A b o u t M a u i
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CENTRAL MAUI: KAHULUI and WAILUKU are the main towns, and the center of commerce for the island. You'll find the main AIRPORT, QUEEN KAAHUMANU SHOPPING CENTER, WALMART (don't laugh, it's a great place to pick up island souvenirs), and COSTCO (best food prices if you want to prepare some of your own meals, AND, best place to refuel your rental car). Also in Central Maui is the IAO VALLEY with the IAO NEEDLE, a great place for a hike.
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Iao Valley
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The town of PAIA - a throwback to the 60's, is just east of the airport and just to the south is PUUNENE, where the old sugar mill is located and is home to the SUGAR MUSEUM. As you head east out of Paia, you'll encounter HOOKIPA - the famous wind surfing destination, where you'll see world class wind surfing and board surfing (bring your binoculars and zoom lenses and ask someone to point you towards "JAWS" for a look at the death defying pros!). Also, look for the turtles which often take an afternoon siesta on the beach! You'll also find the world famous Mama's Fish House just before Hookipa.
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EAST MAUI: The famous "Road to Hana" travels east from Kahului to HANA, a sleepy & beautiful village reflecting Hawaii's traditional past. Its a wet and wild ride (plan this as a day trip and pack a lunch), but well worth the time. You'll find the famous "SEVEN POOLS" just outside of town; and if you're up for it, hike up (about 2,000 feet - but an easy grade) to the source of the pools - three nice waterfalls. The trail takes you through a bamboo rain forest and it's quite an experience! Remember - always take fresh drinking water - don't drink from the pools or the falls. Make sure you download the Road to Hana App, it will give you a GPS guided tour and a history lesson of the islands!
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One of the many waterfalls
on the Hana Highway
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UP-COUNTRY: This is where you'll find the sweetest pineapples, the most exotic flower farms, and of course the HALEAKALA bike rides. This dormant volcano rises to just above 10,000 feet and offers a day of discovery for hikers or bikers. NASA sent the astronauts here to train before the moon walks! The towns of MAKAWAO, PUKALANI, and KULA climb the slopes toward the crater, and offer great spots for lunch or some "endless view" golfing.
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SOUTH MAUI: KIHEI and WAILEA are great for shopping, dining or "beaching". South Maui has it all, and DOLPHINS POINT MAUI is located in the heart of it - oceanfront on Kamaole I - a superb white-sand swimming beach, with direct access from the lawn to the beach! It's warm and sunny, this is the place to be! If you're interested in Whale Watching, you'll find the WHALES mid October through late April or early May. You'll see them on the horizon almost every evening at Sunset right in front of the property.
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Maui is known for
its great beaches
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WEST MAUI: LAHAINA, KAANAPALI, NAPILI, and KAPALUA are all on the western shores of Maui. Here you'll find many of Maui's famous resorts. Across the channel are the islands of LANAI and MOLOKAI. Lahaina is the historic whaling port, and the Lahaina Walking Tour with a stop to visit with the local Artisans under the massive Banyan Tree is a great way to spend an afternoon. When you're at Whaler's Village, make sure you go upstairs to the Whaling Museum. If you're thinking about a luau - The Old Lahaina Luau is considered the best on the island, just make sure you book ahead.
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MAKENA: A great trip for snorkelers is a 1 mile hike across the most recent lava flow (200 +/- years ago) to a small secluded and protected cove. Here you'll find clear water and tons of beautiful fish. We've always found this to be a better snorkeling adventure than a trip out to MOLOKINI. However, if you've got your heart set on that trip, then Kihei is where you'll find many of the boat tours. There are also great trips out of MAALAEA and the Lahaina harbor include snorkel/dive trips, whale watching trips, sport fishing and day trips to the other islands.
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Lava & Sand Beach
in Makena
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MOLOKINI ISLET: The Molokini Islet (aka Molokini Crater) is a protected fish and bird sanctuary. Here you can snorkel, dive, and bird watch; but only from a boat. No one is allowed on the islet without special scientific permits. But not to worry! There are dozens of boats which visit these waters daily. Here the fish are friendly and almost tame. This is a great spot; however, we recommend that you snorkel right from the beach in front of our vacation suites! Anchoring both ends of the beach are lava outcroppings where you'll see a great variety of fish and often, early in the morning, several of the sea turtles which call Kamaole I home. Best of all - there's no charge!
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Molokini Islet
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SUNSET AT DOLPHINS POINT: They say a picture is worth a thousand words - however, the sunsets at Dolphins Point Maui may just leave you speachless! As the sun slips beneath the sea, you might hear the haunting tone of the traditional shell salutation, and may just see the "green flash". During the winter months the whales can be seen on the horizon nearly every evening just before sunset.
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Sunset at
Dolphins Point Maui
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Restaurants in Kihei
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