-
Bailey House Museum
Buiit in 1834 and formerly called the Bailey House Museum, the museum displays ancient Hawaiian artifacts, missionary-era furnishings and paintings by Edward Bailey. Open daily, 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
-
D.T. Fleming Beach Park
A popular spot for families to swim, snorkel and boogie board because of its stretch of white sand beach, close offshore sandbar, ashrooms, showers, picnic tables, grills and lifeguard. Take lower Honoapiilani Highway in Kapalua.
-
Enchanting Floral Gardens
The slopes of Haleakala are the home of these gardens located on Highway 37 in Kula. More than 500 different species of plants and flowers from around the world are featured. Weddings, garden parties and picnics are popular.
-
Haleakala National Park
Its name translates to "House of the Sun," and many visitors travel to the mountain's summit in the pre-dawn hours to witness how the light plays across the landscape of the crater at sunrise. The park's 380 acres serve as a habitat for rare native Hawaiian plants, birds and insects. Crater trails include: Halemauu Trail that enables you to explore Haleakala Crater from its rim down 3,000 feet to its floor. The trail begins four miles up from park headquarters. Sights include volcanic vents, large cinder cones, ancient lava flows, wild goats and an occasional nene, the once-endangered Hawaiian goose that serves as Hawaii's state bird. Hike to Holua Cabin, Silversword Loop, Bottomless Pit and Pele's Paint Pot with its red and yellow lava. Sliding Sands Trail - Beginning at the visitor center, this steep trail of ash and cinders leads to the crater floor. Kapalaoa Cabin is a six-mile hike with another half mile leading to Bubble Cave, which was formed by gas pockets in the lava. Kaupo Trail -This trail leaves the crater via Kaupo Gap and continues several miles to the blue Pacific Ocean. Related story on OutriggerHawaii.com.
-
Haleakala Visitor Center
At an elevation of 9,745 feet, the center offers a panoramic view of the crater's 21-mile expanse, which includes caverns, desert plain, forest niches and cinder cones. Exhibits and interpretive panels provide information and the park's history. Open daily, 7:30 am - 3:30 pm. Related story on OutriggerHawaii.com.
-
Halekii-Pihana Heiau State Monument
In Wailuku, take Waiehu Beach Road (Highway 340) to Kuhio Place to the end of Hea Place and find the remains of two important places of worship that were rededicated as war temples by Kahekili, Maui's last ruling chief. The surrounding 10.2-acre park offers views of Central Maui. Open a.m. - 7 p.m.
-
Hana
Serene and isolated on the coast of Maui's easternmost tip, Hana has a colorful history as a battleground where Maui and Big Island warriors clashed, then a sugar town and eventually a cow town built around the Hana Ranch. The Hotel Hana-Maui was established in 1946 and continues to operate as an exclusive retreat. A 30-mile winding portion of Highway 36 leads to Hana, passing over 54 bridges with many parks and lookouts tO stop at en route. Related story on OutriggerHawaii.com.
-
Hana Cultural Center/Hale Waiwai
The center, set above Hana Bay, contains photographs, tools, crafts and other
artifacts. Open daily, except major Hawaiian holidays, 10 am - 4 pm. Related story on OutriggerHawaii.com.
-
Hauola Stone
Look for the Warrior marker along the seawall to the right of the Pioneer Inn and the Carthaginian and check out the rock in the water below. Hawaiians thought the most chair-shaped rock had healing powers and that if one sat in it and let the waves wash over you good health would return. Turn inland and see the foundations of Kamehameha the Great's Brick Palace and the site of the king's taro patch.
-
Hawaii Nature Center
Devoted to teaching children first-hand, hands-on about Hawaii as an island home, the center offers a calendar of events throughout the year featuring more than 100 two-hour nature adventures designed for specific age groups from age 3 and up. Family hikes are also offered. Reservations are required. Fee for most activities plus the cost of required materials. Have some fun in the Interactive Science Arcade, adjacent to the gift shop, packed with 30 exhibits and hands-on activities. There is a small admission fee. The center is located near the entrance to Iao Valley State Monument on Iao Valley Road. Open daily, 10 am - 4 pm. (808) 244-6500.
-
Honolua-Mokuleia Bay Marine Life Conservation District
Under the right conditions, good for surfing and snorkeling. Served as the 1976 starting point for the Hawaii-to-Tahiti voyage of the Hokulea, the recently constructed replica of an ancient Polynesian double-hulled canoe, which was navigated using ancient voyaging techniques. Related story on OutriggerHawaii.com.
-
Hookipa Beach
A favorite among windsurfers, this spot is located east of Paia, on the Hana Highway. Bring a camera, too, to capture the scenic views. Related story on OutriggerHawaii.com.
