9 Places Beyond Lahaina: Exploring Maui's Vast Paradise
Despite the devastating fires in Lahaina, 98% of Maui remains untouched. This guide explores the best places in Maui that are ready, waiting and needing to welcome visitors. Here's 9 places beyond Lahaina, Maui that you should know about.
Maui's Locals Are Waiting For You!
Maui is filled with many incredible destinations! Sadly, due to new coverage, and the lack of geographical knowledge of the global community, there has been an impact that could have been avoided. However, since the media who caused this issue will not take up their air time to undo the damage they have caused, that's our aim with this article.
Maui is not a tiny Island, although it's not huge, it is the second large Hawaiian Island. Here's just a small list of some of the most popular, and must-visit places on the island that showcase that paradise that has made Maui's a world famous destination.
Haleakalā National Park
Home to the world's largest dormant volcano, Haleakalā offers breathtaking sunrise views from the summit, where the landscape resembles a lunar surface. The park also has numerous hiking trails, including the Sliding Sands Trail, which descends into the crater.
- Highlights: Sunrise or sunset at the summit, stargazing, and exploring the unique flora and fauna.
Road to Hana
This scenic drive along Maui's northeastern coast is famous for its winding roads, lush rainforests, and stunning waterfalls. The journey itself is an adventure, with plenty of stops along the way.
- Highlights: Wailua Falls, Wai'anapanapa State Park (known for its black sand beach), and the Seven Sacred Pools at Ohe'o Gulch.
Kīhei
Located on the southwestern coast, Kīhei offers beautiful beaches with calm waters, perfect for snorkeling, swimming, and paddleboarding. The area is also known for its vibrant nightlife and diverse dining options.
- Highlights: Kalama Beach Park, snorkeling at Molokini Crater, and visiting the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary.
Makena Beach (Big Beach)
One of Maui's most famous and picturesque beaches, Makena Beach is known for its long stretch of golden sand and clear turquoise waters. It's ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and bodyboarding.
- Highlights: Sunbathing, beachcombing, and nearby Little Beach, a popular spot for sunset views.
Iao Valley State Park
This lush, green valley is home to the iconic Iao Needle, a towering rock formation. The park is rich in cultural history and offers short hiking trails with beautiful scenery.
- Highlights: Iao Needle, hiking trails, and learning about the Battle of Kepaniwai at the Hawaii Nature Center.
Wailea
A luxurious resort area known for its upscale hotels, golf courses, and pristine beaches. Wailea also hosts several cultural events and has some of the best shopping and dining on the island.
- Highlights: Wailea Beach, the Shops at Wailea, and the Wailea Golf Club.
Paia
This charming town on Maui's North Shore is known for its bohemian vibe, surf culture, and eclectic shops. It's also the gateway to the Road to Hana.
- Highlights: Paia Fish Market, Ho'okipa Beach (famous for windsurfing), and Baldwin Beach Park.
Upcountry Maui
Located on the slopes of Haleakalā, Upcountry Maui offers a different perspective of the island with its cooler climate, rolling hills, and farmland. It's a great place to experience local culture and enjoy farm-to-table dining.
- Highlights: MauiWine, Ali'i Kula Lavender Farm, and the town of Makawao, known for its paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) heritage, with beautiful rolling pastures.
Ka’anapali
A major resort area just north of Lahaina, Ka’anapali Beach is famous for its golden sand and crystal-clear waters. It's also home to the historic Black Rock, where you can see cliff divers at sunset.
- Highlights: Snorkeling at Black Rock, Ka’anapali Beachwalk, and Whalers Village for shopping and dining, and Pa'ako Cove, but shhh it's a secret cove.
These Maui destinations offer a variety of amazing experiences, but just one of these destinations, is more than enough reason to visit Maui. It's sad about what happen to Lahaina, but there is still so much to see in Maui.
The locals need everyone to know that they still very much exist, are open for business, and would love for everyone to know that Maui is much more than just Lahaina.