The scenery of Maui is dominated by two towering volcanic peaks connected by a narrow low lying isthmus. The smaller of these peaks is West Maui with the charming seaside town of Old Lahaina and its art galleries small inns and fine restaurants. North of Lahaina are the beach resorts alongside the beautiful long sandy beaches of Kaanapali and the small coves of Napili with some of best championship golf courses around the resort complex at Kapalua. West Maui enjoys peaceful views across the bay towards Lanai and Molokai islands which both can be visited on a day or overnight trip.
... more about West Maui Beaches
... more about Lahaina Town
The larger portion of Maui is dominated by the desert-scape scenery of dormant Mt. Haleakala at just over 10,000 feet above sea level. The west coast of this portion is generally referred to as the South Coast of Maui. An almost unbroken sandy beach coastline with good swimming extends from Maalaea in the north to Makena in the south before being rudely interrupted by the volcanic overspill from Mt. Haleakana which last erupted in 1790.
... more about Mt. Haleakala
Kihei is the main tourist town which sprawls along a busy road for five miles with loads of economy hotels, timeshare and condominiums based around the long sweeping beaches of Kihei. Wailea, a few miles south of Kihei, is home to a dozen or so grand resorts and almost as many golf courses. This compact west coast is well served by tourist buses making Maui the easiest island to get about without a car.
... more about Kihei Beaches
... more about Wailea Beaches
The rural north coast has the least tourist appeal, although here you'll find some pleasant seaside towns, nice beaches, world class wind surfing, quiet coastal walks and the lovely historical farming towns on the cool slopes of Haleakala Mountain. The industrial town of Kahului is located on the north coast, once a busy port when the sugar industry alive and was thriving.
... more about North Coast Beaches
Tropical Hana on the rain-drenched east coast is surrounded by stunning waterfalls and deep valleys - the narrow winding "Road to Hana" is a popular scenic day trip, especially by soft-top convertible if you can afford one.
... more about East Coast Beaches
... more about Hana Area
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Readers may also be interested in the following destinations:
Cook Islands Travel Guide
Fiji Travel Guide
Samoa Travel Guide
Tonga Travel Guide
Tahiti Travel Guide
Hawaii Travel Guide
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