-
Humpback Whale Watching from Lahaina Harbor
Seafaring excursions must keep a minimum distance of 100 yards by law, but whale watching is still exciting with approximately 1,500 humpback whales making their way from the Arctic to Hawaii waters for mating purposes each year between November and May. Bring a camera or camcorder to record these majestic creatures of the ocean. Related story on OutriggerHawaii.com.
-
Iao Valley State Monument
The 1,200-foot Iao Needle natural rock formation is the center of this 6.2 acre state park in central Maui. Iao Valley is lush with native flowers and waterfalls - a great location for picnicking. You'll find the Heritage Gardens that represent the many cultures that have immigrated to Hawaii. The Hawaii Nature Center is also here with hands-on exhibits and guided nature walks for all ages. Take Highway 32, Iao Valley Road. Open daily, 7 am - 7 pm.
-
John F. Kennedy Profile
Take Iao Valley Road, Highway 32, and at Black Gorge. Look up and you'll see a natural rock formation that bears a remarkable resemblance to the late U.S. president.
-
Kaahumanu Church
Maui's oldest church was built in 1837 of plastered stone. 103 South High Street, Wailuku, HI (808) 244-5189.
-
Kaanapali Beach
Maui's "Dig Me Beach," Kaanapali is the place to see and be seen. In addition, the clear waters and white sands are picture-postcard perfect. Stroll along the expansive stretch of bleached white sands, looking across the channel at the islands of Molokai and Lanai, and you'll see why this coastline is dotted with some of the world's most popular resorts. Related story on OutriggerHawaii.com.
-
Kamaoke Beach Parks I, II and III
Travel down South Kihei Road to find three consecutive beach parks with lifeguards on duty. Swim, boogie board, picnic and barbecue.
-
Kanaha Bird Sanctuary
Follow the path from the parking lot to an observation point overlooking the marsh area enables visitors to view wildlife in their natural habitat. Look for the Warrior marker at the intersection of Hana Highway and Keolani Street.
-
Kapalua Bay
Home of five-star resorts and world-class golf courses, Kapalua Beach was voted one of the top five beaches in the world by Conde Nast's travel
magazine and when you visit, you'll know why. The beach itself is very user-friendly and, as for the aesthetics, "breathtaking" sums things up. Related story on OutriggerHawaii.com.
-
Kepaniwai Park & Heritage Gardens
This site in Iao Valley, Wailuku, pays tribute to the many ethnic groups that comprise the island's population. The grounds, which are ideal for picnics, contain a Hawaiian hut, Portuguese villa, New England salt box and other homes reflecting the cultures of several Asian and Pacific countries. Open daily, 7 am - 7 pm. Related story on OutriggerHawaii.com.
-
Kula Botanical Garden
Maui's exotic proteas and other tropical and semitropical plants and flowers are showcased in a natural setting that includes a stream and a pond. Take Highway 377, 3 miles past the Haleakala turn-off. Open daily, 9 am - 4 pm.
-
Lahaina Historic Walking Tour
Designated a National Historic Landmark, Lahaina town is only 2.5 miles long and a few blocks deep. This little port was the most important provisioning stop for America's 19th century whaling fleet. The old courthouse, built in 1859, was the site of the drafting of the first Hawaiian constitution. Front Street exhibits a quaint collection of art shops and souvenir stores. The Lahaina Restoration Foundation and County of Maui Historic Commission have identified 31 historic sites in Lahaina town that comprise a fascinating walking tour. Free tour brochures are available at shops in Lahaina.
-
Lahaina-Kaanapali & Pacific Railroad
An authentic, antique railroad with steam-powered engines is used to shuttle Kaanapali guests to and from Lahaina. At either end is a 1900-style depot. Old-world charm and sightseeing opportunities combined into a memorable experience. Fee.
-
Leleiwi Overlook
Traveling six miles above park headquarters in the late afternoon may allow one to see "The Specter of the Brocken." This natural phenomenon takes place as a person's shadow is projected onto the heavy clouds in the crater and a rainbow appears to encircle the image.
-
Makena Beach
At the far southeastern corner of Maui, far from the hustle and bustle of Lahaina, Makena Beach actually comprises "Big Beach" and "Baby Makena."
The sheer size of Makena Beach is itself astounding. Nearly a mile long and as wide as a football field, there's always plenty of room to relax or play. And nothing beats a refreshing dip in Makena's clear blue waters. Around a bluff from Big Beach is Baby Makena where, although mildly illegal, clothing is optional. Definitely not a beach for the timid. Related story on OutriggerHawaii.com.
