The island of '''Maui''' is one of the islands of Hawaii, a state of the United States of America. It is the second largest of the eight major islands.

Cities

  • Hana - The town at the end of the Highway to Hana. An isolated community on Maui's eastern tip surrounded by dense rainforests.
  • Kaanapali - Master-planned luxury resort area located just north of Lahaina.
  • Kahului - The commercial and transportation center, with Maui's two largest malls, the main airport and a deep-water port.
  • Kapalua - Kapalua showcases championship golf courses, ten miles of pristine shoreline and luxury accommodations.
  • Kihei - Condos and beaches on the south-west coast, but cheaper and less luxurious than Kaanapali.
  • Kula - Ranches and just to the south is the only winery on Maui, Tedeschi Vineyards.
  • Lahaina - Old whaling port and now the main tourist center.
  • Makawao - Community in upcountry Maui.
  • Paia - Small town with world renowned beaches for windsurfing and surfing.
  • Pukalani - Community in upcountry Maui.
  • Wailea and Makena - Master-planned resort areas located just south of Kihei.
  • Wailuku - Seat of the county government, home to several historic buildings listed on both state and gateway to the Iao Needle.
  • Other destinations

  • Haleakala National Park
  • Talk

    See ''Talk'' in the Hawaii section.

    Get in

    '''Kahului Airport''' ({{IATA|OGG}}) is the main airport for the island of Maui, and the second largest commercial airport in the state. It is a secondary hub for Hawaiian Airlines, which provides interisland service to Kahului from the other major airports in the state. Several major U.S. airlines also provide non-stop service to Maui from the West Coast and beyond. Kahlului airport can be reached non-stop from Anchorage, Dallas, Hana, Hilo, Honolulu, Hoolehua, Kamuela, Kapalua, Lanai City, Lihue, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Portland, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, Seattle, Vancouver [http://www.flyhere.com/OGG/].

    To get to Lahaina and Kaanapali, where most major hotels are located, exit the airport and follow route 380 to its junction with route 30, and turn left on route 30 toward Lahaina. For Kihei and Wailea, follow the above instructions and turn left on route 31 about a mile from the route 380 junction.

    When departing from Kahului Airport for the U.S. Mainland, all baggage must be inspected by Hawaii State Department of Agriculture inspectors at the airport. Be advised that fresh fruits (with the exception of pineapples and treated papayas) are prohibited from leaving the islands to prevent the spread of fruit flies. Remember that this inspection occurs before you get to your gate, so you won't be able to enjoy your last fruit while waiting for your departing flight.

    Get around

    While Maui has a basic public transportation system [http://www.mauicounty.gov/bus/], many places are not accessible by bus, and most visitors rent a car. Fortunately, renting a car in Hawaii is much cheaper than anywhere else in the United States. The resort areas around Kihei, Wailea and Lahaina also have a trolley that connects the towns with nearby shopping and attractions.

    Major highways

  • '''Honoapiilani Highway (Route 30)''' is the road to Lahaina, Kaanapali, and Kapalua; it runs between West Maui and Wailuku around majestic cliffs and along white sand beaches.
  • '''Hana Highway (Routes 36 and 360)''', the "road to Hana," traces Maui's north coast from Kahului to the village of Hana on the eastern shore. Winding along steep, forested mountainsides, in many places the road narrows to only a single lane. Although the road to Hana is only 56 miles long, it turns and winds so continuously that the whole journey takes three hours one-way.
  • '''Haleakala Highway (Routes 37, 377, and 378)''' is the road that leads to Pukalani and Makawao in upcountry Maui and takes you to the summit of Haleakala.
  • Lahaina Kaanapali Railroad

    Also called the '''Sugar Cane Train''', the '''Lahaina Kaanapali Railroad''' is both an attraction and a means to travel (slowly) between the Kaanapali resort area and Lahaina Town. The official Lahaina Kaanapali Railroad[http://www.sugarcanetrain.com/] web site offers more information as well as discounted tickets.

    See

    '''Haleakala National Park''' offers alpine wilderness and stunning views of Maui and beyond (from the summit you can see five of the eight main islands, more than are visible from anywhere else in Hawaii).

    '''Wainapanapa State Park''' has black sand beach, sea arch, sea caves, a small blowhole to see.

    Do

    Mountain biking

    Hiking

    '''Awapuhi Adventures''' is an eco-adventure company that specializes in private, all-inclusive adventures geared toward ecological awareness and leaving the path-less-traveled, less trampled. The '''Maui Trailblazer''' guidebook also is a comprehensive resource for the cultural history and detailed directions to all of the island's trails.

    Helicopter Rides

    There are several providers located at the airport. These are not cheap, but they are the best overall view possible and worthwhile. Souvenir videos are provided for an extra nominal fee.

