World's Best Places to Visit- Maui, Hawaii

Maui is the second-most-visited island in Hawaii with around 2.3 to 2.5 million visitors each year. Tourism greatly affects the character of Maui and it boasts a very wide assortment of resorts, hotels, condos, and private rentals available across the island.

Maui is also the second-largest landmass in the Hawaiian island chain, which consists of eight major islands and 124 islets. The archipelago is made up of numerous volcanic islands in the central Pacific Ocean stretching in a 1,500-mile crescent from Kure Island in the northwest to the Big Island of Hawaii in the east, encompassing an area of 6,459 square miles. The eight major islands at the eastern end of the chain are, from west to east, Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe, Maui, and the Big Island of Hawaii.

Top sights

Haleakalā National Park

Haleakalā National Park is an American national park located on the island of Maui in the state of Hawaii. Named after Haleakalā, a dormant volcano within its boundaries, the park covers an area of 33,265 acres, of which 24,719 acres is a wilderness area. The land was designated a national park in 1976 and its boundaries expanded in 2005.

Hana Highway

The Hana Highway is a 64.4-mile-long stretch of Hawaii Routes 36 and 360 which connects Kahului to the town of Hana in east Maui. To the east of Kalepa Bridge, the highway continues to Kipahulu as Hawaii Route 31. Although Hana is only about 52 miles from Kahului, an uninterrupted car-trip takes about 2.5 hours to drive, since the highway is very windy, narrow, and passes over 59 bridges, of which 46 are only one lane wide. There are approximately 620 curves along Route 360 from just east of Kahului to Hana, almost all of it through lush, tropical rainforest. Many of the concrete and steel bridges date back to 1910 and all but one are still in use. That one bridge, badly damaged by erosion, has been replaced by a portable steel ACROW bridge erected by the United States Army Corps of Engineers. In August 2000, the highway was designated as the Hana Millennium Legacy Trail by President Bill Clinton, with the trail start designated in Pāʻia. The Hana Highway was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on June 15, 2001.

Kaanapali Beach

With three miles of white sand and crystal clear water, it’s no wonder why Kaanapali Beach was once named America’s Best Beach. Fronting Kaanapali’s hotels and resorts, this former retreat for the royalty of Maui is now a popular getaway for the world.

Kaanapali was Hawaii’s first planned resort and has become a model for resorts around the globe. Five hotels and six condominium villages face this renowned beach. Also fronting Kaanapali is the open air Whalers Village, a world-class shopping complex that features a variety of exceptional shops and restaurants, a renowned whaling museum and free Hawaiian entertainment. Kaanapali also has two championship golf courses, the Royal Kaanapali and the Kaanapali Kai, where you may even see a breaching whale as you try to line up a shot.

Molokini

Molokini is a crescent-shaped, partially submerged volcanic crater which forms a small, uninhabited islet located in ʻAlalākeiki Channel between the islands of Maui and Kahoʻolawe, within Maui County in Hawaiʻi. It is the remains of one of the seven Pleistocene epoch volcanoes that formed the prehistoric Maui Nui island, during the Quaternary Period of the Cenozoic Era. The islet has an area of 23 acres, a diameter of about 0.4 miles, is 161 feet at its highest point, and is located about 2.5 miles west of Makena State Park and south of Maʻalaea Bay. The islet is a Hawaiʻi State Seabird Sanctuary.

Maui Ocean Center, The Aquarium of Hawaii

The Maui Ocean Center is an aquarium and oceanography center located in Maalaea, Hawaii on the island of Maui. Opened on March 18, 1998 by Coral World International, the 3 acres facility is the largest tropical reef aquarium in the Western Hemisphere. It includes exhibits on coral reef habitats, sea turtles, sharks, and humpback whales, among others. It is the largest public aquarium on Maui, and undertakes projects to grow artificial coral reefs to later introduce to the wild, due to the recent rapid decline in coral populations in Hawaii due to heavy tourism and global warming.

