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Island of Maui - Travel Tips
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Island of Maui - Travel Tips
Island of Maui Travel Tips
The Valley Isle
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Introduction
Maui, also called the Valley Isle, is just a small dot in the
vast Pacific Ocean, but it has the potential to offer visitors
unforgettable experiences: floating weightless through rainbows of
tropical fish, standing atop a 10,000-foot volcano watching the
sunrise color the sky, or listening to the raindrops in a bamboo
forest.
What To Do
Central Maui
This flat, often windy corridor between Maui's two volcanoes is
where you'll most likely arrive -- it's the site of the main
airport. It's also home to the majority of the island's population,
the heart of the business community, and the local government.
Wailuku -- With its faded wooden storefronts,
old plantation homes, and shops straight out of the 1940s, Wailuku
is like a time capsule. Although most people race through on their
way to see the natural beauty of Iao Valley, this quaint little
town is worth a brief visit. Beaches surrounding Wailuku are not
great for swimming, but the old town has a spectacular view of
Haleakala, a Frank Lloyd Wright building on the outskirts of town,
and the always-endearing Bailey House Museum.
West Maui
This is the fabled Maui you see on postcards. Jagged peaks,
green valleys, a wilderness full of native species -- the majestic
West Maui Mountains are the epitome of earthly paradise. The
beaches here are some of the islands' best. And it's no secret:
This stretch of coastline along Maui's "forehead," from Kapalua to
the historic port of Lahaina, is the island's most bustling resort
area.
Lahaina -- This old whaling seaport teems with restaurants,
T-shirt shops, and a gallery on nearly every block. This vintage
village is a tame version of its former self, when whalers
swaggered ashore. This is the place to visit if you want to be in
the center of things -- restaurants, shops, and nightlife.
Kaanapali -- Farther north along the West Maui
coast is Hawaii's first master-planned resort. The resorts and
hotels which line nearly 3 miles of lovely gold-sand beach, are
linked by a landscaped parkway and separated by a jungle of plants.
Golf greens wrap around the slope between beachfront and hillside
properties. Whalers Village and restaurants are easy to reach on
foot along the waterfront walkway or via the resort shuttle, which
also serves the small West Maui airport to the north. Shuttles also
go to Lahaina, 3 miles to the south, for shopping, dining,
entertainment, and boat tours.
Kapalua -- North beyond Kaanapali and the
shopping centers of Napili and Kahana, the road starts to climb,
and the vista opens up to fields of silver-green pineapple and
manicured golf fairways. Turn down the country lane of Pacific
pines toward the sea, and you could only be in Kapalua, set on one
of Hawaii's best gold-sand beaches, next to two bays that are
marine-life preserves (with fabulous surfing in winter).
South Maui
This is the hottest, sunniest, driest coastline on Maui --
Arizona by the sea. Rain rarely falls, and temperatures stick
around 85°F (29°C) year-round. On former scrubland from Maalaea to
Makena, where cacti once grew wild and cows grazed, are now four
distinct areas -- Maalaea, Kihei, Wailea, and Makena.
Maalaea -- If the western part of Maui were a
head, Maalaea would be just under the chin. This windy oceanfront
village centers around a small boat harbor (with a general store, a
couple of restaurants, and a huge new mall) and the Maui Ocean
Center, an aquarium/ocean complex.
Wailea -- Only 3 decades ago, this was
wall-to-wall scrub kiawe trees, but now Wailea is a manicured oasis
of multimillion-dollar resort hotels strung along 2 miles of
palm-fringed gold coast. The planned resort development has an
upscale shopping village, three prized golf courses of its own and
three more in close range, and a tennis complex. Appealing natural
features include the coastal trail, a 3-mile round-trip path along
the oceanfront with pleasing views everywhere you look -- out to
sea and to the neighboring islands, or inland to the broad lawns
and gardens of the hotels. The trail's south end borders an
extensive garden of native coastal plants, as well as ancient
lava-rock house ruins.
