In so many ways, Maui has long embodied the ultimate paradise for American travelers—and on many fronts, it is exactly that. On one hand, you get sandy beaches, the big, blue Pacific, and swaying palms caressed by the trade winds. On the other, you get the “aloha” spirit and a culture that goes back many generations—one that’s integrally tied to the land, water, and sky.
Wildfires devastated the beautiful community of Lahaina almost exactly a year ago. The rebuilding and healing there will take time. But the rest of the island is open for business, and the people of Maui are happy to invite visitors back.
Arrival
Located in the broad flats of Maui’s big, wide valley, Kahului Airport (OGG) is a busy place. Most U.S. domestic carriers bring vacationers here from a wide variety of U.S. cities, with a handful of flights arriving from Canada as well.
Morning
It’s just a short drive (around 15 minutes) to the busy little town of Paia. This is a place where you can get your feet wet—and sandy—right away. Baldwin Beach Park is loved by locals. You’ll find trails to stretch your legs and a graceful, curving beach to walk where sea turtles are often spotted.Feel free to slip off your shoes and socks and put those travel-weary toes in the calm, warm, aquamarine waves lapping the shore. Then, dry off and walk back into town for a morning snack. Many of the poke places open early, a perfect first island taste.
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Drive for almost an hour southeast, then, go up ... and up ... and up. Keep driving up the broad flanks of the mountain, navigating a (well-maintained) road with many switchbacks to reach Haleakala National Park. While you’ll almost certainly be too late to capture that iconic sunrise photo, it’s worth visiting the place where Maui began.
The namesake, dormant volcano hasn’t erupted in more than 400 years, but its dramatic power is still evident everywhere here. A Martian landscape above 10,023 feet, you can hike one of two trails into the big crater, which is dotted with cinder cones, or just enjoy the truly unique and ruggedly stunning view.
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Afternoon
Take your time coming down the mountain. The communities on Haleakala’s flanks are collectively known as “Upcountry.” With cooler temperatures and sweeping views, it’s a perfect place to begin your afternoon.![image-5715796](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimg.theepochtimes.com%2Fassets%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F08%2F30%2Fid5715796-IMG_0405.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
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Then, swing through Makawao. For many years, Hawaiian cowboys—known as paniolo—have wrangled cattle in the nearby Upcountry fields, and the town retains a true Wild West feel. Browse the galleries and make sure to join the line for the town’s signature snack: a cream puff from the Komoda Store and Bakery.
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Now, drive across the valley to West Maui. It shouldn’t take longer than 45 minutes, and the route is quite lovely. Skirting the West Maui Mountains, you’ll curl along a seaside road clinging to the side of an incline. Emerging from tunnels, the two-lane highway descends to dance along the coast, passing endless beaches and palm trees and surf spots.
You won’t see much of Lahaina. A bypass takes visitors completely around the townsite. Access is only granted to residents and workers, and signs encourage you to respect the site and stay out—advice that should indeed be heeded.
Soon, you’ll be in Kaanapali, which remains that dreamy tropical destination that’s enchanted sun seekers ever since the Royal Lahaina first opened here in 1962. It was soon followed by the Sheraton at Black Rock in 1963. (Kaanapali now offers six hotels and five condo complexes, plus two championship golf courses over a lush 1,200 acres.)
Walking the seaside path here, under a big Pacific sun, is always so much fun. Each hotel and condo has its own feel, from theming and landscaping to pools. And everyone along the way—families, couples, and groups—is having a blast, tossing footballs or grilling fish and steaks.
If you’re still feeling energetic, sign up for a surf lesson. And if you’re not, just browse the sunny, upscale shops at Whalers Village. A tip: On the upper level, toward the back, the Hawaii Wildlife Discovery Center is a small, free museum that gives an overview of the natural wonders you’ll find just offshore. You can chat with marine biologists on site.
![Each hotel or condo along Kaanapali Beach offers a different atmosphere and variety of activities. (Michele Falzone/Getty Images)](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimg.theepochtimes.com%2Fassets%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F08%2F30%2Fid5715802-GettyImages-454587935.jpg&w=1200&q=75)
Evening
After snapping a few photos of the sun setting over the neighboring island of Molokai, settle in for a pre-dinner cocktail at Hula Grill. Sit on the expansive patio, feel those trade winds, and watch the flames from tiki torches dance. As a live musician plays island songs, feel the stress of a busy day fade into the evening.![Kalua pork is a Hawaiian classic, served here with stewed cabbage and salad. (AS Foodstudio/Shutterstock)](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimg.theepochtimes.com%2Fassets%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F08%2F30%2Fid5715803-shutterstock_2026932461.jpg&w=1200&q=75)
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