Areas of Maui

Central Maui

West Maui

South Maui

East Maui

Central Maui

Maui is called the Valley Isle because of the broad flat acreage between East and West Maui where sugar grows, a sugar mill still sends plumes of smoke into the air, and a Sugar Museum commemorates the history of sugar planting, harvesting and refining.

Wailuku and Kahului cover the north end of the central valley. Wailuku, the county seat, offers historic interest and charm and an excellent collection of small restaurants and eateries. Most people drive through Wailuku to reach the beauty and history of ‘Iao Valley and the spectacular ‘Iao Needle. Besides its airport, Kahului is best known for its shopping malls – Ka’ahumanu Center, Maui Mall and Maui Marketplace – and Costco. Kahului also has a sprinkling of good restaurants.

Tucked in the lower slopes of the West Maui Mountains, in the vicinity of Wailuku are ‘Iao Valley State Park, Waihe’e Valley, Ridge and coastline, Kahakuloa and the remains of several ancient temples in a heiau park on the outskirts of town and several of the islands best hikes – Waihe’e Ridge Trail and Waihe’e Valley Trail.

Most of the city’s design, antique and resale shops, historic sites and architecture of distinctive character are located within a few square blocks above Market Street. Wailuku seems to “wake up” during Saturday market days and during occasional festivals that definitely bring out the spirit, charm, culture and crafts in town to share with visitors.

Besides its Farmer’s Market on Wednesday morning, Kahului’s huge Queen Ka’ahumanu Center also tries to be the city’s prime entertainment center on weekends with bands, fashion shows, cooking demonstrations, Polynesian dancing, festivals, games, etc. The really big Saturday event in Kahului is the Swap Meet, a one-stop-shop from 7am-noon on Pu’unene Rd. where merchants sell everything grown or made on the island, from produce to art. It’s too much fun to miss.

Next door to Kahului, hidden behind the island’s Airport, Kanaha is one of the island’s two main windsurfing beaches and the island’s main kitesurfing beach. Thanks to Kahana and nearby Pa’ia and Ho’okipa, Kahului is one of the best places on the island to rent windsurfing and kitesurfing gear.