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Maui - the valley island
Stunning scenery, cool, clear waterfalls and
spectacular white sand beaches are the hallmarks of Maui and
the reason that this is the favourite of the Hawaiian Islands
for many visitors. A variety of landscapes can be seen, from
beautiful mountain slopes and lush tropical scenery to volcanic
desert and inviting beaches.
Maui's attractions include:
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Click here to see travel
and ground arrangements in Maui
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LAHAINA
Backed by lush green mountains, Lahaina
is one of the prettiest towns on the islands. Its oceanfront
main street is lined with pastel timber houses, while
coconut palms sway in the cooling breezes. At the heart
of this historic whaling town in Banyan Tree Square,
dominated by a massive banyan tree, planted in 1873.
KAANAPALI
One of the first purpose-built resorts
on Maui, Kaanapali boasts a superb white sand beach
that is twice the size of Waikiki Beach. Water sports
fans are drawn here for the excellent snorkelling around
the Black Rock.
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WHALE WATCHING
Every year, humpback whales migrate
to the sheltered waters around the islands to mate and
calve. The coast of Maui offers some of the world's
best opportunities to see these spectacular creatures
and to hear their haunting songs, as the whales will
swim to within 100 metres of the shore. The whale-watching
season runs from late November to April, although it
is recommended that you travel between January and March
to be certain of joining a whale-watching cruise.
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IAO VALLEY
This tranquil haven is a stunning area
of mountainsides folded into a myriad of gorges, covered
with lush velvety flora. At the heart of it is the Iao
Needle, a green-clad pinnacle piercing the sky. |
HALEAKALA
The world's largest dormant volcano,
Haleakala sits in the middle of the island, its crater
is seven miles long and a dramatic, multicoloured spectacle.
The Haleakala Highway winds its way to the top of the
volcano, crossing through swathes of fir and eucalyptus
and open ranching land before reaching the volcanic desert
- the geologist equivalent of driving from Mexico to Alaska!
Be sure to see the sun rise over Haleakala, described
by Mark Twain as "the sublimest spectacle I ever witnessed".
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WAILEA
Situated on the southwest coast,
the shoreline at Wailea boasts five beautiful crescent
shaped bays, each with its own beach that are some of
the best of the islands.
SUGAR CANE TRAIN
This restored locomotive makes the
six-mile journey through cane fields of Maui's sugar
plantations.
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