Makena -- After passing through well-groomed
Wailea, suddenly the road enters raw wilderness. Although
beautiful, this is an end-of-the-road kind of place: It's a long
drive from Makena to anywhere on Maui, but if you crave a quiet,
relaxing respite, where the biggest trip of the day is from your
bed to the gorgeous, pristine beach, Makena is your place.
Beyond Makena you'll discover Haleakala's last lava flow, which
ran to the sea in 1790; the bay named for French explorer La
Perouse; and a chunky lava trail known as the King's Highway, which
leads around Maui's empty south shore past ruins and fish camps.
Puu Olai stands like Maui's Diamond Head on the shore, where a
sunken crater shelters tropical fish, and empty golden-sand beaches
stand at the end of dirt roads.
Upcountry Maui
The slopes of Haleakala ("House of the Sun")
are home to cowboys, farmers, and people who wave back as you drive
by. They're all up here enjoying the crisp air, emerald pastures,
eucalyptus, and flower farms of this tropical Olympus -- there's
even a misty California redwood grove. You can see 1,000 tropical
sunsets reflected in the windows of houses old and new, strung
along a road that from Makawao, to Kula, where the road leads up to
the crater and Haleakala National Park. The two-lane Highway 37
narrows on the other side of Tedeschi Winery, where wine grapes and
wild elk flourish on the Ulupalakua Ranch, the biggest on Maui.
Makawao -- Until recently, this small,
two-street upcountry town consisted of little more than a post
office, gas station, feed store, bakery, and restaurant/bar serving
the cowboys and farmers living in the surrounding community; the
hitching posts outside storefronts were really used to tie up
horses. As the population of Maui started expanding in the 1970s, a
health-food store popped up, followed by boutiques and a host of
health-conscious restaurants. The result is an eclectic amalgam of
old paniolo Hawaii and the baby-boomer trends of transplanted
mainlanders. Hui No'eau Visual Arts Center, Hawaii's premier arts
collective, is definitely worth a peek.
East Maui
Hana -- Set between an emerald rainforest and
the blue Pacific is a village probably best defined by what it
lacks: golf courses, shopping malls, and McDonald's. Except for two
gas stations and a bank with an ATM, you'll find little of what
passes for progress here. Instead, you'll discover fragrant
tropical flowers, the sweet taste of backyard bananas and papayas,
and the easy calm and unabashed small-town aloha spirit of old
Hawaii. What saved "Heavenly" Hana from the inevitable march of
progress? The 52-mile Hana Highway, which winds around 600 curves
and crosses more than 50 one-lane bridges on its way from Kahului.
You can go to Hana for the day -- it's a 3-hour drive (and a
half-century away) -- but 3 days are better.
Dining
The Banyan Tree Restaurant (tel. 808/669-6200): Australian Chef
Antony Scholtmeyer, operating out of the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua,
dishes out a blend of flavors and textures like crispy-skin moi
(the Hawaiian fish of royalty) or honey-roasted duck breast.
Mañana Garage (tel. 808/873-0220): It's great
fun dining here, and the food is fantastic, too. Tuck into fabulous
arepas (cornmeal-cheese griddle cakes with smoked salmon), fried
green tomatoes, excellent ceviche, and a host of new flavors in an
ambience of spirited color and industrial edge. You'll dine among
vertical garage doors, hubcap table bases, cobalt walls, and chrome
accents.
A Saigon Cafe (tel. 808/243-9560): Jennifer
Nguyen's unmarked dining room in an odd corner of Wailuku is always
packed, a tribute to her clean, crisp Vietnamese cuisine -- and the
Maui grapevine. Grab a round of rice paper and wrap your own
Vietnamese "burrito" of tofu, noodles, and vegetables.
David Paul's Lahaina Grill (tel. 808/667-5117):
Tirelessly popular and universally appreciated for its high
quality, David Paul's is still most folks' favorite Maui eatery --
even without David Paul. No one seems to tire of the Kalua duck he
turned into a Maui institution, or the Kona coffee-roasted rack of
lamb, or the much-imitated tequila shrimp.
