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Places to visit on Maui

Lahaina is a small town on the island of Maui in Hawaii. It has a long and rich history, dating back to the early 1800s when King Kamehameha 1st, made it the capital of the Kingdom of Hawaii. 

Lahaina was a key trading port for Hawaiians, as well as a stop for whaling ships from the United States, Europe and Russia. It was also the home of many missionaries, who established churches and schools in the area.

In the mid-1800s, Lahaina became a popular tourist destination, known for its beautiful beaches, lush jungles and vibrant culture. The town also had a thriving business community, with many merchants, stores and restaurants. 

In the late 1800s, Lahaina was the first capital of the Republic of Hawaii. This period saw the construction of many of the town's historic buildings, including the famed courthouse and the Baldwin Home. 

Lahaina’s history is still visible. There are many artifacts and monuments scattered throughout the town, as well as a few restored buildings that have been turned into museums. The town is also home to many art galleries, restaurants, and other attractions. 

 

Visit the Kihei Beach Resort for stunning sunsets and an opportunity to relax on the soft sand. 

Head to Makena Beach for a day of swimming, snorkeling, and beach-combing.

Take a stroll along the Kihei Coastal Path for stunning views of the ocean.

Explore Kihei Town Center for shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

Visit the Wailea or Makena Golf Club for a round of golf with stunning views of the ocean and Molokini Island.

The history of Kihei

Kihei is a small town on the island. Located on the south shore of the island and is now a popular tourist destination due to its beautiful beaches and tropical climate. The history of Kihei dates back centuries and was once part of a royal Hawaiian land division, or “Ahupuaa.”

In the 1800's, Kihei became a popular destination for whalers who used the area as a port. The whalers brought with them various plants and animals that helped shape the local environment.

In the early 1900s, Kihei was still a small fishing village, but it started to experience a period of growth in the 1950s when the first hotel was built. Tourists began to flock to the area, and it soon became known as a popular destination for families and retirees. Over the years, Kihei has continued to grow and develop and is a quick walk to many beautiful beaches.

With only 4" of rain per year, Kihei is almost guaranteed to have sunny days even when it rains elsewhere on the island.

Hana Maui is an area located on the eastern side of Maui Island in the Hawaiian archipelago. Hana has been a part of Hawaiian culture for centuries, and served as an important trading port for Native Hawaiians. In the 1800s, Westerners began to settle in Hana, and the area quickly grew in population. As a result, pineapple, sugar cane, and other crops were planted, and the town began to prosper.

In the early 1900s, Hana began to become a tourist destination, with the opening of the first hotel in the area. Today, Hana is known for its stunning natural beauty, with black sand beaches, lush jungles, and cascading waterfalls. It is a popular spot for visitors and locals alike, who come to experience its unique culture, history, and breathtaking scenery.


Explore the rugged coastline of Hana Maui by taking a drive along the famous Road to Hana. Take in the stunning views of the cascading waterfalls, lush rainforests and black sand beaches. 

The historic village of Hana with its old-fashioned Hawaiian charm is a great place to take a walk around town and visit local shops, galleries and restaurants for a truly Hawaiian unique experience.

Hike to Waimoku Falls, part of the Pipiwai Trail. This hike will take you through lush rainforest and bamboo forests before you reach the majestic 400-foot waterfall.

Swim in the Seven Sacred Pools of Oheo Gulch, just don't jump off the bridge like the locals do. Seven waterfalls, one after the other, crystal clear water and stunning natural beauty of the area.

Relax in one of the many secluded beaches of Hana Maui. Take a picnic and a book and spend some time taking in all the wonders of the island.

 

Haleakala National Park is a beautiful natural area located on the Hawaiian island of Maui. The park was established in 1916 as Hawaii National Park and was later renamed Haleakala National Park in 1961.

It encompasses 33,265 acres of land and is home to a variety of wildlife, including endangered species such as the Hawaiian goose, the Hawaiian hoary bat, and the Hawaiian monk seal. The park is known for its stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the island of Maui's volcanic landscape.

It is also home to Haleakala Crater, an inactive volcano that is the park's most popular attraction. The crater is over 7,000 feet above sea level and visitors can climb to the summit for a once in a lifetime experience.

Other attractions at Haleakala National Park include the Kipahulu section of the park, which features lush rainforests and dramatic waterfalls, and numerous hiking trails.

Whether you're looking for a day of sightseeing or a multi-day adventure, Haleakala National Park offers something for everyone.

 

 

Local info about Maui

Beaches

Maui has some of the best beaches in the world...if you know where to look.

If you go to Lighthouse Bay in Paia, you will probably view sea turtles. If you go to Peahi, you will see some of the biggest waves in the world (winter months). If you go to LaPerouse Bay just south of Kihei, you will probably swim with porpoise and sea turtles.



 

Jungle

Maui receives much rain on the 'wet side' of the island. Going east past Haiku all the way to Hana and also upcountry. (Upcountry means the slopes of Haleakala).

It's also quite tropical with thick jungle vegetation on the east side of the West Maui Mountains. Meaning if you were in dry Lahaina town and looked up to the green mountains, the other side is east and has heavy jungle vegetation. 

Pau Hana

 

Pau Hana means in Hawaiian pidgin, 'After work' or 'done work'.

This is when locals / Hawaiians like to go to the beach with friends and family. Or it means to the younger Hawaiians, go to the pub.

'Eh brah, you want to go to dakine pau hana?' This means do you want to go for a drink after work. Dakine is lazy talk for anything a Hawaiian is talking about without describing what it really is. 

 

PuPu's

Pupus is a Hawaiian term referring to snack-like appetizers served before a meal. The word ‘pupu’ translates to ‘shell’, and traditionally pupus were served on platters with shells like clams and oysters.

Today pupus can refer to any small appetizers like spring rolls, satay, and finger foods. Pupus are usually served with drinks and are meant for sharing. They are a great way to start off a meal, liven up a party, or even serve as a light meal.

Many beach restaurants on Maui serve free pupus when you order drinks. The local surfers know this and gorge themselves on roast pig sandwiches, tuna poke, Lomi, Chow Fun, taro and more.