Maui is known as Hawaii’s Valley Isle, with Kahului lying in the dip between the Haleakala volcano to the east and, to the other side, the West Maui mountains. At just over 76km long and around 40km wide, you’ll be able to reach all the island’s main towns and attractions when you rent a car at Kahului Airport.
Sleeping giant
Many visitors head straight for Maui’s incredible beaches, but with a rental car you’ll also have the chance to head inland and explore some of the island’s spectacular natural scenery. Haleakala National Park, less than 50km away from the airport, is home to the world’s largest dormant volcano and is a must-see for any visitor to Maui.
Visible from almost anywhere on the island, the summit of Haleakala stands at more than 3,000 metres above sea level. It’s possible to climb to the top – although you’ll need to wrap up warm, as the air is thin and cold – and even look into the mouth of the volcano, with its stark, desert-like landscape. The most popular times to climb to the summit are at sunrise and sunset.
Other popular activities in the park including hiking the Pipiwai Trail, which will take you to Waimoku Falls, past the waterfalls and pools of the Oheo Gulch.
Eye of the needle
Situated just outside Kahului, Iao Valley State Park is another of the island’s plethora of natural treasures to explore. Its star attraction is the Iao Needle, a huge 680-metre peak.
Within the park there are several paved hiking trails that offer great views of the natural spire (it’s actually a ridge). Try the Iao Needle Lookout Trail and Ethnobotanical Loop, which will take you through a botanical garden and straight to the main attraction.
Hit the beach
No trip to Hawaii would be complete without visiting the beach. There are plenty of choices available across Maui, many of them offering uniquely coloured red, white or black sand. One of the most popular is Kaanapali Beach, not far from Lahaina, where you’ll find excellent surfing facilities, golf courses and stylish seafood restaurants serving up mouth-watering and refreshing delicacies like poke (raw fish) and tako (raw octopus).
For calmer waters that are perfect for swimming, head to Napili Beach near Kapalua. This is one of the island’s best snorkelling spots, so grab your mask and head below the surface to spot colourful tropical fish and the sea turtles that live just off the shore.
Drive of a lifetime
Perhaps the most famous attraction in Maui is the 100km Road to Hana, a stretch of Highway 36 and Highway 360 between Kahului and the town of Hana on the east coast.
It’s a tricky route with plenty of sharp bends, but you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of cliffs, valleys and waterfalls – as well as the ocean, which stretches uninterrupted all the way to the coast of Alaska. Recommended stops for photos along the way include the Huelo Lookout and Upper Waikani Falls.
With Kahului Airport car rental, you’ll be able to set your own itinerary and really make the most of this spectacular journey.
