DK Travel : Maui : Places of interest

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Haleakalā National Park

Atop Haleakalā, the 10,023-ft mountain that IS East Maui, lies the massive basin of a dormant volcano. The summit is an awesome landscape of cinder cones, rare plants and animals, amazing vistas, and trails (see Haleakalā National Park).

Haleakalā National Park
Haleki’i Pihana Heiau

One of Maui’s most accessible archaeological sites, the remains of precontact Hawaiian structures here have both religious and historical importance. Haleki’i Pihana was a chiefly compound, with thatched houses built atop a stone platform, and a luakini (humansacrificial temple). Signs explain the layout of the walls and terraces. The site is still used for traditional Hawaiian practices.
Hāna Cultural Center

The Hāna Cultural Center and its museum has displays of artifacts from the district, including stone implements, kapa cloth, quilts, and an extensive shell collection. (see Hāna Cultural Center)
Hawaiian Island Humpback Whales National Marine Sanctuary

In its entirety, the sanctuary almost completely encompasses the ocean surrounding the Hawaiian islands. But its administrative center sits on the water’s edge at Kīhei, with a large viewing scope mounted on its deck for winter visitors to watch the humpback whales frolic offshore. In the adjoining Education Center, colorful displays depict the scientific and cultural significance of whales and other marine animals that share Hawai’i’s marine ecosystem.
Hawai’i Nature Center

A hands-on natural science center, filled with educational and entertaining indoor exhibits and outdoor experiences, all designed to increase understanding of Maui’s unique environment. This innovative center, which fascinates children and adults alike, features interactive games and displays about the islands’ plant and animal life, and teaches how to help protect the fragile ecosystems of Hawai’i.
Hoapili Trail

This 7-mile hike over rugged and barren terrain moves uphill from the ocean then meanders back toward the coastline. Along the seaside road, stone walls and raised platforms of heiau (temples) and hale (houses) are still visible. The hike requires sturdy shoes. (see Hoapili Trail (King's Trail); also see Hikes and Trails)
Holy Ghost Church

Affectionately referred to as the “wedding cake” church, this octagonal white building glistens in the sun above Lower Kula Highway. It was built in 1895 by Portuguese immigrants, who, having fulfilled their contracts with the sugar plantations, settled Upcountry as farmers and ranchers. Austrian master woodcarver Ferdinand Stuflesser created the ornate altar and stations of the cross, both extremely fine examples of 19th-century ecclesiastical art. Today, Holy Ghost’s “bread ladies” bake equally fine examples of Portuguese sweet bread.
Honokahua Preservation Site

This important historical site was uncovered during the construction of a hotel. The area contains more than 900 ancient Hawaiian burials dating from 610 to 1800 A.D. So significant and sacred is this place that the hotel had to shift site slightly to accommodate it. Now carpeted with lush grass and bordered by native plants, it is recognized as a sacred Hawaiian site.
Honokōhau Valley

Traveling north from Honolua Bay will take you on a scenic coastal drive. Part of this is through the fecund Honokohau Valley, which positively bursts with fruit trees and lush vegetation. Wind down your window and breath in the scented air.
Honolua Store

Pineapple plantation carpenters built the Honolua Store in 1929, and it looks much the same today as it did when it first opened. Now the merchandise is a bit more upscale, and clothing here sports the Kapalua Resort butterfly logo. Breakfast, sandwiches, and local foods such as Spam musubi (see Spam) and a variety of plate lunches are available at the deli counter.