Explore South Maui

Come relax on the scenic stretch of beaches and small towns on the south side of Maui. Grab a bite at one of the area’s amazing restaurants or grab your clubs and hit the golf course. The weather is great and it’s a perfect spot for whale watching in season, from December through May.

Mā‘alaea

There’s so much to do in Mā‘alaea. Splash in the water at Mā‘alaea Harbor and try snorkeling, scuba diving or a whale-watching excursion while in season. Mā‘alaea Bay, part of the National Humpback Whale Marine Sanctuary created to offer protection for whales during their crucial breeding cycle, is a great place to catch a dinner cruise or grab a meal from a restaurant with perfect views of the ocean. Don’t miss Mā‘alaea Harbor. Its many shopping boutiques, handmade arts and crafts market, restaurants, Pacific Whale Foundation and Maui Ocean Center make it a must-see for all island visitors.

Wailea

Relax at this beautifully landscaped resort community and book a tee time to golf some of the most stunning courses in the country. Take advantage of the perfect Wailea weather—sunny days and clear evenings—and spend a day on the sands of its idyllic beaches. If you’d rather be indoors, Wailea also has luxury condominiums and homes, award-winning hotels, restaurants, spas and deluxe shops.

Molokini

If you’ve ever imagined snorkeling or diving in the crater of an extinct volcano, a half- or full-day trip to Molokini will excite and amaze you. Protected from rough waters, tiny ecosystems can be seen with startling clarity in the open ocean. Because Molokini is a protected marine and bird reserve, visiting with a registered tour company is required (you can depart from the small boat harbor at Mā‘alaea). It’s only two miles off Maui’s southern coast, but feels a world away.

Maui

King’s Road

This challenging rock-paved trail is for experienced hikers only! Hike along King’s Road and make your way through lava fields and along the coast. Don’t forget your hiking boots...this is a strenuous trail. And check your soles and other gear for seeds, soil or other organics that could harm fragile native ecosystems. Be sure to pack plenty of water, and please refrain from taking sand, rocks or plants.

Mākena

Mākena is home to one of Maui’s best beaches with pristine waters and warm, inviting sand. Enjoy snorkeling and swimming, but be careful in the winter months when the waves become large and powerful. Always check with a lifeguard about ocean conditions and remember, if you’re in doubt, don’t go out. For an exciting change of pace, take advantage of the wild, rock-paved hiking trail.

Kīhei

The allure of Kīhei is immediately apparent through its vibrant community, farmers market featuring local flavors, and one-of-akind shops that cater to both residents and visitors. It’s a classic small town of Maui that provides great spots to beachcomb, snorkel, kayak and whale watch. Charter a fishing excursion or snorkel trip to Molokini from Mā‘alaea Bay or even visit the Maui Ocean Center. Some providers even offer discounts for visitors who participate in Mālama Hawai‘i cleanup efforts. With a collection of affordable accommodations, from condominiums to small hotels and cottages, Kīhei’s got a fun, impulsive nightlife with great karaoke spots, dance clubs and sports bars.

Explore Central Maui

Explore the stunning nature and cultural heritage of central Maui. From plantations brimming with agricultural history to state parks that invite you to participate in the perpetuation of precious open spaces, this beautiful area of the island provides opportunities for expanding your horizons by learning how locals live, immersing yourself in Hawaiian culture, and mālama ‘āina (caring for the land).

Kahului

Known on the island as ‘town,’ Kahului is home to Maui’s largest airport, harbor, and shopping center, as well as many local favorite eateries that benefit greatly from visitor dollars. Visit one of the many small businesses to find gifts to bring home to your family and friends. Don’t miss a show at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center (see who’s on the performance calendar ahead of time) or a chance to see Maui from above on a helicopter tour from Kahului Airport.

