The "Magic Isle" is the place where fantasies of the perfect tropical vacation
come true. Maui is truly
an ideal island destination for individual travelers, couples or families. Less
populated and more secluded than Oahu,
Maui is also desirable for its equally diverse range of activities and adventures.
Maui is Hawaii's second largest island, encompassing an area of 729 square
miles (1,888 square kilometers). It boasts a diverse terrain that ranges from
black sandy beaches and rugged coastline to lush tropical forests, cascading
waterfalls and white sandy beaches that stretch as far as the eye can see. This
landscape, and the waters that surround it, make for an exotic playground that
hosts a variety of recreation and opportunity.
HISTORY
A great undersea eruption occurred approximately five million years ago, developing
two volcanic mountains: Mauna Kahalawai and Haleakala. Centuries of lava flows
between the two volcanoes eventually created an isthmus - a narrow strip of
land joining the two larger landmasses, much like a valley. Mauna Kahalawai,
which became the West Maui Mountains, is considered an extinct volcano. Haleakala
is dormant, having last erupted in 1790.
According to legend, the Hawaiian Islands were discovered sometime in the eighth
century by explorers from the Marquesa Islands. In the 12th century Maui was
settled by a group of Tahitians. The Tahitian chiefs became the ruling class
of Hawaii and firmly established a system of rigid social order (referred to
as "kapu") that became an integral part of ancient Hawaiian culture.
On November 26, 1778 the influence of Western civilization began with the arrival
of Captain James Cook, a British explorer. The first evidence of western settlement
on Maui was when the French explorer Captain Jean-Francois La Perouse established
a village in 1786.
Commercial growth became more prevalent as groups of traders and explorers
began arriving on Maui. In 1828, a sugar plantation was established and the
first sugar mill was built on the island. During the 1840s, Lahaina was a primary
whaling port for the world; however, the whaling industry was abandoned in favor
of oil in 1850.
Along with many revolutionary ideas, such as the advent of written language
based on a 12-letter alphabet, the westerners also brought with them a host
of diseases that native Hawaiians were not resilient to. Between the years of
1853 and 1854, a smallpox epidemic killed a huge portion of the native population.
This created the need to bring immigrants to the island from Japan, China and
the Phillipines, as this epidemic significantly depleted the number of workers
in the sugar cane fields.
The Kingdom of Hawaii was a sovereign and independent country in the 19th century.
However, in 1893, a group of American businessmen, accompanied by the U.S. Marines,
were successful in overturning Hawaii's constitutional monarchy. Despite U.S.
President Cleland's demands to restore the Hawaiian government, Hawaii became
a territory of the U.S. just after 1900, and a state in 1959. Today, the movement
for Hawaiian sovereignty remains strong, as does Hawaiian adherence to culture
and tradition.
While the production of sugar cane declined after World War II, it is still
one of the state's main industries. A circa-1890 sugar cane train still runs
on the island as a reminder of days past. Tours are available, and many interesting
facts and relevant sights are pointed out along the way. Tourism is now the
island's primary industry. The first resort hotel, Hotel Hana, opened in 1959.
Shortly after, more hotels, resorts, golf courses, adventure companies and other
tourism-related establishments were founded.
TRANSPORTATION
Kahului
International Airport is Maui's main airport. Many direct flights land
here from all over the world. In some cases, passengers have to fly to Honolulu
International Airport and then travel to Maui via inter-island carrier.
Hawaiian
Airlines is the primary inter-island carrier, followed by Aloha
Airlines.
Maui does not have a public transportation service, so renting
a car is almost essential to see everything there is to enjoy here.
Car rental agencies are in abundance, so problems with availability rarely occur.
There are some points of caution for driving on Maui that visitors should be
aware of. Many roads have bike lanes, and while they look like traffic lanes,
they should not be driven in. There also two terms drivers should know before
receiving directions: mauka, meaning toward the mountain and makai, meaning
toward the sea. These are generally used rather than north and south.
