MAUI, HAWAII, USA
Ancient rainforests, spectacular waterfalls, mountainous treks, pristine beaches and magnificent golf courses.
The Island of Maui is also called the ‘Valley Isle’ for the large isthmus separating its north-western & south-eastern volcanic masses.
THE second-largest Hawaiian island of Maui is unmistakably a tropical haven in anyone’s eyes.
A spectacular equatorial, volcanic landscape with dense tropical jungle, serene rainforests, and an abundance of sea life, Maui remains a bucket-list destination for vast swathes of sun-seekers the world over.
While its primary agriculture products are corn and other seeds, fruits, cattle and vegetables, it is not surprising that tourism remains Maui’s major industry.
Like other Hawaiian islands, Maui has a host of recreational activities for the intrepid traveller to pursue including fishing, surfing and windsurfing, mountainous trekking, stargazing and world-class golf as starters.
Welcome to paradise.
THINGS TO SEE AND DO
Trip to Maui would not be complete without indulging in the many water sports on offer. But there’s some much deeper, Fulfilling pursuits to follow, too.
WHETHER relaxing somewhere along the 30 miles of pristine beaches, or trekking through dense tropical rainforest, there’s so much to do in Maui that is physically and spiritually uplifting.
One of the more notable things to explore is the Kanaha Beach Park on Maui’s North Shore. A well-known destination for windsurfers, surfers and stand-up paddle boarders, it’s also a great spot for swimmers, snorkellers and divers, as well as a perfect spot for a family picnic with a view.
For the active outdoor types, Maui also offers dozens of hiking tracks which can lead you through spectacular rainforests, mountainous treks and even secluded waterfalls such as Twin Falls and Wailua Falls.
Running along the east coast of Maui is the Haleakala National Park, named after a dormant volcano found within its 135km2 boundary. This natural wilderness has some of the finest beaches, rugged mountains and lush rainforest found anywhere on the planet.
The Haleakala Crater (or Haleakala Volcano) is a sight to behold. At 10,000 feet above sea level, it showcases a range of differing landscapes, colours and sunsets that need to be seen to be believed.
Speaking of observations, one of the world’s most important astronomy and astrophysics research centres is found on the island of Maui.
The Haleakala Observatory – effectively the world’s largest solar telescope – is owned by the Institute for Astronomy of the University of Hawaii.
Stargazers will enjoy the clearest, stillest nights to take in their intergalactic wonderment from the top of Maui.
THE GOLF
Be sure to pack the sticks for your trip to Maui. Here are some tracks you do not want to miss out on.
HAWAII has more than 75 golf courses across its islands, so it should come of no surprise the tourist island of Maui houses some of the American state’s finest.
There are 10 courses for golfers travelling to Maui to consider playing, ranging in difficulty and popularity.
Kapalua Resort on the western side of the island is home to two of the most visually spectacular layouts in the world – the Plantation course and the Bay course.
The former – regarded as the best course in Hawaii – has played host to a number of PGA and LPGA tournaments over the past two decades, including the PGA Tour’s current season-opening Sentry Tournament of Champions in January.
Other courses definitely worth a visit include The Dunes at Maui Lani, an open, enticing links-style layout; King Kamehameha Golf Club, a private club in Wailuku with panoramic views of Mt Haleakala and the Pacific Ocean; Wailea Golf club, home to three classic Hawaiian resort courses; and Makena Golf & Beach Club, a five-star golf experience that welcomes barefoot play at a leisurely pace in a true paradise setting. Ø
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