Old Lahaina Luau (tel. 800/248-5828 or
808/667-1998): It's not exactly a restaurant, but it's certainly an
unforgettable dining experience. Maui's best luau serves
top-quality food that's as much Pacific Rim as authentically
Hawaiian, served from an open-air thatched structure. It's
one-third entertainment, one-third good food, and one-third
ambience.
Swan Court (tel. 808/661-1234): For a romantic
setting with candlelight, a Japanese garden, and swans gliding by
serenely, this is the ticket. It isn't often that I find a fine
dining experience in a hotel that is terrific, but this is the
exception to the rule. In addition to excellent seafood, impeccable
service, and a dreamy ocean view, Swan Court is a wonderful change
of pace, a year-round Valentine dinner where you can dress up and
impress your date.
Roy's Kahana Bar & Grill (tel.
808/669-6999): This restaurant bustles with young, hip servers
impeccably trained to deliver blackened ahi or perfectly seared
lemon grass shutome (broadbill swordfish) hot to your table, in
rooms that sizzle with cross-cultural tastings.
Plantation House Restaurant (tel.
808/669-6299): At Plantation House, there are teak tables, a
fireplace, open sides, mountain and ocean views, and chef Alex
Stanislaw's love for Mediterranean flavors and preparations. It's a
friendly, comfortable restaurant with great food from a breakfast
of sublime eggs Mediterranean to polenta, crab cakes, several
preparations of fish, pork tenderloin, filet mignon, and other
delights at dinner. The ambience is superb.
Haliimaile General Store (tel. 808/572-2666):
More than a decade later, Bev Gannon, one of the 12 original Hawaii
Regional Cuisine chefs, is still going strong at her foodie haven
in the pineapple fields. You'll dine at tables set on old wood
floors under high ceilings. The food, a blend of eclectic American
with ethnic touches, bridges Hawaii with Gannon's Texas roots and
puts an innovative spin on Hawaii Regional Cuisine. Examples
include sashimi napoleon and the house salad -- island greens with
mandarin oranges, onions, toasted walnuts, and blue-cheese
crumble.
Entertainment
West Maui: Lahaina, Kaanapali & Kapalua
Maui Brews, 900 Front St. (tel. 808/667-7794),
draws the late-night crowd to its corner of the Lahaina Center with
swing, salsa, reggae, and jams -- either live or with a DJ every
night.
At Longhi's (tel. 808/667-2288) live music
spills out into the streets from 9:30pm on weekends. It's usually
salsa or jazz, but call ahead to confirm. Other special gigs can be
expected if rock-'n'-rollers or jazz musicians who are friends of
the owner happen to be passing through.
The Hard Rock Cafe, 900 Front St. (tel.
808/667-7400), occasionally offers live music, so it wouldn't hurt
to call them to see if something's up. Usually they feature
mainland bands, normally on weekends after 10pm.
You won't have to ask what's going on at Cheeseburger in
Paradise (tel. 808/661-4855), the two-story
green-and-white building at the corner of Front and Lahainaluna
streets. Just go outside and you'll hear it. Loud, live tropical
rock blasts into the streets and out to sea nightly from 4:30 to
11pm.
A Night to Remember: Luau, Maui Style
Most of the larger hotels in Maui's major resorts offer luaus on
a regular basis.
Maui's best luau is indisputably the nightly Old Lahaina
Luau (tel. 800/248-5828 or 808/667-1998). On its 1-acre
site just ocean-side of the Lahaina Cannery at 1251 Front St., the
Old Lahaina Luau maintains its high standards in food and
entertainment in a peerless setting. Local craftspeople display
their wares only a few feet from the ocean. Seating is provided on
lauhala mats for those who wish to dine as the traditional
Hawaiians did, but there are tables for everyone else. There's no
fire dancing in the program, but you won't miss it. This luau
offers a healthy balance of entertainment, showmanship, authentic
high-quality food, educational value, and sheer romantic
beauty.
