Relaxing on the beach, hiking the mountains or enjoying outdoor activities, Maui has it all.
Thinking of paradise, most peopleβs mind usually wonder to Caribbean islands. But if you go as far west as you can get in US, to Oceania, you can find another gem called Hawaiβi. One of the 8 islands is Maui, nicknamed The Valley Isle, and it is one of the most beautiful places on earth.
Winter weather was hitting hard in Canada and we wanted to escape to the beach. I looked at all the options where we can go and after hours of searching, our destination was chosen by skyscanner and the price/value of flight tickets.
10 reasons you should visit Maui
We chose Maui just two weeks before the departure date. It was always our dream destination but we never actually thought we can go there for real. Oh man, that was a really good decision. You’ll see on your own.
Let us show you 10 reasons you should visit Maui!
01| AWESOME WEATHER
Average temperatures range from 26C to 31C. I donβt know about you, but I wouldnβt even have to know more reasons to visit. This already sounds good to me.
Although weather on Maui can change quickly, if itβs raining where you are, either wait few minutes for the sun, or just move to another part of the island where itβs sunny already. You might want to stay where itβs raining so you can see single or double rainbows afterwards crossing the sky.
Maui has two seasons, winter and summer, but good time to visit is year round. It is drier on the western coast of the island, where you can find resorts and windy on the north part mostly covered by rainforests.
Only exception is Haleakala volcano rising up to 3055 m above sea level, prepare for temperatures 4C or lower.
02| LAID BACK ISLAND VIBES
People on this Hawaiian island encourage βaloha spiritβ. Most of them naturally, but interesting is that it is also considered a law in Hawaii.
By applying Aloha Spirit, people and all government officials can help create a better world, a world filled with aloha. People are sending good vibes or good feelings to others. Because of alohaβs popularity, Hawaii is called the Aloha State.
One of the first Aloha Spirit experience we had was during the first day, when we took a bus to historic town Lahaina looking around for the beach without a map.
We found a quiet place with turquoise water called Baby beach. Guy on this photo came shortly after us and brought just a chair and his guitar. He was playing for several hours everything from jazz to reggae, to the rhythm of the waves slowly breaking on the shore.
We couldnβt ask for a better introduction of the laid back atmosphere of the island.
03| WHALE WHATCHING
Each winter thousands of humpback whales migrate to Hawaiiβs warm ocean waters from Alaska. The majority of the whales are found off the coast of Maui.
Humpback whales spend summer months enjoying fish in Alaska, once the water becomes too cold, they begin their journey south. The whales migrate around 5600 km which can take them 6-8 weeks till they reach waters of Maui.
Whale season on Maui starts in late November and ends by the end of April. February and March are considered the peak of the season, but while we visited December/January we saw plenty of whales from the shore.
One of the most interesting thing about humpback whales is their song. You can hear them sing several minutes at a time. It reminded me of a movie Free Willy.
You can go on one of the many whale watching tours or watch them from land. Best spot for watching from the shore breaching them out of the water is a viewpoint on the Pali highway (road between Lahaina and Maβalaea).
There are usually volunteers from Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary who can answer any questions you may have and lend you binoculars.
04| PINEAPPLES
Maui is a land of pineapples, giant fields stretching over the island. Many places, especially local farmerβs markets and road side stands sell fresh pineapples and other fruits β mango, papaya, star fruit, coconut, avocado, guava, lychee, dragon fruit, just to name a few.
You can go on a βtastyβ tour at the Pineapple Plantation, where you learn everything from planting, growing and history of Maui pineapple.
Whatβs the better food on a hot day then a golden yellow, juicy and sweet pineapple right from the field?
05| HAWAIIAN GREEN SEA TURTLES βHONUβ
Five different kinds of sea turtles are found in Hawaiiβs waters, but only two of them are seen on the shore: hawksbill (hawaiian name βea) and green (hawaiian name honu).
Hawksbill turtles are mostly found on the Big Island of Hawaiβi. But few hawksbills and green sea turtles also nest on Maui.
Thanks to the owner of the hostel we stayed in, who told us about Hoβokipa beach near Paβia, we could watch them slowly going on shore. Every day before sunset, turtles Honu find their way to the land for the night, to rest and avoid predators.
