A place full of surprises and fascinations, the island of Maui has become a prominent tourist destinations among the Hawaiian Islands. With so much to do out there, you are bound to experience that awkward moment when you are spoiled for choice, time and again.
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The Maui Island is the second largest island of the state of Hawaii in the United States. The island, spanning an area of 727.2 square miles, is a distinct tourist paradise, with tourists from all over the world flocking to it in search of sheer pleasure.
With a wide range of things worth doing, ranging from hiking to scuba diving for all you adventure seekers and shopping to sightseeing for all those vacationers looking for peace of mind, Maui obviously doesn't let you down.
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Maui Tourist Attractions
Hiking: Maui Island has a fascinating natural environment to its credit, and the best way to experience it is by hiking through the rainforests. The numerous trails present here lead you through these dense forests and deep valleys, echoing with the sound of birds and running water.
You don't have to be a veteran hiker to enjoy hiking on the island of Maui. Here there are trails meant for everyone. The hike across the lunar landscape of Haleakala crater is quite famous among the nature lovers visiting Maui. Near the crater you can find one of the rarest plant in the world, the Silversword.
Another fascinating trail is the one that takes you along the Waihee Valley ridge. You can end your hike at one of the many magnificent waterfalls, which add to the beauty of this place. Don't forget to pick up a copy of the Maui recreational map available with the Department of Land and Natural Resources. It will make your hike easier and safe.
Diving: The 120-mile long coastline of the island of Maui has more than 80 beaches, each better than the other. The sand here ranges from shimmering white to grayish black. Maui is home to some of the finest diving spots, not just in Hawaii, but the entire world.
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The most prominent recreational activity experienced by tourists here is scuba diving.
The southern and western shores of Maui have some of the most famous diving spots in the Pacific, while the northern and the eastern shore are relatively less explored.
There are two conservation areas on the island on Maui. The first is located at Honolua Bay on West Maui, while the second is at the partially submerged volcanic crater called Molokini, off the Wailea shore.
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The beaches here are also ideal for snorkeling, which lets you enjoy the fascinating world beneath the water surface. Various local tour operators based on the island offer some of the most remarkable diving and snorkeling excursions.
Glass bottom boats and pleasure submarines open the realms of underwater for people who can't swim. It is a sheer delight to sight the Giant Humpback Whales, which close in on the shore during their breeding season between November and April.
Shopping and Sight Seeing: A renowned tourist destination, Maui Island has several shopping malls, designer boutiques, and galleries. Many of these indulge in sale of items unique to Hawaii, ranging from hand-turned bowls to beautiful jewelry and glass items. Weekly markets and craft fairs are common in Maui.
Lahaina is considered a shopper's paradise. Incidentally, Lahaina is also a historic preservation district, which makes it one of the most sought-after destinations on the island.
Other places of sightseeing include Hawaiian churches, plantation towns, museums depicting the islands whaling history, etc. Huge aquariums with fish swimming all around the place have become a major attraction for children.
Hawaiian Luau: Lastly, if you want to experience the rich culture of Hawaii, then you shouldn't miss Luau, the Hawaiian feast featuring traditional food and entertainment.
Several hotels in Maui host this feast, wherein Hawaiian dishes such as kalua pig, poi, and haupia are served along with other delicacies. Hawaiian music and fire dancing are a part of this extravaganza. The Old Lahaina Luau, held in Lahaina, is considered the best in the world.
To sum it up, Maui Island has something for everyone. It doesn't matter whether you seek adventure or peace of mind, you are bound to return happy and content from the Island of Maui.