Wailuku

This historic town is one of the commercial centers of Maui. Find fun local eateries, boutiques and unique shops selling antiques and collectibles. Be sure to visit the Hale Hō‘ike‘ike at the Bailey House—once the home site of ancient ali‘i—an early missionary home housing Hawaiian artifacts, furnishings, clothing and artwork from the 19th century. Wailuku’s “Small Town • Big Art” initiative works to develop an arts district that celebrates the distinctive sense of place, history and culture of Wailuku. smalltownbig.org

‘Īao Valley State Park

Peaceful and lush, ‘Īao Valley State Park offers rich foliage and scenic mountain views. The park is centered around Kūkaemoku, or ‘Īao Needle—a captivating rock pinnacle 1,200 feet high. But a tumultuous past belies the tranquility of a visit to this place. In 1790, it was the site of the Battle of Kepaniwai, where King Kamehameha I defeated Maui’s army to unite the Hawaiian Islands. Spend an afternoon immersed in the rich historic and spiritual legacy of this place, starting with lunch at the spacious picnic area surrounded by tropical gardens, followed by some spontaneous exploration of the park’s reflective hikes, natural pools and ethnobotanical gardens featuring flora introduced by Native Hawaiians who settled in this valley. ‘Īao Valley State Park access is subject to change, so check the State Park website for the current conditions at dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/maui/ iao-valley-state-monument/.

Maui Tropical Plantation

Take a narrated tram tour of Maui Tropical Plantation—a 60-acre working plantation where you can learn about the origins and harvest techniques of Hawai‘i’s commercial fruit crops. Witness the art of husking coconuts and hear interesting facts about sugar cane, star fruits, bananas, coffee, macadamia nuts, papaya and more. You can even support small local businesses when you buy Made-in-Maui gifts, fresh fruit and vegetables. Mauitropicalplantation.com

Kula

Learn just how much climate and soil can impact flavor when you sample some of the island’s freshest produce at the farming communities in Kula. Pick your own strawberries amidst breathtaking bi-coastal views at the Kula Country Farms. Schedule a guided tour at a protea flower farm or meander around the aromatic lavender farm. Wine tasting can be had at Maui Wine in bucolic ‘Ulupalakua.

Ho‘okipa Beach Park

This stretch of coastline attracts pro windsurfers and kite surfers in the winter months when conditions are epic for experts—but much too rough for beginners. The north shore waves are big, making it the perfect place to watch these professionals race across the ocean. If visiting in the winter, please heed all posted safety signs! In the summer months, swim and sunbathe on the shore for a relaxing break.

Pā‘ia

Be the favorite of your family and friends when you bring home the perfect gift from Pā‘ia. Home to colorful, plantation-era storefronts and boutiques, this area is one of the best places to find unique souvenirs, surf gear and locally-produced art, jewelry and clothing. Browse these charming shops, galleries and ethnic eateries and enjoy a sociable afternoon meeting locals and supporting their businesses.

Makawao

There is nothing quite like Makawao, historically a hybrid of pineapple plantation and paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) country. Along with a thriving arts scene, Makawao blends all the unique aspects of Maui together to create a proud and eclectic community. See a weekend rodeo event to get a taste of cowboy life, or the Fourth of July weekend Makawao rodeo if you’re visiting in the summer. For contrasting fine art experiences, browse one of the many art galleries and boutiques.

KĀ’ANAPALI IS CALLING YOU.

A RICH HISTORY AND LOTS OF FUN AT KĀ‘ANAPALI GOLF COURSES

Kā‘anapali Beach Resort Maui, is ideally situated on the protected leeward coast of Maui, where residents and visitors enjoy paradise weather year-round, and the fit and fun lifestyle that comes with it. Around the world, when people think of Maui, it’s images of Kā‘anapali that come to mind.

The idyllic lifestyle is found in full force on the two resort-style 18-hole Kā‘anapali Golf Courses layouts, where championship golf has been played for decades. The Royal Kā‘anapali Course, designed by the renowned Robert Trent Jones Sr., opened in 1962, and was the first resort course on Maui. One of only two courses in Hawai‘i designed by Jones, Sr., the course has hosted the best players in the world over the ensuing decades, with luminaries such as Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus participating in tournaments.

General Manager Karl Reul comments, “Our Royal Kā’anapali Golf Course hugs the shoreline before winding its way to the West Maui Mountain foothills. While the greens are heavily bunkered and undulating, if you keep the ball below the hole and on the same level as the pin, you’ll be rewarded with a makeable birdie putt. Take the time to come play both our amazing Royal Kā’anapali Golf Course and Kā’anapali Kai here on the beautiful Island of Maui; you’ll be glad you did!”

It’s not only “where the world comes to play”, but “where Kā’anapali is calling you.”

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