Hawaiian Vacations - MauiIsland of Maui - Travel Tips
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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).
.
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
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