Entry Requirements
Entry requirements for foreign visitors outside of the United
States
Under the Visa Waiver Plan, designed to speed up immigration
procedures, citizens of Britain, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand
and most European countries in possession of full passports do not
require visas for trips to the United States of less than ninety
days. Visa waiver forms are handed out on incoming planes, and are
processed during immigration control at your initial point of
arrival on US soil. The form requires details of where you are
staying on your first night, and the date you intend to leave the
US. You should be able to prove that you have enough money to
support yourself while in the US. You may experience difficulties
if you admit to being HIV-positive or having AIDS or TB. Part of
the form will be attached to your passport, where it must stay
until you leave. The same form also covers entry across the land
borders with Canada and Mexico.
Citizens of all other countries should contact their local US
embassy or consulate for details of current entry requirements.
Even those eligible for the visa waiver plan must apply for a free
tourist visa if they intend to stay in the US for more than ninety
days. Whatever your nationality, visas are not issued to convicted
felons or to anybody who owns up to being a communist, fascist or
drug dealer.
Money
ATMs-- Hawaii pioneered the use of ATMs more
than 2 decades ago, and now they're everywhere. You'll find them at
most banks, in supermarkets, at Long's Drugs, and in most resorts
and shopping centers. Cirrus (tel. 800/424-7787) and PLUS (tel.
800/843-7587) are the two most popular networks; check the back of
your ATM card to see which network your bank belongs to (most banks
belong to both these days).
Traveller's Checks-- Traveler's checks are
something of an anachronism from the days before the ATM made cash
accessible at any time. Traveler's checks used to be the only sound
alternative to traveling with dangerously large amounts of cash.
They were as reliable as currency, but, unlike cash, could be
replaced if lost or stolen.
You can get traveler's checks at almost any bank.
Visa offers traveler's checks at Citibank locations nationwide,
as well as at several other banks. The checks come in denominations
of $20, $50, $100, $500, and $1,000. Call tel. 800/732-1322 for
information. AAA members can obtain Visa checks for a fee (for
checks up to $1,500) at most AAA offices or by calling tel.
866/339-3378. MasterCard also offers traveler's checks. Call tel.
800/223-9920 for a location near you.
If you choose to carry traveler's checks, be sure to keep a
record of their serial numbers separate from your checks in the
event that they are stolen or lost. You'll get a refund faster if
you know the numbers.
Emergency
Emergencies-- Dial tel. 911 for the police, an ambulance, and
the fire department. District stations are located in Lahaina (tel.
808/661-4441) and in Hana (tel. 808/248-8311). For the Poison
Control Center, call tel. 800/362-3585.
Hospitals-- For medical attention, go to Maui Memorial Hospital,
in Central Maui at 221 Mahalani, Wailuku (tel. 808/244-9056), or
East Maui's Hana Medical Center, on Hana Highway (tel.
808/248-8924).
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Map of Maui
Mauii Weather
Weather Averages
 |
Average High
Temperatures |
81.4°F
27°C |
81.4°F
27°C |
82.3°F
27°C |
83.5°F
28°C |
84.7°F
29°C |
86.3°F
30°C |
Average Low
Temperatures |
63.7°F
17°C |
63.0°F
17°C |
63.8°F
17°C |
64.8°F
18°C |
66.4°F
19°C |
67.7°F
19°C |
| Average Temperature |
72.0°F
22°C |
72.0°F
22°C |
73.0°F
22°C |
74.0°F
23°C |
75.0°F
23°C |
77.0°F
25°C |
| Average Precipitation |
3.3% |
2.1% |
1.9% |
0.8% |
0.5% |
0.1% |
|
 |
Average High
Temperatures |
87.4°F
30°C |
88.1°F
31°C |
88.2°F
31°C |
87.3°F
30°C |
85.2°F
29°C |
82.8°F
28°C |
Average Low
Temperatures |
69.0°F
20°C |
69.7°F
20°C |
69.4°F
20°C |
68.5°F
20°C |
66.8°F
19°C |
64.5°F
18°C |
| Average Temperature |
78.0°F
25°C |
78.0°F
25°C |
78.0°F
25°C |
77.0°F
25°C |
76.0°F
24°C |
73.0°F
22°C |
| Average Precipitation |
0.2% |
0.3% |
0.3% |
0.9% |
1.9% |
3.0% |
|
General Details
Temperature and Climate Zones
Weather on all of the Hawaiian islands is very consistent, with
only moderate changes in temperature throughout the year. This is
possible due to the year-round warm sea surface temperatures, which
keeps the overlying atmosphere warm as well. In practical terms
there are only 2 seasons here: the summer months (called Kau in
Hawaiian) that extend from May to October and the winter months
(Ho'oilo) that run from November to April. The average day-time
summer temperature at sea level is 85 degrees F. (29.4 C) while the
average day-time winter temperature is 78 degrees (25.6 C).
