Maui Attractions Guide: Haleakala, Iao, Hana and Beaches on Maui, Hawaii

Spotlight

Maui

Attractions

Maui is divided into five regions, Central, South, East, West, and Upcountry. It can get confusing navigating Maui's roads, and travelers unfamiliar with the lay of the land, or those who just want to better understand Hawaii's complex history, should seriously consider hiring a guide. Personalized Open Eye Tours (half-day from $375 for two; 808/572-3483; www.openeyetours.com) are led by Hawaiian cultural expert Pono Fried to hard-to-find ancient Polynesian battlegrounds, birding hot spots, hidden petroglyphs, exotic gardens, hidden waterfalls, or secluded beaches.

The most extraordinary natural attraction on Maui is the top of lofty Haleakala in Haleakala National Park (Park Headquarters Visitor Center daily 8am-4pm; Haleakala Visitor Center daily 6.30am-3.30-pm; Kipahulu Visitor Center daily 9am-5pm; car $10, individual $5; www.nps.gov/hale). The 10,023-foot dormant volcano is an absolute must – not just for the oft-touted sunrise views of the island, but also for its otherworldly ambiance. Shades of brown, red, maroon, rust, and black interplay in a rocky bowl large enough to swallow the Manhattan skyline, skyscrapers and all. By its very size, Haleakala helps keep Maui pristine by making access around the island difficult – you can't cut across it. Hikers descend into the dormant volcano's crater on the spectacular Halemau'u trail, but the altitude and steep terrain can wear out the casual backpacker. Beginners should opt for the other main trail, Sliding Sands, since its trailhead is conveniently located at the Haleakala National Park Visitor's Center near the volcano's summit. Its leisurely switchbacks are easier on the lungs, and afford equally great views of Halemau'u. Both trails are approximately 10 miles to the crater floor, so be sure to start in the morning, since the crater can get fogged in on afternoons. Flower farms and food markets pepper bucolic Kula, at the base of the park. The town has a few cafés and locally grown coffee roasters where you can grab an organic sandwich or a heftier packed-lunch before you set out on the trails. My choice for provisions was a small wooden shanty called Grandma's Coffee House (at the end of Hwy. 37, Keokea; 808/878-2140).

Another major natural and cultural attraction on Maui is the 'Iao Valley (end of 'Iao Valley Road, Wailuku) in the West Maui Mountains directly behind the Central Maui town of Wailuku. Its steep, nearly vertical green and black walls make for one of the most photogenic spots in Hawaii. Most visitors just drive to the end of the road in the valley, and walk up the stairs to an overlook to snap photos of the iconic 1,200-foot 'Iao Needle rock. However, at the very top lookout, hard-core trailblazers continue on a dirt path up into the back of the valley. When I climbed up this trail's misty heights, the entire fishbowl-shaped valley rose around me. The valley is said to have great mana, or spiritual energy, because it holds the bones of long-dead kings. In old Hawaii, it was kapu (taboo) for commoners to venture here.

Maui's Beaches
Maui enjoys the largest swim-able coastline of any Hawaiian island with over 80 white, yellow, red, black, and pink sand beaches, each with varying wind, weather, and water. Log onto www.mauibeachguide.com to access locations, webcams, maps, hours, facilities, and surf reports. All of Hawaii's beaches are open to the public. Below are six standouts.

Big Beach at Makena (Hwy. 31, southwestern Maui; golden-yellow sand) Spacious with great views of Mokolini and Kahoolawe islands, plenty of parking, and great humpback whale watching. Popular with local and visiting families.

Red Sand Beach in Hana (Hwy. 360, eastern Maui; rusty-red sand) The small – just 200 feet long – and secluded beach is actually the remnant of a collapsed volcanic crater, which gives it its rust-colored hue. Enjoy great snorkeling in a protected bay.

Ka'anapali Beach in Ka'anapali (Hwy. 30, northwestern Maui; golden-pink sand) Although this gorgeous 4-mile beach is lined by a string of lodgings, there's a good reason why they built them here. With excellent facilities, coral sand, and room enough for privacy, Ka'anapali is one of Maui's better swimming beaches. It's also a popular snorkeling spot with tropical fish and turtles.

Kanaha Beach in Kahului (Hwy. 36, northern Maui; stone-white sand) Not a great beach for swimming due to wind and waves, but an ideal beach for picnicking, kiteboarding, and windsurfing.

Slaughterhouse Beach near Napili (Hwy. 30, northwestern Maui; dirty-blonde sand) A local secret, this beach cannot be seen from the highway, but it's a long-time favorite of surfers and nude sunbathers who relish its seclusion.

Kama'ole Park Beaches (S.Kihei Rd, southwestern Maui; yellow-bronze sand) The adjoining Kama'ole I, II, and III beaches are narrow but notable for their calm waters, easy accessibility, abundant facilities like toilets and picnic tables, and grassy areas. Perfect for for easy in-and-out swims and lounging on the beach.

Other Attractions
Near Hana is a National Historic Landmark at Kahanu Gardens. Pi'ilanihale Heiau (Mon-Fri 10am-2pm; $10; www.ntbg.org) is one of the largest Polynesian temples in the state with 50-foot tall walls dating back to the 14th century. Bailey House (2375-A Main St. Wailuku; Mon-Sat 10am-4pm; $5; www.mauimuseum.org) is quaint museum of Hawaiian artifacts and houses items like Duke Kahanamoku's 1919 redwood surfboard, dogtooth necklaces, and rare Hawaii land snail shells. Maui Arts & Cultural Center (1 Cameron Way, Kahului; box office Mon-Sat 10am-6pm; 808/242-7469; www.mauiarts.org ) is the island's premier space for hula, festivals, big mainland acts, and top Hawaiian singers. The Hawaii Nature Center (875 'Iao Valley Rd., Wailuku; Mon-Sat 10am-4pm; $29.95; www.hawaiinaturecenter.org) is a great place to take an interpretive rainforest hike and learn about the island's flora and fauna. Check out Big Kahuna Surf Rentals (1993 S. Kihei Rd., Kihei; $20-$30/day; 808/875-6395; www.bigkahunaadventures.com) to rent a surfboard or kayak and Maui Scuba and Snorkel (222 Papalaua St., Lahaina; 800/959-7319; www.mauiscuba.net) for reasonably priced shark, cave, scooter, turtle, and night dives.