Sunrise and sunset are unforgettable in Maui.
Maui has some of the best beaches in the world, 75-degree days under a tropical sun, a volcano, history and culture, scenery that will blow your sandals off and a host of activities for families, adventure lovers, water babies, and sunset watchers. A sample day could include an early morning on Haleakala watching the sunrise revealing your island paradise below, a morning at the beach learning to surf or watching the surfers, an afternoon spotting whales and an evening shopping and dining in Lahania.
Watch the Sunrise From a Volcano
Sunrise watching on Haleakala can be a peak visitor experience.
For many visitors to Maui, watching the sunrise from the peak of Haleakala volcano is a trip highlight. Rising 10,023 feet above sea level, the extinct volcano offers stunning views of the crater, the island of Maui and the surrounding ocean. On cloudy mornings, you can still see the sunrise above and through the clouds on the surrounding slopes, and the various cloud formations can produce some amazing photographs. The most popular viewing spot is at the Visitor Center or the summit. Sunrise is earlier in summer than winter -- 5:41 a.m. July 1 and 6:56 a.m. Jan. 1. The National Park Service, (nps.gov/hale) posts sunrise times on its website. Arrive early to find parking, and dress warmly as its chilly at altitude.
Volcano with Adrenaline
Ride down the slopes of Haleakala on a bike and you will only pedal a few strokes in your entire 28 miles. Tour companies drive you up the mountain in a van and provide bikes with heavy-duty breaks, helmets, and safety and rain gear. The ride is suitable for families, as the road switchbacks so your speeds can be reasonable. Check age restrictions with the company you select. Sunrise tours are available. Serious adrenaline junkies get their kicks by riding up the mountain before cruising down.
Whale Watching
Maui is one of the world's top whale-watching spots.
Get up close to a humpback whale on a whale-watching cruise departing from Lahaina or Maalaea Harbors. Maui is one of the world's top whale-watch spots, according to the Pacific Whale Foundation (pacificwhale.org) because the whales are so close to shore and there are many of them. More than 3,500 whales come to Hawaii each winter to mate and give birth, and many of them choose the shallow waters off Maui. Peak whale season is from Dec. 15 to April 15 . Some of the best places to see whales from shore are the beach by the Ritz Carlton in Kapalua, the McGregor Point lookout between Lahaina and Maalaea, and Kamaole Parks I, II and III in Kihei.
A Day in Lahaina
With 83 percent of all Maui visitors spending time in Lahaina, according to Visit Lahainia (visitlahaina.com), the town is worthy of a day or part of a day of your trip. The historic whaling town was first home to Polynesian settlers and is steeped in history and culture. Front Street is a hive of activity. Browse its many boutique shops including a wide selection of art galleries, stop for a lunch at a local landmark, Cheeseburger in Paradise, (cheeseburgerland.com), go on a walking tour of its historic sites or take in some dinner theater. The harbor is also home to a number of surfing and stand-up paddle board schools, as its gentle waves are suitable for beginners. The town boasts a 60 foot-high banyan tree that stretches over a 200-foot area with 12 major trunks, and it's a fun spot to take family photos amid the branches.
Beaches
From long, undeveloped stretches of sand such as Big Beach to life-guarded, family-friendly beaches such as Kamaole I, II and III, Maui's beaches are among the best in the U.S., according to USA Today. Kaanapali Beach is particularly popular as it is in a sheltered cove and has snorkeling spots just offshore teeming with colorful, tropical fish. Take a sunset sail in catamaran, try out a boogie board or just lay in the sun and take in beach life. Maui is also renowned as a wind-surfing destination. Hookipa beach on the windward side of the island is the place for this colorful sport. A high cliff above the beach is a great spot to watch and photograph the action.
Tags: history culture, Lahaina Maalaea, many them, Maui world, watching sunrise