Maui Guide » More About Maui: Neighborhoods
Neighborhoods
- HANA: Located on Maui's eastern edge, this region is less developed than the island's western side – to its benefit, some would say. Small towns, spectacular scenery, and authentic culture characterize the area, which was the birthplace of Queen Ka'ahumanu, King Kamehameha's favorite wife. The region, populated for more than 2000 years, was one of the first areas in the islands to be colonized, and most of the residents of Hana are, in large part, still native Polynesian. Agriculture, as in the past, remains a way of life today. If you're looking for Hawaii off the beaten path, especially the pristine beauty of untainted nature, this should be your destination.
- KULA: The Upcountry region of Maui – of which Kula is a part – hugs the slopes of Haleakala Mountain, where the higher elevations make agriculture an eminently viable industry. Exotic blossoms are cultivated here, along with the famous Maui onion, and cattle ranchers feed their herds on the lush grasses that grow along mountain ridges. The Upcountry is also the location of Maui's Tedeschi vineyards, which supply the island's only commercial winery. Granted, you won't find the heat and beaches of the coast at this height, but exploring terrific towns such as Makawao, Pukalani, Kula, and Olinda will give you a taste of the island that you may not even have expected.
- LAHAINA: History infiltrates this town, which was both Hawaii's ancient capital and the location of Maui's European settlement. On the island's northwest coast, Lahaina was first the site of Hawaii's royal village and then a port of call for whaling vessels and, later, Christian missionaries. Nowadays, it's a tourist destination, full of restaurants, art galleries, and gift shops. Still, the historic ambience holds true, and you can walk along the harbor, look out over the ocean, and know why it was that this corner of Maui has seduced so many people with its beauty and its allure.
- MAKAWAO: The Upcountry region of Maui – of which Makawao is a part – hugs the slopes of Haleakala Mountain, where the higher elevations make agriculture an eminently viable industry. Exotic blossoms are cultivated here, along with the famous Maui onion, and cattle ranchers feed their herds on the lush grasses that grow along mountain ridges. The Upcountry is also the location of Maui's Tedeschi vineyards, which supply the island's only commercial winery. Granted, you won't find the heat and beaches of the coast at this height, but exploring terrific towns such as Makawao, Pukalani, Kula, and Olinda will give you a taste of the island that you may not even have expected.
- PAIA: Through the years, this small town on the north coast of the island has hosted sugarcane workers, military men and women, and a restless crowd looking for a brief respite in paradise. In recent years, however, Paia has achieved cult status with surfers and windsurfers the world over, who come to take advantage of the incredible waves and breezes at Ho'okipa Beach. The town accommodates and welcomes them with friendly shops and cool restaurants. Make sure to stop off on the way to Hana.
- WAILEA: Along Maui's southern coast, you'll find sandy beaches awash in sunshine and azure waters. You'll also find the resort capital of the island, where most of Maui's upscale hotels are clustered on manicured grounds, amid spectacular golf courses and other attractions. If you're not averse to crowds, and if you want luxury with no expense spared, this is the place to be. You'll find fabulous restaurants, great shopping, and lovely public areas that showcase the beauty that's possible when art transforms nature. Just make sure to bring your checkbook.
- AIRPORT - OGG
- HAIKU
- HALIIMAILE
- HONOKAHUA
- KAANAPALI
- KAHANA
- KAHULUI
- KAHULUI BAY
- KAPALUA
- KEOKEA
- KIHEI
- KIPAHULU
- MAALAEA
- MAKENA
- NAPILI
- PU'UNENE
- ULUPALAKUA
- WAILUKU
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