    Road to Hana

    Take the road trip on Hwy 36 (Hana Hwy) stopping on the road to see waterfalls, lush greenery and beaches. Some of these are not visible from the road, but most are a relatively short hike off the road. A private arboretum and botanical garden (with an entrance fee) called "Garden of Eden" around the 10-mile marker has peacocks, bamboo gardens and view of Puohokamoa Falls. The round-trip will be difficult to complete in one day, so stay over in Hana to break it into two days. Wainapanapa State Park, 2 miles east of Hana, has cabins to offer. There are other private nicer places to stay, also in and around Hana.

    '''The Road to Hana''' is something that must be experienced at least once in a lifetime. Keep in mind that some of the locals from Hana make the long commute to work in Kahului each day. If you see a local vehicle approaching from behind, pull over and let them pass. By the same token, locals' familiarity with the route can lead them to cut across corners (even blind corners) swerving back into their lane at the last minute, so take corners slowly and watch for oncoming traffic that may have encroached upon your lane. Also, don't trespass! This is something many people do when reading guidebooks like Maui Revealed. If you respect the land and the people, you'll find open arms and acceptance.

    Buy

    As one would expect from a tourist mecca like Maui, there are several areas to find good shopping. Also as one would expect, the prices can be quite inflated. '''ABC Stores''' can be found all over Maui and the other Hawaian Islands and offer souvenirs and beach junk (such as sunscreen and straw mats) at potentially lower prices than tourist traps. In Lahaina, a good place to "walk the shops", find '''Old Lahaina Book Emporium'''. Kaanapali has '''Whaler's Village Shops and Restaurants''', home to lots of stores and restaurants, including plenty of high-end merchandise such as Coach and Tiffany. '''PAIA''' is a small artist and aging hippie colony with a reasonable and varied mix of shops and galleries worth your time, as well as restaurants. It is located just past Mama's Fishhouse Restaurant.

    Eat

  • '''CJ's Diner'''.Kaanapali Beach area. Cheap (given its proximity to the Kaanapali mega-resorts) with hearty breakfast and lunch food. Packed lunches with provided coolers and ice are available. Has free WiFi.
  • '''Plantation House''', 669-6299. in the Plantation Course golf clubhouse in Kapalua. The best sunset view on Maui, plus great food, makes this many people's favorite Maui restaurant. Three or four kinds of fresh fish done in your coice of five or six interesting preparations, plus meats, specialty salads, vegetarian entrees (just ask your server), and bananas foster for dessert. Also open for breakfast and lunch.
  • '''Lahaina Store Grille & Oyster Bar''', 661-9090. There are several restaurants with ocean views in Lahaina, but this restaurant on a rooftop is the only one that gives you a 360-degree view of both the ocean and the mountains. Food is good but service is slow. If the weather isn't indicating a rooftop experience, the downstairs dining area is covered, offers a great view, and has a slightly more casual menu with appropriately lower prices.
  • '''Io''', 661-8422. Next door to PacificO (same owners) in the 505 shopping center in Lahaina. Great beachfront views and wonderful innovative food, including unusual vegetarian presentations.
  • '''David Paul's''', 667-5117. No view, and very expensive. a block from the ocean in Lahaina. But the food and service are outstanding.
  • '''Bubba Gump''', 661-3111. A theme restaurant based upon its namesake, "Forrest Gump", this restaurant is fun for the whole family (especially if you like shrimp), and a lot cheaper than the above Lahaina restaurants. Right on the ocean in Lahaina.
  • '''Kimo's''', 661-4811. A Lahaina classic for decades, Kimo's is on the ocean side of Front Street in the middle of town. Make reservations for dinner if you don't want a long wait.
  • '''Mama's Fish House''', on the beach in Paia, [http://www.mamasfishhouse.com/]. On the expensive side, but one of the best seafood restaurants on the island. The food is excellent, and there are usually nearby windsurfers to watch.
  • '''Maui Tacos''', several locations - cheap, good Mexican food specializing in seafood tacos. The atmosphere is not much to speak of (it is in a mini-mall).
  • '''The Old Lahaina Luau''', in Lahaina [http://www.oldlahainaluau.com]. Regarded as the best and most authentic luau on Maui. The food is amazing and the entertainment is both colorful & visual. The cost is steep (about $100 per person) and reservations suggested.
  • '''Aloha Mixed Plate''', 661-3322. 1285 Front Street in Lahaina [http://www.oldlahainaluau.com/oll_menuAlohaMixedPlate.html]. Beach view from a tiki-torch laden deck and very reasonable (on the beach in Lahaina next to the Old Lahaina Luau behind the Lahaina Cannery Mall (apparently owned by and supplied by the same kitchen as the Old Lahaina Luau). Authentic unprententious Hawaiian Cuisine -- service and quality very good for the price (dinner is about $7-$15 per person, the Panko-Breaded Haupia Hawaiian dessert with passionfruit sauce is very good).
  • '''The Gazebo Restaurant''', 669-5621. In Napili (North of Kahana). Gorgeous open beach view, inexpensive ($7-$15 per person).Food and service are good. Ideal space to have Sunday brunch (menu sort of limited to American staples but the Denver Omelettes etc. are favorites here). Located inside a holiday resort that looks like apartments.
  • '''Hula Grill'''. in Ka'anapali. The best family friendly upscale restaurant on the westside. In the heart of Whalers Village local muscians serenade you while you dine on Local fish.
  • '''Paia Fish Market''', [http://www.mauimenusonline.com/restaurants/paiafish/menu.html]. This is somewhat of a fast food fish restaurant, but some of the best food on the island. Two people could get the entire meal (potatoes and coleslaw) for one and only the entree for the other. The entire meal will cost less than 20 bucks. The fish quesadilla is amazing!
  • '''Chez Paul''', a few miles south of Lahaina, ''+1 808'' 661-3848, [http://www.chezpaul.net/]. An excellent provincial French restaurant. It doesn't look like much from the outside but it is first class by almost any standard and a breath of fresh (traditional) air when compared to the upscale mainland chains that seem to be popping up all over Maui. The combination of a fresh seafood with lucious sauces is irresistable. Be prepared for a great evening with a substantial bill at the end.
  • '''Cafe O'Lei''', with 2 locations in both Kihei and Central Maui, ''+1 808'' 879-9258, [http://mauihawaiicatering.com/cafe-olei.php]. You'll find excellent island dining with great service and warm atmosphere at Cafe O'Lei. The prices are on the lower end especially when considering neighboring restaurants in Wailea.
  • '''Charley's Restaurant''' in Paia, ''+1 808'' 579-9453. Charley's is a classic Paia restaurant, the service isn't spectacular but don't let that turn you off. The food and atmosphere are well worth it.
  • '''Jacques Bistro''', in Paia, ''+1 808'' 579-6255. Jacques is a nice outdoor restaurant in Paia that serves great cuisine at good prices for Maui. The chicken curry is excellent, as well as their fresh fish. A great choice for dinner in Paia.
  • '''Hali'maile General Store''', ''+1 808 572-2666''. This is a long way from the tourist areas, a few miles inland from Paia, but it's worth it the drive - the food is outstanding. Good for lunch or dinner.
  • Honolua Store. 08-665-9105. ttp://www.kapalua.com. AM - 9PM. Fresh Maui-grown pineapples including our famous hybrid. Hot breakfasts, local plate lunches, deli and grilled sandwiches, and daily dinner specials served. Dine outside on the plantation days porch, charming setting. Kapalua Resort. Prices - almost everything under $12.
  • Cafe Kapalua. 08-665-8220. ttp://www.kapalua.com. AM - 6PM. Kapalua Resort. Enjoy healthy house-made soups, fresh salads, wraps and sandwiches, delectable desserts and an impressive selection of micro-brewed beers and vintage wines. Espresso bar.

