Maui

Maui Is Full of Wonders

Text by Valerie Mellema

Many travelers are unaware that the chain of islands that make up the state of Hawaii all differ quite dramatically one from the other. The island of Maui is an extreme example of the variations that can take place on just a single island.

Visitors will fly into the city of Kahului which is a hub for most of the accommodations providers and many chain restaurants and travelers services. This is a great island for driving and a popular choice made by many visitors to the island is to book their car, airfare and accommodations through HotelsCombined.com to save a remarkable amount of time and money while making arrangements to visit this wonderful area.

Maui itself offers some dramatic views and sights, and some activities that are meant for the hearty and daring. For example, a popular destination for most travelers is Haleakala, commonly called the “Crater of the Sun”. At the windy and frigid top of the mountain live the endangered “Silver Sword” plants, the only place on the planet that this strange flower grows and blooms.

Most mornings will find a long line of traffic heading up, up, up the winding road to the top of the mountain, just to view the marvel of the rising sun inside the crater. Drivers need to be quite cautious as the roads are lined with many cattle ranches and farm fields, and the people do not use fences to control their livestock. While heading up the mountain many people will briefly encounter some of the many visitors who take a van excursion to the top, then ride a bicycle back down the mountain road. This takes some courage and bicycling skill and the cyclists will quickly travel from an area requiring a winter coat to a hot, sandy beach where they will want to immediately put on some shorts!

Another interesting journey made by visitors to Maui is the drive to the lovely little town of Hana. This does not sound thrilling or dangerous, but in fact is quite a task. The road is 68 miles long and contains approximately 620 curves and utilizes 59 bridges. It is a remarkable experience and requires a patient and attentive driver. There are many companies that offer tours, but the experience is usually one of the most memorable of any trip to Maui.

Maui is also the most popular place among the islands of Hawaii to witness the annual migration of Humpback whales. Sadly the history of the area is built around the era of whale hunting as a major industry, but today the boats that depart from Lahaina town bring guests armed only with cameras.