Kahului, Hawaii
Description
Maui has always occupied a special place in the hearts of Hawaiians. The great warrior King Kamehameha, who united the islands under his rule, chose to make Lahaina his capital and Ka'anapali was once the favorite playground of Hawaiian royalty. And no wonder - Maui boasts stunning landscapes and superb beaches. Mt. Haleakala, a dormant volcano, rises 10,000 feet above the Pacific Ocean. Once hailed as "The Valley of the Kings," Maui's Iao Valley is a tropical paradise dominated by the Needle, a volcanic monolith towering over the valley floor. Then there is Lahaina, once home to a royal court and a raucous port-of-call enjoyed by 19th-century Yankee whalers.
Haleakala means "The House of the Sun." To the Hawaiians, it appeared that the sun both rose from and set in the depths of its massive crater. Today, the centerpiece of Haleakala National Park, it is one of Maui's major attractions.
Points of Interest
- Haleakala National Park
- Maui Ocean Center
- Road to Hana
- Iao Valley State Park
- Whale Watching
- Molokini Crater
- Hawaiian Cultural Experience
- Outdoor Adventures
More about Kahului, Hawaii Points of Interest
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Haleakala National Park -
From the summit of Haleakala and its volcanic landscapes, to the subtropical rainforest, fresh water pools, waterfalls and miles of trails, the land has a special connection to the Hawaiian culture.
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Maui Ocean Center -
The marine life of the Hawaiian Islands are showcased in over 60 exhibits, including a 750,000-gallon saltwater aquarium with an underwater see-through tunnel offering 240-degree views.
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Road to Hana -
This winding drive along lush coastline has 600 curves, 54 bridges, and is famous for its unspoiled beauty, from verdant rainforest and cascading waterfalls to dramatic seascape vistas.
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Iao Valley State Park -
This 4,000-acre park has a tranquility set amongst one of Maui's most iconic landmarks, the Iao Needle, a 1,200-foot rock outcropping. Walk the path to the outlook for great views.
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Whale Watching -
Maui is humpback country. Shielded by the mountains, the waters off West and South Maui are calm, with high visibility, and humpback whales are attracted to the area's shallow waters.
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Molokini Crater -
Though this volcanic crater simply appears as a small crescent ridge from above, it reveals a wealth of magnificent coral and colorful fish beneath the sea - perfect for snorkeling!
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Hawaiian Cultural Experience -
Visit a traditional Hawaiian village and taro farm, or travel through history on an award-winning guided tour, from the remains of King Kamehameha's brick palace to the burial site of Hawaiian royalty.
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Outdoor Adventures -
Submarine dive adventures and breathtaking helicopter tours offer a memorable experience on Maui, though you can still capture the essence of the island by hiking and keeping your feet on the ground.