West Maui Mountains

The West Maui Mountains, West Maui Volcano, or Mauna Kahalawai which means "holding house of water," is approximately 1.7 million years old and forms a much eroded shield volcano that constitutes the western quarter of the Hawaiian Island of Maui. Since its last eruption approximately 320,000 years ago, the West Maui Mountains have undergone substantial stream erosion. The three moku or districts of west Maui are Lāhaina, Kāʻanapali, and Wailuku. Wailuku is also known as Pūʻalikomohana, or Nā Wai ʻEhā which means the four waters. The 4 waters are the ahupuaʻa, which are Waikapū, Wailuku, Waiʻehu, and Waiheʻe. The port of Lāhainā lies on the southwestern slope. The summit peak is called Puʻu Kukui, at 5,788 feet elevation. Pu'u Kukui translates into "candlenut hill".

Waiʻānapanapa State Park

Waiʻanapanapa State Park is a 122-acre state park in Hana, on the island of Maui, in Hawaii. It is located at the end of Waiʻanapanapa Road off Hana Highway at mile marker 32, 53 miles east of Kahului, Maui. Waiʻanapanapa means “glistening fresh water” in the Hawaiian language, referring to nearby fresh water streams and sparkling pools. The camp offers camping facilities, including a small lawn where campers may pitch a tent, and a public bathroom nearby. Tide pools at the park turn red several times of a year. Scientists state that it is due to of the arrival of small shrimp, however local folklore says its the blood of Popoaleae, a mythical princess who was murdered in a nearby lava tube by her husband, Chief Ka'akea.

The Pools at 'Ohe'o

Pools of Oheo. Just 15 minutes south of Hana on Highway 31 on the lower slopes of Haleakala are the famous Pools of Oheo in Oheo Gulch. Here you'll discover beautifully tiered pools fed by waterfalls. Weather permitting, you can take a dip in the tranquil waters, fed by streams starting 2 miles inland.

Wailea Beach

Wailea Beach is unquestionably a study in beach perfection, and if you don’t mind a resort vibe (and a crowd to go with it) this is a truly outstanding beach.

The beach is wide, the sand perfect, and the ocean inviting. Views of Kaho’olawe, Molokini, Lana’i and the sights (and sounds) of whales are common in winter.

When the ocean is calm, snorkeling is very good around the rocky outcroppings that define both ends of the beach. Boogie boarding and body surfing are also fun in the typically regularly formed, small waves and gentle slope.

Kaihalulu Beach

Red Sand Beach is a dramatic and beautiful hidden cove unlike any other. The ocean outside the cove is almost always a deep, almost surreal Kool-Aid blue, and rages relentlessly against the dramatic and rugged coastline.

The crescent-shaped beach is cut deep into the Ka’uiki Head cinder cone, whose rust-red lava cinder cliffs supply the beach with its red sand. These cliffs of loose crumbly cinders tower almost vertically, yet somehow remain intact to impressive heights.

Part of the trail was lost to a landslide and has become more dangerous than it once was. This is not a safe hike for anyone unaccustomed to navigating cliff-edges with slippery/unsound footing.

Iao Valley State Park

Iao Valley State Monument is the place to be if you like the tropical flora of Hawaii. Take a walk on the ʻIao Needle Lookout Trail and Ethnobotanical Loop learn about the plants that Hawaiians brought.

ʻIao Valley State Monument also has historical relevance as the site of the battle of Kepaniwai where Kamehameha I defeated the Maui army in 1790.

Makena Beach

With its dramatic cliff landscape and brilliant blue/green water, Makena Beach is one of the most popular shorelines in Maui, Hawaii. It’s often referred to as Maui’s “Big Beach” and is one of the largest beaches on the island, with golden sands extending nearly 1.5 miles long and 100 yards wide. Visitors can swim or snorkel in the water, enjoy a picnic in the shade, or simply sunbathe on the seemingly endless expanse of sand. Whatever you choose, we promise a trip to Makena Beach, Hawaii will be one you’ll never forget! Here are some things you should know before your visit.

