling excursion to swim with sea turtles or tour a working coffee farm.
This region is also home to leading golf courses that offer beautiful vistas of the ocean and the tropical peaks. Zip-lining, paddle-boarding and hiking are equally popular in West Maui. When you want to take a break from the sun, you can take a stroll through town centers. In various towns, you may find art galleries, shops and even live music venues. The most popular towns for travelers to explore are Lahaina, Kaanapali, Napili, Kapalua and Honolua Bay.
Lahaina
Lahaina directly translate to “cruel sun,” which references the area’s sunny weather conditions that are prevalent year-round. You will want to bring sunscreen and walking shoes when you visit this charming coastal town. A walking trail winds around Lahaina Harbor, making this a beautiful spot to watch the sunset. Front Street is always bustling with activity and is home to most of the town’s entertainment venues. You can shop for clothes, mementos and more when you visit Whalers Village, which is a renowned commercial district.
You cannot visit Lahaina without going to the beach. If you are visiting Maui with young children, head to Baby Beach or Launiupoko Beach. These beaches have natural protective features that buffer waves and provide for a more relaxing day for the whole family. At the latter beach, you can enjoy grassy picnic areas, public restrooms and even a visit from the beach’s famous seal (stay away from Hawaiian monk seals, they are cute but can be snippy!).
For a truly fascinating experience, schedule a snorkeling trip to Molokini Crater. This crater is located just off of the coast of West Maui and is brimming with stunning sea life. Numerous charters offer snorkeling trips to the area.
Kaanapali
By taking a short, scenic drive north, you can reach Kaanapali. Kaanapali is home to fewer than 1,500 permanent residents, but this small community is often bustling with tourists. One of its many draws is Kaanapali Beach, which boasts a 3-mile stretch of pristine, white sands and beautiful views. In fact, it has been recognized as one of the top beaches in the United States.
The beauty of Kaanapali Beach does not cast shade on Black Rock Beach, which sits just to the north. This beach is famous for the Puu Kekaa ceremony featuring a dramatic cliff diving show. While Black Rock Beach is a beautiful and cultural place to enjoy a sunset, it is also well-known for snorkeling. The relatively calm waters and nearby reef make this a wonderful spot for beginning snorkelers to get their feet wet while exploring the beautiful underwater world around them.
If you head slightly inland from Kaanapali Beach, you will come to Kaanapali Coffee Farms. This land was once a huge sugar cane plantation, and it is now run as a coffee farm by a team of local farmers. In addition to touring the farm, you can treat yourself to a delicious cup of coffee on-site. Another way to take a break from the beach scene is to spend the day at the 36-hole Kaanapali Golf Course. Other popular courses in the area are the Kahili Golf Course and the Dunes at Maui Lani Golf Course.
Napili
Napili is a small coastal town that is located approximately equidistant between Kaanapali and Kapalua. It is among the driest areas of the island because of its location in proximity to the island’s mountains. While many of the beaches located in this area have black volcanic rock, some of the areas have soft sands. Because of the geographic landscape, wind is minimal on the beaches most of the time. Compared to many other beaches in West Maui, the sand beaches in Napili are usually much less crowded. Napili has a small-town vibe and is a great place to enjoy the friendly hospitality of native Hawaiians.
Kapalua
If you make the short drive north of Napili, you will find a different beach experience in Kapalua. Kapalua is a prestigious area with award-winning restaurants, high-end retail boutiques and more. The landscape is defined by lush, green vegetation that rolls into white sand beaches. If you plan to visit Kapalua, keep in mind that its geographic location on the island lends itself to more drizzle and light showers. However, you can expect abundant sunshine here as well. One of the most popular events that takes place here is the PGA Tour’s Hyundai Tournament of Champions. If you plan to enjoy the excitement at this event, plan your trip to Maui in January.
Honolua Bay
If you are planning to snorkel or scuba dive while in Maui, Honolua Bay should be included in your travel plans. This area is located north of Kapalua, and it is known for its calm waters and abundant aquatic life. The sea life is protected by a conservation district here. Because of how serene the waters are in the summer, you may enjoy visibility as far as 100 feet below the surface when you are snorkeling or scuba diving. However, in the winter, large waves swell through Honolua Bay. If you visit the bay during this season, you will find many surfers riding the waves.
