Maui

Updated 2016

Maui is the second largest of the Hawaiian islands and is often toted as a favorite among both locals and visitors alike. From the famous, winding Road to Hana, to sunrises and sunsets on Mt. Haleakala, to mountain biking, snorkeling and windsurfing, Maui has a little bit of everything to offer visitors. Whether you are interested in spending your days beach lounging or are in seek of an adventure, Maui is sure not to disappoint.

WHAT TO DO

Maui is home to the largest mountain in the Pacific, Mt. Haleakala. The mountain boosts incredible views from the top and the ecological diversity in Haleakala National Park is awe inspiring. In the 2 hour drive to the summit, visitors pass though as many different ecological zones as on a journey from Canada to Mexico. The name Haleakala also means “house of sun” in Hawaiian, and the summit is a popular place to watch sunsets and sunrises over the Pacific over 10,00 feet below.

For those looking for a physical challenge, mountain biking is popular among tourists. You can bike the Kaupo Road, which stretches 40 miles from Hana to Kahului. Active tourists can also windsurf in Paia, snorkel at Haena Beach Park or hike in Haleakala National Park.

If your trip to Hawaii is more about relaxation and recharging those batteries, Maui is home to many beautiful and relaxing beaches where tourists can sit back, relax, enjoy the view and soak up some of those tropical rays of sunshine.

The best whale watching is in February.

Read: Snorkeling on Maui: A Must Try.

GETTING THERE

Maui hosts the second largest commercial airport in the islands, second only to Honolulu’s International Airport. Kahului Airport (IATA) is also a secondary hub of Hawaiian Airlines and several major U.S. airlines offer non-stop flights from the West Coast and beyond to Maui, so it is easy to get a flight to Maui. Getting from the airport to Lahaina and Kaanapali, where most of the major hotels and resorts are located, it is a quick trip on highway 30 from the airport.

Read: Front Street in Lahaina.

WHERE TO STAY

Like on the other Hawaiian islands, there are many high-end resorts and hotels on Maui to choose from. You can also camp in one of the two campgrounds or stay in a park cabin in Haleakala National Park. Vacation rentals are a good and often cost effective way for families to get more space for less money on the island. For those looking to save a few bucks, there are also a few backpacker style hostels on the island where you can typically get a dorm-style bed for about $25/night. Banana Bungalows is a good cheap option. Some even have monthly rates for those who go to Maui and can’t quite pull themselves away from the surf.

Read: Searching for Paradise.