The Magic of Maui

Maui is referred to as “The Valley Isle” because its valley was formed between two volcanoes: Haleakala (meaning house of sun) on the east side of the island and Pu’u Kukui (meaning hill of the candlenut tree) or more commonly known as West Maui Mountain.

Haleakala is the youngest of the two and stands just over 10,000 feet tall.  The Kihei side of the mountain is more dry, so there are few streams or eroded areas.  In contrast, Hana, on the eastern side, is quite lush and home to several beautiful waterfalls.  Maui’s famous “Road to Hana” takes you by some of the most picturesque landscapes in the world, including majestic waterfalls, a bamboo forest and a red sand beach.

The majority of travelers to Maui stay in one of two areas: West Maui, which encompasses the coast covering Lahaina to Kapalua or South Maui, which includes the Kihei, Wailea and Makena areas.

So which part of the island is best to stay? That’s entirely up to you.

West Maui:  The Lahaina area tends to be the busiest as Front St. in Lahaina is considered the “hub” of the island with their countless oceanfront shops and restaurants.  The Kaanapali Boardwalk is a bustling center of large resorts (home to the Hyatt, Sheraton and Westin), shops and restaurants.  On the other hand, it gets quieter the farther north you go as you reach the towns of Kahana, Napili and Kapalua.

South Maui:  Kihei is the most “commercialized” of the resort areas.  You’ll find many residents of Maui living in this area and it’s also where you’ll find fast food restaurants and supermarkets.  Wailea, just south of Kihei, is a different story.  Considered the most upscale area of the island, Wailea is home to some of the best resorts on Maui including the Four Seasons, the Grand Wailea and the Fairmont Kea Lani. You will also find deluxe condominiums in this area (some of which are on the beach).

Because Lahaina and Kihei are on the leeward side of the island, meaning they are protected from the clouds and trade winds found on the eastern windward side, these areas are warmer, drier and sunnier than the rest of the island.  So, if you get off your plane in Kahului and the skies seem dark and gloomy, don’t worry!  The weather tends to be much nicer in these resort areas.

Specifically, Kihei and Wailea tend to be warmer and drier do to the fact that the wind coming from the eastern side of the island is buffered by Haleakala dipping into the south.  However, the winds tend to wrap themselves around the island by the afternoon, making that time of day windier (but not unbearably so). Typically, the sunnier and hotter it is, the stronger the afternoon winds will be.  Winters tend to be less windy.  High temperatures average 80 in the winter and 86 in the summer.  Nights are usually cooler in South Maui than they are in the Lahaina area.

Over in West Maui, there are fewer afternoon breezes in Lahaina than in Kihei, making it warmer.  High temperatures in the winter average 82 while in the summer they’re around 88.  However, the farther north you go the more the wind picks up, with Kapalua being the windiest of the resort areas.

If you plan on heading to the summit of Haleakala to catch the sunrise (or sunset), dress warmly.  The average high temperature there in the summer is 58 while the average low is 38.  During the winter, the average high is 50 with the average low down to 32.

Probably more so than any other island, the Maui experience centers around beaches.  This is because Maui’s beaches are the most accessible and centrally-located of all the Hawaiian Islands.  And since they all tend to be on wind-protected leeward areas of West and South Maui, they tend to be the most user-friendly.

Some West Maui standouts are Kapalua Beach, Napili Beach and Kaanapali Beach.  Kapalua Beach (on the northern side of West Maui) is often regarded as Maui’s best swimming beach as the waters are reef-protected, making for calm surf.  Napili Beach’s clear, calm water make it a great spot for snorkeling.  Kaanapali Beach fronts many large resorts (The Westin, Sheraton and Hyatt among them) and Whalers Shopping Village, making this a great place to spend an afternoon with a plethora of shopping and dining options on the shore behind you.

Favorite beaches in South Maui include Kamaole Beach I, Wailea Beach and Big Beach.  Kamaole Beach is actually divided into three parts (Kamaole Beach I, II and III), But Kamaole Beach I tends to be the best of the three with the longest stretch of sand, restrooms, showers and a lifeguard.  Wailea Beach is considered one of the best beaches in America with its crystal-clear water, soft, fine sand beautiful setting and calm waters.  Big Beach in Makena, at 2/3mile long at 100 feet wide, is what many consider to be the quintessential Hawaiian beach with its golden sand, swaying palm trees and calm, clear waters.

Hawaii has some of the most direct sun on the planet.  Those who are not usually susceptible to sun burns can get one within half an hour if not protected. Use suntan lotion whenever you’re going to be outside for an extended amount of time.  It’s also smart to plan outdoor activities for the mid-to-late afternoon or early morning when the sun is least intense. Also, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and planning well for extended day trips hiking through the jungles.  Always bring more water than you think you’ll need.

Activities abound on Maui.Some of the best snorkeling in Hawaii is found on Maui, with top locations being Honokeana Cove and Napili Bay (both in Napili) and Black Rock by the Sheraton on the Kaanapali Boardwalk in West Maui to Molokini Crater just off the shore of  Wailea (you’ll need to go on one the snorkeling excursions by boat to get to this incredible snorkel and dive location). The “Road to Hana” and bike ride down Haleakala (as mentioned earlier) are always exciting, as well.  Maui activities include:

• ATV Off Roading
• Dinner Cruises
• Diving and Scuba
• Dolphin Excursions
• Fishing
• Golf
• Helicopter Tours
• Hiking
• Horseback Riding
• Kayaking
• Guided Land Tours
• Luaus and Shows
• Parasail and Jet Ski
• Sailing
• Snorkeling
• Submarines
• Sunset Sails and Cruises
• Surfing and Watersports
• Whale Watching

With its unique mixture of natural beauty and exciting shopping, restaurants and night life, Maui is perhaps the most well-rounded of all the islands.  If it’s your first time to Hawaii and you’re trying to decide which island to go to, Maui would be a great choice.