"Visiting Hawaii's Valley Island: Maui" Top 5 Page for this destination Maui by Erin74

Maui Travel Guide: 1,799 reviews and 4,087 photos

The mountains of western Maui at sunset.

MAUI

I went to Maui for the first time in 2001. I just returned from a second trip there (Nov. 2003) and am adding additional tips.

Maui is an island paradise, my personal favorite of the Hawaiian islands I've visited. There is so much to see and do here. You'll never be bored and you'll constantly be amazed by the gorgeous surroundings.

Maui is a volcanic island, formed more than five million years ago by volcanic eruptions. You'll find a large, dormant volcano (Haleakala) on the south end of the island. The area between Haleakala and the mountains at the north of the island is a fertile valley, filled with sugar cane and pineapple fields. Thus, Maui is called the Valley Island.

Captain James Cook discovered Maui on November 26, 1778. It is now the second most popular Hawaiian island for tourism (second to Oahu) and features many attractions and comforts for visitors. Still, it retains much of that authentic Hawaiian spirit and is still quite rural in many places. This is an excellent place to go if you're visiting Hawaii for the first time.

A map of Maui

Maui is a contrast in landscape and climate.

The southern portion of the island is dominated by Haleakala, a large volcano. The beaches on the southern shores of Maui tend to have lots of black lava on them.

The northwestern portion of the island is more dry and has the best weather on the island. The areas around Lahaina and Ka'anapali usually have excellent beach weather and less rainfall than other parts of the island.

The Eastern side of the island tends to be wetter and gets more rainfall. In the winter months, it is often rainy along the Road to Hana.

Smoke rises from burning sugar cane fields.

The center of the island, at the base of Haleakala, is very fertile and is filled with pineapple and sugar cane fields. You'll find several processing plants here. The sugar cane fields are routinely burned and you'll often see smoke rising from these areas.

Enjoy your time on Maui. It's an amazing place!

Last visit to Maui: Nov 2003
Intro Updated Mar 24, 2004
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Reviews (33)

One of the guesthouses and Hotel Hana Maui - Maui

Hotel Hana Maui Hotels (3)

If you're looking for a "different "or "off-the-beaten-path" experience on Maui, stay in Hana. Most tourists only... more travel advice

The hills above the town of Hana, Maui - Maui

Hana Things to Do (18)

It's a long drive, but eventually you will make it all the way to Hana, at the southeastern edge of Maui. Hana is very... more travel advice

Black sand beach and lava rocks at Waianapanapa - Maui

Waianapanapa State Park Things to Do (18)

Waianapanapa State Park is located at Mile Marker 32, just past the Hana Airport. At this point, you're almost at Hana!... more travel advice

The Fairmont Kea Lani Hotels (3)

The Fairmont Kea Lani is an elegant hotel located in the southwestern area of Maui. It is particularly popular with... more travel advice

Comments (11)

Jim_Eliason May 30, 2010 at 8:33 AM Report Abuse

Nice page Erin!
AVG2319 May 25, 2007 at 1:00 PM Report Abuse

Great tips on Maui and beautiful photos-we just visited the island of Kauai-Maui is in our list for the next Hawaiian island to visit!
kimod74 Dec 20, 2005 at 7:29 AM Report Abuse

I just got back from Maui & a convertible is a must if you can afford it! It made my trip to Maui so much more enjoyable. Great Maui page BTW!
Hermanater Nov 22, 2005 at 7:13 PM Report Abuse

Where to begin..... Happy Birthday... Congrats on your wedding... Great Maui page.. and happy travels...
Sininen Nov 18, 2005 at 1:15 AM Report Abuse

Hi Erin! What a great page with so much information and beautiful photos! I truly enjoyed reading everything here. Greetings from Finland, Sini
Amitabh May 13, 2005 at 2:37 AM Report Abuse

Maui is heaven and customs like "aloha spirit" make it perfect.
Hosell Nov 5, 2004 at 6:12 PM Report Abuse

Great and very informative page,and awesome pictures!! greetings from Spain!!!
shivan Sep 20, 2004 at 2:31 PM Report Abuse

Lovely lovely page!
deeper_blue Sep 11, 2004 at 3:50 PM Report Abuse

Thanks for the tips, looks fantastic
850prc Apr 16, 2004 at 11:47 AM Report Abuse

There's a reason that everyone loves Maui, Erin. You showed several of them. Very nice pages on paradise.