The Island of Maui, Hawaii
On the island of Maui, visitors can taste all of the things Hawaii has to offer. The island has something for everyone, from lush tropical bamboo forests draped with waterfalls to soaring barren volcanic peaks well above the tree line. What you’ll find between these two extremes is a cross section of diversity unmatched on any of the other islands in Hawaii. All of this diversity of adventures is accessible to you in a standard rental car. There’s no need for special travel arrangements or off-road vehicles, as only a few unpaved roads on Maui are off-limits for rental car travel.
Central Maui is home to Kahului, Maui’s main population center, where most flights arrive. This area features plenty of shopping, hotels, restaurants, and most of Maui’s rental car agencies. For a taste of vintage Hawaii, check out nearby historic Wailuku Town.
Haleakalā dominates the eastern portion of Maui. The road up to this dormant volcano’s 10,023 ft summit and it’s massive crater is paved and open to rental cars. Just remember to dress in layers, as you will pass through a wide range of climate zones on the way to the top, where you may find it cold, raining, windy, or simply sunny, cool, and breezy, depending on the time of year. From tropical sea level, the 37 mile journey generally takes about two hours. Visitors will enjoy sweeping views, rare plants and wildlife, and rapidly changing weather along the way. Near the summit, the vegetation gives way to a barren, rocky moonscape.
Maui’s North shore is pure tropical island perfection. Draped across the landscape are lush valleys dripping with waterfalls and filled with forests thick with huge bamboo, ferns, beautiful flowers, and multicolored rainbow eucalyptus. Below these valleys is a coast of sandy beaches and rocky shoreline splashed with warm waves. The best way to experience this natural bounty is by driving the 55-mile road to Hana. Don’t underestimate the time needed for this trip. The road is narrow and winding, speeds will be low, and navigating will require your full attention.
Maui’s South Shore (pictured above) has everything you expect in a traditional Hawaiian vacation: beaches, sunshine, condos, golf resorts, and more sunshine. Following the coast highway further south past the resort area will lead you to Makena State Park, with its wide sandy beaches, and Ahihi Kanau Natural Area Reserve, where visitors can explore a rocky lava flow that extends into the ocean.
Upcountry Maui, on the west-facing slopes of Haleakalā, is the source of much of Maui’s bounty. Ranches, farms, and vineyards dot the landscape, many open for tours. Visitors can sample locally made wines, cheeses, fruits, and vegetables. One of the highlights of upcountry Maui is the funky little town of Makawao, with its eclectic collection of shops, restaurants, and galleries.
On a drive around West Maui from the south, visitors will travel through a dry, almost desert-like zone where dry grasses and cacti prevail. As the road follows the coast, gradually bending northward, the landscape and climate eventually transition to more lush vegetation and a wetter climate. The shoreline in this area of West Maui is generally similar to the South Shore, with abundant condos, resorts, and golf courses. The Kahekili Highway does circle around the North Shore of West Maui, but the road is narrow and rough, so rental cars are not permitted on this portion of the road.
All the diversity of Maui is open to you. From jungles to deserts, beaches to soaring volcanic peaks, barren lava flows to abundant farms. All that’s needed to experience Maui is a rental car, a little free time, and an adventurous spirit.
Best Maui Statistics:
- Second largest Hawaiian island
- 727 square miles
- Highest Point: Haleakalā 10,023 feet
- Population: 145,000
- Known as The Valley Isle (for the low-lying area between Maui’s two volcanoes)