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.

Western Contact

The landing of British explorer Captain James Cook at Kealakekua Bay on the island of Hawai’i in 1778 is generally acknowledged to be the first time Hawaiians had contact with westerners. There is evidence that Spanish ships sailed into island waters in the 16th century, but there are no records of any contact being made with the islanders.
Whale Watching

Maui’s most famous winter visitors – the humpback whales – arrive from Alaska in December and stay through April. Many charter boats carry passengers into the channels on Maui’s leeward side to experience the grace and majesty of these huge and playful gentle giants.
Whalers Village

An all-encompassing shopping center, where you ’ll find every type of store imaginable from Crazy Shirts to Jessica’s Gems, from the Endangered Species Store to the Body Shop, from Tiffany & Co. to Louis Vuitton.
Whalers Village Museum

The skeleton of a 40-ft Sperm whale guards the entrance to Whalers Village, a museum that presents a vivid picture of the 19th-century Pacific whaling industry. Photo murals, an authentic whaling boat complete with gear, and a re-created ship’s forecastle graphically illustrate the seafaring life.
White Orchid Gift Shop

Everything from baby gifts to fragrant bath products, greeting cards to handbags.
Wili

Plant materials are attached to a natural backing by winding fiber around them. Wili lei have no knots until the very end.
William F. Quinn

The first elected governor of the state of Hawai’i, sworn in on August 21, 1959.
Wo Hing Temple

This brightly painted building illustrates the influence of Chinese immigrants to the commerce of Maui. Brought in great numbers to work on sugar plantations, it was not long before the Chinese settlers had enough money to leave the employment of others and set up their own businesses. The Wing Ho Temple, built by a Chinese fraternal society as a social hall, now preserves the history and contributions of Maui’s Chinese community through its exhibits.
World Beat

As a miscellany of musical styles from around the world has made its way to the islands, so it is increasingly influencing musicians. Jawaiian describes a blend of reggae and Hawaiian music, and island rappers are now putting their own slant on hip-hop music.
’Āhihi-Kina’u Natural Area Reserve

Walking trails through the dramatic lava fields of this reserve lead to natural pools and archaeological sites. And, in the underwater sections, terrific snorkeling and scuba diving can be found. This is a reserve, however, and visitors are reminded that damaging or removing anything of the natural habitat is strictly illegal.