If you have never been to Maui what you probably expect when you get there is long expanses of beautiful beaches. And you get that. Miles of glorious beaches. What no one tells you to expect is that there are six major climate zones on Maui, from desert to rainforest to mountainous climates. That means you can see a lot of stuff besides beaches on this beautiful island.
Two popular attractions are the volcano at Haleakala (you’ll need winter clothing if you go to see the sunrise there) and the famous Road to Hana. You can arrange for any number of organizers to drive you up to the top of Haleakala and provide bikes for you to cruise down. It’s fun because the diverse flora and fauna, including huge lavender fields, and scenery you see on a leisurely trip down down is truly stunning and reflective of Maui climates. Bike up? No thanks.
The Road to Hana is a long winding road that traverses mountains in a rain forest along the south east portion of the island. Be sure you use a driver or at least rent an SUV with some road clearance. The end of this trail is unpaved and can be dicey. Start that trek in dog friendly Paia and make sure you lunch at Paia Fish Market on the Hana Hwy. for some splendid fresh grilled fish. Across the street, the Honolua Surf Co boasts some brilliant tee shirts.
The Grand Wailea, Alanui Dr. in Wailea is on the south side of the island and offers everything you could want in a resort. The drive from Kahului Airport is about 30 minutes. The Grand Wailea is a large property with beautiful private beaches and proximity to Lahina which is is a bit more touristy and hence home to more diverse restaurants and some nightlife. Lahina is a short 15 minute drive north, easily doable by Uber. There are a variety of restaurants on the water where sunset will get you a view like this.
Next door to the Grand Wailea is the Four Seasons. At times we would go to Ferraro’s restaurant at the Four Seasons while staying at the Grand Walia for a change of pace. Smaller and more intimate than the Grand Wailea, the Four Seasons is a beautiful resort with a more modest, private beach and a great spa.
There are holidays where you are intent on seeing something different and willing to make the effort to have the best experience. A safari comes to mind or hiking up to Machu Pichu. Maui does not strike me as one of those. Maui is for R&R. Long stretches on sumptuous beaches followed by luxurious dinners and sunsets to die for. Squeeze in a ride to Paia and the drive along the scenic Road to Hana and you are good. That’s my Maui. And it is worth the long flight to get there.