If you are visiting Maui there are some places you absolutely must see on this beautiful island, so I have described here what I feel to be the Top Ten Attractions on Maui. I recommend that you enjoy your stay on Maui by staying at a Maui Vacation Rental so after you explore the island all day you can return to your very comfortable accomodation. Here are some of the very best places to see on Maui.
Lahaina – Lahaina is one of the most exciting areas of Maui, and is known not only for its shopping and nightlife but also for its many historic buildings. On Lahaina’s small-boat harbor is the old Pioneer Inn, which is a Lahaina landmark that was built in 1901. Its ambiance harkens to the whaling era in the 1800s, and many prominent guests have stayed there over the years. Next to the Pioneer Inn is Banyan Tree Square, home to the nation’s largest banyan tree, which stands more than 60 feet high and is one of the world’s largest Indian Banyan trees.
Kaanapali – Just 2 miles up the coast from Lahaina is the resort area of Kaanapali, which includes a stretch of pristine white-sand beach more than 2 miles long. Six high-rise hotels front the beach, and there are numerous swimming pools, two 18-hole championship golf courses, and 40 tennis courts. The Royal Lahaina Resort Tennis Ranch has a 3,500 seat stadium court.
The three-story Whalers Village Shopping Center has many restaurants and stores as well as the Whalers Village Museum, which includes various photos, artifacts (e.g., harpoons), scrimshaw, whale models, ship’s logs, and displays related to whaling.
Iao Valley – Iao Valley State Park is home to the 1,200-foot tall Iao Needle. Iao means “Cloud supreme,” and was the site of ancient rituals, and an ancient burial place of chiefs. The valley was also the site of one of King Kamehameha I’s most famous battles.
The Hawaii Nature Center provides hiking and educational opportunities in Iao Valley, including the Interactive Nature Museum with more than 30 hands-on exhibits about Hawaiian natural history.
Maui Arts & Cultural Center – Located above Kahului Harbor, the Maui Arts & Cultural Center is a world-class $32 million complex built by generous public donations, and including the luxurious 1,200 seat Castle Theater with orchestra, mezzanine, and balcony levels.
Upcountry Maui – Maui’s “upcountry” towns offer leisurely walks through botanical gardens as well as many scenic views. The upcountry region starts at about the 1,000-foot elevation, at Pukalani (“Heavenly Gate”), and then ascends higher on Haleakala’s slopes to the ranching communities of Makawao, Kula, Kēōkea, and Ulupalakua.
Makawao borders ranch lands, and still evokes the paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) spirit. Local rodeos include the annual Makawao Rodeo which is held every July 4. Makawao’s has an Old West feel in part due to all of the false-front buildings.
Kula is known for its flower farms of protea, orchids, bird of paradise, carnations, and many other beautiful blossoms. Kula farmers also produce a variety of agricultural products, including sweet Kula onions, strawberries, and various specialty items that are used in Maui’s finest restaurants.
Kula Botanical Gardens is located at an elevation of about 3,300 feet and displays native and Polynesian-introduced trees and plants as well as many exotic flowers including more than 60 varieties of protea flowers. There is also an orchid house, aviary, gazebo, and koi pond.
Haleakala National Park – Haleakala Volcano towers over eastern Maui. The volcano is an important location in ancient Hawaiian culture. The summit of Haleakala rises to 10,023 feet, and the 21-square-mile summit crater is 7 miles long and 3,000 feet deep. Haleakala’s summit crater is a moonscape of brown, red, green, and black mineral deposits, as well as cinder cones, some of which are more than 600 feet tall.
The Hana Highway – The road to “Heavenly Hana” begins after passing the town of Paia and the famous windsurfer beach of Hookipa. From Paia, the Hana Highway (Hwy. 360) winds its way past dozens of waterfalls along 53 miles of rugged lava coastline. The road also crosses over 56 bridges (many only one lane) and rounds 617 turns.
Also along the Hana Highway are many pleasant stops including several wayside parks with waterfall views and also some opportunities for short hikes. A prodigious supply of water makes Waikane Falls among the most scenic of the waterfalls along the Hana Highway.
Hana is the site of Maui’s first resort, the Hotel Hana-Maui, which opened in 1961 and has since hosted many famous guests including Clark Gable. Hana also has several beautiful beaches.
Kahanu Gardens – Just north of Hana town is the Kahanu Gardens, which features Pacific Island plant collections, particularly the important cultural plants of Polynesia as well as Melanesia and Micronesia. The Gardens are known for having one of the largest collections anywhere of cultivars of breadfruit.
Maui Ocean Center – Located in Malaea overlooking Maalaea Harbor, the Maui Ocean Center is devoted to marine life of the Hawaiian Islands and the Pacific Ocean. The Center features a custom-designed 750,000 gallon saltwater aquarium holding nearly 2,000 fish. A 50-foot long acrylic tunnel through the aquarium allows the viewer to be surrounded ocean life.
Those are some of Maui’s most exciting sights and attractions. If you visit the island, make sure and see as many of these places as possible. Then when you return to your Maui Vacation Rental you can relax in luxury as you reflect on your exciting visit to this wonderful Hawaiian Island.