DK Travel : Maui

Maui is known as the “valley isle”, and most of its population nestles in the low-lying isthmus between the lush western mountains and the dustier slopes of Haleakalā to the east. Skirting the coast are some of the world’s finest beaches, from the popular resorts on the southwestern fringe to the wilder surfing beaches on the north and eastern shores. Maui’s administrative group also includes the islands of Moloka’i and Lana’i with more magnificent scenery and even greater remoteness.

Kahana Gateway Shopping Center

Although restaurants dominate (such as Roy’s Kahana Bar & Grill; (see Roy’s Kahana Bar & Grill)), there are also souvenir shops, a couple of casual and swimwear shops, a bank, a laundromat, and Ashley’s Internet Café. And while you’re checking email, enjoy a Roselani ice cream cone.
Kahana Sunset

A no-frills place, the secluded beach and laidback style being the main assets. Closer to Nāpili than to Kahana, some of the varied accommodation are close to the water. There’s a garden with barbecue, a pool, and plenty of serenity.
Kahekili

A Maui ali’i (chief), recognized as the most powerful – some say fierce – Hawaiian of the 1780s.
Kaho’olawe

Currently uninhabited, Kaho’olawe is an arid island visible off South Maui. Though sacred to ancient Hawaiians, it was used as a U.S. naval bombing range for 50 years and only returned to Hawai’i in 1993. Kaho’olawe is now to be used by Hawaiians for cultural practices (see Mākena).
Kaho’olawe’s Sovereignty

No issue generates more debate in Hawai’i than the plight of the island of Kaho’olawe. Used by the U.S. military as a weapons range for decades, the bombing was finally stopped in 1990 after more than 10 years of protest. Kaho’olawe was then returned to the state and recognized for its cultural significance in 1993.
Kalaupapa National Park, Moloka’i

On the “get-away-from-it-all” island of Moloka’i, Kalaupapa is an isolated peninsula, flat as a golf green and separated from the rest of the island by sheer cliffs. Formerly, it was used as a leper colony. (see Haleakalā National Park)
Kalaupapa Peninsula

Cut off from the rest of the island by sheer cliffs and surrounded by the ocean on three sides, this isolated peninsula became the place where Hansen’s disease (leprosy) sufferers were quarantined. It’s now a spectacular National Park encompassing more than 10,000 acres of land and water. (see Kalaupapa National Historical Park, Moloka’i)
Kāla’au

Pairs of sticks of varying length that are struck against each other during dancing.
Kālua Pork

The centerpiece of any lū’au , or feast, is the whole pig, slowroasted (kālua) in an underground oven – an imu . The meat literally falls from the bones. The same cooking method works equally well with turkey, squash, and sweet potatoes.
Kalua’aha Church

A complete restoration is underway to rebuild this church, site of the first Protestant mission on Moloka’i.

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Hotel price categories

For a standard, double room per night (with breakfast if included), taxes, and extra charges.
- under $100
- $100–$200
- $200–$300
- $300–$400
- over $400