This U.S. Island Has 120 Miles of Shoreline, 80 Beaches, and Some of the Most Beautiful Water You’ve Ever Seen

Maui: The Valley Isle

Maui is Hawaii’s second-largest island, nicknamed “The Valley Isle” for its dramatic landscape—a vast valley nestled between two dormant volcanoes. To the east, Haleakalā (meaning “House of the Sun”) stands tall at 10,023 feet, with a crater stretching 21 miles wide and 4,000 feet deep. To the west, the eroded Mauna Kahālāwai, also called the West Maui Mountains, completes the island’s iconic silhouette.

Beaches & Shorelines

With over 120 miles of shoreline and 80 beaches—more than any other Hawaiian island—Maui is a beach lover’s paradise. You’ll find everything from calm, gentle waves to powerful surf, plus unique black and red sand beaches near Hana.

Regions of Maui

• Central Maui: Home to Kahului Airport, sitting between Haleakalā and the West Maui Mountains.
• West Maui: Features resort areas like Kāʻanapali, Kapalua, and the historic town of Lahaina.
• South Maui: Boasts luxury resorts in Kīhei, Wailea, and Makena.
• East Maui: Where you’ll find the famous Road to Hana and Haleakalā State Park.
• Upcountry: Higher elevations around Haleakalā, known for farms, dairies, and ranches thriving in volcanic soil.

Time Zone

Hawaii follows Hawaii Standard Time (GMT-10), five hours behind Eastern Time and two behind Pacific Time. Since Hawaii doesn’t observe Daylight Saving, add an extra hour to the time difference from March to November.

Best Time to Visit

• Summer (April–November): Warm, dry, and perfect for beach days. Peak tourist season is June–August when schools are out.
• Winter (December–March): Slightly cooler with more rain, but still sunny. Ideal for escaping colder climates—plus, it’s whale-watching season (peak January–March).

Fun Facts

• Haleakalā is dormant, not extinct—it last erupted around 1480–1600 and could erupt again. Snow occasionally dusts its summit in winter!
• Honokohau Falls is Maui’s tallest waterfall (1,119 feet), hidden in the West Maui Mountains. A helicopter tour is the best way to see it.
• Lahaina was Hawaii’s capital until 1850 and a major whaling port in the 1800s.
• Maui County includes the islands of Maui, Lānaʻi, Molokaʻi, and Kahoʻolawe.
• Aviation legend Charles Lindbergh is buried at Palapala Hoʻomau Church along the Road to Hana.

Travel Tips

• Agriculture rules: Declare plants/animals upon arrival. Luggage is screened for uninspected fruits/plants when leaving, but inspected flowers/fruits are allowed.
• Airports: Main hub is Kahului (OGG); smaller commuter airports in Kapalua and Hana.
• Whale migration: Up to 10,000 humpback whales journey from Alaska to Hawaii yearly (December–May). Maui is one of the best spots to see them!

Getting Around

Public buses, shuttles, and taxis are options, but renting a car is the best way to explore. The Maui Bus system covers 13 routes island-wide, running daily.

Top Hotels

West Maui

• The Westin Kāʻanapali Ocean Resort Villas – Beachfront luxury with ocean-view suites.
• Kāʻanapali Beach Hotel – Freshly renovated rooms steps from a 3-mile sandy beach.
• Montage Kapalua Bay – Spacious residences, pools, and ocean activities.
• The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua – Golf, spa, and 466 upscale rooms on 54 acres.

South Maui

• Hotel Wailea – Adults-only Relais & Châteaux retreat with ocean-view suites.
• Four Seasons Resort Maui – Infinity pools, Wolfgang Puck’s Spago, and luxury stays.
• Grand Wailea (Waldorf Astoria) – Villas, Botero art lounge, and lush grounds.

Must-Try Restaurants

West Maui

• Hula Grill – Fresh fish and island-grown produce with Pacific views.
• Merriman’s Kapalua – Prix-fixe menus featuring local ingredients.
• Lahaina Grill – Farm-to-table dishes like chocolate layer cake with macadamia caramel.

South Maui

• Mama’s Fish House – Legendary seafood caught daily, served in a romantic setting.
• Nick’s Fishmarket – Elegant oceanfront dining at the Fairmont Kea Lani.

Best Things to Do

1. Haleakalā National Park – Hike, watch sunrise, or stargaze at the massive crater.
2. Road to Hana – A scenic drive with waterfalls, curves, and lush valleys.
3. Whale Watching (Dec–May) – Spot humpbacks from shore or on a boat tour.
4. Molokini Crater – Snorkel in a volcanic crescent teeming with marine life.
5. Iao Valley State Park – See the iconic 1,200-foot Iao Needle.
6. Luau – Feast on kalua pig and enjoy hula at Old Lahaina Luau or Feast at Mokapu.

Shopping Spots

• Whalers Village (Kāʻanapali) – Oceanfront shopping with brands and local boutiques.
• The Shops at Wailea – High-end retailers and dining in a lush outdoor mall.