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.

Pā’ia Town

Once a large and busy sugar plantation town, the mill and residential camps that surrounded it are gone. Now Pā’ia, which straddles Hāna Highway, bustles with boutiques, shops, a health food store, an artisans’ cooperative, and casual eateries. Technically, the road to Hāna really begins here, and it’s wise to pick up a picnic and fill the car before embarking on the long and winding road.
Pā’ia Trading Company

Take your time perusing the collectibles here – glass bottles, aloha shirts, jewelry, and more. You may just find an affordable treasure.
Pa’uwela Café

It’s not an easy place to find, but specialties like the kālua turkey sandwich and BAKER Becky Speere’s delightful pastries make it more than worth the trouble.
Peace of Maui

In the former plantation town of Hāli’imaile, the ocean and mountain views are sensational and the location ideal for traveling all over Maui. The cottage sleeps four, and there are six double rooms with shared baths in the main house.
Pioneer Inn

The whaling ships and their rowdy crews may be gone, but the Pioneer Inn remains, right on Lahaina Harbor. These days, the 45 guest rooms are all airconditioned (a must for hot Lahaina town) and all have balconies. The ground floor restaurant and bar are popular.
Pizza Paradiso

A popular and award-winning spot for takeout or eat-in pizza, pasta, sandwiches, or desserts. Each slice of pizza weighs a pound. The tiramisu is wonderful.
Pi’ilani Village Center

Mainlanders will feel right at home amid Blockbusters, Starbucks, Jamba Juice, and Hawai’i’s largest Safeway. For local flavor, Roy’s Kīhei is a good choice, as is Hilo Hattie (see Hilo Hattie).
Pi’ilanihale Heiau

Thanks to an extensive restoration, many stone walls and platforms of this heiau (temple) are complete and provide a fascinating look at one of the largest of these traditional religious sites in Hawai’i. The platforms and huge stone walls, some more than 50 ft high, are surrounded by Kahanu Gardens. The gardens contain culturally important plants including the world’s largest collection of breadfruit trees (120 varieties), one of Hawai’i’s last undisturbed native hala (pandanus) forests, and varieties of coconut, banana, vanilla, and ’awa (kava).
Plantation House Restaurant at Kapalua

It’s worth the drive to far Kapalua to sample Alex Stanislaw’s singular Mediterranean-influenced cuisine. The signature Rich Forest Fish a must!
Plantation House Restaurant at Kapalua

The chef here, Alex Stanislaw, combines the smoky, earthy flavors of his Mediterranean heritage with local Hawaiian ingredients to create a cuisine all his own. Set above the Kapalua resort, the Plantation House Restaurant offers spectacular views. (see Plantation House Restaurant at Kapalua).

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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