Maui
Maui is the second largest of the Hawaiian Islands and it covers a total of 727 square miles. The smaller islands of Lanai, Kahoolawe and Molokai also belong to Maui County. The island has a population of around 117,000 and attracts 2.2 million tourists each year, some of whom decide to retire and stay forever!
The island of Maui is blessed with a variety of picturesque landscapes and some of the best beaches in the world. The strange landscape was formed when the lava from two volcanoes overlapped forming two mountains with an isthmus between them, hence the flat land between the high peaks of Pu’u Kukui to the west and Haleakala to the east. The flanks of both mountains have steep-sided valleys with rainforest covering the northeastern side of Haleakala. A popular natural phenomenon to visit is the striking rock pinnacle in the Pu’u Kukui Crater known as the Iao Needle. The Iao Valley State Park is a popular place hiking and for island weddings.
The largest town on Maui is Kahului, on the north coast, with a population of around 20,000 residents. Lahaina is another interesting place to browse the shops and museums.
A drive along the legendary Hana Highway on Maui’s east coast is a real adventure. Steel your nerves for the 600 hairpin bends and 54 bridges, many just one lane wide. Enjoy views of waterfalls and rainforest on one side and magnificent seascapes on the other. Once in Hana, relax on the Hana Beach Park or hike to Kaihalulu Beach with its red sands. A little further on is Oheo Gulch with the seven sacred pools which are perfect for swimming in.
Maui is the leading whale-watching center in Hawaii as the massive Humpback whales spend the winter in the ‘Au’Au Channel. They spend the winter months breeding and then leave in April for the rich feeding grounds of Alaska. Sea turtles, dolphins and colourful fish can also be seen on Maui’s reefs.
With so many natural attractions, excellent golf courses, restaurants and things to see and do, it is no wonder Maui was voted “Best Pacific Island” by Condé Nast readers.
Photo: Maui
