Ultimate Excursions Reveals Five Top Places to Visit while in Maui

Maui is Hawaii’s 2nd largest island but is number one in terms of ratings including best places to visit in the United States, best summer vacations, best United States luxury destinations and number one in best beaches in the United States by United States News. There are countless things to do in Maui that include golfing, hiking, biking, windsurfing, and snorkeling and of course great views of the valleys and waterfalls. Maui also offers history and culture with sites like Iao Valley State Park, Lahaina Luau and the Maui Ocean Center. Ultimate Excursions invites you to come with us as we take a closer look at just some of these amazing destinations and what makes them so unique.

1. Haleakala National Park

Haleakala National Park is home to Maui’s highest peak rising 10,023 feet above sea level. Haleakala means “house of the sun” and many visitors rise early to drive up to the visitor’s center, the best spot to watch the sunrise. Although the sunrise is an unforgettable experience, some go to the park to experience hiking above the clouds or horseback ride across otherworldly deserts. The park is covers over 30,000 acres of land and is comprised of areas full of waterfalls and streams. Location: State Hwy 378, Kula, Hawaii 96790 http://www.nps.gov/hale/index.htm

2. Iao Valley State Park

Iao Valley State Park is located in central Maui and is the location of the historic Battle of Kepaniwai. It is also home of the 1,200 foot Iao Needle, a well-recognized Maui landmark that served as the lookout point for the battle and although Maui still lost the battle it changed the course of Hawaiian history. On a more upbeat note, the park, offers for families, a rainforest walk or the opportunity to explore interactive exhibits at the Hawaii Nature Center. Location: Wailuku, HI 96793 http://dlnr.hawaii.gov

3. Hana Highway

Hana Highway is 52 miles of Kahului to Hana but it is the most scenic highway and the best way to view the coastline of Maui. The highway has 620 curves and 59 bridges making it difficult to speed. The drive is fraught with narrow one-lane bridges, hairpin turns, flourishing rainforest and cascading waterfalls making a beautifully slow and unforgettable journey. The point of this journey is to take in all the sites so pack snacks and stop as often as you see fit. A few notable photo opportunities along the way include the Twin Falls, the Wailea Overlook or Falls, the Waianapanapa State Park and the Hookipa Beach. You know you have arrived to Hana once you reach the Historic St. Sophia’s Church, but while there make sure you visit Hale Piilani, the state’s largest temple in Kanahu Gardens, one of the five Botanical Gardens in Hawaii. Location: the long stretch of Hawaii Routes 36 and 360 connecting Kahului with the town of Hana in east Maui http://www.gohawaii.com

4. Kaanapali Beach

Kaanapali Beach is highlighted by its coveted sand, three miles of coastal view and plenty of space to surf and sunbathe. Due to the location and depth, one may see diverse creatures in the shallow waters or even a whale or dolphin making it a great place for snorkeling. Kaanapali offers daily cliff diving in hour of King Kahekili, Maui’s last independent King at Puu Kekaa (Black Rock). Location: a census-designated place (CDP) in Maui County, Hawaii http://www.gohawaii.com

5. King Kamehameha Golf Club

King Kamehameha Golf Club designed by Frank Lloyd Wright is the only private 18-hole golf course in Maui with a magnificent Hawaiian Art collection. The club named to honor the greatest king in the history of Hawaiian Islands because of his ability to bring unification to the islands through peace and prosperity while honoring the culture of Hawaii and fostering an awareness of land and native resources. The course is centrally located in Waikapu and offers bi-coastal views from most locations. Location: 2500 Honoapiilani Hwy, Wailuku, Hawaii 97693 http://www.kamehamehagolf.com/