Maui Hawaii is the second largest island in both size and population.
Maui has great beaches, shopping and attractions. The dormant volcano Haleakala
is on Maui. Maui is not as busy as Oahu but much busier than Kauai or Big
Island. Maui is growing very quickly and traffic is starting to become an
issue as well. Lahaina is the town with the most things to do on Maui. There
are great restaurants, bars, shopping, and art galleries. Maui is the most
expensive island to visit.
Like the rest of Hawaii, dress is usually quite casual. Sports clothing or beachwear is appropriate for almost all daily activities.
If you plan to do anything at higher elevations, like enjoying one of the 20-mile-long bicycle runs down
Haleakala or hiking the crater, use layers and be prepared for rain or drizzle. Tropical weight evening attire
(casual) will be okay for all but the fanciest nightspots.
Winter and Spring (mid-December through mid-April) is high season for Maui when most travelers plan their trip to the island.
This also means that fewer travel bargains are available and that room rates at this time will average 10%-15% higher than the
rest of the year.
Due to the prevailing trade winds, most rainfall hits the north- or northeast-facing shores, leaving the south and southwest
areas relatively dry. As you make your way to various sections of Maui, it is interesting to note the differences in terrain
brought about by rainfall differentials. Besides the trade winds, elevation also plays a role in determining an area's microclimate.
You will encounter everything from barren lunar-like desert with cactus bunch grass to lush tropical creepers and wild ginger to a
bamboo forest to stands of eucalyptus and pines.
There are several different hotel zones. On West Maui there is Kaanapali
which has many nice hotels, a good beach, and the large Whaler Shopping
Center.
To the north of Kaanapali there is Honokowai which has mainly condominiums.
The beaches are not a nice as in Kaanapali. They are sandy beaches but
tend to have some coral in the water near the beach.
Further north is Kahana, which is a stretch of mostly condominiums.
The beaches there are not very good. They tend to be rocky and often only
have a sandy beach at low tide.
Next is Napili, a very nice bay and beach surrounded by condominiums.
Napili Bay is great for swimming and snorkeling.
Kapalua is the most northern development, and has only upscale properties.
Kapalua Bay is very nice but the water has some coral in it.
In South Maui there is Wailea, which is a high-end development. Many
of the best resorts on the island are located there and The beaches are
very nice. The resorts tend to be more separated by distance and landscaping
than the resorts on other parts of the island. This gives them a quieter,
more intimate feel than the Kaanapali hotels.
Kihei is also in South Maui. This area is mainly populated with condominiums
that tend to be on the budget to moderate side. Most of the properties
are across the street from the beach. Kihei has nice beaches and has a
strip of small shops and restaurants across the street from the beach.
