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.

Maui Ocean Center

An up-close experience of Pacific marine life, such as sea turtles, rays, and whales, for those who don’t want to get wet. Visitors can view sharks while walking though a 50-ft-long clear acrylic tunnel, and they are invited to touch harmless marine animals such as sea stars and sea cucumbers at the Discovery Pool.
Maui Onion

Sit poolside at the Renaissance Wailea Beach Resort (see Renaissance Wailea Beach Resort) and tuck into the fabulous Maui onion rings and delicious smoothies that have made this place famous.
Maui Polo Beach Club

On a white sand beach at the Mākena end of the Wailea resort area, these accommodations are elaborately decorated and all have ocean views.
Maui Prince Hotel

A Garden of Eden-like atrium is at the heart of the stark white Maui Prince, the farthest afield of the south-side resorts. The beach here is fabulous: sun, shade, and perfect ocean conditions for the whole family. And the Sunday brunch is legendary.
Maui Swap Meet

Locals get here early for the best selection of fresh flowers and produce. There are also lots of T-shirts, inexpensive gift items, and the stuff folks have cleaned out of their garages.
Maui Tropical Plantation

Located outside of Wailuku on Route 30, this attraction offers a glimpse into Maui’s agricultural industry. There are displays and exhibits showing how 14 varieties of fruits and flowers are cultivated and processed; a mini tram tour through fields of sugar cane, pineapple, bananas, coffee, papaya, and macadamia plants; plus a store where the finished products can be bought.
Maunalei Arboretum

D.T. Fleming, one of the first managers of the pineapple plantation on West Maui, established this privately owned arboretum in 1926. Fleming traveled the world collecting plants and trees, and his search has resulted in an abundance of introduced species coexisting with the endemic plant life. Native bird species also inhabit the arboretum.
Maunaloa

The fortunes of Maunaloa mirrored the rise and fall of the pineapple industry. Recently, however, the town has been reawakened, with new shops, a park, a movie theater, and the upscale Sheraton Moloka’i Lodge.
Mā’alaea Small Boat Harbor

A popular surfing spot, Mā’alaea Harbor marks the beginning of a three-mile stretch of beaches that reaches to North Kīhei. Boat charters depart from here for fishing trips and snorkeling excursions to Molokini. During the winter, Maui’s most famous visitors, the humpback whales, breed in the warm waters of the bay, and whale-watching tours set off from the harbor several times a day.
Missionaries Arrive

April 19, 1820, is a momentous – some would say notorious – date, for it was on that day that the first American missionaries arrived in Hawai’i. The first group was made up of 23 New England Congregationalists, and they landed at Kailua on Hawai’i. Over the next 20 years, many more Christian missionaries would follow, taking up residence on all the major islands.

Jump to top

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
Restaurant price categories

Price categories include a three-course meal for one, a glass of house wine, and all unavoidable extra charges including tax.
- under $20
- $20–$30
- $30–$45
- $45–$60
- over $60