Night-time temperatures are approximately 10 degrees F. lower.
Visitors to Hawaii will find that it is a marvel of nature. As a
result of the shielding effect of her volcanic mountains and the
differences in weather found at various elevations, there are as
many different climate zones here as exist along the entire coast
stretching from Alaska to Costa Rica. The islands can be described
as an incredibly diverse collection of many micro-environments,
each possessing unique weather, plants and animals. To see the full
impact of this natural wealth visitors only need to explore the
islands by car, or helicopter and they will be struck by the beauty
of tropical rain forests, cool alpine regions, stony deserts and
sunny beaches, all within the span of just a few short miles.
Rainfall and Storms
Through most of the year Hawaiian weather patterns are effected
primarily by high pressure zones in the north Pacific that pump
relatively cool, moist trade winds down onto the island's
northeastern slopes. This pattern holds true for most of the summer
and approximately half of the time in the winter. These winds are
forced up-slope by the mountain heights where ultimately their
moisture condenses into clouds that produce rain. Most of the rain
then falls in the mountains and valleys on the windward
(northeastern) side of the islands. It is this weather phenomenon
that creates the rich tropical environment of flowers and verdant
greens that have made Hawaii famous. The wettest months are from
November - March, but these winter rains do not generally disrupt
vacationer's plans, since the very localized nature of the weather
usually means that if it is raining where you are, there is almost
always a sunny spot to be found by a short drive around the
coast.
The action of trade winds here means that there is always a
cooling breeze. The strength of this wind builds as the heat of the
day rises and reaches a peak in the afternoon, only to diminish in
the evening and start again the following day. Several times during
the year the trade winds will stop completely and the wind will
switch around to come out of the south or west, bringing stormy or
hot sticky weather. Islanders sometimes call this "Kona" weather,
because kona is a polynesian word that means leeward or South, and
this points to the direction from which these weather systems
arrive. Stormy weather does come to the islands, primarily in the
winter and sometimes lingers for several days. Severe storms,
however, are not a common occurrence here.
Water and Surf Conditions
Beach-goers will be happy to learn that the temperature of
Hawaii's near-shore waters stay comfortable throughout the year.
The average year round water temperature is 74 degrees F. (23.3 C),
with a summer high of 80 degrees F. (26.7 C). Wave action varies a
great deal between winter and summer, and between island coasts.
Generally summer waters are very gentle on all beaches. This
changes in the winter on many north facing beaches, as storms far
out into the Pacific drive ocean swells towards the islands, which
build into large breaking waves.
As with island rains, wave conditions are often very localized,
so if there is too much surf on your beach, you can usually find
calmer water by taking a short drive to a beach that is sheltered
from the prevailing surf. Swimmers should keep in mind that h4
currents can make any beach unsafe at any time during the year, but
this is particularly true in the winter. When in doubt, simply ask
your hotel staff or a local for their recommendations and also
watch for warning flags and posted beach conditions.
Hawaii's Mountains and Volcanos
Many visitors to the islands will be drawn to the natural beauty
found in the higher elevations such as Kokee on Kauai, or Haleakala
on Maui, or Kilauea on the Big Island. In preparing for your trip
you'll want to take long pants and several layers of cool weather
clothing because the temperature in the higher locations drops 3.5
degrees for every 1,000 feet above sea level that you climb. For
example, the summit of Haleakala at an elevation of 10,023 feet can
be as much as 30 degrees F. cooler than the resort areas on the
coast. Similarly the summit of Kilauea, which is at an elevation of
4,078 feet, can be 14 degrees cooler than the sea level
temperature.
