by MrVacation.com

Maui, Hawaii

“Maui No Ka Oi,” means “Maui is the best.” Millions of people can’t be wrong, so pack your bags and join us in Maui Paradise.

Maui is the 2nd largest of the Hawaiian Islands with diverse amenities from laid-back but sophisticated Lahaina to small intimate little towns throughout the island. To explore Maui, rent a car at Kahului Airport (OGG) or Kapalua Airport serving West Maui (JHM). Renting a car is the most convenient way to get around but for those who don’t care to drive, Maui does have other transportation including tour buses, shuttles, trolleys, taxis, and city buses.

Maui Beaches

A visit to Maui will find you with 81 beaches to choose from, the finest will be found on the Western side of the Island in the Wailea-Kihei (the driest end of Maui) and at Lahaina-Kaanapali areas. The best snorkeling will be found around the rocky areas of Maui’s beaches where the fish feed. Many say that snorkeling around the Black Rock below the Sheraton hotel is the best.

Maui Whale Watching

Everyone who comes here loves the Humpback whales that visit Maui each winter. Surprisingly, the estimate is about 3,000 whales per year. This is a great chance to go on that whale watching boat you have been dreaming of. These whales can be huge reaching up to 45 feet in length and can usually be heard when snorkeling under water from miles away as they squeak and moan to one another.

Beginning around the year 1840, the world’s whaling fleets gathered here in the winter to trade with the natives and slaughtered about 15,000 humpback whales. Today, this is where most of the estimated 3,000 remaining humpbacks return to give birth. In the winter months, it is quite common to see these whales breaching the water from Maui’s coastline, so bring your binoculars for an up close view any time of day.

Maui Vacation Activities

Experience the drive to the little town of Hana on the world famous Hana highway that leads you to the backside of Maui. You’ll be in awe as you view the incredible Maui coastline, and lush Hawaiian rainforest & waterfalls just outside your car window. There are many hairpin turns on the road to Hana so traffic often moves slowly. Please allow adequate time for this trip by leaving early in the day. It’s also a great idea to pack a lunch with drinks for the outing. Another ‘Don’t Miss’ is Maui’s renowned Kaleakala Crater or the experience of watching the sunrise from the top.

Visit the old whaling town of Lahaina, which has approximately 30 art galleries. Here you will also find great restaurants and lots of little shops to browse. Take a train ride and learn about the plantations on the 1890’s Sugar Cane Train traveling from Lahaina to Kaanapali.

Like Kauai, Oahu, and the Big Island of Hawaii, Maui’s activities also include surfing, snorkeling, scuba diving, sport fishing, submarine adventures, helicopter tours, jungle hiking, whale watching, and traditional Hawaiian luaos.

Maui Vacation Rentals

Many who visit Maui prefer to stay in a privately owned vacation rental home or condo. A Maui vacation rental can offer a much more cost-efficient vacation over most Maui hotels. This is because a vacation home can accommodate many more people than a hotel room and you can usually rent an entire house for about the price as a hotel room. Since all homes have a full kitchen, you can also save money on food by preparing your own meals at home. This savings can really add up when traveling with large parties or your family. So, for a low-cost, or even cheap, Maui vacation your entire family will enjoy, consider a Maui Vacation Rental instead of a Maui hotel on your next Hawaii vacation.