-
Maliko Farms
Indoor and outdoor botanical gardens feature lush displays of rare orchids, tropicals, water gardens and exotic birds. Streamside tropical gardens. Picnic sites and photo settings.
-
Maui Botanical Gardens
Located on Kanaloa Avenue in Wailuku, across from the Maui War Memorial Stadium, the gardens contain the exotic flora of the islands. (808)243-7337.
-
Maui Ocean Center
Explore the exotic beauty of the undersea world in the comfort and safety of Hawaii's largest aquarium. Learn about the islands' indigenous fish, sharks, turtles, stingrays and other fascinating marine animals. The Underwater Journey takes you through a tunnel offering a 240-degree view of marine life in a 750,000-gallon open ocean tank. Experience the wonder of humpback whales through interactive hands-on displays at the Whale Discovery Center. Open daily, 9 am - 5 pm. For more information, please call (808) 270-7000. Related story on OutriggerHawaii.com.
-
Molokini Island
This crescent-shaped remnant of an exposed volcanic crater lies three miles off Maui's Makena area and is visible from the island's south side and Maalaea. In 1977, the Molokini Shoal Marine Life Conservation District was established to protect 200 acres of underwater area beneath the uninhabited land mass. Dive boats frequent the inner cove of the islet to give visitors the opportunity to snorkel or scuba in its pristine waters.
-
Pacific Whale Foundation
The Pacific Whale Foundation promotes the protection of whales, dolphins, coral reefs and oceans. Eco-adventure whale watch cruises and snorkel tours suitable for all ages.
-
Puaa Kaa State Wayside
A rest stop and picnic area located on the Hana Highway (Highway 360), approximately 38 miles east of Kahului Airport, a 2.5-hour drive. The 5-acre area features scenic small waterfalls and pools. However, there is no drinking water.
-
Puu Ulaula (Red Hill) Shelter/Overlook
Spectacular views of the neighboring islands are offered by this vantage point on the summit of Haleakala. Open 24 hours. Daily nature talks given at 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
-
Seven Sacred Pools/Oheo Gulch
Actually more than seven in number, these plunge pools are located just a few miles south of Hana in the Kipahulu section of Haleakala National Park. A picture perfect setting with a grove of kamani trees lining the pools and the Oheo Stream leading down to the ocean and upstream to Haleakala. Related story on OutriggerHawaii.com.
-
Silversword Loop Trail at Haleakala National Park
From the park road, take the Halemauu Trail for about 4.75 miles and you'll come to a cluster of Haleakala silverswords, a plant that takes 20 years to bloom. Haleakala National Park is the only place in which this plant can be found. They can reach a height of six feet and bloom during the summer months
-
Tedeschi Vineyards
Pineapple wine is produced at this winery on the Ulupalakua Ranch. A jailhouse built in 1856 is now used for tastings, offered daily, 9 am - 5 pm. Related story on OutriggerHawaii.com.
-
Waianapanapa State Park
Located on the Hana Highway, north of Hana, this remote spot is ideal for picnicking, shore fishing, hiking and camping. To request a permit, call (808) 243-5354 on weekdays.
-
Waikamoi Ridge
Located off the Hana Highway near Kailua, this trail leads up an evenly graded slope to a grassy picnic area overlooking Kolea Reservoir. Swimming and picnic areas are conveniently close by at Twin Falls and Puohokamoa Falls.
-
Wailea
Wailea consists of dozens of coves and beaches fronting many of Maui's luxury hotels. Championship golf courses, tennis club, fine dining restaurants, and exclusive shops characterize the lifestyle of Wailea.
-
Wailua Falls
This area provided the setting for one of the scenes from the MGM classic "Mutiny on the Bounty." The water comes from Haleakala to the kukui grove here and drops hundreds of feet into Wailua Gulch.
-
Wailua Valley State Wayside
View the Keanae Valley and Koolau Gap in Haleakala's rim, and the Wailua Village and taro patches in the opposite direction. Located on the Hana Highway (Highway 360), approximately 32 miles and 2.25 hours, east of Kahului Airport.
-
Wainee Church
Built in 1828 in Lahaina, this is the oldest church in the islands.
-
Whale Center of the Pacific
Located at Whalers Village in Kaanapali, the center is the place to visit for information on whales and whaling in Hawaii. Exhibits and artifacts, including sail-making tools, harpoons and whale products, help to bring those ancient seafaring days to life. Open daily, 9:30 am - 10:00 pm. Free admission.
-
Whale Report Center
Located dockside of the Carthaginian in Lahaina Harbor, the center keeps tabs on when and where whales have last been seen. Also serves as a good reference point for where to look for whales next. Open daily.
