Maui, the second largest islands of Hawaii archipelago, has many tourist attractions. The island covers an area of 727 square miles and is the 17th largest island of USA. Maui is 2340 miles west of San Francisco, 2495 miles west of Los Angeles. People visit Maui for its wonderful beaches, lovely sunset, marine life, parks, and fabulous climate. This island also has impressive wildlife and fascinating culture and history. The island is sandwiched between Molokai and Big Island. Maui Island has five regions and each has special attraction. East Maui will provide you travel along the road to Hana; West Maui is famous for Kaanipali Beach; Central Maui has Iao Valley State Park as attraction; Upcountry has Haleakala National Park; and South Maui is famous for Wailea Beach. You can also visit Maui Ocean Center for educational marine life tour.
Road to Hana
Driving along the road to Hana will provide you with the scenic coastline of East Maui. On this highway you will find lush rainforest and cascading waterfalls. You will love the adventurous drive on the twisting road which leads to Hana, a thinly populated remote village. Many visitors generally drive to this place from Kahului, where the Hawaii's regional airport is located. This drive is 55 miles long, but will probably take all day if you stop at times to enjoy the scenic beauty. Enroute you can enjoy your time at Twin Falls, Waikani Falls, Waianapanapa State Park, Hoopika Beach, and Wailea Beach.
Kaanipali Beach
Kaanipali Beach is located in the West Maui. It is recognized as one of the finest beaches in Maui Island. The beach is 4 miles long and boasts some of the best resorts and hotels of the island. There are restaurants, shops, and golf courses abundantly located in this place. You can also find an open air shopping place called Whalers Village that has numerous stores and offers many eating options.
Iao Valley State Park
Iao Valley State Park is situated in the Central Maui just 5 kilometer west of Wailuku. This park is 10 miles long and is spread across 4,000 acres of land. Hawaiians travel to this place as pilgrim. The most famous landmark in this place is Iao Needle, a pointed green-mounted rock of basalt which has a height of 1,200 feet from the valley floor. It was believed that the rock was used as an altar in the prehistoric time. The valley is said to be resided by manas, the ghost of Hawaiian gods. On the left along the path to the Iao Needle you will find a dark black cliff, Pali Ele'ele.
Haleakala National Park
Haleakala National Park is present on the slope an inactive Haleakala Volcano in the Upcountry region of Maui. It is a popular tourist destination. The name Haleakala in Hawaiian language means house of the sun. The park covers a total area of 33,265 acres out of which 19,270 acres is a wilderness zone. You can visit this place to witness the dormant Haleakala crater which is 6.99 miles across, 2 miles wide, and 2,600 feet deep. The view from the top is incredible and the drive to the summit is even more exiting. Along the way you can visit seven sacred pools of the Oheo valley together with Makahika and Waimoku falls. You will love to see the Hawaiian birds at Hosmer Grove.
Wailea Beach
Wailea Beach is located in South Maui. Tourists come to Wailea to spend time at the attractive golden sand beaches. Wailea is famous for its luxury resorts, restaurants, golf courses, and shopping centers. You can indulge in swimming, snorkeling, or sun bathing. You can also spend time strolling along the Wailea Beach Walk. There are plenty of ocean side cafes for you to have beverages and sandwiches.
Maui Ocean Center
Maui Ocean Center is an aquarium that provides a glimpse of the Hawaiian marine life. It is one of the most famous attractions in Maui. This aquarium has collection of undersea creatures of the island including green turtles, reef fish, jellyfish, octopus, stingrays, and corals. You will love the glass tunnel journey that provides outside view of sharks and stingrays. This place is a must visit for a relaxing retreat, adventurous tour, family vacations, or romantic honeymoon. Children will love this place and gain insight of sea life. Maui Ocean Center also provides snorkeling and whale watching. Art collectors can purchase gifts and artworks from the center's store.
