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.

Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge

One of the few natural wetlands remaining in the Hawaiian islands, these 691 acres are often referred to locally – and not particularly correctly – as the “mud flats.” Located along the coast just north of Kīhei, the refuge shelters endangered birds such as Hawaiian stilts (ae’o) and Hawaiian coots (’alaeke’oke’o) and protects the coastal sand dunes, which provide nesting habitat for endangered hawksbill sea turtles. Pinklegged stilts are easily seen from the road.

Whale-watching beach near Kīhei
Keawakapu

Keawakapu has it all: good swimming and body boarding, a nice sandy bottom, a great view of Kaho’olawe – even a parking lot. The border beach between Kīhei and Wailea, there are plenty of shallow spots, safe for even the youngest children.
Keawala’i Congregational Church

This lovely little church, built in 1832, sits in a shady palm grove at the edge of the sea. Prayers and hymns are offered in the Hawaiian language during services held each Sunday morning. In typical local style, visitors are asked to remove their shoes before entering. Many hundreds of Mauians, as well as a fair few visitors, have been married at Keawala’i.
Keka’a

Keka’a is a lele (a jumping off point for spirits going to the next world). This particular one is a high bluff of black lava rock from which ancient Hawaiians believed their spirits sprung forth. It is directly in front of the Sheraton Maui on Kā’anapali Beach. Also known – some would say disrespectfully – as Black Rock, this area is one of the best snorkeling spots on Maui. It’s easily accessible from the beach and teems with marine life.
Keka’a

Fronting the Sheraton Maui, you can reach this spot on Kā’anapali Beach via several different access points. Marked by a lava rock cliff, it’s especially good for snorkeling. The water is clear and there is an abundance of marine life among the underwater outcroppings. It’s easy to get in the water from the beach, and there are lots of places to rent gear nearby.
Keka’a

Fronting the Sheraton Maui, this is one of the island’s best snorkeling spots. Keka’a is its proper Hawaiian name, but you may also hear it referred to as Black Rock.
Keōmuku Village

Once a thriving sugar settlement, Keōmuku has been a ghost town since the early 20th century. Local lore blames the village’s demise on the disruption of temple stones at Kahe’a heiau by railroad builders.
Kepaniwai Park Gardens

This peaceful park is a tribute to Maui’s ethnic diversity. A leisurely stroll here reveals a replica of a traditional piece of architecture and a garden from each of the major contributors to Hawai’i’s cultural mix: a Japanese tea house; a Chinese pagoda; a Portuguese villa; a Flipino abode; and a New England frame house. Unfortunately, the Hawaiian grass hale (house) recently succumbed to fire. Picnic areas with barbecue pits are set in the shade of trees by ’Īao Stream. (see ’Īao Valley and Kepaniwai)
Ke’anae Arboretum

Along the road to Hāna (see The Road to Hāna), the arboretum’s wellmarked paths thread through dense, exotic plants. The Polynesian section features Hawaiian food plants such as taro, breadfruit, and banana, and canoe plant, most important to the Pacific voyagers who migrated to Hawai’i.
Kīhei Kalama Village Marketplace

A group of open-air stalls, where you can search out some “craftedin-Hawai’i” items.