Best Reasons To Visit Maui
Table of Contents:
1. What is unique about Maui?
2. What are the main attractions?
3. Where to stay on Maui, from economy to luxury hotels
4. Book Maui vacation package at special rate
- VARIETY OF EXPERIENCE
Maui, "The Magic Isle," is considered the most diverse of all Hawaiian Islands. It is the second largest of the Hawaiian Islands, occupying more than 727 square miles.
Are you looking for seclusion? The enormous dormant volcano, Haleakala Crater, dominates the center of the island. The upcountry meadows and roads around the crater are a wonderful area for hiking, biking and horseback riding.
Do you want to hit the town? Maui's main town, Lahaina, is a lively oceanfront village with exotic restaurants, bars, shops and art galleries that stay open late at night. This is where sport fishing, whale watching, sightseeing and snorkeling cruises set sail from.
Maui combines world-class resorts with scenic small towns like no other island. The West Coast is known for prime resort areas - Kapalua, Kaanapali, Wailea and Makena. The secluded East Coast is best known for the tiny Hana town where you can witness the unspoiled lifestyle of last centry's Hawaii.
- EVERYONE LOVES IT
According to Travel & Leisure and Conde Nast Traveler, Maui has very high level of visitor satisfaction. The locals simply say: "Maui no ka oi!" - "Maui is the best!".
- EXCELLENT CHOICE OF DINING, SHOPPING, GOLF
You will find an abundance of restaurants that offer European, American, Pacific Rim, Japanese, Hawaiian and other fare. Shopping includes exclusive boutiques, quirky souvenir shops and local markets. Maui is home to a dozen championship golf courses designed by the likes of Nicklaus, Palmer, Jones and Norman, and hosts 3 major PGA golf tournaments.
- BEST BEACHES
There are over 80 beaches, including The World's Best Beach at Wailea.
- WHALE WATCHING
In the months of December through April, giant humpback whales come to Maui's warm waters to frolic, mate and bear their young. Maui's West Shore (Kaanapali) is the best area for whale watching.
- ARTS
Most travelers do not know that Maui is famous for its thriving artist colony. There are over 40 galleries around the island showcasing everything from ceramics to woods, Maui Arts and Cultural Center, Lahaina Art Nights, and other special events throughout the year.
- ROMANCE
In the last five years, Maui has become the most popular honeymoon island - for many reasons. Imagine warm tropical evenings filled with aroma of plumeria, pristine white-sand beaches, sparkling waterfalls that invite for a swim, sunset dinner sails... need we say more?
2. What are the main attractions on Maui?
- Lahaina Town (West Maui)
The most active part of the island is West Maui - the excitement here never ends. This is where the bustling town of Lahaina is located. A capital of Hawaiian kings and whaling village in the 19th century, today Lahaina is a colorful quilt of various restaurants, nightclubs, shops and art galleries. The Lahaina harbor is the center for most ocean activities, including fishing, snorkeling trips, and even a ferry to the island of Lanai. And, of course, there are a dozen points from where you can watch the mighty humpback whales in winter and spring! - Kaanapali (West Maui)
Kaanapali is one of the liveliest places in Hawaii. In the middle of Kaanapali is Black Rock (Pu'u Keka'a), a once sacred location to ancient Hawaiians. They considered it to be a place where spirits of the dead went to leap from this world to the next. To the south you will find Whalers Village Shopping Center and a free whaling museum (largest whaling memorabilia in the world !). Another feature of Kaanapali is the Sugar Cane Train that travels between Lahaina and Kaanapali. The train once moved sugar cane from the fields of Kaanapali to the Pioneer Mill in Lahaina, but today it caters to the tourism industry with a scenic ride and a trip back into time. - South Maui: Wailea and Makena
Wailea and Makena are located down south. Wailea is a laid-back, quiet, upscale resort community. Although fully developed, it still has many wonderful non-crowded beaches. Makena boasts one of the last largest undeveloped beaches on Maui, Makena Beach (Big Beach) and one of the most picturesque beaches, Little Beach, which is also an unofficial clothing optional beach. Most of these beaches do not have hotels around them and are very clean and peaceful. - West Maui: Iao Valley
Iao Valley Park is located away from the ocean, at the base of West Maui Mountains. This is a wonderful area for hiking and nature walks. Apple, banana, mango, guava, and coffee trees grow wild. Rising 1,200 feet above the mountains, Iao Needle, a rocky pillar covered with thick vegetation, points to the sky like a giant green finger. Iao Valley is an amazingly beautiful and tranquil place. - Central Maui: Haleakala Crater