Cycling is also a popular method of transportation and recreation. Bike
rental companies have package offers that include the bicycle itself,
as well as maintenance and safety equipment.
CLIMATE
Maui enjoys a fabulous year-round climate of sunshine and warm ocean breezes.
There is very little seasonal change, and the temperature averages between 75°
and 85° Fahrenheit (24° and 19° Celcius). November to March are the most humid
months, as the island receives the most precipitation during that time. A bathing
suit, light clothing, sandals, sunglasses and sunblock are essential items to
pack.
FEATURED ATTRACTIONS
Haleakala
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| Haleakala
National Park |
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Haleakala, which means "the house of the sun," is renowned as the largest dormant
volcano in the world. Although not considered extinct yet, it does appear that
designation will be in its future. The crater spans eight miles (just over 12
kilometers) in diameter, and boasts a depth of 10,000 feet (3,048 meters). It
is said the full effect of the crater can only be ultimately appreciated from
the top, looking down inside. The inside of the crater resembles the surface
of the moon, and the best viewing time is sunrise.
To aid the preservation of the crater, its upper reaches were designated a
National Park in July of 1961. In 1980, the park was established as an International
Biosphere Reserve. Haleakala
National Park spans 30,183 acres with 24, 719 acres considered wilderness.
In addition to the crater, the park also encompasses Kipahulu Valley and the
pools of Oheo Gulch.
A visitor center near the summit of the crater is open year round, and features
some interpretive exhibits on Halealaka. Kipahulu Valley also has a visitor
center with displays and special programs. There is limited camping available
in the park for both backcountry and frontcountry campers - permits are available
for backcountry camping at these visitor centers, as well as the park headquarters
visitor center. Frontcountry camping permits are not required.
Hiking and biking trails of varying difficulty are throughout the park, with
some excellent hikes along the crater floor.
Tours and Adventure
Maui is perhaps the best locale for an activity-based vacation in the Hawaiian
Islands. The opportunities for recreation are seemingly innumerable.
Whale
watching is one of Maui's main attractors. The season falls between
December and April, and can extend through May, depending on the year. Pods
of humpback whales travel from the Glacier Bay area in Alaska to Maui. The whales
mate, birth, and teach their young survival skills in the waters surrounding
Maui. Whale sightings from the coast are not uncommon, however taking a tour
with a reputable company, of which there are many, will greatly increase the
chance of spotting one of these magnificent creatures in the wild.
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Underwater
Scene |
There are great opportunities for snorkeling
and scuba diving in and around Maui. One of the most popular tours offered
in the area takes visitors to Molokini, just off Western Maui. This island has
many distinctive features such as its crescent moon shape, which is formed by
the exposed southern rim of the crater. The northern rim is submerged under
water, as is the core of the crater. This creates a unique underwater landscape
to be enjoyed by snorkelers of any age, as well as divers at all skill levels.
Turtle Town, so named for its resident population of green sea turtles, is also
a popular site for underwater adventurers, and is often included in tours to
Molokini. Snorkeling and diving equipment can be rented in various locations
and from all tour operators.
For visitors who only like dipping their toes in the warm water rather than
diving right in, as submarine
adventure may be a better fit. This type of tour gives visitors the
opportunity to see underwater life up-close…without being too close to touch!
Some vessels have both above and underwater viewing decks, offering the best
of both worlds.
Helicopter
tours of Maui are an awe-inspiring way to experience the island. These
tours provide views of many of the island's isolated rainforests, beaches, waterfalls,
volcanic craters and other sights that cannot normally be seen from land. The
West Maui Mountains, Honokahau Falls, the 17 waterfalls that make the "Wall
of Tears," the Haleakala Crater, the island's resort towns and lush vegetation
are definitely sights to behold from above. While these tours tend to be quite
expensive, the memories will not soon fade.
