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.
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With their brilliant purple flesh, these wonderful potatoes add color as well as flavor to many dishes.
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This crescent-shaped, partially submerged volcanic crater lies midway between Maui and Kaho’olawe. It is a marine conservation area, and its clear waters teem with colorful fish. (see Molokini)
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The waters inside the crescent of this underwater volcanic crater have visibility to 100 ft and are teeming with tropical fish of all shapes, sizes, and hues. There’s lots of reef life, too, such as coral, pencil urchins, and sea cucumbers. The water becomes shallow near the walls of the submerged crater, and schools of triggerfish, parrot fish, and tangs swim happily around snorkelers. A sheer dropoff outside the crater walls is excellent for scuba exploration.
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Up, up from Kō’ele through mountain grasslands, where rain forests of pine, ironwood, and eucalyptus line the mountain’s backbone ridge to the island’s summit, Lāna’ihale, the Munro Trail offers spectacular views of nearby islands. The trail is named in honor of former ranch manager George Munro, and it was he who planted the ridge and highlands with the Cook Island pine trees you can see today. The intent was to draw moisture from the passing clouds and provide an adequate watershed for the island. Foot or four-wheel drive vehicle are the best ways to travel the trail.
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The navigator for the Polynesian Voyaging Society, he has led the revival of traditional voyaging arts.
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This is the most northerly point on Maui and the site of Hawai’i’s first lighthouse. When the surf is just right, sea water is forced as high as 100 ft into the air through a hole in the shoreline lava tube here. The blowhole is a short walk down the hill from the road, but be very careful because the waves and geysers are unpredictable.
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Tropical cocktails, sushi, live entertainment, and Maui’s spectacular sunsets all rolled into this popular spot at the Maui Marriott Resort & Ocean Club.
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A small, tranquil bay with a white sand beach that’s good for swimming and safe for children. It’s also right by the the Nāpili Kai Beach Resort, and there’s no better place for a cocktail to accompany the sunset.
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One of the calmest and most pleasant beaches on Maui is this small, sandy crescent adjacent to the Nāpili Kai Beach Resort. The sandy bottom and calm waters are safe for even the smallest swimmers.
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A truly charming resort, its location on a world-class beach and bay unparalleled on the island. Rooms are comfortable and you’ll be treated like family. Staff here founded the Nāpili Kai Foundation to teach Hawaiian culture to Maui’s children, and the kids put on a wonderful hula show on Tuesdays.
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Hotel price categories
For a standard, double room per night (with breakfast if included), taxes, and extra charges.
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