Mākena State Park

Mākena State Park comprises 165 acres in Makena, south of Wailea on the island of Maui, Hawaii. It contains three separate beaches and a dormant volcanic cinder cone. Big Beach, also known as "Oneloa Beach" and "Mākena Beach", is a popular spot for sunbathing and bodyboarding by both tourists and locals. Big Beach is 1.5 miles long and more than 100 feet wide. The shore is fairly protected from wind. The "Makena cloud" that stretches from the top of Haleakalā to Kahoʻolawe is often overhead, cooling the sand. Little Beach, also known as "Puʻu Ōlaʻi Beach" is a small beach just North of Big Beach separated by a steep lava outcropping and a 5-minute hike. On Sunday afternoons/evenings Little Beach is host to celebratory drumming and fire dancing. The beach is only 660 feet long and can seem crowded at peak times. Little Beach is one of the few Hawaiian beaches where local police tolerate nude sunbathing, though the proliferation of video cameras and cell phones has greatly reduced the number of people who take it all off. Oneʻuli Beach or Naupaka Beach is a black sand beach on the northern end of the park, closest to Makena.

Honolua Bay

Honolua Bay, Mokuleʻia Bay and Lipoa Point are part of an area known as the ahupuaʻa of Honolua, located just north of Kapalua, West Maui in Maui County, Hawaiʻi, United States. The area is a mix of agricultural and conservation land tended by the Maui Land & Pineapple Company in Lahaina, Hawaiʻi, including coastline management. Honolua Bay and Mokuleʻia Bay comprise the 45-acre Honolua-Mokuleʻia Marine Life Conservation District.

Kamaole Beach Park III

Kama’ole is a very popular set of beaches for locals and visitors. Beautiful, long, 1.5 mile sandy beaches with incredible views of Molokini, Kaho’olawe and Lana’i islands. Kam III has one of the most regular South Maui shorebreaks for boogie-boarding. Snorkeling opportunities are plentiful. Full facilities and family friendly.

Kama’ole Beach Park is a set of three popular stretches of beach smack in the middle of Kihei. Frequently called by their shortened nicknames (“Kam I”, “Kam II” and “Kam III”) they are all well marked, easy to find, and right on South Kihei Rd.

Nakalele Blowhole

Nakalele Point is a land mass on the eastern edge of the northern tip of the island of Maui in the state of Hawaiʻi. In Hawaiian, Nakalele or Nā-kālele means "the leaning". The Point is known for its blowhole and has become notable for its dangerous conditions when waves crash in. The point and blowhole are located just east of Poelua Bay.

Waimoku Falls

Pipiwai Trail is a treasure of the National Park System that passes through diverse scenery and culminates at the base of an absolutely spectacular waterfall.Taking into account the easy accessibility, the Pipiwai Trail offers, hands-down, the all-around best of East Maui’s most dramatic stream and waterfall hikes.

‘Ohe‘o Gulch

The Oheo Gulch, part of Haleakala National Park, is located about 15 minutes past Hana town, near mile marker 42 on the Hana Highway (Road To Hana) after it turns into Hwy. 31.

In 1969, the land where the Oheo Gulch is situated (formally known as Kipahulu coastal area) was donated to the Haleakala National Park system so that the pools would forever be open to the public.

Today, the Oheo Gulch is known by many names. Some call it the Kipahulu Area, while others call it the location of the Seven Sacred Pools. However, there are far more than just seven pools, so the name is quite inaccurate.

Ho‘okipa

Ho‘okipa is a beach on the north shore of Maui, Hawaii, United States, perhaps the most renowned windsurfing site in the world. A combination of large, well-shaped waves breaking across a system of reefs that extend across the bay and consistently strong winds make it ideal for the sport. Waves there are largest during the winter, smaller in summer. In addition to windsurfing competitions surfing contests are held there as well. The name Ho‘okipa means "hospitality" in Hawaiian. Ho'okipa Beach Park is located on Maui's North Shore alongside the Hana Highway. There are picnic facilities and observation decks for visitors.

Kapalua Bay Beach

In 1991, Kapalua Bay won the title of America’s Best Beach. With picturesque views, palm trees, golden sand and excellent swimming conditions, this is the kind of beach that comes to mind when you think of Hawaii.

If you want some shade, you need to get there early and know which way the sun travels. This is a great place for kids too.   Grab your snorkeling and beach gear, a good chair and/or towel and spend a gorgeous day outdoors in Kapalua , West Maui.

