As one of the beautiful islands of Hawaii, Maui is a magical destination for anyone looking for a place to learn, heal, reconnect, explore, and relax, making it one of the greatest places you could ever hope to visit and experience yourself.
Known as the Valley Isle, Maui is the 2nd largest of the Hawaiian Islands, reaching an area of 694 square miles, and 120 miles of coastline.
Maui has more miles of accessible beach than any of the other Hawaiian Islands with 80 white, red, and black sand beaches making it possible for you to go to the beach every day for almost three months and never visit the same place. Make sure you check out https://www.topmauihotels.com if you want to plan your entire Maui vacation in one place.
Maui is best known for its breathtaking sunsets and sunrises. The fog produced from Mount Kilauea travels to the surrounding islands, including Maui, creating an even more magical moment.
Maui is an excellent place for nearly all visitors to the islands. It probably comes closest to combining a little bit of all of the other islands into one place being in the middle ground between the big city on Oahu and the country life of Kauai - Here, you're sure to find culture, adventure, exploration, activities, restaurants, and nightlife.
Choosing to visit Maui will give you a cultural experience you will never forget. Here you can enjoy the multicultural diversity of the Hawaiian Islands and take part in exciting adventures that will take you from mountain trails to breathtaking coastlines.
The prevailing culture scene in Maui is without a doubt influenced by the Hawaiian core values, which are bound to leave a lasting impression on anyone. The Aloha spirit, which is an expression of the heart, communicates love and warmth to everyone.
Maui offers you more than you can ask for.
You can go to the beach and take a swim, catch a wave, watch the sunrise, explore the lao Valley, watch whales breaching on the west and south shores, the lush rain forest of Hana on the east side, and the list goes on. You truly can never get bored in Maui.
Even the smallest grains of sand contribute to Maui's unforgettable beauty, but what places and activities made this Hawaiian island globally known as The Paradise Island?
1. Taking the Road To Hana
The Hana Highway is considered to be one of the world's most spectacular car drives.
Starting in Kahului, The Road to Hana is a 64.4-mile road with jaw-dropping sights, over 59 bridges and around 600 curves, miles of dense rainforest and majestic waterfalls, swimming holes, lava tubes, and tropical flowers at almost every turn.
The Road to Hana is about the journey, not the destination.
It is well worth taking the time to explore all of the treasures this route has to offer, and it can quickly become an all-day excursion.
Some great stops on the Road to Hanna are:
- Makahiku Falls
- Pa’iloa Beach
- The Seven Sacred Pools
2. Watching the Sunrise at Mt. Haleakala
One of Maui’s most memorable experiences.
The Hawaiian Island is steeped in myths and legends. According to legends, a demigod Maui pulled the Hawaiian Islands from the sea and lassoed the sun atop Haleakala, the island’s highest peak.
At over ten thousand feet high, Haleakala towers over the island.
The House of the Sun is an enriching destination, offering some of the most mesmerizing views in all of Hawaii.
Watching the sunrise from the summit is astonishing. Along with friends and family, you’ll be making some fantastic memories you'll never forget. The sun rises over the thick layer of clouds while gradually illuminating the landscape of the vast Haleakala National Park - A truly magical experience.
The thick cloud cover will often melt away once the sun gets high enough, unveiling the full beauty of the island right below you.
Don't leave too soon. Be sure to stick around to experience the full sunrise.
3. Getting aboard the Atlantis Submarine
Descend into a new world. One of Maui's most exciting destination is 100ft below the ocean.
Marvel at Maui's unique underwater utopia aboard a high-tech submarine.
Explore Maui's flourishing sub-aquatic world aboard an Atlantis Submarine, then jump aboard a fantastic whale watch expedition to witness the rare sighting of humpback whales in action as they breed, calve and nurse their young!
Feast your eyes on natural coral reefs, fish, and various other marine life in air-conditioned comfort and safety.
The major underwater attraction on Maui is the sunken remains of the "Carthaginian," a replica whaling ship that was a sort of "floating museum" docked at the entrance to Lahaina Harbor for decades.
4. Exploring the ‘lao Valley State Park
Surround yourself with the green peaks and valleys of Maui's most easily accessible and beautiful state park.
Situated on the western side of Maui, the 4,000-acre valley is a sacred place with beautiful rock formations making Iao Valley State Park unquestionably one of the most enchanting places on Earth.
Standing at 1,200 feet from the valley floor, the Iao Needle is one of Maui's most renown landmarks.
The Iao Needle Lookout Trail is an easy 6-mile trail covered in tropical rainforests filled with native flora and fauna.
There is a well-marked, paved path leading from the parking lot to view Iao Needle and the ridge-top lookout provides extraordinary views of the valley.
Double rainbows can often be seen, particularly after a misty rain.
Although the trail is short, besides taking in the spectacular views of the mountain and the valley there are lots to do along the way, like picnics and photography or swimming in crystal clear water after a good hike.
5. Go snorkeling at the Molokini Crater
The Ultimate Snorkeling experience. Molokini is a sunken volcanic crater that sits 2.5 miles off the south coast of Maui.
Home to more than 250 marine species, Molokini is considered to be one of the most beautiful snorkeling spots in the world. There is no better way to connect with the beauty of the Hawaiian waters.
The visibility inside this volcanic crater is extraordinary. At times, the water is crystal clear with more than 150 feet visibility.
What makes Molokini some of the best snorkeling spots in Maui, is that fact that you are inside the actual crater itself, experiencing its underwater sanctuary.
Along with incredible scenery, the uniquely shaped island is home to some of the best snorkeling, scuba, and scuba diving in the area. Here you can enjoy some of the clearest water in the world, gaze your eyes at the coral reef that has been flourishing for hundreds of years, sheltering fish, eels, and octopi.
Enjoy the colorful fish spectacle around you.
6. Enjoy yourself on the Ka’anapali Beach
Ka'anapali Beach three-mile-long, a spectacularly perfect beach that is home to seven resorts, high-end shopping, a variety of restaurants, and activities. Long, wide and sandy beaches, make for a glorious experience.
The soft powdery sand is the best on Maui.
The beach itself is excellence. No wonder it's considered one of Maui's best beaches.
Like all Maui beaches, this beach is open to the public.
It is a center for watersport activities including surfing, snorkeling, scuba diving, jet skiing, parasailing, whale watching, volleyball, sailing, and much more. You won't be disappointed.
Here you can delight in countless other activities like sightseeing, swimming, kayaking, and cliff jumping off the Black Rock, a 16-foot cliff on Ka'anapali's northern end.
With miles of soft sand shoreline complemented by crystal-clear water, a visit to Ka'anapali can be the highlight of your trip.
