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
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 Ma'alaea Road, Wailuku
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
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 Ke'anae. 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 6am and 10.11pm, while Route 35 (Haiku Islander)
operates every 90 minutes between 5.30am and 9.40pm. 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.
Facilities:
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.