RESERVATIONSA Maui road trip is just one way to plan your visit to Maui’s Best Vacation Spots. Don’t add too many activities to your itinerary, or you won’t have time to unwind. Leave time to stop into someplace you see on the way. Otherwise, you might miss out on the world’s best banana bread.
The most obvious is The Road To Hana, but there are more. Here are three other road trips to consider in Maui.
Paia
From Kahului Airport, historic Paia is one of the first towns on the way to the Road to Hana. This bohemian town was a plantation during the days of Maui’s sugarcane industry. Today, Paia’s rustic streets are lined with storefronts hosting restaurants, art galleries, and local boutiques.
Nearby Hoʻokipa Beach is the windsurfing capital of the world, so windsurfers gather here to practice and compete.
Mount Haleakalā
It’s a large dormant shield volcano that makes up most of Maui’s land mass. Located in the Haleakalā National Park, Mount Haleakalā is the place to see an amazing sunrise (or sunset.) At more than 10,000 feet above sea level, you can see its 30,000 acres of public land and a wide range of landscapes across Maui. Guided hiking and horseback tours are available along with campgrounds and cabins.
Reservations are required for sunrise viewings, and you will need to leave early to get there. Warning: it’s cold up there, sometimes with snow, so dress warmly.
Inland: Kula and The UpCountry
On the downslope of Mount Haleakalā is Kula, an agricultural area with fertile volcanic soil that’s suitable for growing many types of crops. Restaurants, farms, ranches, and a vineyard have made this area popular with tourists. You can visit places like:
• Ulupalakua Winery/Maui Wine (famous for its pineapple wine)
• Maui Coffee Chocolate Tours
• Maui Tropical Plantation
• Surfing Goat Dairy
• Ali’iKuli Lavender
• Kula Country Farm
There are plenty of incredible views here along with fresh local foods to sample, savor, and enjoy, just a drive down Kula Highway (Highway 37.)
Advice for Maui Road Trips
- Bring both casual clothes and a casual attitude for“Island Time.”
- Get started early to avoid crowds.
- Start by fueling up, especially on The Road to Hana, since fuel stations can be scarce. There are no “rest stops” like interstates.
- Carry cash for occasional roadside stops.
- Pay attention to all signs, and don’t go past them.
- Use caution when parking; others must use the road.
- Observe any sign that says “Kapu”—“Keep Out.”
- If another driver is riding very closely, pull over and let them pass. They’re not being rude, they are headed to work or have to be somewhere. The polite custom is to pull over so they can pass you.
- Keep current on weather conditions. Do not drive during heavy rains.
NOTE: The Lahaina area is still closed after last year’s devastating wildfires, but the rest of Maui welcomes visitors. Tourism is vital to Maui’s economy. Visitors bring revenue to the Island that helps rebuild Lahaina. If locals seem happy to see you, they are, because you’re helping Maui’s recovery.
Visit Maui’s Best Vacation Spots Anytime
Located near Maui’s beautiful black sand beaches, Hana Kai Maui is a relaxing getaway for a day, a weekend, or even a week. When you’re ready, call us to book your next reservations at 1-800-346-2772, or book directly online. We’re open 8:00 am to 8:00 pm Hawaii time to answer all your questions and book your perfect Hana vacation. Get in touch today to book your stay at Hana Kai Maui.
