Lahaina is an ancient town located in the western part of Maui. It was renowned as a whaling center and then developed as a major tourist destination in the 1960s. You can admire the well-preserved architecture - the town is a designated National Historic Landmark. Front Street has the most interesting landmarks in Lahaina. It will take you just thirty minutes to walk along the entire length of the street, and along the way, you will be able to see Hale Pa'ahao, which is made entirely of coral blocks.
Heading north on Front Street, you will reach the Banyan Tree - Lahaina's most famous landmark. You can end the day by having a meal at the Old Lahaina Luau - a traditional Luau that has won awards for its Hawaiian cuisine and authentic ambience. Have a drink at the bar with its magnificent view of the ocean. Admire the sunset with your partner and cherish the magic of a truly unforgettable evening.
2. Ho'okipa Beach - catch those mighty waves!
Ho'okipa Beach
A Mecca for the world's windsurfers, Ho'okipa Beach is the place to ride the waves. If you are a couple that enjoy thrills, then make sure that you have surfboards handy to have the ride of your lives. Ho'okipa is located on the northern shore of Maui. Traditional surfing is not the only kind of thrill here - you can try kite boarding and windsurfing, as well. For those new to the sport, do not fret - you can surf the way most non-surfers do - by bodysurfing or boogie boarding. You need not go too far out to catch the waves using this technique - the best waves for bodysurfing are those nearest the shore.
3. Haleakala National Park
Haleakala Nat'l Park
Haleakala is the world's largest dormant volcano and a not-to-be-missed sight in Maui. The National Park, named after the crater, has a number of other attractions as well. There are a number of lookout peaks. The most mysterious is the Leleiwi Overlook, where at certain times in the afternoon, you can witness an occurrence called the Brocken Specter. You will be able to see yourself reflected in the clouds, encircled by a rainbow. Does the phenomenon have a divine significance or a scientific explanation? Check it out for yourself and draw your own conclusions.
At Kalahaku Overlook, you can see the endangered Silversword plant that grows only near the crater of Haleakala, at an altitude of 9,000 feet. Pu'u 'Ula'ula Overlook is the highest point in Maui, and you can have a 360 degree view of the surrounding wilderness and seas from the glass look-out there. Make sure you witness the sunrise here - it makes for an enchanting experience, one that you definitely should not miss.
4. La Perouse Bay
La Perouse Bay
Take a trip to the beautiful bay where the first official European explorer landed in Maui. The bay is named after that enterprising man, the Comte La Perouse. Makena Beach is located here and beyond is, quite literally, a black landscape. Haleakala last erupted two hundred years ago and the lava flows and formations that make up this land are witness to the event. The road that goes around the bay also goes through 'Ahihi-Kina'u Marine Preserve, a place that all snorkeling enthusiasts must visit.
5. Kapalua - a resort for the jet set
Kapalua Beach
The Maui Land and Pineapple Company built the luxury Kapalua Bay Hotel in 1978. The resort is now a place where golfers love to stay and a place where international celebrities vacation to get away from the limelight. Even if your budget does not cover the expenses for a stay here, make sure you visit Kapalua to take in the truly exotic scenery - the hotel itself is set amidst pineapple fields. If you want to treat your partner to something special, have a meal at one of the restaurants that are widely regarded the best in Maui.
6. 'Ohe'o Gulch
Waimoku Falls
Waimoku Falls has a wonderful hiking trail that enthusiasts should undertake - but not before seeing the basalt pool formation known as "Seven Sacred Pools" - although there is no cultural significance to the name. The pools offer a gorgeous view and you can take a dip in the lower ones. However, be warned, it can be very crowded, since those tourists who take the Hana Highway usually stop here. Waimoku Falls, however, offers a challenging hike. You will cross an awesome gorge that leads to a natural bamboo forest.
