Maui - Tropical Sophistication

 The island of Maui embodies what most people imagine when they think of the Hawaiian Islands -- azure sky and water, lush verdant vistas, white sandy beaches. Larger than Oahu, it has only one-tenth of the population, 121,000, which is still the second largest in the state. Maui is named in honor of the demi-god Maui who is celebrated throughout the Pacific as a benefactor of mankind.

 Resort development on the island has been carefully planned with the emphasis on providing quality golf, tennis and other recreational activities but to avoid the excesses of crowding. The result is that Maui, sophisticated and upscale, has become a favorite tourist destination.

 At one time the islands of Maui, Molokai, Lanai and Kahoolawe were a single island known as Maui Nui (Great Maui). Over the ages, rising sea levels have seperated the islands. The geography of Maui is unique in that it is actually two islands joined together and designated West and South Maui. The island´s airport and two main towns -- Kahului and Wailulu are located at the junction of the two land masses.

 West Maui, the older portion of the island, was the site of the first resort developments during the 1960´s. Today its Kaanapali Beach is dotted with a host of luxury resorts. Here you can walk the uncrowded beach for miles or elect to practice your tennis or golf.

 From Kaanapali on the coast to Napili and over to the resort at Kapalua are numerous condominiums. The very upscale luxury resort at  Kapalua contains golf courses, hotels, and a variety of shops and restaurants.

 Near Kaanapali and Kapalua is Lahaina, an important whaling center in the 1800´s. The entire town has been designated a National Historic Landmark.

 South Maui is dominated by the looming presence of the10,023 foot-high Haleakala volcano -- the largest dormant volcano in the world. Its crater at the top is so large that the island of Manhatten can fit inside. It last erupted in 1790 and is expected to erupt again within the next 200 years.

 Visitors on this side of the island go to the south shore which boasts the island´s latest luxury resorts at Wailea and Makena. Here you will find some of the finest beaches on Maui. Because the underwater valleys that once connected Maui with its neighboring islands are shallower than the surrounding ocean, they are a natural refuge for marine life, including the Humpback Whales that migrate to Hawaiian waters during the winter months to give birth to their calves. Many visitors are drawn each winter to observe this migration.

 A drive across the Haleakala side of the island takes you to the lush verdant rain forests and cool mountain pools of Hana. It is an isolated community but the trip is very interesting  with hundreds of hair-pin curves and 52 narrow bridges.

 Kahului Airport offers both international and interisland service, and Hana Airport and the Kapalua West Maui Airport also offer interisland service. Rental cars, taxis, and shuttles as well as hotel pick-ups are available and some of the rental agencies have offices inside the resorts. There are no public buses on Maui.

 Maui -- the epitome of glamor and tropical enchantment !