Reasons to visit Maui

5 Reasons to Vacation in Maui

There's more to Maui than just breathtaking beaches.
By Go City Expert

From adventure sports to tasting your way around the island, a vibrant art scene, and more, Maui will be a vacation you'll remember forever.

When’s the best time to visit Maui? Well, anytime. There are really only two seasons in Maui: warm (winter) and warmer (summer). But don’t fear overheating — the year-round trade winds are enough to keep you comfortable even when temperatures reach the 90s.

You’ll bask in perfect weather all the time. And if that’s not enough to lure you to the romantic Hawaiian island, here are 5 reasons to vacation in Maui that you won’t be able to refute.

1. Home to the best beaches in the world.

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Wherever you are, I'm sure you'd rather be here.

In Maui, you’ll find over 30 miles of pristine beaches. The coastline has white, black, and red sand beaches that are consistently ranked among the best in the world. Kapalua Beach was the first Maui beach to be named “America’s Best Beach” in 1991, and since then several of Maui’s beaches have found themselves at the number one spot.

Other popular sites are Wailea Beach, Hamoa Beach, and Kaanapali Beach. In addition to offering beautiful settings for swimming and sunbathing, many of Maui’s beaches are renowned surfing and windsurfing locations. So, if you’re looking for an easily accessible beach with lifeguards and facilities, Maui’s got the goods. And if you’re looking for a romantic beach that's off the beaten path, Maui’s got those, too.

2. Abundance of outdoor activities

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Whether you love being on land or are a fan of the deep blue sea, Maui boasts lots of options for outdoor adventure. For the laidback land-lover, hiking, golfing, and horseback riding are prime activities. For the thrill-seeker, try one of Maui’s many zipline rides. On-the-water activities are endless, of course. Take a surf lesson, snorkel with some tropical fish, learn to scuba dive, or hop on board a boat.

If you’re into fishing, try that, too. Another highlight: whale watching. In the right season (December to April), Maui is the best place in the world for observing humpback whales. Even if you don’t go on a whale watching tour, you’ll often be able to spot whales right from the hillside overlooking the ocean (binoculars will be handy).

3. A thriving art scene

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Few tourists are aware of this side of Maui. Maui is home to many top-of-the-line art galleries showcasing everything from paintings to ceramics, woodwork, and handmade jewelry. The town of Lahaina has a reputation for its art market with dozens of galleries featuring work by locals. On Friday’s “Art Night,” you’ll have the opportunity to chat with artists, view their pieces, and celebrate the arts with music and festivities, as the galleries swing open their doors!

Several other small-town artist communities are also dotted around the island if you feel like traveling off the beaten path. Finally, while exploring Maui’s art scene, don’t forget to check out the Maui Arts & Cultural Center or any of the other art hubs on the island.

4. Hawaiian cuisine

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Don't miss the opportunity to try some unique cuisine on Maui, the island that put Hawaii on the culinary map. Maui is the birthplace of a culinary movement called Hawaii Regional Cuisine, which combines fresh island ingredients (like fish) with Asian and European influences.

Three of the original chefs behind this movement have restaurants in Maui: Beverly Gannon (Haliimaile General Store, Joe’s), Mark Ellman (Mala Ocean Tavern, Mala Wailea), and Peter Merriman (Hula Grill, Merriman’s Kapalua). You’ll find other restaurants featuring this unique cuisine in the resort areas like Kapalua, Kaanapali, Lahaini, Kihei, and Wailea.

But that’s not all the island has to offer! Try a traditional meal at a sunset luau or get some inexpensive home-style cooking in Wailuku and Kahului. Last but not least, save room for locally-made ice cream and the island's signature shave ice.

5. Breathtaking natural views

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We’ve already mentioned the beautiful beaches...but there’s more. Maui is well known for its natural wonders. The “magical island” boasts rolling hills and misty mountains, lush tropical forests, cascading waterfalls, farms and botanical gardens, rugged cliffs, tranquil pools of water, volcanic craters, and more.

Stroll along the beach at dawn or dusk to experience what will likely be the most beautiful sunrise or sunset you’ve ever seen. Drive along the scenic Hana highway until you reach Haleakala National Park (“The House of the Sun”), home to Maui’s highest peak. No matter where you go or what you do in Maui, you can’t escape the phenomenal views.

