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.

’Ukulele Making

A Portuguese import of the late 19th century, the ’ukulele quickly found its place in Hawaiian music. ’Ukulele making is still a respected art in Hawai’i, and companies like Kamaka on O’ahu and Mele ’Ukulele on Maui produce high-quality, handcrafted instruments.
’Ulalena

From the creators of Cirque du Soleil, this extravagant production tells the story of Hawai’i’s history in song, dance, and acrobatics.
’Uli’uli

Gourd shakers that are filled with seeds and usually topped with feathers.
’Ulupalakua Ranch

On the southern slopes of Haleakalā, this ranch is the locale of the Tedeschi Vineyards. Before the introduction of vines, the winery experimented with a pineapple wine, Maui Blanc. (see ’Ulupalakua Ranch).
’Ulupalakua Ranch

Ship captain James Makee established the ranch in 1856 and built a house for his large family, cisterns to capture water, a sugar mill to generate income, and a cottage for his frequent guest, King Kalākaua. Today, the house is gone, the cisterns are filled in, the sugar mill lies in ruins, and the restored King’s Cottage is Tedeschi Winery’s tasting room. ’Ulupalakua continues, however, as a working ranch, and many of Maui’s paniolo (cowboys) ride its 20,000-acre range.
’Ulupalakua Strawberries

Big, red, juicy, and delicious, these strawberries grow well in the middle elevations of Mt. Haleakalā.
“Dig Me”

The beach in front of Whalers Village is the portion of Kā’anapali known to locals as “Dig Me,” as in “look at me, aren’t I lovely?” If you’d rather look than be looked at, grab a table and a cocktail at the Barefoot Bar (see Barefoot Bar).