Maui - the vacation destination which never tires. A place that you can visit time and time again yet you'll still find yourself completely captivated by the life and laughter pulsating from every corner of this tropical paradise. A vacation spot where bikinis and sandals are your daily attire and sea turtles and dolphins are footsteps away from your luxury Maui vacation rentals. With over 275 sunny days a year, it's not difficult to see why Maui etches a special place in the hearts of those who visit. In fact, I'd go back in a heartbeat.
Often depicted as the most luxurious of the Hawaiian Islands, the physical infrastructure of Maui is so painstakingly beautiful and disparate to your typical surroundings, that you'll often find your mouth ajar and jaw dropped for the entire vacation. The gorgeous coastline, dazzling beaches, waterfalls, volcanoes and rainforests makes it one of the most naturally attractive islands in the world. But it's the five star resorts, the world-class services and the fresh island food that keeps us all coming back year after year.
If you're planning a vacation to Maui, Hawaii and looking for the best Maui recommendations for where to stay and what to do on the island? You have come to the right place! Here is a list of the best vacation spots on this pacific utopia.
Off the beaten path and away from the commercialised chaos is this adorably quaint town hidden from the rest of the world. Known for its serene and peaceful atmosphere, you'll find yourself in the company of kind locals whose good will and hospitality pulsates throughout the entire community and sweeps you up in its contagious spirit.
With its open dirt roads, occupied by rusted pickup trucks packed with surfboards and it’s family-run farms and roadside produce stands, Haiku's authentic country charm captivates travelers seeking some seaside seclusion away from the hustle and bustle of ordinary life. Eco farmers breakfast with spiritual leaders and long-time local families start comfortable conversations with artisans. Indeed, the simple and easy-going life in the North Shore of Maui is the perfect escape for your vacation destination.
True to its authenticity, Haiku is home to a host of picturesque spots and thrilling adventures. Whether you are climbing the stairways to Heaven - a hiking activity requiring you to walk up 3,922 stairs leading up to an imposing mountain range (regarded the greatest attraction on the entire island), or attending Twin Falls, a pair of waterfalls located on the right edge of Haiku, you are sure to see some breathtakingly beautiful sights on this quite island town that cannot be missed.
Adrenaline junkies are also welcomed with open arms, with Ho'okipa beach featuring some of the best surfing that can be seen on the North Shore. In fact, this beach has hosts several international contests - leading the way in extreme sports competitions with strong currents and enormous waves sure to make a splash. Indeed, if you want the quintessential depiction of Hawaii - it's right here in Haiku.
It comes as no surprise to vacationers who have been here that Kaanapali's beaches are amongst the best in all of America, with 3 miles of powdery white sand and crystal clear waters. Fronting Kaanaoaku's hotels and resorts, this former retreat for the royalty of Maui is now a popular getaway for the world.
If you're looking for a more bustling, adventure seeking vacation with lots of activities available at your disposal then Kaanapali is the vacation destination for you - a hop skip and jump away from the happening historic town of Lahaina where cute restaurants, bars and activities are plentiful. Sun seekers and vacation adventurers rejoice here as the sandy beaches and nightlife spots are the piece de resistance in Kaanapali, along with the 2 championship golf course, The Royal Ka'anapali and Ka'anapali Kai, not barely a "fairway" away from your Maui luxury vacation rentals.
Kaanapali was Hawaii's first planned resort and has since become a model for exclusive resorts all around the globe, many of which overlook the signature beaches providing the best buena vista the pacific has to offer. The best part? All the hotels and luxury vacation rentals and condos in the Kaanapali area are within walking distance of each other, restaurants, beach activities, snorkeling and the Whalers village shopping centre. This means you can simply roll out of bed and easily access all the opulent amenities Kaanapali has to offer without the inconvenience of transport - bypassing the traffic which tends to become congested during rush hour.
Travelers tip: If you are considering hiring a car around Kaanapali, make sure to plan your time effectively to ensure a seamless vacation stay. Due to windy paths, an accident on the highway can cause the road to close for an hour. But don't worry, with everything in close distance to one another, you won't miss out on any of the thrilling activities available on this royal resort.
