|
 "Maui
no ka'oi." In Hawaiian, that means "Maui
is the best." And increasing numbers of
visitors are echoing that sentiment as they arrive
on Maui to explore her many riches. The valleys,
golden beaches, forested mountains, grasslands and
open plains that make up this storied island are
home to some of Hawaii's most famous attractions,
such as Hal'eakala Crater, the old whaling town of
Lahaina, the road to Hana and gorgeous Ka'anapali
Beach.
Even Kamehameha knew Maui was special - after
defeating the island's chief Kahekili, he set about
transforming Lahaina into a political center for all
of Hawaii. The whaling capital of the world in the
early 19th century, Lahaina still retains its
colorful legacy through its National Historic Area
designation and museums, and has also matured to
include decidedly modern lure of world-renowned
resorts, restaurants and shopping experiences.
Known as the "House of the Sun" in
Hawaiian, Haleakala Crater is the world's largest
dormant volcano. It has generated its own ecosystem
within the crater which visitors can tour, and has
spawned a number of interesting artists' communities
on its slopes in towns such as Makawao, Ha'iku and
Kula. |
