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Anyone who spends time on Maui will eventually hear the phrase "Maui No Ka Oi" which translated means "Maui is the best".
While this may appear unnecessarily boastful, the truth is that for the twelfth consecutive year, Maui was voted the "Best
Island in the World" and "Top Travel Destination in the World" in the 18th annual Conde Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards
Poll. In fact no other island has ever won this title since Conde Nast began offering this distinction twelve years ago. With
over 1,000 islands and hundreds of thousands of desirable travel destinations in the world, this is truly a well-deserved
honor for the island of Maui.
Maui was top rated in six different categories: Scenery, Friendliness, Lodging, Restaurants, Activities and
Beaches. Additionally, ten of the “Top 25 Pacific Rim Resorts” were Maui County Resorts. The Four Seasons Resort Maui at
Wailea ranked 2nd. Maui’s Fairmont Kea Lani ranked 3rd. Other Maui resorts to make the list include the Hyatt Regency Maui
(17th), The Renaissance Wailea Beach Resort (18th), the Ritz Carlton Kapalua (19th), The Grand Wailea Resort (20th), The
Kapalua Bay Hotel (21st) and the Maui Prince at Makena (24th).
Maui, also known as the "Valley Isle", is the 2nd largest island in the Hawaiian chain, with over 700 square
miles of breathtaking scenery and coastline. The island of Maui was actually formed by two separate volcanoes, one being Mt.
Haleakala, which is the world’s largest dormant volcano. Haleakala rises to over 10,000 feet with sloping hills and wind swept
terrain. The second of Maui's volcanoes is Pu’u Kukui, which is located on the West Side of the island and receives over 400
inches of rainfall annually.
Maui has a diverse culture and up until the latter 60`s was primarily an agriculture island offering products
such as sugar and pineapple. In the early 70`s development of resort areas created the islands driving force, tourism. On the
West Side of Maui you will find the resort communities of Kaanapali, Kapalua and Lahaina. Kaanapali features golf courses and
beachfront hotels. The Kapalua development is north of Kaanapali and features championship golf, two beachfront resorts and
world class beaches. Lahaina is located south of Kaanapali and is the heart of the West Side. Lahaina is a national historic
landmark and is entrenched with Hawaiian history.
Located in central Maui are the towns of Kahului and Wailuku. Wailuku is the county seat and features its own
historical district and quaint stores. Kahului is the port city of Maui and features a variety of shopping centers and
attractions. Traveling up the slopes of Haleakala will bring you to Upcountry Maui. Upcountry Maui features astounding views
and botanical gardens. The towns of Makawao, Kula and Ulupalakua are all located upcountry and offer an array of shopping and
sightseeing. Traveling from Kahului on the Hana highway will take you to one of the most visited parts of the island, Hana.
Hana is located on the East Side of the island and features some of the most scenic waterfalls and coastline available. A trip
to Maui would not be complete without a stop in "heavenly Hana".
The south side of Maui features the town of Kihei and the resort communities of Wailea and Makena. Kihei is
well known for its beautiful weather and long sandy beaches. The town of Kihei also hosts a variety of shopping centers and
restaurants. Traveling south from Kihei will bring you to one of Maui's newest resort communities, Wailea. Wailea is home to
some of Maui's finest resorts, golf courses and white sandy beaches. Leaving Wailea and traveling further south will bring you
to Makena. This small resort community features golf, tennis and some of the islands best known beaches and snorkeling spots.
So whether you are a full-time resident or a first-time tourist visiting the island, you will agree when
people say "Maui No Ka Oi".
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