A Little Overview…

My husband and I went to Maui for our honeymoon 18 years ago and to this day, it is still one of my absolute all time favorite vacations. The views are breathtaking, the food is amazing and the people were so friendly.

Maui is an island in the Central Pacific, part of the Hawaiian archipelago. Sprawling Haleakala National Park encompasses the island’s highest peak, volcanic Haleakala, as well as the pools and waterfalls of Ohe’o Gulch, accessed via scenic, winding Hana Highway. The island's 30 miles of beaches include golden-crescent Kapalua, sheltered from strong currents by lava-rock promontories.

Did you know that Maui has more miles of accessible beach than any other island in Hawaii? It’s true. Not only does Maui boast over 80 beaches spanning 30 miles, but they include white, black and the rare red sand beaches.

Maui is known as “The Valley Isle” and is the second largest Hawaiian Island.

Sights to See

• Beaches: There are 81 accessible beaches on Maui, including ones with white, gold, black, and red sand. It has 120 miles of accessible beach, more than any other Hawaiian island. Check out this video for some of the best beaches in Maui.

• The Road to Hana: 65 miles long, featuring no less than 59 bridges and more than 600 hairpin turns. Its lush jungles and countless cascading waterfalls have dazzled many a photographer, but those who get carsick are less appreciative. I have personally done this road and it is NOT for the faint of heart!!! It’s often referred to as “Divorce Highway.” Make sure you watch this video all about the Road to Hana!

• Humpback Whales: Anywhere between 4,000 and 10,000 humpback whales migrate to Hawaii from Alaska each year. The 6,000-mile journey is one of the longest of any mammal. Hawaii is one of the best whale watching destinations in the world. See more about these humpback whales here!

• Haleakala: the world’s largest dormant volcano, standing at 10,023 feet from sea level. The Crater at the summit is 21 miles across, making it almost the size of Manhattan. Check out this incredible national park here.

• Molokini: The tiny crescent island of Molokini off Maui’s South Shore is home to around 250 marine species. Make sure you click here to virtually snorkel in Molokini

• Honokohau Falls: plunges a total of 1,100 feet, making it one of the highest waterfalls in the world. Learn more about Honokohau Falls Here

Native Hawaiian Traditions

1.    The honi ihu, or the touching of noses, is a traditional method of greeting one another, whether it’s a man and woman, two men or two women. It allows both people to exchange breath, which is the supremely important life force in Hawaiian understanding, and also share scents and convey a closeness in relationship.
2.    Made out of flowers, bird feathers, shells, seeds, hair or ivory, the lei (garland or wreath) has become a symbol of Hawaii. Worn on the top of the head or around the neck, lei were used ornamentally by Native Hawaiians, especially chiefs, to signify their rank. Giving a lei was a traditional practice, but not like the ceremonious welcome practice that has become the local custom today. The manner of presenting was also different: it was tied around the neck, rather than casting the lei over the head, respecting the sacredness of a person’s head and back.
3.    Hula is a complex artform performed for religious purposes, entertainment and to preserve historical events, genealogy and mythology through movements accompanied by chants. It is a sacred, serious pursuit, involving rigorous training and technical skill, and academic knowledge taught by respected kumu (teachers) who carry on and advance wisdom from a long lineage of masters. Unlike a lot of hula performed today, hula wasn’t meant to be a spectacle, and was often performed privately. Learn More about the Hula Here

4.    A coveted value, malama aina (take care of the land) upholds the strong connection Hawaiians have to the land. It provided food, nourishment and sustainability, so it was a profound privilege and duty, or kuleana, to take care of it in return by being great stewards, so that everyone, including future generations, could thrive from the bounty of the islands’ natural resources. This ethos still drives many of Hawaii’s taro farmers, fishpond caretakers and ecologists and conservationists of all stripes.
5.    Hawaiian parties are called paina (dinner party) or ahaaina (feast), but a misunderstanding by 19th century newspaper reporters gave these distinctive celebrations the name luau (the name for taro tops, a common ingredient in Hawaiian cuisine), and it stuck. Though not an ancient name usage, the sentiments are similar—they brought together groups of people to enjoy delicious food.

Bring a Little Bit of Maui Into Your Home…