There’s a place for everyone on Maui
February 5th, 2008 by Jim
Whether you’ve come to the Valley Island to enjoy the sun and surf, hike the numerous trails of Haleakala National Park, eat fresh seafood, or simply relax beside a pool with a piña colada in one hand and sizzling romance novel in the other, Maui can accommodate every traveler’s tastes. The 728-square-mile island hosts a number of communities that differ in character, climate, tourist attractions and local flavor. Here are a few towns and regions that may offer what you are looking for on your vacation to Maui.
Kihei – for the young and restless and those who like to think they are
Kihei is Maui’s fastest growing town and the recent boom in condo and vacation rental construction has offered travelers numerous choices for ocean view settings and beachfront properties. The town itself stretches for a mile or so along South Kihei Road and provides tourists with everything they need from tacky souvenirs to expensive gallery art to basic supermarkets to upscale restaurants.
Let it be known that Maui is not Waikiki and the nightlife on the island is almost non-existent. You’re best chance to sing some late night karaoke or find a live band on the weekend is in Kihei. Lots of young locals and tourists alike favor the bar scene here over other Maui destinations.
The town also parallels a six-mile long stretch of sandy beach with gentle waves suitable for bodysurfing and the Kihei Canoe Club invites visitors to join them for a paddle on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.
Paia – for the crunchy granolan’s
It’s saying a lot if a town’s largest grocery is a health food store. Paia has that funky hippie vibe of surfer meets the 70’s with a few Hawaiian shirt clad tourists thrown into the mix. Located on the north shore, Paia is the place to be if you’re looking for the laid-back Hawaiian lifestyle. That is to say, you want to surf every morning and walk around the streets barefoot.
There are some interesting shops to browse through in Paia as well as some great restaurants, most of which cater to vegetarians and vegans. Don’t miss out on Fresh Mint, a vegetarian Vietnamese restaurant, or Mana Foods salad bar and deli.
World-renowned windsurfing Mecca, Ho’okipa Beach park is 10 minutes east on Hana Highway. Bring a picnic lunch and spend the afternoon watching the surfers, kiteboarders and windsurfers take on monster waves.
Lahaina – for the refined tastes
Lahaina is comparable to Maine’s Bar Harbor, Connecticut’s Mystic, or Massachusetts’s Martha’s Vineyard. Small, quiet, charming, yet catered to tourists. Located on the west end of Maui, Lahaina’s main street parallels the seashore, providing an excellent view of the dipping sun over the Pacific ocean.
Numerous shops and galleries will satisfy the shoppers and art collectors alike. Some of Maui’s finest restaurants are also located along the water’s edge such as Pacific’O, I’O and the Old Lahaina Luau, an award winning performance.
Upcountry – for those who enjoy the country setting, cooler climates and local spirit
Known as cowboy country, the small rural towns of upcountry have a local Hawaiian feel and you won’t find the high-end resorts that span the west and south coasts of the island. Abundant gardens, rolling pastures, hiking and mountain biking trails, and more, upcountry Maui is a nice break from endless days on the beach. Few tourists choose to stay upcountry, but those who do prefer to bed down in B&B’s in Kula, Makawao and Haiku where they can enjoy the lush surroundings and a view of the turquoise ocean spanning out on the horizon.
While you’re there, visit the Kula Botanical Gardens, take a meandering horseback ride into the Haleakala Crater or spend the night in one of the cabins at the crater floor. The Kula Lodge offers deluxe accommodations and fine food as well as stellar views of the ocean.
Hana – for those who want to get away from it all
Despite all the glory and publicity ascribed to Hana Highway (which it deserves because the 54-mile drive from Kahului to Hana is an experience not to be missed) the town of Hana is actually relatively barren. A general store, several local eateries, a museum and gift shop, and a handful of hotels and condos including the luxurious AAA Four Diamond resort, the Hotel Hana-Maui, make up the crux of the town.
If you’re looking to beat the tourist crowd, yet still experience the beauty and adventures of Maui, Hana is the place for you. Several tour operators offer snorkeling trips, horseback rides, kayak rentals, and more and the southern end of Haleakala National Park dips down into nearby Kipahulu where you can find the trailhead to several waterfalls and a bamboo forest.
As for beaches, the east coast of Maui is not known for the long sandy stretches of sugary seashore. There are several decent ones however, such as Hana Beach Park, Waikoloa Beach and Red Sand Beach if you can find it!
Ka’anapali, Napili and Wailea – for the resort-goers and golf fanatics
If your idea of a vacation is lounging in a beach chair with a book and icy cocktail in hand and an umbrella shading the sun from your eyes, you’ll love the coastal resorts of Ka’anapali, Napili and Wailea. Both Ka’anapali and Napili are on the northwestern coast of the island while Wailea is on the south shore, but they are all rather similar. Imagine white sandy beaches, beautiful hotels, turquoise blue waters and 18-hole golf courses. Be prepared for crowded beaches and expensive, but tasty, dinners.