Tightly bound to the lissome eastern coastline of Maui, the iconic Road to Hana navigates through a motley of mesmerizing scenery, all packed into a 64.4 mile (103.6 kilometer) long drive that extends from Kahului to Hana. Around every corner, there is a slice of deep azure waters to encounter, a variegated expanse of close-knit jungles that hold mysterious worlds, and an enchanting mix of waterfalls, beaches and jade groves that are a mere hairpin-curve away. As one drives along the merrily winding coastline, frothy waves kick and crash against the side of the steep cliff, and nature's sounds lead the way. As many as 600 curves are wrapped into the serpentine embrace of this scenic road, and nearly 59 one-lane bridges mark the roadway. While this uninterrupted highway to Hawaii heaven and its deep cliffside curves may have one's stomach in knots, the visual reward that remains a constant throughout the journey caps off this remarkable drive.
Many of Maui's highlights are best viewed from above. This company offers a plethora of excellent helicopter tours, including a West Maui Tour, Hana/Haleakala Tour, Moloka'i Tour and a Complete Island Tour. See Haleakala Crater, the waterfalls of heavenly Hana, the majestic West Maui Mountains and more —the wonders never cease. Tours are between 30 and 65 minutes long and cost USD147.50-318.60 per person . If you would like to plan out your own itinerary, ask about private charters.
Since its opening, this 32 million dollar complex has hosted thousands of concerts, lectures, plays and other events. It is the largest arts complex in all of Hawaii. The center is comprised of a grassy amphitheater, the majestic Castle Theater, the McCoy Theater, an art gallery, studios and classrooms. All Maui's major entertainment events and concerts are held here. Cutting-edge plays are performed in the intimate McCoy Theater, while big name groups such as Santana play in the outdoor amphitheater regularly. Check the website or call for a schedule of upcoming events.
Operas, big-budget musicals and major lectures take place at this elegant 1200-seat theater. With comfortable royal blue seats, a balcony, an enormous stage and an orchestra pit, this is really the only venue on Maui that can accommodate a sophisticated arts crowd. The theater has state-of-the-art lighting and sound equipment, as well as a spacious reception area. The theater has hosted everything from hula performances to productions of Handel's Messiah. This is a stunning facility that lends credibility to Maui's performing arts scene.
Established in 1952, this park is dedicated to preserving Maui's ethnic heritage, including Hawaiian, Portuguese, Japanese, Caucasian and Filipino cultures. As you stroll the lush tropical gardens, you'll see several thatched-roof Hawaiian huts, a Portuguese villa, a New England "saltbox" and a Japanese garden with a stone pagoda. This is a wonderful location for a family picnic or a "getting-to-know-you" date. It's located just next to the Nature Center in Iao Valley.
Wailea, in South Maui, is one of the most breathtaking resort communities in the world. The air is perfumed with island blossoms, the beaches (all of them public-access) are white sand, and the resorts are architectural wonders. Marvel at the palatial Eastern-themed Fairmont Kea Lani Resort or the understated elegance at the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea. Shopping in this area is decidedly upscale. The best place to go is The Shops at Wailea, which offer high-end stores such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Tiffany & Co, to name a few.