Save up to 50% on Oahu attractions  

Discover our full line-up of Oahu attractions from the Polynesian Cultural Center, fire dance workshops coconut basket weaving, and more

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Visiting Polynesian Cultural Center - Discount Admission, Tips & More

One of our top must-see places in Oahu is the Polynesian Cultural Center. It's a totally immersive experience that allows you and your family to encounter the living history of the more than 1,000 distinct islands that make up Polynesia. This expansive family attraction is about an hour drive from Waikiki, and promises a full day of entertainment. Check out our helpful guide for visiting the Polynesian Cultural Center. It's packed full of tips for visiting, ways to save on admission, other nearby attractions, and much more. How to get Polynesian Cultural Center discount tickets? Tips for Visiting the Polynesian Cultural Center Consult the PCC map before visiting to help you save time and plan an itinerary – after all, it does span 42 acres! Feel free to talk to any of the villagers to ask more questions about the exhibits, for help and information, or even just to chat! They’re very friendly and more than happy to be of assistance. That said, the PCC discourages tipping its employees. Buy your tickets in advance to save on admission prices and skip ticket lines. Photography and videography is more than welcome at the PCC, but flash photography during any of the evening performances is prohibited. For those of you with small children or people needing assistance, the PCC has a number of strollers, wheelchairs, and scooters available for a minimal rental fee. Be sure to call ahead to reserve wheelchairs in particular. When is the best time to visit the Polynesian Cultural Center? Since the PCC has so many different fascinating areas and performances to entertain guests, it’s easy to spend an entire day here. Plan to arrive around 11:30 to be there when the box office opens to maximize your time. However, if you’re planning on staying for their award-winning “HA: Breath of Life” show (which lasts until after 9 pm), you may want to consider coming later in the afternoon. What to bring to the Polynesian Cultural Center? Sunscreen and a hat – you’ll be outside all day. A camera or phone for pictures. Bottled water and snacks if you want to avoid purchasing them on site. Comfortable shoes (preferably not sandals), because you'll be walking around a lot. Money for souvenirs, snacks, or meals. What is there to do and see at the Polynesian Cultural Center? Explore Polynesia HA: Breath of Life Show The “HA: Breath of Life” show is a must-see, and we can’t recommend it enough. It’s a music and dance extravaganza that combines a compelling storyline with dazzling performances – all while you enjoy a tasty authentic meal. It’s an additional cost on top of your admission, but it’s well worth the price. Ali'i Luau Buffet The Center also offers luau and buffet dining options in the evening; the most popular is the Ali’i Luau, which has been described as Hawaii’s most authentic luau. You’ll see traditional hula dancing, receive leis, and have a great time. In ancient Hawaii, it was customary to celebrate special occasions with ohana (family) and friends. Held in a covered outdoor venue against a background of waterfalls and lush gardens, the Ali'i Luau is a royal celebration of their cultural heritage which includes the Royal Court procession, presentation of the imu (underground oven) and delicious traditional food and lively Hawaiian entertainment. Menu highlights include steamed tropical fish, shoyu glazed chicken, teriyaki marinated strip loin, poi, lomilomi salmon, poke, and more. Insider Tip: Ali'i Luau tickets are available as a premium attraction option with the Go Oahu Cards. Activities, Demonstrations, and Exhibits Maori Poi Test your strength, flexibility, and coordination. It looks very easy but is far from it. The intricate movement allowed women to keep their hands flexible for weaving and helped the men with their strength and coordination. Canoe Race Fun for the whole family, this activity gets everyone involved in a native-style canoe race. These canoes are replicas of those used by island natives in the past. Divide into teams and see who has the best canoe skills. So go ahead and take that family photo for the holiday card now – your friends will all be jealous. Tahitian Spear Throw Why throw a bocce ball when you can learn to throw a spear? A spear, as in a long, pointy stick to vanquish your enemies; well, in this case, a coconut. A coconut on top of a pole 20 feet away, to be precise. Tahitian natives will coach you on the best combination of skill and luck required to show that coconut who’s boss. Samoan Cooking For culinary masters, amateurs, and those who just like to eat a good meal, this is a great way to get involved in native cuisine. Stop by early in the day to help prepare classic Samoan dishes using ingredients like coconut, taro, and fish, with dishes and utensils made of leaves, husks, sticks, and stones. You won’t see this on a cooking show! Be sure to come back later in the day to try your tasty creation. Fire Making The Samoan villagers make starting a fire look easy and effortless. Don’t be fooled. It takes a lot of muscle, practice and skill. In the family hut in Samoa, you can try your hand at starting your own fire by rubbing two sticks together. Here’s a hint, you must use two pieces of wood from the same tree. Canoe Tours Give your feet and legs a well-deserved break. Hop on a canoe and allow a paddling guide to lead you through our lagoon. You’ll pass native villages, the famous “Elvis Presley” coconut tree and several other highlights as you leisurely ride from one end of the Center to the other. Wood & Tiki Carving Artisans in Aotearoa also showcase their traditional woodcarving abilities with immersive demonstrations and a collection of some of the finest contemporary carvings in all of Polynesia. Rainbows of Paradise Canoe Pageant The "Rainbows of Paradise" canoe pageant, celebrated at 2:30 pm daily, is actually "Hawaii's only waterborne show." It feature natives Polynesians in festive traditional garb who offer historic dances and musical performances from within the confines of a canoe! IOSEPA "Voyage of Discovery" The IOSEPA "Voyage of Discovery" presentation explains the brave voyages of early Polynesia settlers who took their modest canoes out into the deep ocean for purposes of exploration, hunting, and migration. Performances occur twice daily at 1 and 4 pm. Souvenir Shops Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Honoring Polynesia's greatest athletes and coaches who participated in the sports of American football, this lovely gallery includes photographs, objects, jerseys, and other fascinating memorabilia. Featured athletes include Super Bowl Champions Jesse Sapolu and Ma’a Tanuvasa (who won rings with the San Francisco 49ers and the Denver Broncos, respectively). It's a fun addition to all the other amazing stuff at the Polynesian Cultural Center if you're a fan of the sport. What attractions are near the Polynesian Cultural Center? While it’s located on the opposite side of the island from Waikiki, the Polynesian Cultural Center is within easy to moderate driving distance of a number of other great attractions. Waimea Valley is the perfect place for exploring the lush beauty of rural Oahu, and is filled with hiking opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Play or relax at Secret Island Beach. Explore the gardens and an Ancient Hawaiian fish pond at Kualoa. For those of your golfers out there, the Kulima Golf Course is a popular spot to stroll around and play a few holes. Where is there to eat near the Polynesian Cultural Center? Since the Polynesian Cultural Center is located in the small, relatively remote village of Laie, there aren’t a lot of dining options other than the Center itself. Fortunately, the PCC offers a stellar selection of meals and menus that will appeal to even the pickiest of eaters. Lunch options include: The Banyan Tree Snack Bar Carver’s Workshop Hoku Pa’a And several others! For dinner, you have your choice of: Prime Rib Buffet Island Buffet or Luau Dining. Save on Admission Remember, with the Go Oahu® Card you can save up to 55% on combined admission to the Polynesian Cultural Center, plus many other top Hawaiian attractions.
Katie Sagal
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Guide to Hawaiian Islands

