Maui, Hawaii Must See Highlights
Luau
This cultural Hawaiian tradition has evolved and grown to become an exciting evening of authentic Polynesian dancing and chanting as well as feasting on Hawaiian cuisine. Maui is renowned worldwide for its gracious luau, and of the best is the Pacific Paradise Luau. It's a night of bountiful feasting, dancing and drama, culminating in the thrilling Samoan fire knife dance.
Haleakala Crater
The drive through up-country Maui to Haleakala is one of the most dramatic trips of a lifetime. Once you reach the summit at 10,032 feet above sea level, you'll see why. All of Maui is at your feet. And the crater itself is magnificent to behold.
Road to Hana
This spectacular road must of the most exquisite drives on earth. It winds for 50 miles past magnificent seascapes, waterfall pools, botanical gardens, taro patches and lush rainforests, and it ends in heavenly Hana. Hana is a small tropical village with only 2,500 residents and is filled with wild ginger, plumeria, banyan, bamboo and breadfruit trees.
Whale Watching
Each winter, one-third of all North Pacific whales migrate to Hawaii from their feeding grounds in Alaska. During these months in particular, you can see these magnificent mammals with a certified marine naturalist as your guide. Throughout this adventure you can hear the whales' ethereal songs through underwater hydrophones, learn about recent discoveries and experience the thrill of being close to these legendary creatures.
Sacred 'Iao Valley
'Iao Valley (whose name means "Supreme Light") is a peaceful, lush area with easy hikes, exotic tropical plants and clear, natural pools. The ridgetop lookout offers a fantastic view of the valley and Kahului Harbor. The deep valley features the 'Iao Needle, a natural rock pinnacle presiding over the 'Iao stream and surrounded by the walls of the Pu'u Kukui Crater.
Lahaina
Historically, Lahaina was a whaler's seaport, famous for its rowdy bars and sailors in search of women and wine. Today, although it still offers plenty of opportunities for fun, it is a tame version of its former self. A trip to this quaint village would include visits to charming restaurants, art-filled galleries, historic museums and the occassional colorful resident with stories about Lahaina's raucous past.
Maui Ocean Center
It's an aquatic journey of discovery at Maui Ocean Center. Considered one of the world's mostg comprehensive facilities dedicated to the respect and understanding of Hawaii's marine life, this state-of-the-art marine park offers spectacular live coral displays (the largest collection in the nation), exhibits with elusive garden eels, majestic lionfish, colorful Hawaiian wrasse, Hawaii's beloved green sea turtles, and a 54-foot-long clear tunnel filled with sharks, rays, and tropical fish.
Golf at Wailea
There are many spectacular golf courses on Maui, but this is one experience you won't want to miss. Rated one of the best new courses by Golf Magazine and Golf Digest, the Wailea Emerald is akin to a lush tropical playground. Wailea Gold is home to the Wendy's Champions Skins Games. Although these courses are beautiful to look at with ocean and mountain views on nearly every hole, they are a real challenge to handle.
Ka'anapali Beach and Black Rock
This could be, without question, the best place to kiss in Hawaii. Ka'anapali is a magnificent stretch of slat, sandy beach with the famous Black Rock at the north end providing some of the best snorkeling in the world. Take a walk at sunset, or even after dark, and you may have it all to yourselves.
Horseback Riding
One of the best places on Maui to go horseback riding, Hawaiian Paniolo-style, is at Haleakala Ranch, the largest working cattle ranch on Maui. Ride through tall, fragrant eucalyptus trees and across lush pastures with panoramic views of the valley and ocean below. You'll have spectacular views of Maui from the slopes of the Haleakala Volcano.
Maui Tropical Plantation
This 60-acre working plantation is a fascinating tour of more than 15 different crops including mango, papaya, guava, taro, macadamia nuts, sugarcane and tropical flowers, including exotic orchids. So beautiful is this location thaqt many people choose to marry here, surrounded by gorgeous tropical fauna, with the majestic West Maui Mountains in the background.
Molokini Crater Snorkeling
Discover why Molokini Crater is considered one of the best snorkeling locations in the world. Located just off the southern coast of Maui, this half-submerged extinct volcanic crater makes an excellent sanctuary to view hundreds of beautiful tropical fish and rare marine life. The water is warm, and the ride over is beautiful.
Some content and photos used with permission from Norwegian Cruise Line.
