Maui

Tourists flock to Maui for a reason, and you’ll see why. It’s not just the tropical beaches and clear blue ocean here, it’s really the mountains too. Specifically, just how those mountains drop into the ocean throughout the island. Here’s an island just begging for a good car to explore. From the hairpin turns on the Road to Hana to the high altitude observatory through alpine meadows.

United, American, Southwest, and Delta: All fly direct to Maui from select US mainland cities. Everyone else will have to connect through Honolulu or one of the US cities that fly direct. Personally, if you’re going to connect, I’d break up the long flight in the middle rather than at the end in Honolulu.

The Observatory in Moonlight © The Real Destinations 2022

The Good:

The scenery is memorable, especially on the eastern coast of the island where the coast road becomes the Road to Hana. It’s an island road trip with only the good parts, with countless sharp turns suspended over the ocean.
Plenty of fancy resorts on the west and southern sides, facing out to a sunset over the ocean that includes yet more islands in the distance.
Not as high up as the Big Island, but for some variety you can still get up pretty high into alpine territory, well above the clouds to see the sunset and have a peek at the unobstructed night sky. Good enough for the observatories.

The Bad:

It’s expensive. The hotels especially. That’s the downside of being popular with the tourists, without the big city to absorb the volume like Honolulu can. Expect to pay for for less, especially on the dining.
Not as much marine life as the Big Island, though sea turtles were around.
Not as much of the local culture, the imbalance between the number of tourists and the permanent visitors vs. the locals is much more pronounced here.

the Summary:

For beautiful scenery and luxury resorts, you can’t beat Maui. This is the Hawaii that many people are looking for, especially for a romantic getaway. But if you want to dig a little deeper, I still think the Big Island has more to offer.

The Road to Hana takes you and your car through countless hairpin turns on a road sometimes only wide enough for one car. It’s slow, twisty, and there are far more interesting stops than you could have expected. You just sit back, put on the app (it’s worth it, for sure) and let the GPS enabled audioguide sweep you along to the gentle rhythms of the ukulele.

Hana, by the way, is just a small nondescript town on the far eastern coast. It’s not really the destination, it’s the multi-hour journey to get there. There’s a metaphor in there somewhere…Drive past several waterfalls, secluded beaches, and famous parks. Reserve ahead for the overbooked attractions like the Wai'anapanapa State Park and sunrise at the observatory. Or just go up there for sunset instead (no reservations), and save yourself the 4am wakeup—you’re on vacation!

Anyway, the point is, take your time. Make plenty of unscheduled stops, this is what you’re really taking in.

For a change of pace, try the local snorkeling. They’ll take you to a submerged volcanic rim, now a half crescent poking out of the ocean. The water is crystal clear, and the coral life is decent close to shore, though it drops off quickly so you can’t see much without scuba equipment.

If you’re expecting great food, well…temper your expectations. You’re not here for the food, so be glad when you get something reasonably tasty.