Maui Vacation
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Many say that Maui reflects the best parts of Hawaii. In considering its wide beaches, lush rain forests, and expansive mountaintop vistas, Maui certainly does make an impressive case for itself. With over three-quarters of its land uninhabited, it is a lot like a giant natural park. Looking at what a Maui vacation has to offer, is it any wonder? A typical island experience includes watching the sunrise from the summit of Mt. Haleakala, soaking up the sun on the beaches in Kaanapali and Kihei, and watching humpback whales during the winter in the waters offshore.
Although Hawaii’s busiest tourist season is during winter (December to February), this has more to do with the weather elsewhere, since many visitors are escaping cold winters back home. Average temperatures differ very little from winter to summer, but June through October is the hottest period. Rainfall is heaviest between December and March, however, is neither extreme nor worth worrying over. Hotel prices for your Maui vacation will be lowest during the spring (April to mid-May) and autumn (October to mid-November). Big holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years and Easter mean booking is tight and prices are a bit higher.
Most activities on the island focus on the beautiful weather and abundant, natural greenspace. Bars and restaurant are open-air, and feature a menu rich in seafood, pork, and local vegetables. Outdoor sports and recreational activities are everywhere you turn, from the popular surfing to the slightly more obscure cliff jumping. Hiking and biking the mountainous regions is a favorite draw for those on a Maui vacation, and guided tours can be easily arranged through your resort or local booking agencies. Many tour boats run out to the spectacular volcanic atoll Molokini a few miles offshore, known for terrific underwater visibility. There are also numerous beaches, especially in the west and northwest, where you can simply wade in and get to excellent snorkeling spots just offshore. There are several local shops where you can rent snorkel gear by the day or week.
Maui does have a basic public transportation system, but many places are not accessible by bus, and you’ll find that most people rent a car for their Maui vacation. Fortunately, renting a car in Hawaii is much cheaper than anywhere else in the United States. The resort areas around Kihei, Wailea and Lahaina also have a trolley that connects the towns with nearby shopping and attractions. The Lahaina Kanaapali Railroad (also known as the “Sugar Cane Train”) is both an attraction and a means to travel between the Kannapali resort area and Lahaina Town. Cycling is certainly a legitimate way of getting around, but consider yourself warned, many roads feature hefty climbs and narrow, traffic-clogged passage.