United States of America > Hawaii > Maui
Overview
From the top of its dormant Haleakala volcano crater to its lush rainforest and pristine beaches, the Hawaiian island of Maui offers a magical Pacific holiday. Named after a Polynesian god, Maui is as close to paradise as it's possible to get. Originally six different volcanoes created a single landmass that, over the millennia, separated to become the islands of Maui, Molokai, Lanai and Kahoolawe. All remain administratively linked today as Maui County.
Maui is the second largest of the populated Hawaiian islands (after Hawaii Island), and also boasts the second largest population in the state. Its two main features are the Haleakala crater (the name means 'house of the sun'), which is the largest dormant volcano in the world, and the underwater valleys that connect Maui with its sister islands in the surrounding ocean, providing shelter for an abundance of marine life.
The island's main business centre is the town of Wailuku, while the major resort area is in the west and concentrated in Ka'anapali and the historic whaling town of Lahaina. In the south of Maui is another busy resort district around the town of Wailea. Maui's tropical north shore is quieter as there are only bed and breakfasts instead of large hotels. The island offers several points of cultural and natural interest worth exploring, over and above its beautiful beaches and underwater wonderland.
Climate
Maui is a tropical island with a mild year-round climate tempered by the Pacific Ocean. At sea level, the average afternoon winter high temperature is around 79ºF (26ºC) during the coldest months of December and January. August and September are the hottest summer months with average temperatures of about 86ºF (30ºC). Like most volcanic tropical islands, however, many different microclimates make it essential to pack for a variety of conditions: swimsuits and light hot-weather clothing for the beaches, a lightweight windbreaker for the occasional shower at higher elevations, and protection that is more serious during inclement conditions when hiking Haleakala.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rain (cm) | 1.8 | 1.5 | 2.2 | 1.2 | 0.8 | 0.6 | 0.7 | 0.9 | 0.7 | 1 | 1.5 | 2 |
| Rain (inches) | 0.07 | 0.05 | 0.08 | 0.04 | 0.03 | 0.02 | 0.02 | 0.03 | 0.02 | 0.03 | 0.05 | 0.07 |
| Average Temperature (°C) | 22.5 | 22.5 | 24 | 24.5 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 26.5 | 25 | 23 |
| Min Temperature (°C) | 18 | 18 | 21 | 21 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 22 | 21 | 19 |
| Max Temperature (°C) | 27 | 27 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 29 | 27 |
| Average Temperature (°F) | 72.5 | 72.5 | 75 | 76 | 77.5 | 79 | 80 | 81 | 80.5 | 79.5 | 76.5 | 74 |
| Min Temperature (°F) | 65 | 65 | 69 | 69 | 70 | 72 | 73 | 74 | 73 | 72 | 69 | 67 |
| Max Temperature (°F) | 80 | 80 | 81 | 83 | 85 | 86 | 87 | 88 | 88 | 87 | 84 | 81 |
Getting Around
The main mode of public transportation in Maui is the Maui Bus, which operates several daily routes through large towns such as Wailuku, Kihei, Lahaina, Wailea, and Kahalui. The bus routes don't cover the island comprehensively however, so most travellers in Maui opt to hire a car; travellers should note that hired cars must be booked well in advance as they can sell out, especially on holiday weekends.
Sightseeing
Sightseeing
Maui is one of the most popular islands in Hawaii for tourists thanks to its famous beaches, commanding volcanoes, lush jungles, and idyllic waterfalls. Encompassing all that travellers dream of for a Hawaiian getaway, the island offers no shortage of things to see and do.
Hiking is a popular activity on Maui, and there are a number of excellent trails in Iao Valley State Monument and Haleakala National Park. Makawao Forest Reserve also offers good trails for both hiking and mountain biking. Another way to enjoy the trails is on horseback, with guided tours available from Lahaina Stables.
Hana Highway is a great way to see the island as it offers spectacular views and stopping points such as the Garden of Eden arboretum and Wainapanapa State Park.
It's no surprise that many of Maui's best activities happen in or near the water. Snorkelling in 'Turtle Town' south of Wailea offers the chance to see tropical fish, coral reefs, and of course sea turtles; other great dive spots include Ulua Beach, and the cove south of Black Rock.
Canoeing and kayaking are also fun ways to pass the time in Maui, or visitors can take a sunset cruise to look for whales and dolphins. Whatever the preference, there's always something to do in Maui.