Maui's leeward side inarguably presents the best beaches on the island—if by “best” you mean golden sand, perfectly-swimmable waters, outstanding snorkeling opportunities, lulling waves gentle enough for first-time surfers, and sunshine in spades.
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Staying in West and South Maui offers the convenience of being near the Road to Hana and Haleakala National Park. By the Hana Highway ('Road to Hana'), we recommend spending at least one night in Hana town, or a B&B, near the start of the drive.
Both areas have their own unique charm and attractions. West Maui is known for its historical landmarks, cultural entertainment and surf, while South Maui offers a more transient casual vibe, both with luxury resorts and pristine beaches. Each area also has its own distinct weather patterns and natural scenery.
Weather On MauiThere is a wet and a dry side to the Island. The south side of Maui, including the areas of Kihei, Wailea and Makena, is typically warm and dry, receiving less then 10 inches of rain per year. The west side, including Lahaina, Ka'anapali and Kapalua, receives more rain?nearly triple the amount.
For a more authentic feel, skip the mega-resorts of West and South Maui and head to the North Shore, East Maui, or Upcountry, where you're more likely to interact with locals than with tourists. Upcountry is the least touristy area.
Like anywhere, the more time you spend on Maui, the more you can see. I recommend at least one week in order to experience all that Maui has to offer. You can still get a flavor of Maui even if you just visit for one day. However, as a minimum, try to plan 3 to 5 days in Maui.
There's plenty of gorgeous water to be found at Maui's beach parks, but the clearest is in Honolua Bay, especially during the summer. Honolua is Hawaiian for “two harbors,” and the bay was originally used to receive ships and unload supplies.
The best times to visit Maui are April through May and September through November. The spring and fall shoulder seasons provide the pleasant weather Hawaii vacationers seek without the high rates and heavy crowds that accompany the summer and winter.
The south and west side of the island are known as sunny and dry areas while the north and east coast are much more wet and lush. Having said that, we should point out that even in the wettest locations on Maui, the rain is a hit or miss.
Great Maui beaches to watch the sunsetBut for some of the most spectacular views, the west and south shores of the island are where it's at. On the west side, Ka?anapali Beach is one of the island's jewels, with 3 miles of white sand and aquamarine water. As the sun sets, the colorful sky isn't the only spectacle.
What is Maui's South Side like? Maui's South Side is known for some of the island's most expensive real estate and its ultra high-end Wailea resorts. Nearby Kihei, just north of Wailea, is known for its relaxed beach town vibe and long stretch of sand. Both tourists and locals intermingle in Kihei.
There are 18 neighborhoods in Maui. Wailea has a median listing home price of $3.3M, making it the most expensive neighborhood. Paukukalo is the most affordable neighborhood, with a median listing home price of $650K.
A week won't be too long at all. That gives you just enough time to get the aloha in your blood. On our last trip we stayed 10 days and had plenty to do. Theres lots of things to keep you busy...so you can pick a few days to be really active, and a few days to relax.
But, there are important differences between Maui and Oahu vacations. If you're looking for a typical Hawaiian tourist vacation, Oahu offers Waikiki Beach, historical memorials and modern culture. Meanwhile, travelers should head to Maui to enjoy outdoorsy adventures, from snorkeling to hiking volcanic peaks.
Wailuku: The Cheapest Place to Live on MauiLocated in central Maui, Wailuku offers a lower cost of living compared to other areas on the island. In fact, according to the website Numbeo, the cost of living in Wailuku is 14% lower than in Lahaina, a popular tourist destination on the west side of the island.
Featured Walkable Areas of MauiAs an added bonus, the North Shore bike path runs to the West of town, through Spreckelsville and into Kahului. Paia is the one area of the island where you really could go for longer stretches without driving. Walkable Wailuku : Downtown Wailuku is the seat of Maui County Government.
Both South Maui and West Maui are located on the leeward side of the island, where you'll experience more sun, typically calmer water, and you'll have a number of beautiful beaches to visit.
The very steep mountains on each of the main Hawaiian islands block the prevailing northeast trade winds. This results in abundant rain on the slopes facing the windward direction and dry “rain shadows” in the leeward areas. Maui's west coast tourist communities, including Lahaina, are in one of those rain shadows.