Maui, the second largest island in Hawaii, packs beaches, tropical rainforests, rocky cliffs and green pastures into its 48-mile-by-26-mile landscape. On a trip to Maui, visitors can explore the rugged terrain and enjoy the sights. A trip to Haleakala National Park is just one suggestion of a way to spend your time in Hawaii. Manele Bay Hotel is situated high above the white sand beach of Hulopo'e Bay on Lanai, a short ferry ride or flight from Maui.
Legend has it the god Maui went fishing one day and reeled in the Hawaiian Islands from the ocean floor.It was something I pondered while zipping across the smooth-as- glass slice of the Pacific that lies off the Kaanapali resort coastline. Behind the chain of resorts, the West Maui Mountains provide a stunning backdrop.
They're one of the reasons this calm section of the Pacific has afforded a welcome harbor for watercraft for centuries. In the mid-1800s, hundreds of whaling ships docked in the nearby harbor town of Lahaina, able to stay there for months because of the calm conditions.
Kaanapali was Hawaii's first planned resort, and from my lodgings at the Kaanapali Beach Hotel, it was a leisurely walk past restaurants, shops and other properties lining the beach to Jet Ski Hawaii, the only jet sport operator on the island (as well as the only operator on the Big Island).
Jet Ski Hawaii is frequented by visitors staying in resort locations such as Kapalua and Wailea. A quick boat ride out to the floating dock, and you're off for a half-hour or hourlong ride with the islands of Lanai and Molokai in the distance.
During my ride, I spotted spinner dolphins swimming alongside my Yamaha XL700 and an occasional sea turtle floating languorously near one of the boundary buoys. From the pier, while waiting to head back to shore, I saw triggerfish, needlefish and colorful surgeonfish (locally called Palani). When I asked owner Ted King about sharks, he gave his stock response.
'I always tell people the sharks hang out outside the boundaries,' King said. 'I've worked in this business since 1982, and I've never seen a shark out there in the Jet-Ski area. If there is a shark fast enough to catch you on a Wave Runner, then he deserves you.'
King rents out between 14,000 and 16,000 personal watercrafts a year from this location and considers it an ideal spot, as the water stays about 75 degrees Fahrenheit, and its crystal clear quality affords up to 100-foot visibility.
Of course, those fortunate enough to own a timeshare or condo on Maui can have their own personal watercraft and trailer. The island offers several boat ramps from which to launch, and Jet Ski Hawaii not only rents out craft, it sells and maintains them. The outfitter rents at $55 for a half hour and $85 for an hour, with a $15 additional fee for a second passenger. They're open seven days a week but are closed from January through March, when humpback whales winter here.
Starting place
It seems fitting that the island of Maui was named for the powerful god Maui and his incredible feat. There is no better place to begin a trip to Hawaii.
Though all six of the main islands offer stunning scenery to visitors, Maui may be the most beautiful. The second largest in the island chain, Maui packs beaches, tropical rainforests, rocky cliffs and green pastures into its 48-mile-by-26-mile landscape. It's also within a short ferry ride or flight of Lanai and Molokai, making it a great base from which to explore these islands.
In addition to enjoying the Hawaiian hospitality at the Kaanapali Beach Hotel, where activities and entertainment reflect local culture, nearby Lahaina boasts one of the best luaus in all of Hawaii. Guests at the Old Lahaina Luau dine on regional cuisine while watching music and dance that depict the history of this island culture.
The town also offers visitors more than 30 restored buildings, including the Old Prison, Seaman's Hospital and the Old Courthouse. Walk Front Street, lined with restaurants, shops and art galleries. Take a snorkeling, whale-watching (in season) or catamaran sail with the Pacific Whale Foundation or enjoy nightlife ranging from local watering holes to first-rate entertainment, such as Warren & Annabelle's Magic.
To get away from more populated resort locations and Lahaina, travel by car on the world-famous 'Road to Hana' -- a 52-mile circuitous route that makes 600 curves and passes over 54 one-lane bridges. Drivers need to be cautious and alert, but the lush scenery is worth the trip.
Hotel Hana-Maui at Hana Ranch is a good spot to spend a day or two. The newly renovated retreat has welcomed guests to its 67 acres of oceanfront property for more than 50 years.
Though there is a wealth of activity on property, nearby Haleakala National Park is a must-see. From the Kipahulu Visitor Center, hike to the famous Pools of `Ohe'o where waterfalls spill into tiered pools leading to the sea. You also can take a longer hike up through bamboo forests to the base of the 400-foot Waimoku Falls.
Lanai and Molokai
Maui's diverse scenic beauty made me reluctant to leave the island, but Lanai and Molokai were too close to pass up.
Lanai, known as the Pineapple Island, once was home to the world's largest pineapple plantation. Today, this sixth-largest of the Hawaiian Islands cultivates pineapples only for residents, but the pineapple symbol for hospitality certainly still applies.
The majority of the friendly locals live upland in Lanai City, where one of two luxury resorts, the Lodge at Koele, is located. Its sister property, the Manele Bay Hotel, is situated high above the white sand beach of Hulopo'e Bay.
Whether you prefer a beachfront locale or a forested estate-like retreat, guests have access to amenities at both. Quiet Lanai City is worth a leisurely stroll. Dine at Blue Ginger Cafe for breakfast or at the 11-room Hotel Lanai for a more elegant dinner.
Outdoor activities are the focal point on this quiet island, where there are just 30 miles of paved road and no stoplights anywhere. Two championship golf courses, a wealth of hiking and biking trails, horseback riding, water sports and four-wheel-drive adventures are just a few of the options. Drive your Jeep over to Shipwreck Beach or to Keahi Kawele (Garden of the Gods), a series of rock formations that look like a lunar landscape.
The ferry between Maui and Lanai is just a 45-minute ride, but the flight to Molokai is even quicker. In just 20 minutes, you're on the fifth largest of the Hawaiian Islands, where no building is larger than a palm tree.
The island is known as the traditional birthplace of hula and as the spot where (at Kalaupapa peninsula) Father Damien ministered to those suffering from Hansen's disease (formerly called leprosy).
Today, visitors can stay at The Lodge and Beach Village at Molokai Ranch. The more upscale Lodge and more basic Beach Village share amenities, including shuttle service, a restaurant, a pool and a lounge.
Near the lodge, an activities center makes it easy to plan an action- packed day of hiking, biking or snorkeling, while a general store and cafe provide added convenience for travelers. In the main town of Kaunakakai, shops and restaurants line sleepy Ala Malama Street.
Take the scenic road to the Halawa Valley and stop at mile marker 20 for some of the best snorkeling on the island. Papohaku, Hawaii's largest white sand beach, stretches for three miles along the western coast.
Wherever you decide to have your adventures on these three islands that make up Maui County, it will be difficult to tear yourself away from the warm hospitality and warm, gentle breezes in this idyllic paradise. We have the god Maui and a fateful fishing trip to thank for this splendor.
For more information on travel to MauiCounty, contact the Maui Visitor Bureau at (800) 525-6284 or go to www.visitmaui.com