The peak of Haleakala, Maui's sleeping volcano, towers 10,023 feet above sea level. Along the slopes of Haleakala there are 7 different climate zones, ranging from tropical rainforest to desert. A trip to Maui is never complete without viewing a magnificent sunrise from aloft Haleakala, nicknamed "The House of the Rising Sun". Travel to the chilly summit and experience the dawn of creation. Panoramic views, nature in the raw, and the wonders of Haleakala National Park (including the unique silversword plant) will leave you breathless! Click here for more information about guided Haleakala Crater Tour. - East Maui: Hana Highway
Hana Highway is probably the most picturesque 55 miles of drive that you'll ever experience. The hairpin-curved scenic road goes over 54 bridges, passes the steep cliffs and lush valleys ablooming with ginger and heliconia. You may want to stop and pick a banana from one of the trees hanging over the road, go for a hike into the bamboo forest or take a dip in one of the countless waterfalls. - East Maui: Hana Town
At the end of the Hana Highway, the small quaint town of Hana awaits you. The natural beauty of "Heavenly Hana" will take you back in time and give you an idea of what the rest of Maui was like 30 years ago. Unspoiled, serene and mystical, Hana is truly Maui's "Last Hawaiian Place." Undeveloped jungle full of rare native plants and exotic birds, the rugged shoreline, and some of the best beaches on the island are just a few of Hana's treasures. Further down the coast, Kahanu Garden grows amid black lava flows in splendid isolation. Its 122 acres encompass beautiful plant collections from the Pacific Islands. There are a few other places worth seeing, such as the famous Hasagawa's General Store, Hana Cultural Center, Hamoa Beach, Red Sand Beach and Hana Ranch. - North Maui: Kapalua
Kapalua is the most secluded area on the busy West Shore. It consists of two major luxurious resorts: The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua and Kapalua Bay Hotel. The beach in front of the Kapalua Bay resort is said to be one of the best in the world. Snorkeling there is excellent! Kapalua is surrounded by active pineapple plantations and a giant stand of 100-year-old Norfolk pines. - North Maui: Kahakuloa Town
North Maui is home to small farms and ranches, sugar plantations and quaint historic villages, such as Kahakuloa. Kahakuloa Valley is where native Hawaiians lived and flourished 1,500 years ago. Even today, the Hawaiian lifestyle is still very much alive in this lush secluded valley on Maui's North Shore. See traces of an earlier civilization, walk in a pristine forest, cross a clear stream, hear ancient Hawaiian legends.
If you like water sports, you will love Kaanapali Beach
Iao Valley Park is very lush, serene and mysterious
Iao Needle is the highlight of the Park
Silversword grows in Haleakala Crater, nowhere else in the world
Here is one of Maui's trademark sunsets
Hana is famous for its gorgeous waterfalls
Fire dance is the main spectacle at Maui's luaus
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Are you planning a vacation to Maui? Hawaii Travel Bureau offers special discounted rates on Maui vacation packages.
Our customers say: Just wanted to tell you what an outstanding time we had on our recent vacation in Hawaii. The travel arrangements you made (first-class air, hotel, car rental) were exactly what we were looking for. What's more, they were dead-on accurate and totally without hassle. The hotel you suggested, Maui Prince, was perfect. Its facilities and grounds are all totally beautiful, extremely classy and yet, unbelievably relaxed and comfortable. We did the usual hang-out-by-the-bar-pool-ocean thing and golfed, and absolutely loved the place. Before choosing Hawaii Travel Bureau, we contacted several companies. We also took steps to verify and validate your reputation with Better Business Bureau, Hawaii Visitors Bureau, and other groups. All reports came back extremely positive and now we understand why. What's more, your costs were $600 - $1500 less than anyone else for the exact same trip! If you ever need an endorsement, feel free to call on us at any time! Phillip and Karen E., Tugunga, CA
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3. Where to stay on Maui, from economy to luxury hotels
Luxury 
Fairmont Kea Lani |
Deluxe 
Embassy Vacation Resort (condo) |
Moderate 
Castle Kamaole Sands (condo) |
Economy 
Aston Maui Lu |
4. Book Maui vacation package at special rate
Finding a good vacation package is tricky. How can you decide which hotel to choose among four or five that look similar? Is ocean view worth the extra money? How can you be sure the hotel you booked doesn't disappoint? What if you find out that the person next to you on the plane paid 40% less for his ticket than you?
