6 Reasons Why Maui Is the Ultimate Vacation Destination

There are tens of thousands of tropical islands to visit around the world, but not all of them are created equal. Maui, Hawaii, consistently takes the top spot on “top island” lists, which should come as no surprise to anyone who's visited the picture-perfect island in the past. Although Hawaii has many areas to enjoy, like the North Shore on Oahu or the Na Pali Coast, the crown jewel of Hawaii is the island of Maui. Many people take advantage of Maui beach condos and visit on a seasonal basis. These are a few reasons why Maui is the ultimate vacation destination. 

1. Explore Ancient Civilizations

Maui has much to offer from restaurants to bustling city centers. However, if you're willing to go a little off the beaten path here, you can find some secluded spots that offer postcard-worthy landscapes and gorgeous small towns. Take a hiking trip to reach the petroglyphs near Kaiolohia. The little bit of effort hiking is well worth the results, taking you back through time thousands of years. The early inhabitants of Hawaii carved images in a range of forms. Some of them were only known to the Hawaiians before they were inhabited by the West. You can also see the petroglyphs along the Polihua Trail or at Kaunolu, depending on where your travels take you.

2. Travel to Hana

One of the top attractions on the island Maui is actually not a single spot, but actually, the 50-mile road that leads to Hana. Take your time navigating through dense forest and stop at any number of the amazing waterfalls. You can even stop along the way and take in some quick hikes and note the amazing views. Stop at a tropical snack stand if you start getting hungry. Coconut Glen's ice cream is praised as one of the best, most iconic stops, but you can find others along the way. If the weather is warm, you can even take a dip in natural pools. This journey is an amazing one that many visitors overlook, but it's well worth the time.

3. Surf in Paia

No trip to Hawaii would be complete without trying at least one watersport. At the start of the road to Hana, a funky beach town named Paia can be found. Be sure to pack your surfboards, because this is the spot where surfers and windsurfers go after spending the day at the nearby Ho'okipa Beach. This town used to be a sugarcane enclave but now it's one of the coolest towns in Hawaii. Spend the morning on the beach and then explore the town. You'll enjoy the colorful boutiques, amazing coffee shops and plenty of tasty spots to enjoy a relaxed meal.

4. Take in a Luau

You'll find many opportunities to enjoy luau's when you're in Maui. However, the Old Lahaina Luau is one of the best ones to experience. You'll get to discover the beauty of the hula, the traditional dance led by the locals.

You'll also get to enjoy a tasty meal on a luau buffet. Try the kaua pork that has been cooking for the day in a leaf-lined pit. This is a traditional Hawaiian night so make sure to arrive early to see everything that happens at a luau. You can also grab a drink and watch the sunset before the show starts.

5. Visit the Garden of Eden

Although all of Maui has something beautiful, the Garden of Eden can be found on the island at the beginning of the road to Hana. If you enjoy local plants, you can see more than 750 species of plants in the oasis. The must-see plants include a mango tree that's survived for over 100 years. Make sure to stop by the grove of eucalyptus that have a kaleidoscope of neon bark naturally. You should also be sure to look at the views of Keopuka Rock and Upper Puohokamoa Waterfalls from the garden. These were spots that have been made famous in the recent movie Jurassic Park so you may recognize some of the areas.

6. Take a Helicopter Tour

It may sound like an over-the-top touristy thing to do, but taking a helicopter tour across Maui is something you’ll never forget. Experience Maui with a birds’ eye view means seeing the mountain peaks, lush rainforests, waterways, and towns in a way that everyday tourists never get to experience. Blue Hawaiian Helicopters, Air Maui, and Maverick Helicopters are some of the most notable in the business, offering a number of packages to take you above waterfalls, through valleys, and alongside towering cliffs. Tours typically range from $150 to $350 per person, but they vary based on the location and duration of the flight. Some tours involve only certain areas, while longer tours offer views of the entire island, from coast to coast, from above.

In short, Maui is the ultimate vacation destination. The island is easy to navigate and you can travel to any number of spots to explore, shop, eat, and much more. Plan your trip to include these top spots and make sure to visit other attractions you discover along the way as well. Regardless of how much time you're going to spend on Maui, you'll be sure to find an abundance of things to do that interest you and your family. In fact, you'll probably have a hard time fitting everything into just one trip!