    Drink

  • Cafe O'Lei. 439 S Kihei Rd # 201A. 808) 891-1368. 0:30-3:00, 5:00-9:00. There are several Cafe O'Leis on Maui and all of them have wonderful food. The food is a high quality and prices are reasonable. The Kihei branch has lunch and dinner hours, and the one at the Dunes at Maui Lani has a breakfast menu.

    Sleep

    Before choosing an accommodation it is important to make sure which part of the island you want to stay on. Planning activities and sightseeing ahead of time will help to limit driving time during your vacation.

  • '''Castle Resorts & Hotels''', Kahului, Kihei Phone: (808) 552-2721. [http://www.castleresorts.com/home/maui-resorts]. Castle Resorts & Hotels offers two great hotels on the island of Maui. Stay near the airport at the Maui Beach Hotel or on the southern coast in Kihei at Kamaole Sands.
  • Maui Resort Rentals. 993 South Kihei Road Suite 210, Kihei Maui Hawaii 96753. 08-879-5973 . ttp://www.mauiresortrentals.net/. Offering 100s of vacation rentals throughout Maui.

    Get out

    To get from Maui to the other Hawaiian Islands usually involves a short plane flight. If you want to go to Honolulu you will find frequent non-stop service. Most other destinations offer a couple of non-stop flights a day or a stop in, you got it, Honolulu.

    Ferries run 5 times a day between Lahaina and the island of Lanai. Each way takes approximately 45 minutes, and costs $25 per person per direction. During high winds the boat ride can be particularly rough, so bring something for seasickness if you don't do well on boats. Cruise ships are also an interesting option.

    When leaving Maui for the U.S. Mainland, all baggage must be inspected by U.S. Department of Agriculture inspectors at the airport. Be advised that fresh fruits (with the exception of pineapples and treated papayas) are prohibited from leaving the islands to prevent the spread of fruit flies. Consult the U.S. Department of Agriculture [http://www.aphis.usda.gov/lpa/pubs/fsheet_faq_notice/notice_hawaii.html] for more details. Bags are inspected by X-ray. At Kahului Airport, be prepared to submit to ''three'' checkpoints on the way to your Mainland flight: having your checked bags X-rayed for agricultural items in the ticket lobby, the TSA security checkpoint, and inspection of your carry-on baggage for agricultural items on the way to your gate.