Hawaii Travel Bureau is here to make you feel very good about your vacation. We can put together a custom vacation package for you that will cost 10-65% lower than published rates, and less than Expedia, Orbitz and Travelocity rates.
You want to know what's special about Hawaii Travel Bureau? First, we have a team of highly-trained agents who know all there is to know about Hawaii, and can recommend hotel, condo or tour that will work best for you. Second, our rates are really good (you'll see!) because we have our own wholesale contracts with airlines, hotels, car rental and activity companies.
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Here is how you can receive a fast and detailed quote for your trip:
Need some ideas for your vacation? Here are some of our special deals to get you started:
| Price for 2 people | Package description |
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Lowest-Priced Luxury Package From $1,820.00 + airfare at our discounted rate |
Sheraton Maui Resort is known for the best snorkeling on the island - you'll be surrounded by tons of bright fish in crystal-clear water.
Package includes: Airfare from your city, 5 nights in garden view room at Sheraton Maui Resort, cool convertible car... |
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Best Oceanfront Deal From $1,017.50 + airfare at our discounted rate |
Package includes: Airfare from your city, 5 nights in oceanfront studio at ResortQuest Mahana at Kaanapali (3 stars), compact car...  Get a quote
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Honeymoon Package: "You've Never Seen a Suite Like This" From $1,682.50 + airfare at our discounted rate |
Embassy Vacation Resort Kaanapali offers 820-sq-ft suites with corner bathtub big enough for two, and a long lanai that easily fits two loungers and a table.
Package includes: Airfare from your city, 5 nights in 1-bedroom scenic view suite at Embassy Vacation Resort Kaanapali (4 stars), compact car, full buffet breakfast and cocktail party daily, bottle of champagne... |
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Honeymoon Package: "Glamorous Honeymoon Hollywood-Style" From $2,517.50 + airfare at our discounted rate |
Grand Wailea Resort is Hawaii's most luxurious resort with 6 fantasy pools, world's only water elevator, hip bars and nightclubs, Spa Grande, and 3 golf courses.
Package includes: Airfare from your city, 5 nights in terrace view room at Grand Wailea Resort (5 stars), compact car... |
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Honeymoon Package: "No Need to Rob a Bank" From $934.50 + airfare at our discounted rate |
Maui Coast Hotel has large pool with 2 Jacuzzis on the grounds, and the beach is across the street.
Package includes: Airfare from your city, 5 nights in deluxe alcove suite at Maui Coast (3 stars), in-room jacuzzi bathtub, space available upgrade to 1-bedroom suite, compact car, bottle of champagne... |
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Best Family Deal From $1,364.50 (for 1-4 guests) + airfare at our discounted rate |
ResortQuest Kaanapali Shores has more family activities than any other condo - 2 pools, free scuba lessons, tennis, video game room, and children's program.
Package includes: Airfare from your city, 5 nights in 1-bedroom ocean view at ResortQuest Kaanapali Shores (3 stars), $100 food credit per stay, compact car... |
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Best Bang for the Buck From $626.00 + airfare at our discounted rate |
Aston Maui Lu is a quiet economy hotel across the street form the beach in Kihei.
Package includes: Airfare from your city, 5 nights in superior garden view room at Aston Maui Lu (1 star), economy car... |
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Unique Retreat: "Old-Fashioned Aloha Spirit" From $1,555.00 + airfare at our discounted rate |
Kaanapali Beach Hotel is warm and inviting like a friend's house. You can kick back on the beach, read a book by the pool, learn how to make a lei, or carve a pineapple.
Package includes: Airfare from your city, 5 nights in partial ocean view room at Kaanapali Beach Hotel (3 stars), full buffet breakfast daily, cool convertible... |
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Unique Retreat: "Ocean View Instead of TV" From $2,612.50 + airfare at our discounted rate |
At Hotel Hana-Maui, you can break free from Internet, TV and bars, and rejuvenate yourself with natural spa treatments, delicious cuisine, horseback riding, and even a couple of hula lessons.
Package includes: Airfare from your city, 5 nights in ocean view room at Hotel Hana-Maui (4 stars), full buffet breakfast daily, Jeep Wrangler... |
We are here to help you with your Maui vacation planning!
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