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Maui is the second largest of the Hawaiian Islands.
Mauna Kahalawai, an eroded volcano, is referred to as the West Maui Mountains.
Credit:Matt Anderson Photography/Getty Images
Five regions define the island.
West Maui is home to the resort areas of Kaanapali, Kapalua, and the town of Lahaina.
The resort communities of Kihei, Wailea, and Makena are located in South Maui.
Courtesy of Montage Kapalua Bay
The road to Hana and Haleakala State Park are in East Maui.
In Central Maui, Iao Valley State Park offers hiking trails, forests, and running streams.
The weather varies across different areas of the island, and the western and southern shores are generally drier.
Courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton
At more than 10,000 feet in elevation, its summit sometimes receives snow in winter.
Honokohau Falls plunges 1,119 feet, dropping in two tiers.
A helicopter tour is the best way to see it.
Courtesy of Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort
Maui is the name of the island as well as the name of a county.
Maui County includes the islands of Maui, Lanai, Molokai, and Kahoolawe.
Molokai and Lanai are served by their own airports.
Courtesy of Four Seasons Resorts
Many can be seen from the shore, and whale watching boat cruises are also available.
Language
The official languages of Hawaii are English and Hawaiian, although Hawaiian is not commonly spoken.
Major resort areas often have customer service representatives who speak Japanese.
Courtesy of The Fairmont Kea Lani
TheMaui Public Bus systemconsists of 13 busroutesthat provide service in and between various communities throughout the island.
All of the routes operate daily including holidays.
A variety of dining experiences include several al fresco restaurants.
Steve Czerniak
A spa, pools, and access to golf and ocean activities are available.
Accommodations include two-bedroom suites and the oceanfront Molokai Suite.
Guests enjoy the oceanfront restaurant, poolside beach bar, and three swimming pools.
Courtesy of Hali’imaile General Store
All suites offer a fully equipped kitchen and private lanai.
Two pools, including a freshwater oceanfront pool, and Camp Ka’anapali for kids make this a family-friendly spot.
Dine poolside or at the casual Hana Ranch Restaurant.
Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Tor Johnson
Guests enjoy views of the Pacific and islands of Lanai and Molokai as they dine.
An extensive wine list, craft beers, and culinary cocktails are offered along with lunch and dinner.
Pizzas and flatbreads baked in their woodstone oven are house specialties.
Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Tor Johnson
Cocktails and an extensive choice of wines are on the menu.
Seafoods, salads, flatbreads, and desserts are on the dinner menu.
Overlooking the lagoon and Swan Court, the dinner-only spot also offers a happy hour and bar menu.
Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Tor Johnson
Happy hour offers special prices and an appealing menu.
Local beers, wine, and cocktails (try Kimo’s Grog) are on the menu.
Dine indoors or on the veranda or garden patio.
Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Tor Johnson
Their selection of cocktails, wines, and desserts add to the experience.
Dishes include Korean fried chicken, garlic Szechuan noodles, and steamed local fish.
There’s also an extensive selection of teas, sake, beer, handcrafted cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages.
Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Daeja Fallas
Dine on the lanai overlooking their gardens or enjoy sunset on their covered back terrace.
Alcohol is BYOB with no corkage fee.
Desserts include Lilikoi creme brulee and Hana banana crisp.
Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA)/Tor Johnson
Asian influences are evident in dishes like sashimi Napoleon, Korean BBQ ribs, and Asian duck steamed bun.
Plan your trip at one or more of three visitor centers.
Take awalking tourand see the huge Banyan tree that provides nearly an acre of shade.
Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Tor Johnson
Stop for a meal, snack, or shave ice and enjoy the view.
The area is rich in coral and tropical fish as well as green sea turtles.
Visit Upcountry Maui
There’s much to see in Maui’s rustic higher elevations.
Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure
VisitMaui Winefor a tour and a taste of their pineapple wine.
They produce wine from grapes as well.
NearbyKula Botanical Gardenfeatures eight acres of unique plants, rock formations, waterfalls, aviary, and koi pond.
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Stop in the historic paniolo town of Makawao or Pa’ia, a turn-of-the century plantation town.
Self-guided or guided tours are available.
Paved pedestrian paths provide views of the valley, and hiking trails also lead to viewpoints.
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This valley is a historical site where King Kamehameha I defeated Maui’s army in a bloody battle.
A few favorites are theOld Lahaina Luauand theRoyal Lahaina Luauon Ka’anapali Beach.
In South Maui, theGrand Wailea Luauand theFeast at Mokapuat the Andaz Maui are popular with visitors.
Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure
Snorkeling, stand up paddle boarding, windsurfing, and more await you on Maui’s shores.
Fast food and full-service restaurants like Hula Grill and Monkeypod by Merriman add to the pleasure of a visit.
Stop for a snack at Lapperts or a meal at Longhi’s or Lineage.
In addition, shoppers can grab a quick lunch or ice cream.
The Kaanapali resort area features three miles of prime beachfront and a range of hotels and restaurants.
Lush scenery, waterfalls, pools, and beautiful coastline attract visitors.
Central Maui
Maui’s main airport, Kahului Airport, is located in this area.
Central Maui also includes state government offices, residential developments, and agricultural areas.
Sugar and pineapples are grown in the area.
Weather
Maui weather varies significantly around the island, with rainforest, desert, and mountainous climates.
The higher elevations are humid and rainy, while other areas receive little or no rainfall.
Lahaina, Kihei, Wailea, and Haleakala have desert microclimates.
Haiku, Hana, Makawao, and West Maui Mountains are rainforest microclimates.
Mountainous microclimate areas include parts of Haleakala, Kula, and Ulupalukua.
Apps to Download
Lahaina Historic Trail: Walking tour of historic Lahaina.
(Android)
Gypsy Guide: Guide for driving tours, commentary, local tips.
(iOs and Android)
Haleakala Maui Gypsy Guide: Driving tour with audio narration.
$4.99
Lahaina (Maui) Offline: Detailed map and search.
(iOs and Android)
