Maui Touring Tips and Points Of Interest Rent a Condo in Hawaii
Central Maui
Central Maui is dominated by historic Wailuku, seat of the county government, and modern Kahului, the island's bustling retail center. The Maui Historical Society Museum-known commonly as the Bailey House Museum-offers a fascinating look into Maui's missionary past. The museum also has the largest collection of pre-Western-contact Hawaiian artifacts on Maui.
Make sure you have lots of film to capture the old missionary home (built between 1833)
Golf fanatics love Maui! There is a terrific variety of challenging, beautiful courses to play, including The Dunes at Maui Lani-one of Golf Magazine's top "35 Best New Courses" in the nation and the par-72 Sandalwood Golf Course.
Maui has some of the best burger joints anywhere, and some of the tastiest, biggest burgers can be found at Carl's Jr., located in Maalaea. If you are coming off an ocean cruise with a hearty appetite (or just cruising around the central Maui plain), Carl's Jr. is the perfect stop any time of day, from breakfast till dinner. Check out the charbroiled western bacon cheeseburgers and the delicious chicken sandwiches.
Combine shopping and dining on a visit to the Queen Kaahumanu Center, with its mouth-watering selection of ethnic cuisine, available at the Queen's Market Food Court. You'll find everything from Korean barbecued specialties to your favorite food you find back home One of the best accompaniments to the scenic drive to Hana is the Hana Cassette Guide, a narrated cassette or CD tour that describes all the gorgeous scenery you're driving through. The guide also includes a description of tropical flowers and a free DVD called Maui Island Paradise. It's available only at the shop on Route 380 in Kahului, at the Shell Service Station.
History and photography buffs will want a shot of the majestic Kaahumanu Church, located near the intersection of Main and High streets in Wailuku.
Looking for a last-minute gift to take back home? Stop by the T-Shirt Factory's airport outlet for terrific T-shirts, casual dresses and other cool keepsakes from Maui.
South Maui
Local folks will point out to visitors that just 35 years ago this sun-drenched coastline was nothing more than a forest of hardy kiawe trees and nearly inaccessible beaches. Today, it is a thriving community dedicated to family and fun, a wide array of land and water sports, and some of the best shopping and dining on the island. Almost uninterrupted sunny days make this the ideal place for beachgoing, boat cruises, snorkeling and other water activities.
On land, there are championship golf courses and world-class tennis courts. And if you just enjoy walking, there are miles of white sand beaches, as well as a paved pathway that runs along the scenic coast from the northern to the southern end of Wailea.
For half-a-century now, Azeka Shopping Center has been serving residents and visitors along the sunny coastline of South Maui, with treats like its famous ribs and fresh malassadas. Take time to explore all the shops here and at nearby Kihei Kalama Village, with a wide range of specialty stores, restaurants and snack shops.
An exciting new addition to Maui's key attractions, the Aquarium Maui is a world-class Hawaiian aquarium featuring state-of-the-art indoor and outdoor exhibits, including the Humpback Whale Museum. Reyn's is a name that is synonymous with the highest quality Island shirts and the internationally renowned Reyn Spooner® aloha shirts. For more than 40 years, Reyn's has been adding a touch of class to the famous and not-so-famous, and now Reyn's has lines for women, teens and even toddlers. Located in The Shops at Wailea and Whalers Village in Kaanapali.
In the mood for some of the best ribs in the world? Internationally famous Tony Roma's, known for "the best ribs in America," has a Maui location at Kukui Mall to satisfy all your cravings for baby back ribs, onion rings and other specialties.
The Rainbow Attic in Kihei Town Center is the ideal spot to check out second-hand shopping at its best.
West Maui
Lahaina Town is packed with more fascinating history than almost any other place in the Islands, so, naturally, this is the focus for any visit to Maui's west side.
The neighboring resorts of Kaanapali, Napili and Kapalua-with their world-class hotels, beautiful beaches and exotic shopping-were built just north of Lahaina to retain the town's unique heritage as the whaling capital of the Pacific in the mid-1800s. Lahaina has restored its many historic sites, attracting some of the best restaurants and shops you'll find anywhere. On most days of the week, there's an endless parade of visitors (and some residents, too!) moving up and down Lahaina's Front Street, enjoying the unique historical attractions, with side trips to explore the shops, followed by a seaside cocktail, sunset dinner and perhaps a quiet courtyard ice cream cone.
Save time to explore this beautiful coastline, from Maalaea to Honokahua, enjoying spots such as Fleming Beach Park and gorgeous Honolua Bay along the way. There are great views of Molokai and Lanai in the distance, and you may see a humpback whale or two frolicking in the clear blue ocean.
At Kaanapali, pull over to the Whalers Village Whale Center to learn all about the whales you'll see off Maui during their breeding season, from November through May. The center's free museum-Whalers Village Museum-is informative and fun for all ages.
