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.

Friendly Isle Coffee

Small eatery offering salads, sandwiches, saimin, and of course, rich, delicious coffee. Try the signature “Mocha Mama.”
Friendly Isle Coffee

This plantation offers walking tours of its coffee processing and roasting operations twice a day. Brands produced on-site include Malulani, Muleskinner, and Moloka’i Gold Estate.
Front Street

This oceanfront thoroughfare is Lahaina’s main street. Lined with all the trappings of a vacation town, from souvenir shops and activity reservation outlets to a plethora of bars and restaurants, Front Street bustles day and night. It is the site of major festivals throughout the year (A Taste of Lahaina in September, Halloween’s Mardi Gras of the Pacific in October, the International Festival of Canoes in May) and a continual stream of smaller events, including the weekly Friday Night is Art Night. (see Front Street, Lahaina)

Pioneer Inn, Front Street
Front Street Lahaina

The well-preserved buildings along this street take you back to the early 1800s, when missionaries arrived to save the souls of bawdy sailors and bring Christianity to islanders. (see Front Street, Lahaina)
Fun in the Sun

Morning

Slather on the sunscreen, grab a mask, snorkel, and fins, and put on your hat for a morning of Maui’s fabled sun, sand, and sea. The trade winds here normally pick up between 11am and 1pm, so early morning is the time to claim your spot at any one of the sparkling white beaches that line the Kīhei/Wailea coast. Kama’ole I, II, or III, Keawakapu, and Wailea (see Beaches) are all perfect for swimming, snorkeling, body boarding, or just plain sunning. Farther south, Big Beach at Mākena is entirely idyllic, and La Pérouse Bay shelters fabulous snorkeling and kayaking spots.

It’s best to be out of the sun well before noon, and that’s a good time to head to Alexander’s Fish & Chips, Kīhei Caffe, or one of the many food stops that dot South Kīhei Road.

Afternoon

The Hawaiian Island Humpback Whales National Marine Sanctuary provides a good after-lunch activity. You’ll learn about the wonders of Hawai’i’s marine life, most notably the gentle giants that winter in these waters. Binoculars and viewing stands are available at no charge. Right in front of the sanctuary’s office deck, and easily seen with the naked eye, are the remains of an ancient fish pond (currently being restored).

There’s a small park adjacent to the sanctuary’s buildings where you can enjoy an afternoon snack or a thirst-quenching drink at a shady table.
Garden of Eden Arboretum

The Garden of Eden is filled with native and indigenous species as well as exotic plants, trees, and birds from the South Pacific and tropical rain forests of the world. Botanical labels identify more than 500 plants, including the most extensive collection of ti plants in Hawai’i. Visitors can picnic, stroll, hike, or just breathe in the flowers’ aromas in these 26 acres of gardens and arboretum.
Garden of the Gods

No verdant oasis of foliage and flowers, Garden of the Gods is an eerily beautiful, windswept landscape of red, purple, and ocher rocks, sculpted by the raging forces of nature into irregular pinnacles and buttes. Sunsets are particularly spectacular here.
Gecko Trading Company

A charming and diverse merchandise mix is what Gecko is all about. You’ll find casual clothing, fashionable T-shirts, handbags, jewelry, small home decor items, and gifts.
George Helm

Hawaiian activist and renowned musician, lost at sea with friend Kimo Mitchell in 1977 on their way to Kaho’olawe for a protest.
Gerard’s

Gerard Reversade has been honing his own style of classic French cooking mixed with island flair for more than 20 years.

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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