Named after a mythological being, Maui is an extravagant island rich with not only indulgent pleasures, but also history and culture. Sure to satisfy even the most passionate of adventurers, Maui has an intangible mystique that has been drawing visitors for centuries. Known for its long stretches of beautiful beaches and Haleakala Crater, the “Valley Isle” is the second largest island in the Hawaiian chain and encompasses approximately 728 square miles.
A top rated attraction, Safari Boat Excursions provide a variety of ocean tours; some including meals, snorkeling and whale watching. Promoting respect and understanding of the marine environment, Safari Boat Excursions strives to combine unique personal experiences with education and conservation awareness.
With twenty seven miles of trails in the Haleakala wilderness and changes in terrain, topography and weather, hiking the Haleakala National Park can be more rewarding for beginners and those new to the park, with an expert guide familiar with the trails. In operation for twenty seven years, Hike Maui Tours provides trained naturalist guides and a variety of hikes including a combination kayak, snorkeling and waterfall hike. Rising to an elevation of 10,023 feet, the summit of Haleakala Volcano contains a cinder landscaped valley carved by thousands of year’s erosion during a dormant period. Renewed volcanic activity has partially filled this “crater” with cinder cones and lava flows, which can be viewed from the Haleakala Visitor Center when weather permits.
Nestled on the eastern shores of Maui, the Kahanu Garden is part of the National Tropical Botanical Gardens. The Kahanu Garden grows in isolation on the Hana coast and is part of one of the largest, untamed native hala (Pandanus) forests in the Hawaiian Islands. Home to a multitude of plant collections from the Pacific Islands, Kahanu also contains a massive lava rock structure, Pi’ilanihale, a registered National Historic Land mark that is thought to be the largest ancient place of worship in Polynesia.
Maui’s beaches on the west and south shorelines of the island stretch for miles and provide excellent snorkeling experiences. Kapalua Beach is protected by coral reefs and peninsulas, giving a calm swimming environment and occasional whale sightings from the shore during whale season. Likewise, the very pretty white sand beach of Napili Bay provides exceptional swimming and snorkeling during the summer and is also surrounded by palm trees for shade.