"Catch a wave and you're sittin' on top of the world!" There's no feeling in the world like catching a wave, and in Lahaina you can learn to surf safely with Hula Surf School. Quality instructors teach you to stand up and surf the friendly waves at 505 Beach in Lahaina and the surrounding gentle breaks. All equipment is provided.
Looking for heirloom-quality wood products to take home? Martin & MacArthur's Hawaiian Gift Collection has been a trusted name in fine wood products for decades throughout the Hawaiian Islands. More than 300 noted artisans create the diversity of treasures by hand. Located in Whalers Village and The Shops at Wailea.
Yield to a tantalizing night on the town. Nightlife includes the spell-binding Warren & Annabelle's Magic Show and the highly acclaimed musical extravaganza "Ulalena," a $10 million production that has received standing ovations at every single performance in the new Maui Myth & Magic Theatre.
Some of the best luaus anywhere are held in Lahaina and Kaanapali, so work up a big thirst, a hearty appetite and spend the better part of an afternoon and evening enjoying the lavish feast and entertainment. The Marriott Luau, Hyatt Luau and Royal Lahaina Luau are three great choices.
If you are on this side of the island for several days, try to mix the endless array of beach and water activities, shopping, sightseeing and dining into each day's itinerary. One day, for instance, get up early for a seaside breakfast, followed by a leisurely whale-watching boat cruise; shop and sightsee a bit, snacking along the way, followed by a seaside view of the setting sun and an elegant dinner. The next day could include a helicopter tour, nap by your pool or at the beach (Kaanapali and Kapalua are just two of the great beaches along this coastline), more shopping and an evening luau, which includes a lavish dinner and Polynesian entertainment. Golf aficionados will be happy to learn that they can vastly improve their game with lessons at the Kapalua Golf Academy. Hawaii's only state-of-the-art learning center was designed in collaboration with legendary pro Hale Irwin, offering everything from digital video analysis to three-day classes.
Kids will love a ride aboard the Lahaina-Kaanapali & Pacific Railroad, Maui's famous "Sugar Cane" train. Call 661-0080 for details.
Check out the gorgeous fabrics and clothing at Blue Ginger, eight unique retail shops found only in the Hawaiian Islands.
East Maui
East Maui should be approached as two separate day-trips: Upcountry Maui and Haleakala one day, and the slow, winding drive to Hana the second day. Lucky travelers who have time and can plan ahead may stay Upcountry one night and in Hana another night. Marathon drivers who don't tire easily can rise about 3:30 a.m., drive to the top of Haleakala for the sunrise, then descend to Paia and make a round-trip journey to Hana all in one day. There will be very little time to savor the sights-but it can be done.
For those who can explore the east side of Maui leisurely, the rewards are many. Sunrise or sunset at the top of Haleakala-when the weather cooperates-offers a glorious view you'll never forget. If you plan to return here someday, you can make advance plans with the National Park Service either to camp at Hosmer Grove or hike down to the bottom of Haleakala, where cabins are available (reservations must be made about a year or two in advance). If you plan to just visit the summit, take along extra warm clothes, perhaps a blanket and a thermos with your favorite hot beverage (it may be baking on the beach, but at 10,000 feet above sea level, some visitors refuse to step out of their cars when the sun's not shining on Haleakala).
Likewise, a trip to Hana is best planned in advance. Ideally, Hana deserves a couple of days, and the accommodations can be high-end or inexpensive. There are a couple of luxurious hotels, as well as modest bed-and-breakfast operations where you can cook your own meals. Either way, Hana is a place to relax, slow down, take long strolls, soak in the ocean and read a book (preferably about things Hawaiian). One of the reasons Hana is "heavenly" is just because it's so laid back
While touring the Hana Highway, drivers MUST PULL OVER to let following traffic pass (see map for further driving hints in this area).
Enjoy the view of skilled surfers and windsurfers at world-famous Hookipa Beach Park, where sometimes-giant waves test these world-class athletes.
Rest and relax for a moment at the Garden of Eden Arboretum and experience the peace and spectacular scenery of Maui's north shore in a rain forest environment.
Take time to visit Maui's Winery, on Highway 37 in Ulupalakua, where you can sample award-winning wines and champagnes in the spectacular Upcountry setting of the Tedeschi Vineyards.
Part of the National Tropical Botanical Garden, Kahanu Garden features extraordinary collections of cultural plants, breathtaking coastal vistas and monumental cultural remains. The Canoe Garden features plants brought by the first Hawaiian settlers, and Hale o Piilani Heiau is one of the largest religious temples throughout Polynesia.
Gourmet cheese lovers will want to visit the Surfing Goat Dairy (be sure to ask where that unusual name came from), located in beautiful Upcountry Maui. Surrounded by a coconut grove and an orchard of fragrant citrus trees, the dairy offers a fun and educational tour called "From Milk to Cheese." Sample the delicious goat cheese, play with the "kids" and pick up some gifts for back home.
