| The flat, often windy corridor between Maui's two | | | | paradise. The beaches here are some of the |
| volcanoes is where you'll most likely arrive -- it's | | | | islands' best. And it's no secret: This stretch of |
| the site of the main airport. It's also home to the | | | | coastline along Maui's "forehead," from Kapalua to |
| majority of the island's population, the heart of | | | | the historic port of Lahaina, is the island's most |
| the business community, and the local | | | | bustling resort area (with south Maui close behind). |
| government (courts, cops, and county/state | | | | If you want to look for Maui condos on this |
| government agencies). You'll find good shopping | | | | coast, first consider which community you'd like |
| and dining bargains here but very little in the way | | | | to make your base: |
| of accommodations. For a first-rate Maui beach | | | | Lahaina -- This old whaling seaport teems with |
| rental you must try one of Maui's beautiful | | | | restaurants, T-shirt shops, and a gallery on nearly |
| residential areas. | | | | every block, but there's still lots of real history to |
| Kahului -- This is "Dream City," home to thousands | | | | be found amid the tourist development. This |
| of former sugar-cane workers who dreamed of | | | | vintage village is a tame version of its former self, |
| owning their own homes away from the | | | | when whalers swaggered ashore in search of |
| plantations. A couple of small hotels near the | | | | women and grog. The town is a great base for |
| airport are convenient for 1-night stays if you | | | | visitors: A few old hotels (like the restored 1901 |
| have a late arrival or early departure, but this is | | | | Pioneer Inn on the harbor), quaint B&Bs, and |
| not a place to spend your vacation. | | | | a handful of oceanfront condos offer a variety of |
| Wailuku -- With its faded wooden storefronts, old | | | | choices. This is the place to stay if you want to |
| plantation homes, and shops straight out of the | | | | be in the center of things -- restaurants, shops, |
| 1940s, Wailuku is like a time capsule. Although | | | | and nightlife. |
| most people race through on their way to see | | | | Kaanapali -- Farther north along the west Maui |
| the natural beauty of Iao Valley, this quaint little | | | | coast is Hawaii's first master-planned resort. Pricey |
| town is worth a brief visit, if only to see a real | | | | midrise hotels, which line nearly 3 miles of lovely |
| place where real people actually appear to be | | | | gold-sand beach, are linked by a landscaped |
| working at something other than a tan. Beaches | | | | parkway and separated by a jungle of plants. Golf |
| surrounding Wailuku are not great for swimming, | | | | greens wrap around the slope between |
| but the old town has a spectacular view of | | | | beachfront and hillside properties. Whalers Village |
| Haleakala, a couple of hostels and an excellent | | | | (a mall with pricey shops like Tiffany and Louis |
| historic B&B, great budget restaurants, some | | | | Vuitton, plus a great whale museum) and |
| interesting bungalow architecture, a Frank Lloyd | | | | restaurants are easy to reach on foot along the |
| Wright building, and the always-endearing Bailey | | | | waterfront walkway or via the resort shuttle, |
| House Museum. | | | | which also serves the small West Maui Airport to |
| West Maui is the fabled Maui you see on | | | | the north. Shuttles also go to Lahaina, 3 miles to |
| postcards. Jagged peaks, green valleys, a | | | | the south, for shopping, dining, entertainment, and |
| wilderness full of native species -- the majestic | | | | boat tours. Kaanapali is popular with convention |
| West Maui Mountains are the epitome of earthly | | | | groups and families. |