Top 10 Attractions of Maui

If Hawaii is your idea of a dream vacation, then Mauibeaches on Maui. There is also a touristy train, the
ought to be the realization of that dream. For Maui,'Sugarcane Train', which runs between Lahaina and
of all the Hawaiian islands, is the most magical, theKa'anapali, offering good views of the area.
most alluring, the most exciting. It has the bestAnother attraction here, just north of Ka'anapali, is
beaches, best golf courses, best windsurfing, bestKapalua, with a lovely beach and even lovelier
weather, and the sweetest pineapples you'll eversunsets.
taste, Maui Gold!5. Iao Needle
And on Maui, besides soaking up the sun and sippingIao Needle: This is quite possibly the most
a mai tai as the sun sets, what else should one seephotographed landmark on the island. Located in the
and do? Well, here's the island's 'Top 10', do-not-missIao Valley State Park, in a lush valley in the West
list.Maui mountains, the moss-covered stone spire rises
1. Haleakala1,200 feet vertically from the valley floor. There are
Haleakala is a place almost of pilgrimage. The dormantseveral trails and planks to walk around, with
volcano looms large on the island, more or less atabundant tropical flora and excellent photo
the center of it, and at 10,023 feet, its summit isopportunities. The state park is accessible from the
the highest point on Maui. Besides a visit totwin, principal Maui towns of Kahului and Wailuku.
the informative Haleakala National Park Visitor6. Paia
Center, you can hike or go on horseback down intoThe most colorful coastal town in East Maui, and a
the 3,000-foot-deep Haleakala crater. You can alsoformer hippie habitat, Paia is a surprising little jumble
explore ancient lava flows and see silverswords here,of eateries and boutiques, and the defacto northern
which are rare, silvery flower stalks indigenous toterminus of the Road to Hana. But its chief interest
the area. But for a spiritual journey, try to go therelies in its beach park just outside town,
early and catch the sunrise. There's a park entranceHo'okipa Beach, the premier windsurfing spot in the
fee of $10 per vehicle, or $5 each for hikers andislands, where you can watch world-class
bikers.windsurfers hone their skills and perform
2. Road to Hanain championship events. The town is approximately 6
The 'Road to Hana' is singularly the most scenic drivemiles east of Kahului.
in the Hawaiian islands. It begins just south of Kahului7. Makawao
and madly winds down the southeast coast of Maui,Makawao is one of those gems that most visitors to
some 55 miles, twisting and turning around no fewerthe island miss. It is a principal town in Maui's
than 617 bends! and crossing over 56 tiny, mostlyUpcountry (Mount Haleakala's slopes), where in an Old
one-lane bridges. The secenery enroute is stunning,West setting of false-front wood-frame buildings,
with lush vegetation and sweeping views of theyoga centers and herbalists are juxtaposed with
ocean at every turn, and scores of swimming holesthe 'paniolo' (Hawaiian cowboy) culture, offering a
beneath waterfalls, ideal for a picnic and a splash orunique contrast between two distinctly different
two. The principal attractions along the Hana Roadworlds. The town is also the locale of the biggest
are the Keanae Peninsula, a serene patch of greenrodeo in the Hawaiian islands, held on the 4th of July.
with an overlook with panoramic views; the KeanaeThe town is situated 16 miles southeast of Kahului.
Arboretum which incorporates an authentic8. Wailea Beach Resort
representation of a Hawaiian rain forest; theWailea Beach, situated on the southwest coast of
126-acre, tropical Kahanu Botanical Gardens; and theMaui, just south of Kihei, is one of those manicured
charming, laid-back town of Hana itself, wherewhite-sand beaches, where they rake the sand and
the centerpiece is the Hotel Hana-Maui.arrange beach chairs in neat little rows. But make
3. Lahainano mistake, this is a public beach, one of the best on
Lahaina, situated on the West Maui coast, is anthe island, and hugely enjoyable. It is lined with Maui's
historic town. It was once the capital of Hawaii, andpremier resort hotels - Marriott, Renaissance, Four
later on a bustling whaling town. Today, it is theSeasons, Fairmont and Grand Wailea - which offer
liveliest, most colorful place on the island, filled withsome of the best luaus and hula shows on Maui.
restaurants, smoothie bars, souvenir shops, artSunsets off the coast of Wailea are fabulous.
galleries, and even high-end boutiques; but which, if9. Makena Beach
one is not careful, could easily become thatMakena Beach, also on the southwest coast of Maui,
proverbial 'tourist trap'. Still, there's a lot to see andjust south of Wailea, lies in sharp contrast to the
do here: chief attractions include the Whalinglatter, undeveloped, pristine, less visited. This is also
Museum, Brig Carthignian, Jodo Mission, thea highly enjoyable beach, particularly if you like being
19th-century waterfront Pioneer Inn, and thefar from the madding crowd.
jaw-dropping Banyan Tree which was planted here in10. Molokini
1873 and now occupies an acre of land, with aIf you're crazy about snorkeling, you cannot afford
branch spread of 50 yards, supported by myriadto miss Molokini. It's a partially-submerged,
aerial roots and 12 major trunks!crescent-shaped crater, rising 150 feet from the
4. Ka'anapaliocean, just off the southwest coast of Maui. Now a
Ka'anapali is Maui's best-known beach resort. Apartprotected marine preserve and seabird sanctuary, it
from the 'Who's-Who' of resort hotels lining its shore,offers some of the best snorkeling and diving
the white-sand Ka'anapali Beach offers some of theconditions in the Maui area. There are charter boats
best swimming and snorkeling conditions on theand snorkeling excursions departing for Molokini from
island. But its notoriety has inevitably also made it onethe Ma'alaea (just north of Kihei) and Lahaina harbors
of the most visited and therefore most crowdedseveral times a day. Cost ranges from $70 to $170.