La Perouse Bay

La Perouse Bay or Keoneʻōʻio Bay is located south of the town of Wailea, Hawaii at the end of Mākena Alanui Road at 20°35′54″N 156°25′12″W. The bay's Hawaiian name is Keoneʻōʻio. It was later named for the French explorer Captain Jean-François de Galaup, comte de La Pérouse. In 1786, La Pérouse surveyed and mapped the prominent embayment near the southern cape of Maui opposite the island of Kahoʻolawe. The bay is the site of Maui's most recent volcanic activity. The rounded peninsula that dominates the northern half of the bay and extends up the coast a short distance was formed about 900,000 years ago by an eruption of basaltic lava that originated in the southernmost landward expression of the Haleakalā Southwest Rift Zone. A small string of cinder cones extending inland to the northeast marks the axis of the rift zone. La Perouse Bay lies directly south of the Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve. Fishing is prohibited within the reserve, which is home to many endemic and other fish species, marine mammals, green sea turtles, and coastal plants. The area contains many archaeological sites, including fishing shrines, salt pans, and heiau, or religious platforms.

            

Maui Tropical Plantation

Located in the majestic Waikapū Valley—a fertile expanse that served as an agricultural hub during Maui’s sugarcane era—Maui Tropical Plantation got its start as a heavenly-scented venue constructed to showcase the Valley Isle’s loveliest botanicals. All together there are well over 40 various crops being cultivated at the plantation including coffee, macadamia nuts, avocado, and papaya. MTP is free and open to the public with a myriad of activities available for those who want a deeper peek into this legendary region, from tram tours to ziplines.

Baldwin Beach Park

Baldwin Beach Park is a beautiful, long white-sand beach on Maui’s North Shore. A favorite with local families.

Baldwin Beach is a wonderful, long, wide, sandy beach park just outside of Paia. Fully equipped with lifeguards, bathrooms, showers, barbecues, picnic tables and a covered pavilion.

During winter months, the main stretch of beach can have fairly large and regular shorebreak, so it becomes a popular destination for more experienced boogie-boarders (chiropractor’s tip: don’t try and cut your teeth here!)

Ho'okipa Beach Park

Ho’okipa Beach is a world-renowned windsurfing destination with often dramatic and impressive surf for sightseers as well.

There are professional windsurfing competitions held here, and on just about any day with wind (most) you can watch pros doing their thing. Ho’okipa also provides sightseers a stunning backdrop to watch the best effortlessly play with the ocean in a way that mere mortals can only dream of.

Peahi

The Journey to "Jaws", Maui's world famous mega-surf break, is not for the timid. It is located in a remote coastline along the North Shore 7 miles from Paia town, reachable by four-wheel drive vehicle only or by walking the roughshod dirt road for a mile in to the viewing area. When the surf starts reaching 20 feet or more making conditions too big to surf at other North Shore breaks such as Ho'okipa, the waves at "Jaws" are just getting started. The underwater topography beneath the area known as traditionally as "Peahi" pitches the surf upward into the epic range, but only with the most powerful of the north or northwest swells. Waves of 50 feet or more have been ridden here, and it has been the backdrop for several movies. When the swells are large expect a crowd as the masses flock to this earth-shaking wave to watch the intense action first hand.

Kapalua Beach

The beauty of Kapalua Beach (Old Fleming Beach) and calm waters make it a fantastic choice for Maui vacations. It beckons with gorgeous views of Molokai, gracefully swaying palm trees and fine white sand so perfect that it's even popular with the Hawaiian monk seals (who you might see sunbathing on the beach if you're lucky!) With all that, it's no surprise that it beat out 649 competing beaches to be named America's Best Beach in 1991.

