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Maui Tourism: White Sand Beaches, Tropical Rainforests and the Haleakala Volcano

Maui is one of the most popular of the Hawaiian Islands, in part because the island contains so many attractions—from white sand beaches to tropical rainforests to a dormant volcano. As on all of the islands, you'll find Maui weather is fairly consistent, between 75°F and 88°F, making the climate a perfect tropical vacation spot. The breath-taking scenery, the 42 miles of beautiful beaches, the excellent Maui hotels, and the many recreational options truly make Maui a magical place.

Maui Attractions

The Maui map is dominated by Haleakala—a 10,000-foot volcanic crater—and the lush rainforests on the east coast (or windward side) of the island that are created by Maui weather patterns. The inactive volcano is easily visible from the hotels on the windward side.

Most Maui hotels are on the west coast (or leeward side) of the mountains, where the weather is warm and dry. The wet Maui weather on the windward side keeps the rainforests lush by dropping over 300 inches of rain a year! The leeward side of the island enjoys much drier weather.

Kahului, in central Maui, is Maui's largest town, and offers quick access to the Kihei coast's fabulous beach resorts and the Maui hotels on the leeward side of the island. Near Kahului is the small town of Wailuku. From Wailuku you can travel into the Iao Valley to view "the Needle," a pillar of stone towering an astounding 1,200 feet.

The historic town of Lahaina, on Maui's west cost, is visited by 83% of visitors to Maui. Lahaina was one of the landing points of the first Polynesian settlers and has been host to many peoples since that time. Lahaina today still maintains the feel of these historic eras.

Things To Do on Maui

Maui combines the urban sophistication of Honolulu with the natural beauty of Kauai, offering the most diverse experiences of any of the islands. You can surf the waves at the famous Slaughterhouse Beach, or take a horseback ride deep into the rainforests of the interior.

Here are a few of the many activities you can find on Maui:

Hike into Haleakala, viewing 60-foot waterfalls along the way.
Mountain bike through rainforest trails.
Go snorkeling in the crystal-clear ocean waters.
Try windsurfing.
Go on a Catamaran tour.
Tour the Hana caverns, created thousands of years ago by lava flows.
Take a helicopter ride and see the sights from the air.
Visit the old Whaling Village of Lahaina.
Explore the Maui Ocean Center's aquariums.
Play golf.

Maui is a pleasure-seeker's paradise. The locals say "Maui no ka oi!" (Maui's the best!), and it's certainly true. From the hotel room bed in the sea-cooled air, you are certain to have sweet dreams of mountain biking in Haleakala Crater, sunset dinner cruises and breathtaking helicopter tours.

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