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.

Spinning Dolphin Charters

The one and only choice for sport fishing excursions off Lāna’i. Spinning Dolphin offers half- and full-day charters for up to six people.
St. Joseph’s Church

Located off of Highway 450 at mile marker 11, this small rural church was built in 1876 by Belgian priest Father Damien, who was best known for his work at the Hansen’s disease settlement on Kalaupapa (see Kalaupapa National Historical Park, Moloka’i). Standing outside, and often draped with flower lei in tribute, is a statue of Damien. The door to the church is always unlocked, and visitors are welcome to enter.
Standing Bass

As in jazz ensembles, the standing bass has found its way into a lot of contemporary Hawaiian music.
Statehood

Following several failed attempts, Hawai’i became the 50th state in the union on August 21, 1959. William F. Quinn and James K. Kealoha were sworn in as the first elected governor and lieutenant governor of the new state. The occasion is marked each year by a state holiday, Admission Day, celebrated on the third Friday in August.
Steel Guitar

The Hawaiian steel guitar was born in the islands around the turn of the 20th century, but exactly where, when, and how is still a point of discussion. The instrument is held horizontally on the player’s lap, and a sliding steel bar is used instead of fingers on the fret board. The sound was particularly big during the Sweet Leilani era.
Stella Blues

Now in bigger and better digs at Azeka Mauka, the very popular Stella Blues takes its name from a song by California’s Grateful Dead. Try the tofu scramble for breakfast – one of many vegetarian selections.
Stillwell’s Bakery & Café

Sometimes, you just want a fresh, crisp salad or a thick, hearty sandwich – so head for this place on the border between Wailuku and Kahului. Operated by top pastry chef, Roy Stillwell and his wife, it would be a crime to bypass dessert here.
Stonework

Stones are an important part of Hawaiian cultural life, used in practical situations (such as building) and for spiritual needs (such as the fertility and birthing stones found on all the islands). Because stones are so highly regarded, visitors are asked not to remove them from their habitat.
Sturdy Shoes

Lava is brittle and sharp and will tear your soles, so strong shoes with good traction are recommended.
Sugar Cane Train

Railroads traversed the landscape of Hawai’i during the plantation era, with steam locomotives pulling trains that hauled sugar cane from the fields to the mills. The first of these in West Maui began operating around 1890 and continued until 1950, when it was replaced by trucks. The Lahaina Kā’anapali & Pacific Railroad (affectionately called the Sugar Train) is an authentic reproduction of the trains that ran through the fields of West Maui, but these days it carries passengers instead of sugar. Its six-mile route runs between Lahaina and Kā’anapali, crossing a curved wooden viaduct that offers panoramic views.

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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