Maui, one of the prettiest islands in the world, is also known as
the "Valley Isle". This 48 mile long paradise is the perfect blend
of astonishing tropical landscapes, rugged mountains and valleys,
and a warm Polynesian culture.
Maui offers you a sublime mix of Old Hawaii and Vacation Paradise,
and has everything you'd expect from Hawaii, including lovely
beaches, warm tropical waters, a fascinating history, high
mountains, lush green valleys, cascading waterfalls, and sugarcane
fields stretching to the horizon.
The World's Largest Dormant Volcano
Maui's most prominent feature is easily Mount Haleakala, the massive
"House of the Sun”. It’s a sleeping volcano that is over 10,000 feet
high, with a base big enough to cover Manhattan! Suffice to say, the
views from the top are incredible.
You can partake in the numerous activities that are focused around
Haleakala, including a variety of bicycle tours that travel the
gentle, curving slopes of the mountain. Bike tours range from 10-38
miles, and (best of all) are almost all downhill! Imagine 38 miles
of downhill coasting, taking in some of the most astonishing views
available. You can join an escorted bike tour, or just head down the
mountain at your own pace.
Also very popular are the sunrise tours, where you watch the sun
rise from the crater (10,000 feet up!) To call it awe-inspiring is
an understatement. And for a change of pace, you can even tour the
volcano on a horse if that’s your wish.
The Best Snorkeling
Maui offers you a variety of outstanding water sports, including
some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving on earth. Right off
Maui’s shore lays the tiny Island of Molokini, which is actually an
ancient crescent-shaped volcano crater, and home to some of the most
colorful and diverse species of underwater life you will ever see.
People the world over come here to snorkel, as no finer location
exists.
Also prominent is the sister island of Lanai, whose shores offer you
a chance to snorkel where the dolphins and whales roam. Or, if you
don’t want to get wet, you can view these graceful creatures from
the boat on one of the many dolphin and whale watching tours.
Plenty of Other Activities
Lahaina is Maui’s center for culture and tourism. It is filled with
countless entertainment venues and at the same time, it's still an
active port for sea-based industries (and, of course, ocean vacation
activities, like dinner cruises, jet skiing, whale watching, and
more.)
Maui is also home to the world-famous Road to Hana, which features
over 600 turns and 56 one-lane bridges on its stunningly picturesque
50-something miles. In fact, many people think there’s no better way
to spend a day lazily touring this famous trek, culminating in a
visit to laid back Hana Town.
As the final cherry on top, don’t miss taking a romantic sunset
dinner cruise, a unique combination of sailing into the sunset and
fine dining. Maui offers several wonderful dinner cruises aboard
luxurious, smooth-sailing yachts, all operating out of the port of
Lahaina.
Tour the island
In addition to everything else, you can choose from several
different land tours that allow you to traverse the island, hitting
all the highlights in day-long adventures that immerse you in all
the best Maui has to offer. If you want to see everything at once,
take a Maui helicopter tour out of Kahului Airport.
In Lahaina, Hana, and other “Old Hawaii” locales, you can still feel
the flair of the old days. Historical buildings, parks, museums, an
abundance of art galleries, restaurants, cafes, and small shops are
sure to make your visit a memorable one.
