Hawaii's second-largest island, Maui, is a travel adventurer’s paradise. The island nicknamed the Valley Isle is one of diverse geographical landscapes and countless activities in between. Ranging from the highest point of the island, found at Haleakala National Park (10,023 ft. in elevation) to the crystal clear sea coves and beaches below, there is something for everyone on Maui.
We arrived on the island at its primary airport, Kahului, which instantly transports visitors back to a simpler time.
Much of the concourse is open-aired and filled with the welcoming island breezes of Hawaii. As Maui boasts a relatively small population (144,000) it has a more laid back feel than that of O’ahu, which is home to the bustling metropolis and tourist haven of Honolulu.
While it may be less populated, it does not disappoint when it comes to scenery or activities. In fact, the quieter aspect could certainly be a draw for many looking for a less hectic vacation. During our nearly weeklong tour of the island, we never ran into traffic congestion or felt rushed for time.
For our stay on the island we rented a car, which made exploring the east and west sides of the island convenient and easy. With one exception (the road to Hana) it is quick and easy to go from one town or point of interest to the other. The infamous road to Hana is its own adventure that requires a full day to properly complete with a few sidestops; it contains a total of 620 curves and 59 bridges, the majority of which are one-lane. Due to its notoriety we did dedicate a day to the trip and certainly would recommend it. There are many hikes, waterfalls, beaches, etc. dotted along the route that are well worth the time.
You also cannot forget the iconic activities that would leave any trip to Hawaii incomplete. We had the opportunity to take in a traditional Hawaiian lu’au at the Old Lahaina Lu’au and also explore the underwater world of ocean life with the PacWhale Eco-Adventures’ snorkeling tour to Molokini Crater; both of these are documented in more detail in separate articles.