Although it is the second-oldest, second-largest, and second most-developed island in the Hawaiian chain, Maui is far from second-best. Not as commercial as Oahu, but with more attractions than the Big Island and Kauai and much of the same natural beauty, Maui stakes a solid claim that Maui no ka oi! (Maui is the best!) Its 727 sq. mi. have a little something for every taste: rugged trails, historic towns, a flourishing art scene, and cuisine that runs the gamut of healthful, gourmet, and greasy. Families delight in beachside activities while honeymooning couples swoon on secluded coasts and waterfall hikes.
Most visitors first become familiar with the dry leeward side of West Maui, where resorts have turned kiawe tree deserts into golf courses. The less-developed, dense rainforest of the windward side of the West Maui mountains grows acres of fruit trees and ferns. In eastern Maui, at the high altitudes of the Haleakala Crater, rainforest gives way to miles of towering pines, redwoods, and eucalyptus. The central valley, located in the narrow isthmus between Haleakala and the West Maui mountains, is carpeted from one end to the other with sugarcane, the heart of agriculture on the “Valley Isle.” Maui is the only Hawaiian island that retains a significant sugarcane crop (43,000 acres), staving off residential and commercial development in the valley.
The island’s surrounding waters bristle with marine life, including hundreds of species found only in Maui’s reef. Winter is high season, when the largest group of humpback whales (about 3000 of them) gather off the south coast. Big-wave surfing on the North Shore coincides with whale watching and attracts its own onlookers. Surfing, bodyboarding, and windsurfing are popular year-round and are the center of both tourism and island life. Countless young people move to Maui to work, surf, and generally embrace the aloha spirit. Still, as popular as Maui has become, the identity of the Hawaiian community remains strong. Grassroots movements have sprung up to reclaim sacred lands, educate visitors about Hawaiian culture, and deal with community issues. There is a growing number of opportunities for visitors to learn from locals about native traditions. Maui’s rich local culture is the essence of what makes the island so special—a fusion of ethnic groups whose love of the island is contagious.
Flights from the neighboring islands start around $120 round-trip, although some cost as much as $200, and prices vary depending on the season. Maui’s major airport is Kahului International Airport ...more
Bus: MauiBus Service is available between Central, South, West, and Upcountry Maui. On West Maui, buses make the following stops: Maalaea Harbor, Wharf Cinema Center, Papalaua St., Lahaina Cannery Mall ...more
In Maui, travelers can stay in budget hostels in Wailuku, Paia, or Lahaina for about $25 per night; in condominiums in Kihei from $70 per night; in B&Bs anywhere from $75 per night; in vacation rentals ...more
 |
 |
 |
 |
For 52 years, we have published the world’s favorite budget travel guides, written entirely by students and updated every year. With pen and notebook in hand and a few changes of underwear stuffed in our backpacks, we spend months roaming the globe in search of travel bargains.
Facebook
Twitter
You Tube
Foursquare
Newsletter
RSS Feed
Overview