People who have been to United States know that a trip there is never complete without visiting the top destinations in Maui. Maui is the most intriguing and exciting of all Hawaiian Islands which means that you can’t afford to miss its hottest tourist spots.
The road to Hana is one of the best sightseeing journeys in Maui. The twisting highway passes through cascading falls, lush forests, and the island’s breathtaking northeast coastline. Tourists usually travel this road from Kahului, the main city of Maui. Hana is 55 miles from Kahului. While the road seems short it usually takes a full day to traverse it.
Kaihalulu or the Red Sand Beach is an unforgettable beachscape and one of the top tourist attractions in Maui. Its sand is literally red; a product of volcanic cinders which eroded by the shore. The red sand is contrasted by turquoise waters. Kaihalulu is in Hana and can be reached by climbing down a steep, slippery cliff. This hike could last 10 minutes or more. Surfers will better enjoy Ho'okipa Beach, also in Hana. The water is rough and winds are strong enough for surfing and windsurfing activities.
The Iao Valley State Park is another must-see in Maui. Most trails lead to vantage points that provide breathtaking views of the island. Its main highlight is the Iao Needle, a 1,200 ft rock covered in moss. The Haleakala National Park is a wonderful place for hiking. Climbing up Haleakala, the world’s largest dormant volcano is highly recommended even though there are many other trails in the park. On your way up you could stop at Leleiwi Overlook to get a panoramic view of the crater. During the climb down, you can stop by the Kalahaku Overlook and hunt for silverswords, a purple-and-silver plant unique to the region.
Other places to see in Maui Island include Wailea Beach, Waianapanapa State Park, and Old Lahaina Luau. Like the previously mentioned, they are among the top tourist attractions in Maui.
This article was originally published on www.paramounttravel.com. Read the original here.
*Images of “Koki Beach, Hana“ and ”Iao Valley State Park“ via Shutterstock