From Honolua Bay and from other West Maui coastal cities, you may view humpback whales surfacing and breaching as they travel up and down the coast. While you may get lucky catching a glimpse of a few whales from the coast, you may appreciate seeing this magnificent sight up close by taking a whale watching tour. The best time to view whales along the West Maui coastline is between December and April.
South Maui
When you visit South Maui, you can enjoy a quieter experience than what you will find in West Maui. This region is approximately 18 miles south of the island’s airport. From many beaches in South Maui, you can take in spectacular sunset views with offshore islands dotting the horizon. Keawakapu Beach is widely regarded as one of the best sunset viewing locations on the island. During the daytime, this beach is also a popular spot for snorkeling and seasonal whale watching.
Popular coastal cities are Makena, Wailea and Kihea. From these cities, you can enjoy a relaxing day at the beach or head out on the water for kayaking or canoeing. There are also coastal trails to explore on foot, delicious dining options featuring local cuisine and even shops and spas. In Makena State Park, you will find Big Beach. This beach is appropriately named because it covers approximately a mile of coastline. In Wailea, you will find the most upscale shopping center on the island. The Shops at Wailea features 70 high-end boutiques as well as art galleries and live evening entertainment.
One of the most unique activities that you can enjoy in South Maui is a one-on-one experience with sea turtles. Green sea turtles are commonly found in the waters off of Maluaka Beach, and you can freely snorkel among them. Head offshore approximately 100 feet to find a coral reef brimming with other aquatic life.
Several popular golf courses are also located in South Maui. Some of the top options include those at Maui Nui Golf Club and Wailea Golf Club.
Central Maui
The island’s interior is equally fascinating, and it is located a few miles west of the airport. It connects West Maui to Upcountry Maui. Here, you can tour Iao Valley State Park, which is home to the Iao Needle. This natural feature is frequently photographed because of its individualized beauty. The state park is the perfect place to learn about the island’s geographic history and to hike through tropical vegetation. From this park, you can visit the neighboring Kepaniwai Park and Heritage Gardens to learn about the island’s many immigrant groups. Continue your cultural exploration with a visit to the Maui Arts and Cultural Center and the Schaefer International Art Gallery.
Golfing is also a popular activity in this region of the island. The King Kamehameha Golf Club may beckon you to play a round. Central Maui is also home to Kanaha Beach, which is usually teaming with water sports enthusiasts. Kite surfing, sailing and windsurfing are popular here. If you are new to these activities, simply look for an instructor on the beach to show you the ropes.
Upcountry Maui
Maui’s Upcountry covers all areas of the island with an elevation of 2,000 feet and higher, and you can reach some areas of the Upcountry with a 25-mile drive from the airport. This area is cooler, and it boasts lush vegetation and gorgeous, expansive views. Agriculture is prevalent here, so you can tour farms and wineries throughout the region.
One of the two most notable natural areas in the Upcountry is Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area, which is known for its stunning cloud forest. The other area is Haleakala National Park, which is home to the crater of the island’s dormant volcano. You can spend a full day driving up to the top of the crater, and this trip is worthwhile. At the summit, you can gaze into the 800-foot deep crater that spans across seven miles, and you can follow one of the winding trails that takes you into the crater. Alternatives are to book bicycle or aerial tours. Both sunrises and sunsets at the crater are magnificent. Because of the popularity of this park at sunrise, you must book an online reservation to enter the park early in the morning. This is to ensure ample parking for visitors and to maintain the majesty of the experience.
Maui North Shore
Maui’s North Shore is located a few miles northeast of the airport, but it is nonetheless somewhat remote. Here, you will find winding roads and a full immersion into a tranquil yet rugged paradise. Along the coast, Hookipa Beach is a popular spot for kite surfing and windsurfing thanks to large swells. As you continue exploring the region, you will come to the area’s two main towns. Paia and Haiku both have unique charm. Paia has a bohemian vibe and boasts shops, galleries and yoga studios. Just west of Paia is Baldwin Beach Park, which is a picturesque location to enjoy a quiet day at the beach. Haiku is equally fascinating, and its individuality stems from the fact that it is located on the perimeter of Maui’s tropical jungle.
Maui vacation rentals are more prevalent in the heavy tourist areas, but you can find beautiful places to stay throughout the island. Now that you know more about the hot spots in the area through a Maui travel guide, you can plan an amazing Hawaiian vacation that lives up to your expectations.
