The Valley Isle, Maui, has been consistently chosen as among the best island destinations in the world. In the Conde Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards Poll, Maui has for 10 consecutive years (through 2005), been selected the “Best Island in the World” and for 19 years (through 2006) as the “Best Pacific Island.” The island's motto, "Maui No Ka Oi,"
meaning "Maui is the Best," has some truth to it.
This year (2006) Maui was only barely topped by the Maldives. And, Travel and Leisure Magazine readers' have for five years chosen Maui as their favorite island in the world.
Natural beauty, the aloha of the host culture, world-class resorts, championship golf and top notch cuisine are credited for these awards.
One of the world's most popular honeymoon destinations, Maui is also a favorite choice for family vacations.
With the exception of Hawaii's most populated island, Oahu (Honolulu Island), Maui receives more visitors than any of the other Hawaiian islands, many who come to play on Maui's beautiful beaches (Maui offers more swimmable beaches than any other Hawaiian island) and to visit Haleakala Crater, the House of the Sun.
Some drive to the 10,023 summit to experience one of the most spectacular sun rises on earth and/or for an adventurous bike ride down the mountain.. The Humpback Whales are another lure to Maui. Whale watching season is December - May when approximately 3,000 of these gentle giants (almost half of the world-wide Humpback Whale population) winter off Maui's shore, mate and give birth.
Fast Facts About Maui
Island Flower: Lokelani (Pink Cottage Rose)
Island Color: Pink
Motto: No Ka Oi (The Best)
Maui is the second largest of the Hawaiian Island at 728 square miles.
Maui's Population: 117,644,
Average Temperature at Sea Level: 75 to 85° F.
Beaches: 81 accessible beaches with about 40 providing public facilities. One of the youngest of Hawaii's volcanic island, Maui's white sand beaches are joined by beaches peppered with black lava and olivine green sands.
Famous Maui Residents include world renowned inspirational writers and speaker, Wayne Dyer (who lives here part time and writes his books here), and some of Hawaii's most beloved Hawaii musicians including Keali'i Reichel, Keola Beamer, and HAPA.
Most Popular Destinations include resorts in Ka’anapali, Kapalua, Makena and Wailea; Bed & Breakfasts at Hana and Upcountry Kula; and luxury hotels and condos at Kihei.
Maui is known as the world's most popular healing destination. Maui's exceptional spas and healers, make Maui's no ka oi (the best!).
Airports: Kahului, Maui's main airport, services direct flights to and from the United States and Canada.
Maui County also includes the smaller and less crowded islands of Lanai and Molokai.
Parks: 10 state parks, 94 county parks and community centers, and one national park, Haleakala National Park.
Golf Courses: Last count - 18!
Maui's Regions
East Maui, the Windward side, is verdant and beautiful, with many tumbling waterfalls and scenic coastline. Central Maui hosts the main airport, pineapple fields, and is the gateway to Haleakala. Upcountry Maui with its Eucalyptus and pine dotted rolling green hills and amazing views of Maui's shores and central plains, hosts the friendly town of Kula. Most of Maui's growers markets are supplied with the sweet onions, strawberries, citrus, pink protea flowers grown here.
The desert-like South Shore includes Kihei and many hotels and condos. The rainy North Shore is where you'll find the best wind surfing. West Maui is where most tourists congregate because the climate's near perfect as are the miles of sunny beaches. This is where most of the luxury resorts are found as world famous attractions such as the Maui Aquarium.
A Few of Maui's Most Popular Attractions
Historic Lahaina
Hana (on the East/Windward side and connected to the rest of Maui by what is often regarded as the world's most scenic road, the Hana Highway.
Kapalua offers two spectacular nature preserves, some of the best golf in the world, and lots of beach activities.
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