5 Reasons to Vacation in Maui

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.