Facts about Maui Islands |
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Country | USA (United States of America) |
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State | Hawaii |
Counties | Maui County |
Total Area | 727.2 sq miles |
Lat Long Coordinates | 20°48 N, 156°20 W |
Time Zone | HAST (UTC−10:00) |
Demonyms | Hawaiian |
Area Code | 808 |
Language | English |
Major Religion | Roman Catholic, Christian |
Museums | Whale Center of the Pacific,Wo Hing Temple Museum,Costantino Studio,Hui Noeau Visual Arts Center,Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum |
Universities | University of Hawaii Maui College |
Official Website | http://www.co.maui.hi.us/ |
Experience the laid-back island lifestyle on one of Hawaii’s most visited islands, Maui. The second largest island in Hawaii, it offers a variety of activities and landscapes. Maui’s many beaches cater to different types activities &minus windy beaches great for kiteboarding, quiet coves for snorkeling, and giant waves for surfing.It’s mountainous terrain makes for scenic drives and great hiking up the island’s volcano, Haleakala, and along the many waterfalls and swimming in the pools below them. World class golf courses in the perfect tropical weather make for a relaxing and active vacation in Maui.
List of cities in Maui metropolitan area
EHaiku, Hana, Honokowai, Kaanapali Beach, Kahana, Kahului, Kailua, Maui Co., Kakena, Kapalua, Kihei, Kula, Lahaina, Lanai City, Maalaea Bay, Makena, Maui, Napili, Napili Beach, Paia, Wailea, Wailuku
When to go
Maui’s busiest time is also high season for the rest of Hawaii, which is during the winter months from December to March, when people from the mainland want to escape the winter chill. This is also when prices are at their highest, so for better deals, head to Maui in the fall or spring. Fall and spring are also the best two seasons here, in terms of weather, and the beaches are much less busy.
Getting there
Maui has three airports that offer mostly commuter flights from other Hawaiian islands, but Kahului does offer direct flights to many international destinations. Each of these airports is just a short trip from Honolulu International Airport, where most flights from the mainland and international locations land.
Kahului Airport (OGG) − Located in central Maui, Kahului Airport is the main airport . The airport is served by Maui Bus routes that transport passengers with Kahului and nearby cities.
Hana Airport (HNM) − A small commuter airport in eastern Maui, located a short distance from the city of Hana.
Kapalua Airport (JHM) − Western Maui’s small commuter airport, Kapalua Airport is just south of the Kapalua Resort.
Getting Around Maui
Renting a car is recommended as the best way to get around Maui, because it enables visitors to get around the whole island and for the scenic drive to Hana. Parking can be somewhat problematic or costly, because lots, even at hotels often charge fees for parking. Public transportation like buses and shuttles are also available, so it is possible to avoid renting a car. Bike rentals are available in most towns, allowing visitors to get around town quickly and easily while avoiding parking fees and challenges. Ferries run daily to the small nearby islands, Lanai and Molokai.
Shopping, Dining, and Lodging in Maui
Maui’s biggest town, Lahaina, has many of shops at its Lahaina Cannery Mall, featuring general chain stores and some Hawaiian shops. Kaanapali’s Whaler’s Village Shops and Restaurants have high-end shopping and more. The flea markets at Kihea often have some interesting wares, and ABC Stores located around the island offer general goods, touristy souvenirs, and beach gear.
Many restaurants serve Hawaiian specialties and American foods. In Lahaina, several oceanfront restaurants including the Hard Rock Cafe offer outdoor seating to enjoy the beautiful view and weather during dinner.
Many travelers choose to stay in Lahaina and Ka’anapli, as these towns offer plenty of options for lodging, as well as dining and nightlife. From a hotel in one of these towns, tourists can branch out on day trips to other nearby attractions on the island. There are also bed and breakfasts in town and a bit farther away for a quiet room as well as a host. For a longer stay on the island, a good option is to rent a condo, where guests have plenty of space as well as a kitchen.
Maui Sightseeing
Hana &minus The Hana Highway travels along the eastern edge of the island, winding along the mountains, passing black sand beaches (from the volcanic lava) and waterfalls. The scenic drive can take a few hours, as most travelers make many stops along the way to enjoy the views, the botanical gardens, and hikes in the rainforest. At the end of the drive, travelers will find the village of Hana, with a beautiful beach and a Hawaiian temple.
Pools of O’heo &minus Not far from Hana or Haleakala National Park are the Pools of O’heo, sometimes known as the Seven Sacred Pools. Waterfalls fill each of the pools, which are tiered down the mountain, making a beautiful background for a swim.
Haleakala National Park &minus Maui’s highest peak and volcanic crater, Haleakala is about 10,000 feet above sea level. After the long windy road up to the crater, visitors can hike around the rim and down into the crater, and feel as though they’ve landed on the moon.
Lahaina &minus Maui’s biggest town, Lahaina is a popular destination for visitors to Maui. The town offers an active nightlife, as well as a harbor from which Humpback whale watching tours depart. The best time to catch a glimpse of a whale is during February and March
Banyan Tree Park &minus What looks like a grove of trees, Banyan Tree Park in Lahaina is just one tree, though it takes up the entire block. The banyan tree’s aerial root system has created the massive tree, which has sixteen trunks, or roots.
Ka’anapali &minus Not far from Lahaina, Ka’anapali is a town with hiking trails and beaches. Black Rock (Pu’u Keka’a), a landmark formed by volcanic rock, is situated on the beach. Many beach-goers jump off the rock into the ocean, though there are many legends surrounding Pu’u Keka’a.
Nakalele Point Blowhole &minus The rock formations along the coast allow waves to splash up through a hole in the rocks, resembling the blast of a whale’s blowhole.
Water recreation &minus Maui beaches are great for snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, canoeing, windsurfing, and boating. Maui is one of the top destinations for humpback whale watching.
Maui Nightlife
Maui has a few options for nightlife, like luaus, restaurants with outdoor seating, and bars. Some of the top luaus are the Old Lahaina Luau, and Polynesian Village Luau. Most of the options for nightlife are located in downtown Lahaina, where there are restaurants and bars. For a local treat, enjoy a beer from Maui Brewing Company in Ka’anapali.
Airport in Maui |
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Kapalua Airport | Kahului Airport | Hana Airport |
Education in Maui |
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Kamehameha Schools |
Hotel in Maui |
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Grand Wailea | Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa | The Ritz Carlton |
Hospital in Maui |
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Maui Memorial Medical Center |
Points of Interest in Maui |
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King Kamehameha Golf Club | Pools at Ohe’o | Wailea Blue Golf Course |
Kahili Golf Course | Maluaka Beach | Nakalele Blowhole |
Maui Hiking Safaris | Kamaole Beach Park III |
Vegetation in Maui |
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Garden of Eden Arboretum | Hana Forest Reserve | Lahaina Banyan Court |
Makawao Forest Reserve | Kahikinui Forest Reserve | Koolau Forest Reserve |
Haleakal National Park | West Maui Forest Reserve | Kula Forest Reserve |