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The Seven Wonders Of Maui Are A Must See
If you are planning on visiting Maui anytime soon and are not sure what to see, then you have to consider visiting Maui’s “Seven Wonders.” These marvels allow you to be a tourist in some areas, and just one of the locals in others.
Haleakala Summit
Haleakala National Park is where you will find Maui’s highest peak at 10,023 feet above sea level. This former volcano’s summit is over 30,000 acres and has three visitor centers. Haleakala has great hiking trails, along with beautiful sunrises and sunsets. Haleakala is also home to the rare Nene bird and the blooming silverwood.
Be sure to bring some blankets and warm clothes because the temperature up there can get extremely cold.
Historic Lahaina
Lahaina is home to Maui’s shopping and art district, as well as the bar and restaurant scene. They have more upscale places such as Kimo’s, that overlooks the ocean, or something more casual like Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville. For a dinner and a show, there is the ever popular Warren and Annabelle’s Magic Show.
Lahaina is also the place to go for its many of excursions, such as dinner cruises, submarine tours and whale watching. If you are a tourist, then Front Street is the place to be.
Humpback Whales
It’s estimated that about 1,500 to 2,000 humpback whales visit Maui on a yearly basis, with the best time to see these behemoths is between the middle of December to the middle of May, as the whales spend the winter in the warmer waters off Hawaii.
So if you are visiting during this time, check out the many whale watching tours for up close looks. Be aware that some tour groups abide by the rules of the whale and do not intrude, but let the whale come to them, such as the Pacific Whale Foundation, while others may be a little more risky. If you don’t want to go by boat, find a high cliff to do your viewing.
Iao Valley Needle
Located in central Maui is one of the island’s biggest landmarks, the Iao Valley Needle. This valley is draped with green lush plant life and brings peace and calmness. Iao Valley is set on 4,000 acres and is 10 miles long, which includes a pedestrian path that is paved beginning at the parking lot and is well-marked along your way.
If you take the time to get into the valley, you can visit the Hawaii Nature Center or further explore this natural rainforest.
Kipahulu District
In an area that has no safe entry to the ocean due to rough conditions, Kipahulu makes for a great location for overnight camping. The Kipahulu District is a great destination to explore Maui away from the shopping and the nightlife. Kipahulu is part of the Haleakala National Park and is about 12 miles past Hana.
Kipahulu is known for its hiking trails that often lead to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world. The hike on the Pipiwai Trail is about a four mile round trip jaunt that goes along the stream, which will take you to the 400-foot Waimoku Falls. There is also a visitor center where you can learn more about the area’s history and see cultural demonstrations.
Makena Big Beach
Makena Beach, also known as Big Beach, is located in South Maui. Makena Beach has some of the softest sand you will ever allow your feet to walk across and is about two-thirds of a mile in length, while its width is over 100 yards. If you talk to a Maui local about the beach, Makena is usually the one they are referring to.
Thanks to a 1790 earthquake and lava flow, there is another beach just to the right of the path that is known as Little Beach. The two beaches are divided by Pu’u Ola’I or Earthquake Hill. Be aware before entering Little Beach as it is a clothing optional beach.
Molokini Islet
Located less than three miles off the southern coast of Maui lies Molokini, the crescent moon-shaped islet. Molokini is known to be one of the more premier dive spots in the state. Due to its shape, the waters there are calmer thus allowing beginning snorkelers the ability to learn and adjust. The water is clear and the fish are colorful, about 250 fish species in all, are plentiful to see.
In addition, Molokini has been declared a conservation district. Therefore you are not allowed to feed the fish, catch or remove them. Also, walking on the island is not allowed.
Now that you have some great information on what to see and do while on Maui, how about having your own personal Maui photographer to capture it all for you. Just think, no lugging your camera around, no asking people to take your photos for you or worrying about if the photos are going to turn out okay. We can accommodate you for an hour, a half day or can coordinate a photographer to capture you all week long.
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