Maui Wowie!
Known as the “Garden Isle” due to the two large mountains on each end, Maui is the second largest island in the Hawaiian chain and is a place with mythical beauty that perfectly embodies paradise. This is the place people come to escape the grind of daily life. Considering Maui’s incredible beauty, history and idyllic atmosphere, it’s no wonder that Condé-Nast Traveler has named Maui the “Best Island in the U.S.” for more than 20 years. It is a perfect destination for every type of holiday, from a relaxing island getaway to an action-packed vacation filled with outdoor adventure. The scenery ranges from secluded white sand beaches to ever changing volcanic landscapes. Lush rainforests that are teeming with life give way to charming small communities with welcoming residents. Maui’s world-famous beaches, crystal blue waters and refreshing island air keep guests returning year after year.
Maui is divided into five distinct areas, each with its own environment, character and variety of things to do. Guests will find long stretches of soft sand beaches, whale watching at Maalaea Bay and professional level golfing at Wailea in Central Maui along the island’s southwest coast. West Maui at the northwest side of the island is home to luxury resorts, excellent restaurants and Lahaina, the island’s biggest town. In East Maui guests can find postcard-perfect scenes of massive waterfalls, lush rainforests and local fruit stands. In Hana guests can visit Red Sand Beach, Black Sand Beach and Koki Beach Park. South Maui is the sunniest part of the island on the relaxing and serene southwestern coast. Maui’s top resorts, best restaurants and world-class golf courses at Wailea can all be found in South Maui. Set along the northern part of the island is Upcountry Maui where the gentle hills and green mountains dominate the scenery. Upcountry Maui is where coffee estates and wineries sit beside working ranches with paniolo – Hawaii’s legendary cowboys.
Maui is served by Kahului Airport – OGG - which handles all of the international and interisland flights to the island. OGG is set on the island’s northern side and has easy access to all of Maui’s major roadways. Places like Wailea-Makena, Hana and the town of Lahaina are all within an hour-long drive due to OGG’s central location. And since OGG airport serves long-range flights, it is perfectly-equipped to serve all sizes and classes of jets. What’s best is that while OGG does see overseas and interisland commercial airline traffic, guests still see very little in the way of crowds, congestion and delays.