Maui Eco Guide - Activities, Attractions, Facts
There's Something About Maui...The island's motto, "Maui No Ka Oi," meaning "Maui is the Best," has more than a little truth to it. Maui is consistently ranked by Hawai`i visitors and travel magazines as among the best island destinations in the world and not only for its resorts, but also for its natural beauty, the aloha of the host culture, world-class beaches, top notch cuisine, whale-watching and more! Each of the Hawaiian Islands has its own treasures to explore. Having lived in Hawaii for over 14 years, I spent the least amount of time on Maui, but here is what I've learned about "The Valley Isle."
Several of Maui's beaches have been nominated as "The World's Best Beach." And Maui offers more swimmable beaches than any other Hawaiian island.
Maui is the absolutely best island for viewing the magnificent humpback whales. On west side of the island near Lahaina you can easily spot them right from the highways and beaches during whale watching season (December through April).
One of the world's most popular honeymoon destinations,
the Valley Isle is also a favorite choice for family vacations, and last but not least it is a perfect island for eco travel...
While Maui campgrounds aren't as plentiful as on the Big Island or Kauai, there are some very nice ones on the beach, overlooking the ocean and perched near the summit of Haleakala.
For full details about camping here, as well as getting deals at resorts and other accomodations, here's my ebook:
Maui Facts
- Island Flower: Lokelani (Pink Cottage Rose)
- Average Year-Round Temp at Sea Level: 75 to 85° F.
- Beaches: 81 accessible beaches with about 40 providing public facilities. One of the youngest of Hawai`i's volcanic islands, Maui's white sand beaches are joined by beaches peppered with black lava and olivine green sands.
- Airports: Kahului in Central Maui, has direct flights to and from the United States and Canada, as well as island hopping flights..Kapalua, near Lahaina doesn't have mainland flights.
- Maui County also includes the smaller and rural islands of Lanai and Molokai.
- Parks: 10 state parks, 94 county parks and community centers, and one national park, Haleakala National Park.
East Maui, the Windward side, is verdant and beautiful, with many tumbling waterfalls and scenic coastline that are viewed from the famous Road to Hana.
Central Maui hosts the main airport, pineapple fields, historical small towns like Wailuku, and the Iao Needle. And it serves as the gateway to Haleakala. The Hana Highway begins here just a few minutes from the airport.
Upcountry Maui offers eucalyptus and pine dotted rolling green hills and amazing views of Maui's shores and central plains. And it 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. Kihei has the dubious distinction of being dubbed "Little L.A." but it also has lovely, soft, white-sand beaches. The rainy North Shore is where you'll find the best wind surfing.
West Maui is where most tourists congregate because the climate is near perfect as are the miles of sunny beaches. West Maui is home to the luxury resort beach area of Kaanapali and to Lahaina Town, the social and cultural hub of Maui. You'll encounter traffic around here especially, but you'll also find world famous attractions such as the Maui Aquarium in West Maui.
While the Valley Isle is the most spendy to visit, there really is something about Maui that makes it worth it. I will definitely be spending more time on Maui during my next Hawaii visit.
For in-depth, insider tips to a budget-friendly vacation on Maui:
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