A trip to anywhere in the Hawaiian Islands would not be complete without taking
part in an authentic luau.
Lei greetings, Hula and fire dancing, flowing Mai-Tai's, an elaborate feast
and excellent entertainment are all part of this traditional, cultural experience.
Luaus are held all over the island in various locations including most hotels.
Family Vacations
Maui is a great family destination for many reasons. The island is relatively
small, so day trips to most areas of interest are manageable, even for families
with young children. In addition, many of the resorts and hotels offer programs
to keep children entertained.
Hana, sometimes called
"Heavenly Hana," is a remote town reminiscent of old Hawaii. Located at the
end of the scenic Hana Highway, a trip here can engage the whole day. The route
begins in Kahului and the scenery is beautiful, but can be difficult to enjoy
when driving. A chauffeured tour, either private or group, is an option that
allows passengers to see the landscape on what is renowned as one of the most
beautiful drives in the world. A tour also has the advantage of providing area
information and catching various attractions along the way that may ordinarily
be missed. Waterfalls, bamboo forests, rainforests, black sand beaches and other
natural marvels can be found en route. Once in Hana, attractions and activities
are also abundant. Visiting one of the town's historic sites, going on a cave
tour or simply relaxing in the tranquility that the town has to offer are
all ways to spend the day.
Visitors not staying in Lahaina
should spend some time in this historic town and explore what it offers. Situtated
in West Maui, it is a relatively short drive from many other towns such as Kapalua,
Ka'anapali and
Wailuku. Lahaina
has strong roots. It was once a missionary capital and a main whaling port for
the Hawaiian Islands. Shops, galleries, restaurants, piano bars, theatres and
other opportunities for vacationers are scattered throughout the town.
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Lei
Making |
Children and adults will appreciate the exhibits at the Maui
Ocean Center in Ma'alaea.
Turtle Lagoon, Sting Ray Cove, the Whale Discovery Center, the Discovery Pool
and the Living Reef are certain to please anyone fascinated by marine life.
While many of the tanks are for viewing only, the Discovery Pool allows visitors
to touch underwater creatures such as sea stars, sea cucumbers and sea urchins.
For vacationers who would rather stay close to the hotel or resort district
but still want to bring their family, Maui is ideal as it offers a host of activities
to entertain both young children and teens. Most resorts feature programs that
provide children with a range of activities and teach them Hawaiian culture.
Among these activities are nature walks, hula lessons, submarine cruises, storytelling,
exploration of tide pools and cultural crafts such as sand art, coconut designs,
lei making and lauhala weaving.
Weddings and Honeymoons
Aloha means "I love you" in Hawaiian as well as "hello," and Maui is an ideal
location for capturing romance. With candlelit dinners, walks along the beach
at dusk or dawn, and luxurious accommodations, there is no question Maui is
perfect for weddings, honeymoons and anniversary celebrations.
There are many options available for people interested in marrying on Maui.
Whether couples choose to "get mauied," as they say, barefoot right on the beach
with the ocean water lapping up on the shore, in a tropical wedding chapel,
next to a waterfall, at the summit of a volcano or underwater, any setting on
the island is ideal. Maui in particular, more so than other Hawaiian Islands,
is great for weddings because it is quieter and secluded locations are more
attainable. In addition, there are dozens of choices for reception venues.
Choosing a wedding
consultant may be a challenge, not because there is a limited selection
but rather because there are so many it may be difficult to decide on one. A
consultant can be helpful, particularly when the couple does not reside on Maui,
for putting together all the details of the special day. Musicians, florists,
photographers, hair stylists, transportation and other aspects of the wedding
can all be arranged.
The reasons why Maui is a perfect setting for a romantic celebration seem to
be self-explanatory. Whether couples find pleasure in relaxing on the beach,
snorkeling hand-in-hand, hiking Haleakala Crater or taking moonlit walks, there
is something here for everyone.