Thinking about going on vacation to Hawaii? Check out our guide to the Hawaiian Islands before you go. Learn all the important facts about the 50th state, plus the top things to do, see, and eat! Top Hawaii Facts Thinking about going on vacation to Hawaii? Check out our guide to the Hawaiian Islands before you go. Learn all the important facts about the 50th state, plus the top things to do, see, and eat! Top Hawaii Facts Where to go in Hawaii? Which island should you visit? What is there to do in Oahu? There is so much to do in Oahu. From sports activities like paddleboarding and surfing to hiking and biking, there are lots of ways to experience Oahu’s landscape. For those more interested in sightseeing and historic attractions, you can visit the USS Arizona Memorial and the Pacific Aviation Museum at Pearl Harbor. Or, if you want to experience traditional Hawaiian culture on your vacation, attend a luau or take a hula and ukulele class. Oahu is also a great destination for shopping and dining. You can buy handmade souvenirs and try traditional Hawaiian food. What is traditional Hawaiian food? What are traditional Hawaiian activities? While on vacation in Hawaii, you might want to try traditional activities. Hula dancing is a Polynesian dance developed in Hawaii, and there are two kinds of hula. The ancient hula dance is called Hula Kahiko, and the western-influenced hula is called Hula ʻAuana. A hula dance typically accompanies a song or chant. Music fans should take a ukulele class while in Hawaii. The ukulele is a guitar-like instrument based on the Portuguese machete. A Hawaiian-made ukulele also makes a great gift or souvenir! Anyone visiting Hawaii should attend a luau. A luau is a traditional Hawaiian celebration involving food and entertainment. Luaus are used to celebrate events like birthdays, weddings and graduations. In summary and save on admission Clearly, Hawaii is a great vacation spot. Oahu would be our choice of destination as it has a diverse range of fun things to see and do. Additionally, admission to top Oahu attractions is included with the Go Oahu pass. You could save up to 55% on admission vs gate price. Share your trip with us Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and share your adventure with us. Tag us at @GoCity on your travel photos to keep us up to date with your vacation!
Seren Morris
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Hawaii Spring Break 2019 - Things to Do in February & March During Your Vacation