You should also be aware that because these peaks rise through
the earth's atmosphere, there is less protection at these
elevations from the sun's powerful burning rays. This burning
effect can be easily masked by the cool temperatures on the
mountain, so be sure to use your sun block liberally, and bring
your hat and sunglasses.
Fun Things To Do in Maui
Attractions & Activities
Maui Attractions
Below are some of our favorite natural and commercial
attractions on Maui.
'Ulalena: Hula, Myth & Modern Dance
The highly polished 'Ulalena, staged in the Maui Myth and Magic
Theatre, 878 Front St. (tel. 877/688-4800 or 808/661-9913), is a
riveting production that weaves Hawaiian mythology with drama,
dance, and state-of-the-art multimedia capabilities in a brand-new,
multimillion-dollar theater.
A local and international cast performs Polynesian dance,
original music, acrobatics, and chant to create an experience that
often leaves the audience speechless. It's interactive, with
dancers coming down the aisles, drummers and musicians in
surprising corners, and mind-boggling stage and lighting effects
that draw the audience in. Some special moments: the goddess
dancing on the moon, the white sail signaling the arrival of the
first Europeans, the wrath of the volcano goddess, Pele (the stage
effects depicting lava are brilliant), and the despairing labors of
the field-worker immigrants. The effects of the modern choreography
and traditional hula, a fusion of genres, are surprisingly
evocative and emotional. The story unfolds seamlessly, and at the
end you'll be shocked to realize that not a single word of dialogue
has been spoken.
Scuba Diving: You're in love with snorkeling
and the chance to view the underwater world, but it's just not
enough -- you want to get closer and see even more. Take an
introductory scuba dive; after a brief lesson on how to use the
diving equipment, you'll plunge into the deep to swim with the
tropical fish and go eyeball to eyeball with other marine
critters.
Skimming over the Ocean in a Kayak: Glide
silently over the water, hearing only the sound of your paddle
dipping beneath the surface. This is the way the early Hawaiians
traveled along the coastline. You'll be eye level and up close and
personal with the ocean and the coastline, exploring areas you
can't get to any other way. Venture out on your own or go with an
experienced guide -- either way, you won't be sorry.
Exploring a Lava Tube: Most people come to Maui
to get outdoors and soak up some Hawaiian sunshine, but don't miss
the opportunity to see firsthand how volcanic islands were formed.
With Maui Cave Adventures (tel. 808/248-7308), you can hike into
the subterranean passages of a huge, extinct lava tube with 40-foot
ceilings -- an offbeat adventure and a geology lesson you won't
soon forget.
Seeing the Stars from Inside a Volcanic Crater:
Driving up to see the sunrise is a trip you'll never forget, but to
really experience Haleakala, plan to hike in and spend the night.
To get a feel for why the ancient Hawaiians considered this one of
the most sacred places on the island, you simply have to wander
into the heart of the dormant volcano, where you'll find some 27
miles of hiking trails.
Hiking to a Waterfall: There are waterfalls,
and there are waterfalls; the magnificent 400-foot Waimoku Falls,
in Oheo Gulch outside of Hana, are worth the long drive and the
uphill hike you have to take to get there. The falls are surrounded
by lush green ferns and wild orchids, and you can even stop to take
a dip in the pool at the top of Makahiku Falls on the way.
Flying over the Remote West Maui Mountains:
Your helicopter streaks low over razor-thin cliffs, then flutters
past sparkling waterfalls and down into the canyons and valleys of
the inaccessible West Maui Mountains. There's so much beauty to
absorb that it all goes by in a rush. You'll never want to stop
flying over this spectacular, surreal landscape -- and it's the
only way to see the dazzling beauty of the prehistoric area of
Maui.
Maui Activities
Below are some of our favorite Maui activities.
Hunting for Whales on Land: No need to shell
out megabucks to go out to sea in search of humpback whales -- you
can watch these majestic mammals breach and spy hop from shore. I
recommend scenic McGregor Point, at mile marker 9 along
Honoapiilani Highway, just outside Maalaea in South Maui. The
humpbacks arrive as early as November, but the majority travel
through Maui's waters from mid-December to mid-April.
