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.

Kamakana Fine Arts Gallery

More than 140 Moloka’i artists, ranging from painters and photographers to wood-turners, fabric artists, and Moloka’i shell jewelry makers, are showcased at this gallery.
Kamakou & Mo’omomi Nature Preserves

Kamakou Preserve lies near the summit of Moloka’i’s highest mountain. This lush rain forest is home to more than 250 species of Hawaiian plants – 219 of them found nowhere else in the world – and a unique array of birds, such as the Moloka’i thrush (oloma’o) and the Moloka’i creeper (kākā-wahie) . The seemingly barren dunes of Mo’omomi shelter rare coastal species, Hawaiian archaeological sites, and native shorebirds, like sanderlings and plovers. Both preserves are open to the public, but each is remote and access requires a four-wheel-drive vehicle.
Kama’ole I, II, III

If you’re looking for white sand, a little shade, lifeguards, volleyball nets, picnic tables, restrooms, and showers – in other words, all the amenities of a beach park – these are the beaches for you. They are places for weekend family beach parties or barbecues. Although they are often referred to as Kam I, II, and III, Hawaiian language speakers prefer the use of their full and proper names.
Kanahā Beach Park

Great for windsurfers of all skill levels, there’s a big grassy area for rigging up, and it’s easy to launch from the beach. There’s almost always a stiff breeze that heads inland, blowing you back to shore. Because of Kanahā’s consistent winds and warm weather, many windsurfing schools give lessons here.

Windsurfing
Kanahā Beach Park

Just off the road to the airport, the beach at Kanahā is narrow and the water usually choppy. But it’s a great spot to windsurf and kite sail – or to watch more experienced practitioners. The park has large grassy areas, showers, restrooms, picnic tables, and barbecue pits.

Kanahā Beach
Kanahā Pond State Wildlife Sanctuary

Now a designated wildlife sanctuary, Kanahā was once a royal fishpond (see Moloka’i and Lāna’i). One of its main roles today is as refuge for the rare Hawaiian stilt, or ae’o , as well as about 50 other bird species. The migratory ae’o is a slender wading bird that stands 16 inches tall and has a black back, white belly, and sticklike pink legs. The birds can often be seen feeding along the marshy edges of the pond near the Hāna Highway.
Kanemitsu Bakery

The bakery’s famed French bread is stuffed with cream cheese, strawberry or blueberry jam, and cinnamon butter.
Kānepu’u Reserve

The Native Hawaiian Dryland Forest at Kānepu’u is an area of rare plant life. Some 48 native species can be found here, including local relatives of the olive and persimmon.
Kane’apua Rock

The waters around this lava rock outcropping at the southern tip of Lāna’i are well known for excellent fishing. The ocean is often rough, though, and not good for swimming.
Kapa

Used throughout old Polynesia for clothing, blankets, and decoration, Hawaiian kapa is made from the bark of the wauke , or paper mulberry tree. The process, which is restricted to women, involves pounding the bark repeatedly into paper-thin sheets that are then decorated using plant dyes and bamboo tools.