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.

Longs Drug Stores

A pharmacy, on-site photo processing, local foodstuffs, toiletries, stationery items, magazines, and even rubber slippers: it’s all at Longs.
Loren Thurston/Sanford Dole

The leaders of the “Bayonet Revolution,” responsible for ending the monarchy in Hawai’i.
Luahiwa Petroglyph Field

One of the most exciting and fascinating collections of petroglyphs in Hawai’i, Luahiwa is hard to find but, once there, easily viewed. Covering numerous boulders on the hillside, these well-preserved drawings, carved by early Hawaiians, represent men and women, family units, pets, canoes, and, possibly, a surfer.
Lū’au

A customary activity for most visitors to Hawai’i, a lū’au is a feast of traditional foods served outdoors with Hawaiian music, singing, and hula. The buffet usually includes kālua pork, lomilomi salmon with tomatoes and Maui onion, rice, teriyaki chicken, fresh salads, and haupia (coconut pudding).
Maggie Coulombe Maui

This talented Canadian emigre designs fabulous women’s clothing; the shop’s accessories, like Moda sunglasses, handbags, and shoes are the perfect complements.
Mai Poina ’Oe Ia’u Beach

At the entrance to Kīhei, the south end of this long, narrow sand beach is popular with windsurfers; children play on the north end. And in winter it’s a great spot for watching the humpback whales that migrate to Maui’s warm waters.
Main Street Bistro

Refined American comfort food served in a bistro atmosphere, and prepared by well-known and well-respected chef Tom Selman. Sure bets include “capital” onion rings, slow-cooked baby back ribs, and macaroni and cheese.
Makawao Rodeo

Surprisingly, rodeo is a popular sport in Hawai’i and nowhere more so than in the little “paniolo” town of Makawao. Held every July 4th weekend, the festivities begin with a parade through town, and two days of rodeo events are held at an arena just up the road.
Makawao Town

Reminiscent of a western movie set, Makawao’s big day comes on the 4th of July, when cowboys, cowgirls, and their horses, along with a bevy of unusual floats, parade through town as a prelude to the annual rodeo. The rest of the year, the adventure lies in the boutiques, art galleries, and New Age shops that crowd the sidewalks. Not to be missed is Komoda’s, a familyowned bakery that’s been delighting customers with yummy cream puffs for 60 years.

Polli’s restaurant, Makawao
Makawao Union and Holy Rosary Churches

Charming Makawao Union Church was built in stone by Hawai’i’s most famous modern architect, C. W. Dickey, as a chapel for the Baldwins, a missionary, industrialist, and generously philanthropic family. Across the road stands the Holy Rosary Church and, outside it, a statue of the beatified Father Damien (see Kalaupapa National Historical Park, Moloka’i).

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