Maui
Recommended Tours

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Maui is an island of such stunning natural beauty that the journey from one town to the next is a scenic tour within itself. Blue water, white sand and miles of sugarcane fields dominate the south end of the island, while the majestic West Maui Mountains are the Lahaina-side landmark.

The Road To Hana

No stay in Maui is complete without a visit to Heavenly Hana. You'll want to be up with the sun in order to get the most out of this day trip. Coming from the South or West side of Maui (Kihei or Lahaina), the total drive time to Hana Town is about three hours. The Hana Highway begins in Kahului, where first-timers would be well advised to pick up a Hana Cassette Guide. The highway then runs through the charming old plantation town of Pa'ia. Take a little time to cruise around downtown before you get back on the road.

Once you've got a suitable lunch packed and plenty of gas in the tank, hop back on the highway and head into the jungle. Most of the drive runs along the coastline, with towering cliffs, tropical foliage and a multitude of waterfalls creating a breathtaking feast for the senses.

You can make any number of stops before reaching Hana. Ten miles past Hana Town is one of Maui's must-sees: Oheo Gulch (also known as the "Seven Sacred Pools"). Once in Kipahulu (location of the Pools), you have the option to continue driving around the southern side of the island. This road is equally as rugged as Hana Highway (if not more so) and conditions are not always safe for driving. While the back road route is lovely, you'll need to use your discretion regarding its safety at the time of your trip.


Haleakala: House of the Sun

Maui isn't the kind of place where you want to sleep late, but if you decide to see a Haleakala sunrise, get ready to set your alarm clock unusually early—even by Maui standards. The driving time from Kahului to the Crater's summit is about two hours, which means you'll need to get on the road by about 3a.

The road to Haleakala National Park travels from sea level to 10,023 feet—in just 38 miles! The Visitor's Center is located at 9,745 feet; a campground and picnic area is at 7,030 feet. Even when the coastlands are hot and humid, the Crater tends to be very cold and windy. Bring warm clothes.

Biking down Haleakala can be an invigorating way to spend a few hours. Bicycle tour companies provide all gear and can facilitate guided or self-guided tours.

Snorkeling Molokini

Molokini is a tiny, crescent-shaped island located just off of the southern tip of Maui. Waters surrounding the island are sheltered by a sunken crater rim, which makes for calm snorkeling conditions. Dolphins, sea turtles and a staggering variety of tropical fish make their homes here. Tours generally last five or six hours, with breakfast, lunch, drinks and all equipment included in the excursion cost. Most Molokini tours depart in the morning from either Ma'alaea Harbor or Lahaina Harbor. Contact Snorkel Bob's, Seafire Molokini Cruises or any other reputable excursion company for information.

South-Side Beaches

The best way to spend a day in South Maui is to drive the coastline and stop at a few of the innumerable white-sand beaches. While many of these beaches are adjacent to hotels, all beaches in Hawaii are open to the public. As long as you don't use hotel chairs or water toys, you're free to relax on the perfectly maintained beaches—and afterward, to purchase a cocktail from a hotel bar.

Beginning at the busier end of South Kihei Road, you'll find the popular Kamaole Beach Parks. These three centrally located parks offer great barbecue facilities and are popular amongst locals. Further along the road is Keawakapu Beach, a small but lovely swimming beach. Just a bit further down (right where Kihei becomes Wailea) is Ulua/ Mokapu Beach. It is one of the South Side's most popular snorkeling beaches. Follow Wailea Alanui all the way down and, at the tail end of a rather desolate stretch of road, you'll find the jewel of Maui: Makena State Park. Home of Big Beach and Little Beach, this is one of the island's best surfing and body-boarding spots.

If you want to outfit yourself for a day at these beaches, there are several different places to go. The best known snorkel outfitters are Boss Frog's Dive & Surf Shop and Snorkel Bob's, while Maui Diving offers low-cost scuba equipment rental. Rent surf equipment at Second Wind Sail & Surf.

The West-Side Tour

Lahaina offers a full complement of daytime and nighttime activities. Even if you aren't staying on the West Side, you'll want to take a day and see the sights.

Every visit to Lahaina tends to start on Front Street. There's plenty of shopping, as well as a variety of historic highlights. Visit the Old Lahaina Courthouse, the Banyan Tree Park and the former prison. For West Side shopping, stop by Lahaina Cannery Mall or Wharf Cinema Center. It's wise to get your walking tour done in the early hours of the morning, leaving your afternoon free. This side of the island gets oppressively hot by mid-day, at which point you should head down to Ka'anapali Beach for swimming and sunbathing. If you're still in town by dinnertime, head back to Front Street for dinner. After dark, there are a few decent places to go. The jazz-and-cocktail crowd frequents BJ's Chicago Pizzeria or long time favorite Longhi's Restaurant, while younger people flock to Moose McGillycuddy's.