MAUI
Area: Hawaii
Country: United States of America


Location:
Island in the central Pacific Ocean, almost on the Tropic of Cancer, 20_30 mins' flight from Honolulu International airport via inter-island airlines.

Telephone code from UK:
1 808

Website:
http://www.visitmaui.com

Position:
Middle of major Hawaiian islands.

Description:
Measuring about 47 mls by 26 at its widest, Maui is the second largest of the Hawaiian islands. Dormant Haleakala Volcano (10,000 ft) lies at one end, connected by a low isthmus to the West Maui Mountains at the other, so giving Maui the nickname "Valley Island". Resort areas line the sunny, dry W coast, with Kapalua in the very NW, then Kaanapali, Kihei, Wailea and finally Makena towards the very S tip; the picturesque hamlet of Hana lies close to the easternmost point. Maui is verdant with sugar-cane fields and flower farms and a winery high on the slope of what is called "upcountry". These, combined with the allure of postcard-perfect beaches, mountain scenery and tropical sunsets, make this the second most touristed island; there remain, however, some isolated pockets that can be enjoyed in peace. Often windy, Maui is one of the top windsurfing spots in the world.

Suitability:
Affluent executives, golfers, families, corporate groups, honeymooners, couples of all ages, singles.

Accommodation:
A wide choice, from oceanfront luxury options to condominiums and B&Bs, plus a few campgrounds thrown in for good measure.

Shopping:
Wide selection, from kitschy souvenirs to unusual, quality gifts and luxury goods. Shopping centres/villages in Napili, Kahana, Kaanapali, Lahaina, Kihei, Wailea and Kahului-Wailuku. Makawao has good boutiques and art galleries. Most hotels have beachwear, souvenir, art and jewellery shops _ some of them world-class. Local artists display in Maui's popular galleries. Specialities include Hawaiian shirts, pareaus (colourful wraparound skirts/dresses), wooden sculpture, Kona coffee, fresh fruit and flowers, macadamia nuts and freshwater pearls.

Beach:
Lots and lots of top-quality choices, from quiet and secluded to not so quiet and secluded, and with colours of sand ranging from black, red, golden to white. Like all beaches in the Hawaiian Islands, Maui's are public, though some aren't easily accessible. Beautiful remote beaches include the white-sand Big Beach at Makena (at the S end), Kanaha (near Kahului) and Hookipa (a favourite with windsurfers), also on N shore. Kapalua Bay (in the very NW) has soft sand and clear, calm, sheltered waters; it's so peaceful, you scarcely notice the big hotels nearby. The more popular stretch at Kaanapali offers snorkelling, scuba diving, parasailing and windsurfing.

Entertainments:
Daytime: good snorkelling, especially in the island's protected marine reserves (notably Honolua Bay). Scuba diving, windsurfing, parasailing, jet-skiing. Good surfing on the Kihei-Wailea coast, but can be a bit rough in winter. Maui Ocean Center, a marine centre and aquarium. 15 golf courses. Lahaina (a former whaling port) has a quaint historic district. Iao Valley has an outdoor cultural history museum, as well as 1,200-ft-high Iao Needle rock formation. Tropical plantation tour. Maui's scenic "upcountry" can be toured by car. Kula Botanical Gardens. Bird sanctuary. Floral gardens. Tedeschi Winery for a picnic in the cool uplands and a sip or two of local wine or champagne. Nightlife: Maui Myth & Magic Theatre (in Lahaina) hosts a world-class Broadway-style musical based on the history of Hawaii. Bars and clubs in Lahaini, some with live music; other options dotted around the island. Most large hotels offer live entertainment, including Hawaiian evenings. Shows at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center (in Kahului).

Eating:
Hundreds of restaurants at all price levels. Best restaurants generally in luxury hotels, with notable exceptions in Lahaina. Good selection of Japanese, Thai and Korean; Pacific Rim cuisine. Seafood is fresh, delicious and abundant. Locally grown vegetables (including the famed Maui onion) and tropical fruits. Maui's crisps, made from the island's russet potatoes, are said to be the best anywhere. Luau (Hawaiian feast) evenings, with traditional foods, music and dance; some more authentic than others. Hard Rock Cafe in Lahaina. Several locations of the seemingly inescapable McDonald's.

Public-transport:
None. Some private resort shuttles. Taxis are expensive, so rental car is the best way to see the island.

Local-excursions:
The enormous volcano Haleakala is topped by a national park with hiking and nature trails; also available are horse-riding trips and bicycle tours that coast down 10,000 ft. Helicopter sightseeing trips. Horse riding. Deep-sea fishing; charter boat rental. Sailing to neighbouring Lanai or Molokai; snorkel-sail to submerged Molokini Crater; whale-watching in winter season; sunset and dinner-cruising year round. The Hana Highway (from Kahului to Hana) is a scenic 3- to 4-hr journey of hairpin bends; rental car contracts are unsurprisingly void along this stretch.