Kahului is your gateway to Maui, a land of greenery, sensationally soft sand, fun and outdoor action. There’s a wealth of variety in the things to see and do here. For every visitor looking to park themselves on the sand, there’s another hiking over the volcanoes of the past and another surfing, zip lining or exploring a hidden corner of the island.
In and around Kahului
Beyond the urbanisation of the harbor and airport there’s some charming local culture to be found in Kahului.
Start by exiting the main strip into the gorgeous reserve of the Kanaha Pond Bird Sanctuary. There are plenty of rare native birds to be found here as you edge around the pond, with herons, coots and the rare ae’o. After the fauna, see the vibrant color pop of flora at Maui Nui Botanical Gardens, with both audio guides and guided tours available. Before moving on, dip into the Story of Hawaii Museum, full of vintage maps laying bare the state’s history.
You won’t have to look far for your first beach – Kanaha Beach Park is close to the airport and the town and is a big draw for surfers of both the wind and kite variety. You can leisurely swim in the dedicated swimming zone, or dive right into the action. If you’re here on Saturday morning, go to Maui Community College for the weekly swap meet – the perfect place to pick up local crafts and handmade souvenirs.
Life’s a beach
With plenty of beaches to choose from along the Maui coast, you can relax on the tranquil shores or jump into one of the many water-sport activities. For snorkeling, head to Malu’aka in Makena, known for its sea turtles – so much so it’s nicknamed ‘Turtle Beach’. When the sea is at its gentlest, they’ll join you on the coral only a couple of hundred feet from the shore, a truly amazing experience.
Gaze at the sunset at Kihei’s Keawakapu Beach, a palm-lined wonder that never gets too busy. There’s more going on at Wailea Beach which, with its proximity to the glitzy Four Seasons resort, attracts a well-heeled crowd. Its another great snorkelling and swimming spot, with a slim beach of sheer gold sand. Debate rages as to the best stretch on the whole island, but Big Beach – or Oneloa to the locals – is always in the conversation. It’s almost a mile long, boasting glittering water and plenty of space to sun bathe.
On the road
Many of Maui’s most joyous vistas are to be found at the end of a road trip – which car rental in Kahului affords you the freedom to embark on. You’ll find the gorgeous Three Bears Falls on the road to Hana, compiled of three separate falls that come together as one during rainstorms.
On the same route, you’ll find the often overlooked but utterly magical Pi’ilanihale Heiau, a Polynesian temple - the largest of its kind in the world. Elements of the temple date from the 13th century, a rare glimpse into ancient, untouched Hawaiian culture. It’s located in the Kahanu Garden and Preserve, which gives more insight into local life as an ethnobotanical garden, preserving plants used by the Hawaiians. Take a guided tour to get the most out of this place, and its importance to Maui.
Whether you want to head to the beach, visit the volcanoes or venture out on a stunning coastal drive, the possibilities are endless when you rent a car in Kahului.
