Maui: The Magic Isle

Maui, Hawaii Photo courtesy of Lynn Seldon

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

Haleakala National Park

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.

	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.

	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.

Maui Romance

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.