Central Maui
The Valley Isle is aptly named because of the two volcanoes which lie on either side of a lush interior valley. 

Bordered by the West Maui Mountains to the west and Haleakala to the east, Central Maui is home to Maui's largest town, Kahului and its neighboring town of Wailuku. It's also the home to Kahului Airport where most visitors arrive in Maui. 

Unfortunately, however, too many visitors simply gather their luggage and proceed to the resorts in West Maui or along the Kihei Coast, never returning to explore Central Maui.

Kahului itself is primarily a commercial center with Maui's largest shopping mall, the Ka'ahumanu Shopping Center. Nearby, however, the lovely town of Wailuku is well worth a visit. Situated on the slopes of the West Maui Mountains, Wailuku is home to the Maui County government buildings as well as many historic churches, quaint restaurants and secluded antique stores. 

A must stop in Waikuku is the Bailey House Museum, filled with period furnishings, artifacts and art. It also has one of the better shops featuring local books.  

Wailuku is also the gateway to the Iao Valley, one of Hawaii's most sacred and most beautiful places. In the center of the valley is a pillar of stone rising 1,200 feet into the air. Commonly called "The Needle", this pillar towers over the valley below.

As you drive from the valley back to Wailuku, be sure to stop at Kepaniwai Park and Heritage Gardens which features buildings and gardens representing the cultures of Hawaii's many immigrant groups.

As you reach Wailuku, make a right on Route 30 and head south towards Ma'alaea. Along the way be sure to stop at Maui Tropical Plantation. While clearly designed for the tourist, the 40 minute tram tour is a fun experience in that you get some close up views of many of the types of flowers, plants, and fruit trees found in Hawaii. 

The prices for many items in the gift shop are actually quite reasonable. If you're looking for Mauna Kea macadamia nut products they have some good prices here.

Located in Central Maui about six miles south of Wailuku, where the Honoapi'ilani Highway (Hwy 30) reaches the south coast, lies the Ma'alaea District of Maui. Here you'll find the Maui Ocean Center, Hawaii's newest and best marine aquarium. You'll also find Ma'alaea Harbor, home to many of the whale watching and snorkel cruise boats. There are also a couple of excellent restaurants.

Kihei Coast
The coast of South Maui from Ma'alaea to the `Ahihi-Kina`u Natural Area Preserve is often referred to as the Kihei Coast. In fact, however, the most interesting areas of this coast are located south of Kihei.

From Ma'aleaea Harbor, traveling north on Highway 30, you need to bear right at the signs for Highway 31.

The initial stretch of roadway will take you past Ma'alaea Bay and Beach on your right and the Kealia Pond Bird Sanctuary and ponds on your left. If you stick to the coast, you will pass through the town of Kihei. Aside from hotels, condos and a few stores there is little to see in Kihei. There are much better views and beaches further south.

Leaving Kihei you enter the Wailea area which plays host to several outstanding resort hotels and spas including the world famous Grand Wailea Resort.

The grounds are huge and magnificently landscaped and decorated in every direction. Wailea Beach, recipient of Dr. Beach's 1999 Award for Best Beach in America, is the main beach of the Grand Wailea Resort. 

Driving south from Wailea, you pass three excellent local beaches, Polo Beach - near the Kea Lani Resort, Palauea Beach and finally Po'olenalena Beach which is located on the south side of Haloa Point. As you leave the Wailea area heading south you enter Makena. The Makena area of Maui offers an amazingly diverse geology.

At the northern end of Makena you will find several wonderful beaches including Makena's Big Beach. As you travel south from Big Beach in Makena you will begin to notice the topography changing. You are approaching the area of Maui where Haleakala last errupted, in 1790. The highway takes you into and through most of the `Ahihi-Kina`u Natural Area Reserve.

You will see lava flows on both sides of the highway as well as along the slopes of Haleakala on your left. When the paved roadway ends it is time to turn around and head back.

The drive on the Kihei Coast will take about a half day, depending on how long you spend at the various stops along the way.

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