What better place to spend a Hawaiian spring break than the lush tropical paradise of Oahu? It’s got everything you could ask for – sunny beaches, impressive waves, luxurious plant life, fascinating cultural events, great museums, and unbeatable cuisine. If you’re planning on heading to beautiful Hawaii this year on your perfect spring break vacation, you’re probably looking for ways to keep the group occupied. For ideas, check out our top selected attractions and activities in Oahu: Authentic Luaus Snorkeling in Waikiki The Pearl Harbor Historic Sites Wet n’ Wild Hawaii Makani Catamaran Sail And more! Many of the attractions listed here are included on the Go Oahu® Card. Choose as you go from dozens of top Oahu attractions and save up to 55% off combined admission vs paying at the gate. See all available passes, attractions & prices – Learn more. Experience an Authentic Luau Swim & Snorkel with the Turtles Another one of the must-dos in Oahu is a snorkeling adventure. Enjoy this fun activity with a twist worthy of your bucket list -- the chance to snorkel alongside giant Hawaiian green sea turtles! Start off the day with a tour of Oahu hotspots (on a guided trip that includes round-trip transportation from your hotel), including Diamond Head Lookout, the Halona Blowhole Lava Tube, Tropical Farms, North Shore shrimp trucks, and more! Then, end up on the North Shore for your snorkeling excursion, where you'll get the chance to get up close to these impressive creatures. It's an amazing experience that everyone loves. How could you possibly pass it up? Getting In: Oahu Hidden Gems Tour Plus Snorkeling with Turtles is included as a bonus option with the 3-, 5-, and 7-Day Go Oahu Cards. Relax in Waikiki Hop Aboard a Cruise Explore Honolulu Visit Oahu Museums Hit the North Shore   You can’t leave Oahu without having explored the area beyond Honolulu and Waikiki, and a trip to the North Shore is the perfect way to do that. It’s a more isolated part of the island and is less popular with tourists, but it’s breathtakingly beautiful and is well worth the drive up there. For example, spend an hour or two roaming the natural wonderland that is Waimea Valley and you’ll never want to leave. Another great outdoorsy option is Secret Island Beach, one of the most enchanting beaches on the North Shore. As a bonus, there are also plenty of activities to enjoy like beach volleyball, paddle-boarding, ping pong, and more. The kids will love the chance to be active. Getting In: Admission to Waimea Valley and Secret Island Beach are both included with the Go Oahu® Card. Go on a Fishing Excursion Embark on a Movie Sites Tour Another excellent North Shore option is a movie sites tour. As America's very own tropical paradise, Oahu often plays hosts to a number of different filming crews and sets. This tour not only covers major sites and backdrops from popular shows and film franchises, you'll also get to stop at significant landmarks that have played a role in the history of the island, such as the oldest sugar mill on Oahu and a WWII bunker. One for the film buffs and TV lovers, this tour is a great way to experience the natural world of Oahu, too. Getting In: Oahu Movie Sites Tour tickets are included with the Go Oahu® Card. Visit Pearl Harbor Get Wild at Theme Parks   Now that you’ve had your fill of history, culture, and perhaps even relaxation, it’s time to breathe some more excitement into your vacation. Amp up your energy levels with a trip to some of the state’s most thrilling attractions like Wet n’ Wild Hawaii. Why visit a water park when you’re already surrounded by water? That’s easy – there are no thrilling rides, slides, tunnels, rafts, or fountains found in nature. Wet n’ Wild is the perfect option for the adrenaline junkie, and their amazing rides will make the whole family wish they could come back time and again. Of course, there are plenty of options appropriate for your smaller children as well, like gentle wave pools and supervised swimming areas. Getting In: Admission to Wet n' Wild Hawaii is included with the Go Oahu® Card. Save on Admission While you can’t cover everything with a discounted attraction pass, products like the Go Oahu® Card can save you some serious cash when it comes to attraction visits. It includes admission to the best local attractions, from luaus and museums to snorkeling and hiking, plus extra discounts on select dining and shopping options. Like these ideas? Snag a three- or five-day Go Oahu® Card and get ready to have the best family-friendly spring break ever!
Katie Sagal

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