Formerly known as Lele, which means "relentless sun" in Hawaiian, Lahaina is a historic whaling village now transformed into a Maui hotspot, featuring dozens of cultural and historical activities and a variety of unique shops and restaurants.
You can still get a feel for the old Lahanian when you stroll down the lively front street - categorized as one of the "top ten greatest streets" by the American Planning Association. This part of the island boasts a plethora of stunning activities steeped in cultural history and pieces of old polynesia - with attractions like the Pioneer Inn, Maui's oldest living banyan tree which has been set aside as a historic district.
Step back in time with the Hawaiian people on Maui. Share an experience of their ancient culture with a setting, feast, and performance that has made the Old Lahaina Luau so famous - providing an adventure into the past and a taste of polynesian culture. The Maui Luau in Lahaina is the only show which provides guests with real fresh flower orchid leis to wear upon arrival and a program with your name on it - immersing you into the cultural parade. This is also one of the few luaus in Maui that reserves your seats at the time of your reservation, so need need to rush to get ready...
You can also learn about the ancient mode of seafaring by canoe, take a hiking tour with local guides at Hike Maui or fall asleep to the sound of breaking waves as you wake up in your luxury Maui beachfront vacation rental. Lahaina's sunny climate and oceanfront setting provides the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable whale watching tour during the winter months - where Lahaina is home to thousands of humpback whales and the best place to watch them is right on these tropical shores. It seems even these magnificent creatures can't get enough of Lahaina.
The southwest shore of Maui is home to the lovely town of Kihei, one of the sunniest places on the island- with only about a foot of rain per year. As the climate is sweltering and dry, it was once called Kama'ole, which means 'barren.' But today, Kihei is quite adverse to a barren island and instead a hub of attractions for visitors of all ages and pocket sizes.
Once a regular destination for sojourning Hawaiian royalty, Kihei features 6 miles of beaches offering clear views of Kahoolawe, Molokini, Lanai and West Maui. So spread your beach blanket out and bask under the sweltering sunshine. Tips: weekdays early in the morning and later in the evening is the best time to enjoy the tropical settings.
A major advantage to vacating in Kihei is that laid-back beach and condo rentals are plentiful and all within a few blocks of each other - easily accessible by foot. Like Haiku, this sleepy enclave hosts less tourists than its neighbouring areas, so you can expect a peaceful and quiet stay for the most part. Don't be mistaken, however, there are surplus amenities for vacationers to see. Kihei is home to the Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge, a protected area and one of the few remaining natural wetlands in the Hawaiian islands, encompassing several hundred acres and filled with hundreds of tropical endangered Hawaiian birds.
Do note that beaches suitable for swimming and snorkelling in Kihei take around 5-10 minutes to get there. But because of its central location between Lahaina and Wailea, breathtaking beaches are a hop skip and jump away from your luxury vacation rentals.
With an average of 275 sunny days per year, Maui presents vacationers with sunny, warm weather year-round. Locals will tell you the best times to visit are April and May, or October and November since these are the shoulder seasons, and draw fewer crowds. Although, any time throughout the year is suitable to visit. Whilst tropical islands tend to be synonymous to rain, Maui is far less rainy than neighbouring Kauai. However, you do not tend to get rain on the Kihei side of Maui - particularly during the rainy seasons (November through to March.
Accomodation in Maui is plentiful and as common as a grain of sand, but if it's high-rise luxury, private vacation rental homes and spectacular oceanfront views ae what you are after, Emerald Kite is the easy choice.
Specializing in luxury Maui vacation beach homes, our vacation rentals are the very finest on Maui, many of which feature pools, views of the Pacific and staff available at your beck and call across the entire island.
You'll marvel at the breathtaking sunsets from your lanai and get an unimpeded view of copious marine life, including sea turtles, monk seals and, during whale season, migrating humpbacks. Complementing these visual feasts is the sound of ocean waves breaking on the shore, lulling you gently to sleep in a well-appointed, tastefully-decorated beachfront vacation rentals hosting tastefully-decorated beachfront vacation rentals. Emerald Kite has it all.
Book now for an unforgettable vacation experience...