06| VOLCANOES / HALEAKALA NATIONAL PARK
When Maui was formed, several volcanoes were close enough that during lava flow, they merged into an island.
Haleakala, also called East Maui Volcano, forms more than ΒΎ of the Maui Island. The rest of the island is formed by older volcano, Mauna Kahalawai or West Maui Mountains.
The tallest peak of younger volcano Haleakala rises to 3055m above sea level and measures 8 km from sea level to summit, making it one of the worldβs tallest mountains.
Crater at the summit of Haleakala was home to the grandmother of the cultural hero called Maui. According to Hawaiian mythology, his grandmother helped him catch the sun and force it to slow down its way across the sky to lengthen the day. Nowadays it’s called “House of the sun”.
You can see five other main islands from the summit. This photo was taken during our trip to Haleakala National Park. We woke up 3am for a drive to the summit to see a stunning start of a new day (or sunrise).
07| WATERFALL SWIMMING
Most of the accessible waterfalls on Maui are on the north east side of the island, along the famous Road to Hana. It is very rewarding, when driving to Hana on many switchbacks during a hot day, to be able to take a dip. Waters are crystal clear and very refreshing.
There are many markers along the route, just pack your swimming suit, choose a waterfall and enjoy the swim in the Hawaiian rain.
08| PERFECT BEACHES
Maui has over 45km of beautiful beaches. Whether you like white, black or red sand beach, Maui has them all.
Some of them might be overcrowded, especially near resorts, such as Kaβanapali Beach. One of the largest beaches ideal for snorkeling or beach bumming is Big Beach. On the other side of Big Beach is Little Beach, preferred by nudists.
Surf lessons are offered on the beaches in Lahaina. Baldwin Beach Park in Paβia is great for swimming or bodysurfing.
If youβd like to explore less touristy and less known beaches, watch for them on the way to Waiβanapanapa State Park. That is where we found our favourite black sand beach. And you might even be the only people there!
09| SNORKELING
One of the most affordable activities on Maui is snorkeling. Rental shops with snorkeling gear can be found in Lahaina, as well as the map of the best spots for snorkeling.
Popular places include Honolua Bay and Kaβanapali Beach on the west side, La-Perouse State Park, Ulua Beach Park and Big Beach near Makena, on the south west side of the island.
Molokini Crater is the most popular place for snorkeling and diving trips. It is located about 3km offshore from southern Maui and offers some of the clearest water for snorkeling anywhere in the world. You can see large variety of coral, fish, green turtles and reef sharks.
10| HIKING IN RAINFOREST
There are many trails on Maui including Haleakala National Park, offering hiking on volcanoes, La Perouse Bay for an easy stroll on a lava flow or trails in the rainforests of this green island.
Best hiking trails can be found in Iao Valley State park near Wailuku, signs on the way to Hana invite you on many hikes in the lush forest or pass the town of Hana and hike Pipiwai Trail, which takes you through the mystic bamboo forest leading to breathtaking Waimoku Falls.
If you love quietness, fresh after-the-rain air and sounds of wildlife surrounding you, put on your hiking shoes and head to the nature.
Pictures might not justify enough how beautiful this island is. Go see yourself and let us know if you also fell in love with Maui.
Read more:
Biking up the Haleakala volcano on Maui
Biking the Going to the Sun Road in Glacier national park, Montana
Now we would like to hear from you. Have you visited Maui already? Or where else have you found a paradise?
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Wow – this looks like paradise! I’m a real beach girl, and I love the water. Waterfall swimming would be my idea of heaven! I’d also love to learn to snorkel, and Hawaii looks like the perfect place to do it. Thanks for such a great article – and for the wanderlust!
It really is a paradise. There are so many waterfalls we haven’t seen yet! And snorkeling with turtles was one of the best moments on Maui, definitely try it out.
Looks amazing, but for me one and only reason would be enough: the first photo. π
I know, right? π
I have another reason to visit Maui. Shaved Ice in Lahaina.
Best shaved ice ever and a beautiful little coastal town.
I do like your reasons as well Maya.
You’re right Dean. That was my first time trying shaved ice. It was funny because we went to get it and didn’t know what it is and what to expect. Well, it didn’t dissapoint!