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.

Kapalua Bay

This gorgeous crescent of a white sand beach perennially shows up on lists of the world’s best beaches. A short walk from public parking, you can rent snorkel gear, go for a catamaran ride, take a leisurely swim, or just relax in the sun. Even the humpback whales love it and in winter often frolic offshore.
Kapalua Bay

This gorgeous sandy beach consistently appears on “best beaches” lists in travel magazines. It’s adjacent to the Kapalua Bay Hotel, and you can rent snorkel gear right on the beach.
Kapalua Bay Course

The most suburban of Kapalua’s three courses, the key to playing this course well, according to one of the resort’s vice presidents, is accuracy. There are strategically placed trees, 68 bunkers, and 8 water hazards on this 6,600-yd, par 72 course, designed by Arnold Palmer with Francis Duane.
Kapalua Plantation Course

Home of the prestigious Mercedes Championship since 1999, many consider this to be Hawai’i’s best. Players on the challenging 7,263-yd, par 73 course are rewarded with some of the most spectacular scenery on Maui. The world’s best have played here (including Tiger Woods), and no doubt many a round gets talked over in the course’s wonderful Plantation House Restaurant (see Plantation House Restaurant at Kapalua).
Kapuāiwa Coconut Grove

A grove planted in the 1860s by King Kamehameha V. As well as providing shade for the king’s sacred bathing pools, each of the 1,000 majestic, royal coconut palms represented a warrior in his mighty army. Only a few hundred of the beautiful palms still stand.
Kaukini Gallery

An attractive gallery, filled with a huge variety of locally made art and craft items. And it’s a welcome stop on the challenging road around Kahakuloa Head.
Kaunakakai

The commercial and population center of Moloka’i, Kaunakakai was once a canoe landing for access to fishing grounds, and the beach was exclusively for the recreation of chiefly families. In the 1800s it became a plantation town – first sugar and then pineapple – in the early 1900s. This charming one-street town has changed little in the last 70 years.
Kaunolū

Located on the southwest shore of Lāna’i, this deserted precontact Hawaiian village was once a vigorous fishing community. There are stone foundations of more than 100 homes, storerooms, garden walls, and burial sites, as well as the stone platform of the Halulu Heiau temple, the ruins of a canoe hale (house), a large fishing shrine, and a platform of the cliff-side home of Kamehameha Nui (I). Signs are dotted around with information about the sites and ruins.
Kaupo Store

“In the middle of nowhere” is one way to describe the whereabouts of this convenience store and “museum.” Eight miles past Seven Pools (’Ohe’o Gulch) heading toward ’Ulupalakua is the actual location.
Kaupō Trail

Kaupō Trail is a long and rough trek that starts at the east end of Haleakalā crater and follows along the park boundary across private ranchland. The steep and rocky trail descends through rain forest to the isolated town of Kaupō. It is a challenging hike, recommended for advanced hikers only; most hike only one way and have transportation waiting in Kaupō.