If you take a look at the top islands in the world, according to tourists, Maui is almost always at the top of the list. This is due to numerous reasons, not just a few. It is actually difficult to pick just a few to talk about.
We can mention the incredible Maui beach condos or the warmth that you will be welcomed with by locals. Maybe we can talk about the weather since it is perfect for a vacation every single day of the year. However, these are things most tourists already know. With this in mind, here are some reasons that you absolutely need to know and that you might not have heard before, or at least too often.
Maui Beaches Are Stunning
We cannot say it differently. There are more swimmable beach miles in Maui than on all other Hawaii islands. Locals will tell you that you can actually go and sunbathe on a different beach every single day for 90 days and still not repeat spots. The sand that is present is red, white or black so the scenic moments that you are going to be a part of will be quite impressive.
Food
Whenever talking about Hawaiian Regional Cuisine, Maui is right in the middle. The chefs you find here always push boundaries and dishes are constantly innovating the world’s culinary trends. There is simply so much produce available and a clear trend of farm to table cuisine. Maui has the fresh ingredients most people want, ranging from cattle to fish, but also including papaya, coffee, taro and breadfruit.
Those that visit can enjoy so many interesting cuisine options, from food trucks to renowned chef’s restaurants. If you are a food connoisseur or just a foodie, Maui is a true paradise that gives you many tasting options. Just check YouTube to see how many shows feature Hawaiian cuisine.
The Haleakala Crater
The Haleakala Crater is simply one spot in the Haleakala National Park that seems out of this world. So many tourists head there in the morning, as the day breaks, in order to see an incredible sunset right on top of a summit with a height of 10,000 feet. At night, the crater is also great since it offers a rather unique stargazing spot. Obviously, given the height, you will need to allow yourself one full day for the hike. Alternatively, take a tent with you for sleeping under the stars.
The Winter Whales
Every single winter, between the months of December and April, sees waters between Lanai, Molokai and Maui hold the world’s densest Humpback whales population. The whales come to this spot to mate and give birth. We are referring to acrobatic, aerial, huge creatures that are an incredible sight. There are normally over 10,000 of these whales during the peak season. In order to experience this at a full potential, be sure that you book a whale watching trip as in advance as possible. Many are available with Maui as the starting point.
Water Sports
With so many beaches and water, it should be no surprise that water sports are a big deal in Maui. One thing that few people know is that many really popular water sports were actually invented in Maui. Annual pilgrimages are made here by windsurfers, surfers, paddlers and kitesurfers. They want to experience the incredible North Shore. Also, if you are interested in sailing, scuba diving and snorkeling, Maui is a great travel destination all year long.
The History
When looking at the entire Pacific Ocean, Maui is really small. However, its history is the exact opposite. You can visit some fantastic places, like the Bailey House Museum, in order to see some artifacts that are dating back to the earliest Hawaiians ever.
In Maui you can learn a lot about early Missionary life and there are various documents that shed light on the life of the locals for hundreds of years.
Molokini Crater
This is another crater you really want to visit when in Maui. There are around 200 fish species here, making the Molokini Crater a true aquatic oasis. Water is clear so snorkeling is something you want to consider. Actually, the crater is one of the most popular spots for snorkeling in Hawaii. Make sure that you visit during the early morning since this is where conditions are best. If you can visit during winter, you will also be able to enjoy the whale songs in the distance.
Culture
Although we can talk for days about the food, history and tropical beauty that Maui has to offer, one of the reasons why many names as the number one is the actual Hawaiian culture. The aloha welcoming sense and the commitment that is made to cultivating language are something you rarely see these days. US visitors feel like they visit a new country, even if they do not need a passport to do so.
Conclusions
As you can so easily notice, Maui has to be seen as one of the best, if not the best, Hawaiian destinations people from all around the world can consider. It simply offers so many different reasons why you would want to visit. Most people that visit will tell you that the locals are very welcoming and that the sights are to die for. Take the time needed to research as many options as possible and you will quickly find many great things in Maui.