LAY OF THE ISLAND

Central Maui

The hub of all the action on the island, Central Maui is more than just shopping centers and Kahului International Airport. Kahului is home to most of the island’s population, and where they do most of their shopping. Up the hill you can find Wailuku, the county seat and home to stunningly beautiful and historic ‘Īao Valley.

On the northern coast of Maui, Pā‘ia is a unique with its own special vibe. This former sugar cane plantation town has turned itself into a surfer’s paradise, artist enclave and alternative lifestyle haven. Wander the streets looking for that one-of-a-kind piece of art from world renowned artists, enjoy a memorable meal or catch some waves at the windsurfing capital of the world, Ho‘okipa Beach.

South Maui

Known for its sugar-soft beaches, stunning views and exclusive resorts, South Maui is a vacationer’s paradise. Kīhei, on the northern section of South Maui, offers miles and miles of sandy beaches, yummy food and some entertaining night life. Be sure to visit Kama‘ole Beach Park III. There’s a wide, sandy beach and also a large grassy area that’s perfect for a picnic. Stop by the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary Visitor Center to learn more about the gentle giants plying our waters, and then stop by Kalama Park for a picture with a sculpture of one. Across the street from Kalama Park is what locals refer to as “The Triangle,” a small shopping area full of restaurants, shops and bars—a great place for some laid-back nightlife action.

Continue south to Wailea, the south shore’s more upscale neighborhood, where the most exclusive Maui resorts line the shore. Take a stroll along the Wailea Beach Path, a great place for spotting whales and people watching. Other options include indulging in world-class spa treatments or just soaking your feet in some of the island’s premier beaches. Ulua Beach Park, Wailea Beach and Polo Beach are all connected by the Wailea Beach Path, offering beautiful scenery and plentiful swimming and sunbathing opportunities. While in Wailea, don’t forget to dig in to some world class dining from celebrity chefs such as Wolfgang Puck, all the while embracing all the finer things life has to offer.

Farthest south is Mākena, a quiet community with some of the island’s best beaches, but beware—some of these beaches can be quite dangerous certain times of the year. At the end of the road, you’ll find some lava fields, where you can find the island’s (theorized) last volcanic eruption. This rugged and wild corner of the island is a reminder of what the island once was, so be sure to remember to be a good steward of the land as you visit.

Upcountry Maui

Welcome to paniolo country! This region is known for its cowboy culture with a more laid-back country-style than the glitz and glam of some of the island’s resort areas. Ranching, rodeos and farming make up a big portion of the residents’ livelihoods, and its small communities ooze charm and warmth.

Every Fourth of July, the town of Makawao hosts their annual rodeo at the Oskie Rice Arena. Regardless of the time of year, be sure to take a stroll through Makawao’s main thoroughfare, full of shops and galleries selling clothing and artwork, or check out one of the local restaurants, many of which have been serving the locals for generations.

Kula and Pukalani, the other two upcountry communities, offer their own charms. Some of the island’s best farms and produce include Ali‘i Kula Lavender, Surfing Goat Dairy, Ocean Vodka Organic Farm and Distillery, and even some wine at MauiWine. Visiting Upcountry during the spring will reveal the beautiful jacaranda in bloom, with its delicate purple flowers carpeting the streets and grasslands on your journey.

But no trip Upcountry would be complete without a voyage to the summit of Haleakalā. Known as the “House of the Sun,” Haleakalā is a stunning treasure, 10,000 feet above sea level. There you can witness incredible sunrises and sunsets, as well as breathtaking vistas of the various volcanic cones dotting the crater floor. Be sure to visit the National Park website for reservations for sunrise visits, and drive carefully to help the state bird, the Nēnē (Canadian goose) thrive in this upland wonderland.

East Maui

Looking for something completely different? A few hours drive along the scenic Hāna Highway and far away from the hustle and bustle of the island’s more populated areas, East Maui is a place like no other. Home to some of Hawai‘i’s most remote communities, life in East Maui moves at a slower, gentler pace. East Maui is home to some of the island’s most jaw dropping waterfalls, awe-inspiring beaches and incredible views.

For those searching for paradise around every twist and turn, the Road to Hāna is sure to fulfill every tropical fantasy as the road is full of hairpin turns, one lane bridges, all the while passing through towering rain forests and thundering waterfalls. Stops along the way include the beautiful black sand beach of Wai‘ānapanapa State Park as well as Kanuhu Garden, part of the National Tropical Botanical Garden organization and home to one of Hawai‘i’s most impressive heiau (religious temple).

Hāna, East Maui’s main draw, is a humble town with few restaurants or tourist facilities. Visit the Hāna-Maui Resort, an exquisite resort for those looking to stay slightly off the beaten path. Those taking the Hāna Highway (HI360) expecting to find a “there” there may be disappointed by the lack of a grand revel in Hāna. Yet, those who know recognize that Hāna is special exactly because of its lack of flash and pomp. The quiet solitude and peaceful way of life is what you might expect to find once you get “there.”

For those continuing past Hāna, stop in for a quick surf break at Hāmoa Beach, or visit to ‘Ohe‘o Gulch, located within the Kīpahulu District of Haleakalā National Park. Witness some of the most impressive arrangement of cascading waterfalls in the state, and enjoy a journey well spent to this quiet, peaceful and beautiful part of the island.

-BROOKE REHMANN