About Maui, Hawaii

This beautiful isle was born in a fiery explosion of two volcanoes.

To one side of Maui is the 1764 metre Kukui and on the other Haleakala, a 3055 metre dormant volcano with a Manhattan size crater that houses a vast desert of unusual flora including the rare Silversword. Add to this 190 kilometres of dazzling coastline, both dramatic and diverse for surfing, snorkelling and canoeing plus waterfalls plunging 300 metres, rainforests bursting with exotic vegetation and a stark lunar landscape so barren that the astronauts practised their moon landing here, and you have the extraordinary island of Maui.

The dramatic variations in climate and land formations are a large part of what makes Maui so exciting. The West Maui Mountains are rugged and verdant, with jagged peaks and deeply grooved valleys hiding waterfalls. Central Maui and the slopes of Haleakala are agricultural areas where the rich volcanic soil supports sugar, pineapple and ranchlands. The south shore, except where irrigated, is desert and scrub because Haleakala snags the rain clouds and empties them before they cross her peak.

The second largest of the Hawaiian Islands, Maui was settled by Polynesians and had its own ruling family. King Kamehameha’s warriors overthrew the kingdom of Maui to unite it with the other Hawaiian Islands. He made Lahaina in Maui his capital in 1802. Today Maui has evolved into a peaceful agricultural island of charm and rustic beauty, particularly Lahaina which has been restored to its previous colonial splendour.

The non-profit Lahaina Restoration Foundation which began over 36 years ago has preserved and restored a rich collection of historical sites in Lahaina.

The Maui Historical Society Museum in Wailuku is a delightful structure built between 1833 and 1850 and was the home of missionary Edward Bailey. Baldwin Home, built in 1838, is the oldest standing building in Lahaina and is made of thick walls of coral, stone and hand-hewn timbers.

The banyan tree came to Lahaina from India when only eight feet tall. William O. Smith, the Maui sheriff, planted it in 1873 to mark the 50th anniversary of the founding of Lahaina’s first Christian mission. Today the banyan has 12 major trunks, varying girths and reaches upward to a height of 15 metres stretching outward over a 61 metre area.

The Carthaginian, a replica of a 19th century brig which now houses a whaling exhibit, graces the harbour, which is also the departure point for a multitude of cruises and whale watching tours (in season). However, if it is off season, Whaler’s Village in Ka’anapali houses an excellent whale museum. Lahaina Jodo Mission Cultural Park, on a point of land known as Puunoa, was once a small village fronting the royal grove of coconut trees. Now the best known landmark in the area, the largest Buddha outside of Japan sits in the small park commemorating the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants in 1868. Don’t miss a journey on the famous Sugar Cane Train, modelled after the turn of the century railroads that transported Valley Isle sugar to Lahaina mills. The steam driven locomotive runs between Lahaina and Ka‘anapali and visitors can hop aboard at Puukolii and Ka‘anapali as well.

While on Maui, you can explore the Maui Tropical Plantation which consists of 45 hectares of crops. Learn how to husk a coconut, create a delicious tropical fruit boat and string a fragrant lei. Then catch the Tropical Tram on a 40-minute circuit to see fruit cutting demonstrations, visit the marketplace and learn how to start your own tropical garden.

At the Sugar Museum you will see the production of sugar, once one of Hawaii’s biggest cash crops, from beginning to end.

Exploring Maui

Maui’s Cuisine

Activities in Maui

Where to Stay

The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua
Discover a luxury resort inspired by the breathtaking beauty of Maui. Nestled onto 54 acres overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this five-star resort complements Maui’s natural splendour with contemporary guestrooms... View More »
Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa
Experience authentic island luxury along the Maui coast at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa. Surrounded by 40 lush, beachfront acres at Ka’anapali Beach, this breathtaking Maui hotel presents an astonish... View More »
Ho’Olei Villas at Grand Wailea
Discover a blissful, breezy retreat on Maui’s southern shore at the Ho’olei Villas at Grand Wailea. Set in the exclusive Wailea Resort area, Ho’olei Villas at Grand Wailea is a gated community offering soph... View More »
Fairmont Kea Lani
Welcome the new day and join the resort’s paddlers for a traditional Hawaiian sunrise chant, E Ala E down on Polo Beach. Grab a freshly brewed locally-grown coffee from MAKANA Market + Cafe and head down towards t... View More »
Hotel Wailea
An intimate five-star enclave, Hotel Wailea boasts 180-degree, unobstructed ocean views, breathtaking mountain scenery, and 15 acres of zen-inspired landscaped grounds comprised of tropical gardens, cascading waterf... View More »
Andaz Maui at Wailea
Where luxury and sophistication meet personalised services and style, experience a world-class beach resort in one of the most sought-after resort destinations in the world. Steps from the sun and surf of Mokapu ... View More »
hawaii maui kaanapali beach hotel ocean view room lanai view
Ka’anapali Beach Hotel
Officially recognised as “Hawaii’s Most Hawaiian Hotel”, Ka’anapali Beach Hotel is perfectly situated oceanfront on world famous Ka’anapali Beach. Perfect for those looking to experience authentic Hawai... View More »
hawaii maui grand wailea resort restaurant outdoor
Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria™ Resort
Capture the spirit of Aloha at this luxury resort set on 40 acres of tropical gardens bordering Wailea Beach and surrounded by the essence of Hawaiian island living. Immerse yourself in idyllic Hawaiian luxury at... View More »

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