Maui Facts

Maui is the second largest island of the group and is nicknamed The Valley Island.  Most of the island's approximately 90,000 residents live along the west coast and on the northern shore.

Readers of Conde Nast magazine have repeatedly voted Maui the world's best island.  It has breathtaking scenery, magnificent resorts, 42 miles of pristine beaches, and exciting activities.  West Maui offers exclusive resorts in Kapalua, the sprawling beach resorts at Kaanapali, and the historic whaling town of Lahaina.  In southwest Maui you will find exclusive resorts in Wailea and more economical tourist accommodations in Kihei.  Southeast Maui is a tropical setting at the base of Haleakala, a dormant volcano, where you find remote Hana.  The upcountry area on the slopes of Haleakala is rich pasture land.  The upcountry area has no hotels, but there are some bed and breakfast establishments and also vacation rentals.  Central Maui (Kahului & Wailuku) is generally the business and commercial center for the island and the site of the major airport.

Maui is small enough that where ever you stay, you can take off for various daily sightseeing and beach activities.  From Kapalua, Kaanapali, Kihei, or Wailea you can visit Haleakala or Hana in a day, although it will be a long day if you want to do very much at either location.

The Wide Expanse of Kaanapali Beach

You will find some of Hawaii's famous attractions on Maui.  Many people have heard of the historic whaling town of Lahaina, Kaanapali Beach, the road to Hana, and Haleakala Crater.

Lahaina is designated a National Historic Area.  You will find museums to educate you on its history, but it is a very modern destination with many galleries, restaurants, and shopping.  A number of world-renowned resorts are only a short distance away.

Haleakala is the world's largest dormant volcano.  It is known as the "House of the Sun" in Hawaiian and has its own ecosystem within the crater which visitors can tour.  There are a number of up-country towns on its slopes which contain artists' communities.