Haleakala National Park
The Haleakala National Park extends from the summit of the
volcano, down into the crater, then across the volcano's southeast
slopes to Maui's east coast, beyond the town of Hana. The main
reason for the park being visited by nearly one and a half million
people a year, is the attraction of peering down into the crater of
what is the world's largest dormant volcano. Haleakala last erupted
in 1790, and has been deadly quiet ever since, although it is not
considered to be inactive. The massive crater covers 19 square
miles (49 sq km): big enough to hold the whole of Manhattan.
Hawaiians regard the crater as a sacred site.
It is possible to drive to the summit along a twisting road that
climbs 10,000 feet (3,000m) in just 37 miles (60km); visitors can
also explore the desolate landscape inside the crater on hiking or
biking trails. There are numerous other opportunities for
recreational activities in the National Park too. The Park's
headquarters just inside the park entrance provides information of
activities and programmes offered. The Haleakala Visitor Centre
near the summit of the volcano explains, via exhibits, the history,
ecology, geology and volcanology of the area.
Address: Kula, HI
Opening time: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Headquarters
Visitor Center is open daily 8am-3:45pm; the Haleakala Visitor
Center is open daily 5:30am-3pm; the Kipahulu Visitor Center is
open daily 9am-4.30pm.
Haleakala National Park
Tony Webster
Maui Ocean Centre
The Maui Ocean Centre is an unrivalled aquatic experience and
the largest tropical reef aquarium in the Western Hemisphere. The
Centre is located in oceanfront Ma'alaea Village off the
Honoapiilani Highway, within minutes of all major resort areas; it
consists of indoor and outdoor displays allowing visitors to see,
touch and explore Hawaii's unique marine environment. The
walk-through aquarium contains thousands of fish showcased in more
than 60 interactive habitat exhibits, including the Turtle Lagoon,
Hammerhead Harbor, Sea Jelly Gallery, and the Marine Mammal
Discovery Center.
Address: 192 Maalaea Road, Wailuku
Opening time: Daily 9am-5pm (until 6pm in July and
August).
Maui Ocean Center
ryan harvey
Baldwin Home Museum
One of Lahaina's best preserved 19th-century landmarks, the
house in Front Street built by Rev. Dwight Baldwin in 1834, stands
now as the oldest house in Maui. Baldwin was a missionary who
started a farm on the island and was responsible for growing the
first plantations of Hawaii's indigenous pineapples, the fruit that
is now enjoyed worldwide.
Baldwin's home gives an insight into island life in the
missionary era. Alongside is the Master's Reading Room, another of
Maui's oldest buildings, which used to be frequented by visiting
sea captains when missionaries closed down seafront bars in the
early 19th century. The building is now occupied by the Lahaina
Restoration Foundation, which issues maps and guides for visitors
wishing to take a walking tour around Lahaina's historic
attractions.
Address: 120 Dickenson Street, Lahaina
Opening time: Daily 10am-4pm.
Lahaina Front Street
Randy Willis
Hana Highway
No visit to Maui is complete without hitting the highway - the
Hana Highway, that is - that runs for about 50 miles (81km) between
Kailua and Hana on the northeastern coast of the island. This
hair-raising but incredibly scenic coastal drive was built in 1927
by gangs of convicts. It twists and turns its way along the coastal
cliffs, containing 56 bridges and 600 hairpin bends. The route
winds through numerous lush valleys lined with dozens of
waterfalls, dense rainforest, bamboo thickets, fern groves and
tulip trees.
Visitors need at least a day to traverse the highway, stopping
to enjoy a dip in mountain pools or exploring off-shooting hiking
trails, many of which lead to historic sites, like the little 19th
century church built of lava and coral in the village of Keanae.
There are two national parks on the route, some lava caves,
blowholes, temple ruins and of course unsurpassed views.
Hana Highway
alexa627
Maui is a tropical island with a mild year-round climate
tempered by the Pacific Ocean. At sea level, the average afternoon
winter high temperature is around 79°F (26°C) during the coldest
months of December and January. August and September are the
hottest summer months with average temperatures of about 86°F
(30°C). Like most volcanic tropical islands, however, many
different microclimates make it essential to pack for a variety of
conditions: swimsuits and light hot-weather clothing for the
beaches, a lightweight windbreaker for the occasional shower at
higher elevations, and protection that is more serious during
inclement conditions when hiking Haleakala.
Kahului Airport
Location: The airport is located three miles (5km) northeast of
Kahului Town in Maui.
Time: Local time is GMT -10.
Getting to the city:
Maui County operates a public transit system from the airport
which operates daily. The Maui Bus stops at marked locations
fronting the terminal; Route 40 (Upcountry Islander) operates every
90 minutes between 7.15am and 10.15pm, while Route 35 (Haiku
Islander) operates every 90 minutes between 6.45am and 9.45pm. Note
that only one bag is allowed per passenger.
Car Rental:
Car rental agencies include Thrifty, Avis, Hertz, National,
Enterprise, Dollar, Budget and Alamo.
Airport Taxis:
Airport taxis are located fronting the baggage claim area and
are metered.
Fascilities:
Kahului Airport features shops, restaurants, customer service,
an information desk and ATMs.
Parking
Parking lots are located near the terminal. Parking is free for
the first 15 minutes, $1 for the first 30 minutes, $2 for the
second 30 minutes and $2 per hour thereafter up to a daily maximum
of $15.
The main mode of public transportation in Maui is the Maui Bus,
which operates several daily routes through large towns like
Wailuku, Kihei, Lahaina, Wailea, and Kahalui. The bus routes don't
cover the island comprehensively however, so most travellers in
Maui opt to hire a car; note that hired cars must be booked well in
advance as they can sell out, especially on holiday weekends.
Maui is one of the most popular islands in Hawaii for tourists
thanks to its famous beaches, commanding volcanoes, lush jungles,
and idyllic waterfalls. Encompassing all that travellers dream of
in a Hawaiian getaway, the island offers no shortage of things to
see and do.
Hiking is a popular activity on Maui, and there are a number of
excellent trails in Iao Valley State Monument and Haleakala
National Park. Makawao State forest also offers good trails for
both hiking and mountain biking. Another way to enjoy the trails is
be horseback, with guided tours available from Maui Stables.
Hana Highway is a great way to see the island, offering
spectacular views and stopping points like the Garden of Eden
arboretum and Wainapanapa State Park. Adrenaline junkies will be
sure to try the Piiholo Ranch Zipline, soaring up to 600 feet
(183m) above the tree canopy.
It's no surprise that many of Maui's best activities happen in
or near the water. Snorkelling in 'Turtle Town' south of Wailea
offers the chance to see tropical fish, coral reefs, and of course
sea turtles; other great dive spots include Ulua Beach, and the
cove south of Black Rock.
Canoeing and kayaking are also fun ways to pass the time in
Maui, or visitors can take a sunset cruise to look for whales and
dolphins. Whatever the preference, there is always something to do
in Maui.