About Maui:
Second largest of the
Hawaiian chain, Maui is comprised of two volcanic peaks sprouting
up from the floor of the Pacific Ocean. Pu'u Kukui,
rising over 5000 feet on the west side, and Mount Haleakala on
the east side rising almost twice as tall to 10,023 feet. The
island measures 24 miles wide on the Haleakala side to over 48
miles from West Maui to the east side of Hana, and covers an area
of approximately 728 square miles with 120 miles of coastline.
The climate is sub-tropical with wide variations on rainfall
depending on geographical location. Maui has a wide variety of
plant and animal life and many species are rare and endangered
including the nene (Hawaiian goose) and the Hawaiian humpback
whale. Be prepared to bring along extra film, at least one change
of warm clothes for those sunrise mountain trips or a late night
walk along the beach, and several changes of light clothes for
those hot tropical days.
Generally, the North Shore and
Upcountry area of Maui (Paia, Pukalani, Makawao) is a
verdant pasture and tropical setting on the slopes of Haleakala,
a dormant volcano. Haleakala's crater is a breathtaking sight,
filled with thought-provoking hikes. The Upcountry area does not
have any hotels, but is home to many B&Bs and vacation
rentals. It's quiet in the Upcountry, and scenery there is
breathtaking..
Central Maui (Kahului, Wailuku) is
generally the business and commercial center for the
island. Not much to do here in terms of late-night
entertainment. Situated a stone's throw from Kahului airport,
Kanaha Beach Park is a very popular windsurfing beach, with large
lawns providing ample picnic and BBQ opportunities.
West Maui (Kapalua, Ka'anapali,
Lahaina) has lots to offer. The exclusivity of Kapalua
with its fine golfing and dining. The sprawling beach resort of
Ka'anapali with long, sandy beaches, golfing, the Hyatt,
Marriott, Sheraton, and other fine hotels, and a number of resort
condominiums. Ka'anapali is the home of Whaler's Village, filled
with exclusive shops: Prada, Ferragamo, Versace, Tiffany's, Louis
Vuitton, Gucci... Finally there is the historic whaling town of
Lahaina, a popular visitor attraction filled with shops and art
galleries, and a major source of entertainment on Maui.
In South Maui, Kihei and
Wailea are popular economical and exclusive
areas, respectively. Public tennis and basketball
courts, sprawling lawns and a new in-line skating rink at Kalama
Park (Kihei), along with various scenic beaches throughout Kihei
and Wailea make the South Shore a favorite for many.
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