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Stand above a sea of clouds high atop Haleakala Crater. Watch a 45-foot whale surface off the coast of Lahaina. Lose count of the waterfalls outside your window as you drive the hairpin turns of Hana highway. There’s a reason why Maui is nicknamed “The Magic Isle.
The second largest Hawaiian island has a smaller population than you’d expect, making Maui popular with visitors who are looking for sophisticated diversions and amenities in the small, intimate towns peppered throughout the island.
Maui’s unique vistas also make it a much-anticipated destination. From beaches that have repeatedly been voted among the best in the world to the scenic heights of Haleakala Crater, a visit to “The Magic Isle” recharges the senses. But like every good magic trick, you’ll have to see it for yourself to believe it.
Maui Quick Facts:
- Approximately 3,000 Humpback whales visit Maui each winter.
- There are 81 beaches with a combined shoreline that spans 120 miles.
- Iao Needle is a 2,250-ft stone pillar that was once used as a natural altar.
- Lahaina was a thriving whaling port in the mid-1800s.
- The Haleakala Crater is roughly the size of the island of Manhattan.
Island Name: Maui
Capital City: Kahului
Population: 139,884
Getting to Maui: Kahului Airport (OGG) is the island’s main airport.
Accommodations: Our own “Le Penthouse” OCEANFRONT condo in Kihei
Time Zone: Hawaii Standard Time (GMT-10 hours), 5 hours behind the US East Coast, 6 hours behind during Daylight Saving Time (Hawaii does not observe Daylight Saving Time).
Languages: English, Hawaiian
Average Temperature: 75°-85° F.
Area Code/Cell phones: The area code for all of Hawaii is (808). Cell phone coverage is readily available in most places if you’re coming from the US. Check your carrier and calling plan for details.
Internet Access: Internet access is readily available on Maui
Transportation: To explore the island, rent a car at Kahului Airport (OGG) or Kapalua Airport serving West Maui (JHM). Other options include tour buses, shuttles, trolleys, taxis, or city buses.
Clothing: Dress casually. Bring a light jacket for nights, heavier if you plan to visit Haleakala. Semi-casual dress clothes for restaurants and nightlife. Suits and ties are rarely worn.
What is the time difference from the mainland? Hawaii follows Hawaii Standard Time (GMT-10 hours), which is 5 hours behind Eastern Standard Time and 2 hours behind Pacific Standard Time. Hawaii does not observe Daylight Savings Time so add one extra hour to the time difference during this period (March through November).
What can I do on Maui?
- Watch the sunrise atop the 10,000-foot Haleakala Crater
- Spot a humpback whale on a whale watching excursion
- Drive up the scenic, 53-mile Hana highway
- Snap a picture of striking Iao Needle in Iao Valley
- Spend a day browsing the museums, shops, and restaurants of Lahaina
- Golf on Maui. At last count, there were about 14 courses on this little island.
- Bike on Maui. You can bike everywhere including down the side of Haleakala.
- Snorkel in the blue Pacific and see the beautiful tropical fish, turtles and coral reefs.
Who is Maui?
Legend has it; the demigod Maui pulled the islands of Hawaii from the sea. Maui was named after this mythological being, perhaps because the shape of the island is said to resemble his head and body. But it was a man named Piilani who made the greatest impact here as the first ruler to unite all of Maui.
In 1790, after a fierce battle in Iao Valley, King Kamehameha took control of Maui and made Lahaina the new capital of the unified Hawaiian Kingdom. For nearly five decades, Lahaina served as the center of government for Hawaii. Simultaneously, the town experienced a surge in its whaling industry. At the height of the whaling era (1840-1865) as many as 500 ships anchored in Lahaina’s port.
Maui has many historical places of interest that shouldn’t be missed. From ancient myths to its booming whaling era, Maui’s rich history will add a fascinating new dimension to your visit.
Family Fun on Maui
A 750,000-gallon water tank surrounds you. As you and your family walk through an acrylic tunnel, you gape at the manta rays and sharks swimming safely overhead. The Maui Ocean Center, recently voted Hawaii’s top-rated family attraction by Zagat’s, is just one of the many family-friendly treasures you’ll find on Maui.
Take your kids to the Paper Airplane Museum, where 2,000 models dangle from the ceiling and tin can airplanes adorn the walls. Or take a ride on a genuine 1890’s train on the Lahaina-Kaanapali Railroad. If you’re staying in a hotel or resort, they’ll likely have a keiki (children's) program that includes everything from lei making to hula lessons, helping to create a truly unique Maui memory for your little ones.
Top Five Family Activities on Maui:
5. Build a sand castle at one of Maui’s many beautiful beaches.
4. Take the kids to the Hawaii Nature Center for hands-on exhibits.
3. Take a ride on the historic Lahaina-Kaanapali Railroad or Sugar-Cane Train.
2. Turn 7 to 12-year-olds into Junior Rangers at Haleakala Visitor Centers.
1. See the nation’s largest tropical reef aquarium at the Maui Ocean Center.
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