Maui Historical Society

Hale Hōʻikeʻike at the Bailey House is a museum of Hawaiian history and art located in Wailuku, on the island of Maui, in Hawaiʻi. It is owned and operated by the Maui Historical Society. Old Bailey House is a historic district contributing property within the Wailuku Civic Center Historic District, and is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Lāhainā Banyan Court

Lahaina Banyan Court Park is a public park located at the corner of Front Street and Canal Street in the town of Lahaina, Hawaii, which was the capital of the Kingdom of Hawaii from 1820 to 1845. The 1.94 acres park, also known as Lahaina Courthouse Square and commonly called Banyan Tree Park, contains multiple heritage sites on the Lahaina Historic Trail, and a self-guided walking tour through the Lahaina Historic Districts. The park occupies the site of the Old Lahaina Fort, originally built in 1831. Hoapili, the Royal Governor of Maui, built the fort to protect the town from riotous sailors when Lahaina was used as an anchorage for the North Pacific whaling fleet. After the fort was demolished in 1854, a courthouse was built on the site. A portion of the old Lahaina Fort was reconstructed in 1964. The old Lahaina Courthouse was recognized as a contributing property of the Lahaina Historic District in 1965, and is currently used by the Lahaina Arts Society, Lahaina Restoration Foundation and the Lahaina Town Action Committee.  

Ulua Beach

Ulua Beach is one of the beaches in the Wailea resort complex development on Maui's south shore. The sandy beach is located between two rocky points.

Ulua Beach is a bit more popular than neighboring Mokapu Beach, with which it shares a parking lot. When the surf is up, it is usually a little higher here than at other beaches in this area, attracting many bodyboarders who enjoy the waves.

During calm days, the snorkeling and diving here is excellent. There are many colorful corals and fish. Ulua means "adult crevalle fish" in the Hawaiian language.

Kanaha Beach Park

Kanaha is a very popular beach for locals and watersports enthusiasts. Beautiful, long, two-mile sandy beach with incredible views of the West Maui Mountains. Among the best kiteboarding and windsurfing on Planet Earth. Full facilities, camping, fishing, canoeing, surfing and family gatherings/picnicking.

Kanaha Beach is definitely the beach with the widest variety of every day uses on Maui. It is so important to so many people who live here, but unless you’re a local family, kiteboarder, windsurfer, paddler or fisherman you’ll probably never see it! Kanaha is built around the needs of our island’s residents, and not tourism. It has a family vibe, but also has some more gritty than the sterilized environments found around the resort-centered areas.

Twin Falls Maui Farm Stand

Twin Falls is the first easily accessible string of waterfalls and pools on the Road to Hana. It also has one of the better snack stands on the journey. Twin falls is typically underrated by guidebooks, and is a worthy stop.

Pīpīwai Trail

The Pipiwai Trail is a 4-mile hiking trail located on the island of Maui in the U.S. State of Hawaii. The hike leads up to the Makahiku Falls and Waimoku Falls. The trail is located in Haleakalā National Park and is generally well maintained. The trail runs around the Ohe'o Gulch Stream; notable locations passed include the bamboo forest and giant banyan tree.

Polo Beach

A pair of beautiful sandy crescents join to form this beach. The south end fronts the Polo Beach Club and the north side the Fairmont Kea Lani hotel. At times, the north end becomes crowded with Kea Lani guests, cabanas and lounge chairs; the south end is usually uncrowded.

Kahekili Beach Park

This beach is the Northern most beach in the Ka’anapali Beach Resort, but is less crowded and commercialized than its sister to the South, Ka'anapali Beach . Kahekili Beach is long, there are ample facilities – and like most Ka’anapali beaches, Kahekili does not disappoint.

Keawakapu Beach

A much loved long sandy beach at the end of South Kihei Road.The shoreline is fully developed here, including impressive beach houses, hotels, condos and restaurants. Much of the development has been kept a tasteful distance from the beach – keeping the majority distinctly separate; the beach refreshingly non-commercialized.

Honokalani Beach

Maui’s famous black sand beach, named Honokalani and located in Waianapa State Park about three miles north of the town of Hana, is more than just a beach.  It was historically a very important place for Hawaiians, and there are various Hawaiian legends about this place – it is deemed as sacred by the Hawaiian people.  The park itself comprises of 122 acres, encompassing the beach, lava caves, wind-twisted foliage, Hawaii’s largest known heiau (temple), stone arches, and blow holes.  The park is very interesting to hike through, and there are even a few wet, spring-fed sea caves and lava tubes.

Black Rock Beach

Black Rock is at the north end of Ka’anapali Beach, and is a great place to cliff-jump into the ocean, and snorkel.Black Rock was formed from one of the last-gasp lava flows on this side of the island. It is a rocky outcrop at the far North end of Ka’anapali Beach and blocks off access (from the beach) to the lesser-known Ka’anapali Resort beach called Kahekili Beach Park.

Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area

The Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area is a state park of Hawaiʻi in the United States. It is on the island of Maui about ten miles from Kula up the slope of Haleakalā. It covers about 10 acres of the 21,000-acre Kula Forest Reserve. Located at about 6,200 feet above sea level, it extends through the fog belt of the mountain forests. The high-elevation climate can be cold, with nighttime temperatures below freezing. The terrain is rough and use of a four-wheel drive vehicle is recommended. There are four main trails. The Haleakalā Ridge Trail enters the recreation area. It features scrub, grassland, and forest habitat with cinder substrates. The adjacent Plum Trail is planted with plum and other trees. The Polipoli Trail, which starts within the recreation area, features various conifers. The Redwood Trail is used for mountain biking. Visitors can view redwoods and an old ranger's cabin. The area was originally covered in dense forests of koa, māmane, and ʻōhiʻa lehua. When the park was established, it was devoid of trees and was subsequently reforested in the 1930s with pines, eucalyptus, tropical ash, cypress, China-fir, and coast redwood.

Charley Young Beach

Charley Young Beach is located at the northern tip of Kamaole 1 beach. The beach is named after the owner of the property leading to the beach. Charley would lay out a hose for beach goers to wash the sand from their feet and greet them to and from the beach.

The small beach is not great for snorkeling but does offer some at the north reef when water is calm. There are a lot of rocks at the shoreline, making entry tricky. Further south at Kamaole 1 is much better for swimming. Charley Young Beach is however one of prettiest spots on the island , and is a great spot for boogie boards, fishing and spectacular sunset photos.

Pua'a Ka'a State Wayside

Puaʻa Kaʻa State Wayside Park is a state park on the island of Maui, Hawaiʻi. It is located along the Hana Highway approximately 39 mi east of Kahului. The area consists of 5 acres of rainforest with waterfalls and pools. The park is at an elevation of 1,200 ft and roughly 0.5 mi away from Waiohue Bay.

Hamoa Beach

This beach is often ranked up there with the famous beaches in the resort areas of Maui, and deservingly so. A postcard-perfect 100′ wide by 1000′ long crescent.

Hamoa Beach is surrounded by cliffs, with two points of public access – stairs leading down from the hotel shuttle dropoff and a small service road at the other end. (walk, don’t drive on this)

Air Maui Helicopter Tours

The Air Maui Experience begins long before you board a helicopter. When you first step into our terminal at the Kahului Heliport you know you're among friends. Our welcoming and professional staff greet every passenger and personally assist with check-in. As your flight is prepared, relax in our comfortable terminal or browse through our retail shop, which features genuine Air Maui clothing and souvenirs. Our pilots are experienced professionals with thousands of hours of flight time and are trained to the high demanding standards of owner Steve Egger. Being the best is just the first step; our pilots must also excel at being your personal guide, entertaining and informing you about Maui's history, geology, flora and fauna as you soar above fantastic landscapes. In aviation, quality and safety are paramount. At Air Maui, the proof is in our record: over 20 years of perfect safety. That's not luck - it's the combined commitment of professional pilots and top-notch aircraft maintenance.

Po‘olenalena Beach

A long, often uncrowded sandy beach.Has become more popular in recent years.Also known as Paipu Beach, Po’olenalena is a nice, long sandy beach, that until recent years was mostly known only by locals. Because it has spectacular sunset views, and often becomes uncrowded late in the day, it is a favorite location for wedding photographers and ceremonies.

Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve

Established in 1973, ʻĀhihi-Kīnaʻu Natural Area Reserve includes a coastal lava field and surrounding waters on the southwest coast of the island of Maui, Hawaii. It consists of 1,238 acres on land and 807 acres of ocean along 3 miles of Maui's southwestern coastline. The reserve includes several popular snorkeling/diving sites and many cultural and geologic sites as well as habitat for numerous rare and endangered species. The reserve is located at the end of Mākena Road, south of Makena State Park and north of La Perouse Bay at 20°36′18″N 156°26′7″W.

From:-

https://www.google.com

http://mauiguidebook.com