The Other Sides of Maui

Today I was thinking about all that I have shared in reference to our experiences while on Maui. Suddenly it dawned upon me that I have given a very narrow view of this amazing island. I have reflected all that I love and neglected other areas that may be of interest to others. So let me share some other sides of Maui.

Maui is far more than the rural small town settings that I have reflected. There are many sections that reflect aspects of a modern or small city. There are community colleges, golf courses, airports, civic centers, cultural centers, aquarium, harbors, wineries, and plantations. You can shop anywhere between a Tommy Bahama or upper shelf boutiques to an Old Navy or a Costco.

The Plantation Golf Course in Kapalua is where the first professional golf tournament of the year is held. The Plantation Restaurant is very elegant and expensive. This is where we celebrated Rustic's birthday. It is a gated community but the lovely homes are so huge, you an see them from a distance. The area offers a variety of walking trails and and beach fronts. The Ritz Carlton is located very near by.

Lahaina offers the Hard Rock Cafe, Bubba Gump, Civic Center, Cinema Center, and a printing museum. Front Street is filled with excellent restaurants and small shops and tons of jewelry shops. When a cruise ship comes to this harbor, the streets are packed. This is also where the Banyan Tree hosts the art fair.

Kaanapali houses the first master-planned resort in the United States. The first hotel was completed in 1963. This is where to find the Marriott, Westin, Hyatt, and the Ka'anapali Beach Hotel. The outside shopping mall is called Whaler's Village and several very nice restaurants are right on the beach front. There is a wonderful paved walk that runs between the ocean and the resorts. It is a lovely place to stroll discovering statues, sun bathers, and beautifully landscaped grounds.

Ukumehame Beach will be filled with folks interested in snorkeling. Areas for snorkeling or paddle boarding are available in this area as well as others.

Ma'alaea Harbor Village has an ocean center. This is where the world class aquarium is located. There is out door shopping and a few places to grab a snack.

Waikapu is the location for the Maui Tropical Plantation and Wailuku is very near the 'Iao Valley State Park. The 'Iao Valley State Park has magnificent waterfalls and hiking trails. (We spent a day there four years ago.) Then there is Kahului where the larger airport is located. This is a very busy area and well developed. Near here is the A & B Sugar Museum and the Puuene Sugar Mill which is the only sugar mill remaining on Maui.

There are many other towns worth mentioning that can be found on the Road to Hana posting. There are still many points of interest that I have yet to mention. Thee is a Maui Research and Technology Park, Maui Raceway Park, and Tedeschi Winery. There is a Polo field, rodeos, lighthouses, a luau of your choosing, helicopter rides, snorkel boat, whale watching boat, dinner cruises, biking excursions, rafting, sailing, parasailing, deep sea fishing and submarine rides.

The island of Maui is made up of two volcanoes. The larger one is 10,023 foot high, Haleakala which means house of the rising sun; and the smaller one is the 5,788 foot high Halemahina which means house of the moon. Over time, erosion has created the isthmus between them.

Maui is nicknamed "The Valley Isle", named for the 8 valleys around Halemahina.

So now my responsibilities for fair representation are complete. The truth is I love the west side of the island, but enjoy visiting all other areas except the 'city' parts. We stay at The Valley Isle Resort which are condos nestled into a neighborhood. We can walk to local restaurants when we don't feel like driving, the parking lot is filled with flowers and Japanese Orchid trees, and the grounds are immaculate. Of course, all we have to do is walk out the door, maybe 90 feet, and we are at the beach. We stayed here four years ago and therefore it feels familiar which is important to me. Our condo faces the ocean and the bedroom and living room face the ocean all encased in sliding glass doors. There are two lanais, one outside of our bedroom and the other outside of the living room. The kitchen is fully equipped, but we primarily eat our meals out. The washer and dryer provided come in handy!

If you are really into the ancient history of Maui or what the island currently offers as attractions, please go on line and discover more thorough and probably more accurate information.

Coconut Tree
Garden of Eden
Road to Eden