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Things to do / Travel Guide
Molokai, Lanai & Maui Getaways
These three are grouped together since they are close in proximity and have similar geography, but Lanai and Molokai could not be more different than Maui.
Maui is where you go for resorts and great beaches. It approaches Oahu in number of tourists, yet keeps mass-scale development in check. Visitors come to Maui for white sand beaches, grand resorts, and a wide range of sports and activities. Maui also features the Haleakala Volcano, restored towns, and many scenic drives.
Molokai, on the other hand, is very Hawaiian and not too developed for tourism; and while Lanai is an exclusive resort, very different in comparison to the grandness of Maui.
Hawaii - Maui Getaways
If you're heading to Maui, you'll likely be interested in investing your time (and money) in a classic beach getaway. The great thing about Maui, though, is that there really is no "classic" vacation. The beaches of Maui are some of the most diverse of the Hawaiian islands, if not some of the most diverse in the world. Different parts of Maui offer different colored sands, different color waters, and different color skies. Of course it goes without saying that different types of people are attracted to each of the different beaches.
Some of the top beaches in Hawaii include Ho'okipa Beach on the north shore, the Napili Beach in the west, Keawakapu Beach on the south shore, and Baldwin Beach in the north, the last of which is particularly well-suited for families with young children.
Maui Tourist Attractions
Maui tourist attractions are too many to list, so we'll just focus on a few of the major activities that attract visitors to this fabulous resort town.
Boogie boarding and bodysurfing – Consider this surfing for beginners. It's a lot safer, a lot tamer, a lot more accessible to younger and older travelers, and extremely popular in Maui. You'll have no trouble renting equipment and will have a ton of fun.
Snorkeling and scuba diving – For some people, this is the reason why they head to Hawaii in general, Maui in particular. Check out Honolua Bay, Molokini Crater, and Makena Landing for great diving spots. Waialua Beach Park in Molokai has some of the best snorkeling in the area and is extremely popular.
Other activities include deep sea fishing, surfing, kiteboarding, parasailing, sailing, and rafting—and those are all just in the water. There are loads of non-water activities in Maui as well, including bike riding, hiking, horseback riding, hot air ballooning, rock climbing, and more!
Maui - Lahaina Vacation Spots
Besides for the beaches and resorts in the Maui area, there are three other popular areas for tourists. Take a look at the map of Maui.
The first is the town of Lahaina, including the whaling port. Take a tour that explores the history of this town and include stops to the Lahaina Court House, the harbor, the railroad, and the nearby missions. Also, for impressive whale watching, head to nearby Kihei where you can explore the Hawaiian Island Humpback Whale Sanctuary. There are numerous coastal trails that you'll want to hike or bike through as well.
Second is the Haleakala Volcano. The draw to this volcano is so strong that even completely sane people get up at 3:00am on their vacation and drive to the peak to witness sunset. Some then spend the rest of the day (after a sleepless night) hiking down the volcano through the crater—truly an experience to remember.
The third spot worth visiting on your vacation is Hana Road. This road will take you through one of the most magnificent rainforests in Hawaii and by a row of dramatic cliffs. You'll pass small old Hawaiian villages where the magic of historic Hawaii is still alive. You could spend hours (if not days) driving along Hana Road, making stops along the way whenever the fancy strikes or a scene inspires.
Maui Getaway Planner
Five days in a Maui resort is an experience that can't be beat. Yet, you should still leave the hotel grounds if you really want to see what Maui has to offer. If you have a few more days, take day trips to Lanai and Molokai. In Molokai, rent a car and drive the length of the bone-shaped island, or consider a more interesting mode of transportation—the mule. For great views of both Maui and Lanai, head to central Molokai's One Ali'I Beach Park.
Tourist Attractions and Highlights in Hawaiian Islands of Maui, Molokai and Lanai
Tourist-Attractions-Highlights
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