Watching the Windsurfers: Sit on a grassy bluff
or stretch out on the sandy beach at Hookipa, on the north shore,
and watch the world's top-ranked windsurfers twirling and dancing
on the wind and waves like colorful butterflies. World-championship
contests are held at Hookipa, one of the greatest windsurfing spots
on the planet.
Experiencing Maui's History: Wander the
historic streets of the old whaling town of Lahaina, where the
1800s are alive and well thanks to the efforts of the Lahaina
Restoration Society. Drive the scenic Kahekili Highway, where the
preserved village of Kahakuloa looks much as it did a century ago.
Stand in awe at Piilanihale, Hawaii's largest heiau (temple),
located just outside Hana.
Greeting the Rising Sun from Haleakala's
Summit: Bundle up in warm clothing, fill a thermos full of
hot java, and drive up to the summit to watch the sky turn from
inky black to muted charcoal as a small sliver of orange forms on
the horizon. Standing at 10,000 feet, breathing in the rarefied
air, and watching the first rays of light streak across the sky is
a mystical experience of the first magnitude.
Exploring a Different Hawaii -- Upcountry Maui:
On the slopes of Haleakala, cowboys, farmers, ranchers, and other
country people make their homes in serene, neighborly communities
like Makawao, Kula, and Ulupalakua -- worlds away from the bustling
beach resorts. Acres of onions, lettuce, tomatoes, carrots,
cabbage, and flowers cover the hillsides. Maui's only winery is
located here, offering the perfect place for a picnic.
Driving Through a Tropical Rainforest: The Hana
Highway is not just a "drive" but an adventure: Stop along the way
to plunge into icy mountain ponds filled by cascading waterfalls;
gaze upon vistas of waves pummeling soaring ocean cliffs; inhale
the sweet aroma of blooming ginger; and take a walk back in time,
catching a glimpse of what Hawaii looked like before concrete
condos and fast-food joints washed ashore.
Flight Overview Maui
Kahului (airport code OGG) is by far the
largest of three airports on the island. It is the only airport
capable of handling trans-Pacific flights and there are several
nonstop flight choices from Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago and
additional cities, depending on the season. There are frequent
interisland flights between Honolulu and Kahului that depart about
every half hour on Aloha or Hawaiian Airlines. Aloha's affiliate,
Island Air, also connects Kahului with Molokai three times daily.
Pacific Wings (tel 248-7700 or 1-888/575-4546,
www.pacificwings.com) operates one or two scheduled flights each
day between Molokai and Kahului, while Paragon Air (tel
1-800/428-1231), an on-demand charter service, connects Molokai
with any airport on Maui.
Kapalua (airport code JHM) in West Maui
receives around eight Island Air flights from Honolulu each day.
Consider a connection through Honolulu to this small airport if you
want to arrive closer to the West Maui resorts of Kaanapali and
Kapalua. Generally prices will run at about an $80 premium per
traveler.
Scheduled flights to and from Hana, the third, tiny airport, are
currently only available on Pacific Wings, which operates three or
four daily round-trip flights between Kahului and Hana, and also
one or two nonstop flights between Honolulu and Hana.
Non-stop, direct or connecting flights to Honolulu with good
connecting flights to Maui are available from all major and
regional airports in North America. From cities on the West Coast,
the flight time to Honolulu is approximately 4 ? - 5 hours. From
Chicago, non-stop flights to Honolulu are 8 hours, and from New
York, non-stop flights to Honolulu are approximately 10 ?
hours.
During the past several years, more non-stop flights have become
available to Hawaii's "Neighbor Islands" of Maui, Kauai and the Big
Island of Hawaii from cities along the West Coast. Inter-island
flights to all Neighbor Islands depart regularly from Honolulu
International Airport and flight times run just 20 - 35 minutes,
making island hopping simple and convenient.
Our Airline Partners Serving Hawaii:
American Trans Air
Delta Airlines
United Airlines
Hawaiian Airlines
American Airlines
Aloha Airlines
Horizon Airlines