Maui is the second most visited island, after Oahu, and has been voted the best island in the World by tourist publications several years running. It can be crowded at times, but there are quiet places to go along with the gorgeous beaches and jumping nightlife. One of the famous places on Maui is Haleakala (House of the rising sun) National Park - people like to visit it at sunrise to witness what looks like the beginning of all creation, or bike down it for scenic views. Maui.net, The demigod Maui's raising of the Hawaiian islands

Central Maui
This is a rural area consisting of Kahului (where the main Maui airport is) and Wailuku. The weather compared to the rest of the island is normally cooler and windier, with good lodging deals. Haleakala and Iao Valley are in this area. Photo tour of the area

North East Maui
This consists of the famous "Road to Hana" and Hana, plus Oheo Gulch (also known as the 7 sacred pools). There are also a few towns along the way, like Paia, and Haiku. The road to hana is a windy two-lane (mostly!) road perched on a cliffside overlooking the ocean, that slowly meanders over 50 miles from Kahului to the isolated town of Hana. The views are breathtaking, and the reward is great. It can be quite overwhelming (taking most of a day), so I wouldn't even attempt it unless you are spending several days on Maui, or can stay overnight in Hana.

South Shore
Kihei and Wailea are where the vacation is - hot, dry weather, nice, very long beaches, and plenty of things to do. The views from the beaches are of nearby islands, plus inland Maui. These days, Wailea is being taken over by hotels and condos aimed at guests with lots of money to spend and Kihei is very busy and full of places to find deals.

Upcountry Maui The areas of Kula and Makawao are very rural and, being on the slopes of Haleakala, are much cooler than the rest of the island. There is a lot of cultural history in these areas, from King Kalakaua's cottage, to a old paniolo (cowboy) town. Try an inexpensive bed and breakfast. More upcountry info.

West Side
Maui's west side is one of the more famous areas, housing the resort areas of Kaanapali and Napili, plus the old whaling town of Lahaina. Even if you aren't staying in the area, you should visit for the beaches, and for Lahaina's tourist draws. more west side info

Hawaiian Word of the Week

huihui - (hooey hooey) - constellation

Hawaiian Article/Information Watch

Visit Fern Grotto on Kauai Only if You Have Nothing Else To Do
One person's experience --- she or he does mention that it would be nice for a wedding though

Hawaiian Website Watch

Guides of Maui