Maui Guidebook

Central Maui – Quick Summary

Last updated 29. Sep, 2009 by Mark.

General Geographic Area: Central Maui

In a nutshell: Central Maui is the isthmus between West Maui and Haleakala. It is also where most business gets done on Maui. Visitors will pass through here several times, usually on the way to somewhere else.
Minuses: The Pu’unene Sugar Mill spewing smoke from its stacks into the blue sky sure is a buzzkill.
Sound-bite: “OMG, OGG!”

Central Maui is where Maui’s business gets done. The Kahului Airport and Harbor are where all our “stuff” (and people) come in. The Maui County government, Costco, …

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'Iao Valley State Park

Last updated 07. Jun, 2009 by Walker.

Click photo for a detailed view.
(Love the shaka!)

Rating:

In a nutshell: ‘Iao Valley is a treasure that is easily accessed by anyone. While you probably wont spend an extended period of time here, it is a must-see.
Minuses: Official trails are minimal. Not a whole lot to do for most visitors after you’ve seen the main attraction.
Sound-bite: “One of wettest places on earth.”

DETAILS:
‘Iao Valley State Park should be (and usually is) on most everyone’s short list of must do places. It is easily accessible by …

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Waihe’e Ridge Trail

Last updated 16. Jan, 2010 by Mark.

One of the many spectacular views into Waihee Valley

Rating:

In a nutshell: Hike into the clouds, with spectacular views.
Minuses: Fairly steep 2.5 miles, can be slippery back down.
Sound-bite: [Birds singing]

This is a nice hike with spectacular views. The photos here don’t do the views full justice. Every direction you look, you’re treated with a different view – lush rainforest valley, Makamakaole Falls in the distance, and many spectacular views of the ocean, isthmus and Haleakala side of Maui.

If you’re a birder you’ll encounter plenty of …

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Lahaina Pali Trail

Last updated 24. Apr, 2012 by Mark.

Maalaea Coastline from the trail.

Rating:

In a nutshell: A rugged and challenging 5-10 mile hike with stunning panoramas of the central valley, ocean and neighbor islands.
Minuses: If you want to do the whole trail you’ll need 2 cars or legs of steel.
Sound-bite: [whipping winds]

SUMMARY:
This is a rugged and strenuous 5-mile trail from Maalaea to Ukumehame. This is an out-and-back hike with trailheads on either end. Both trailheads are close to sea level and the trail gains ~1600 ft. in 2.5 miles, then descends back toward …

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Kahului Airport (OGG)

Last updated 10. Jun, 2009 by Walker.

Ticket Counters at OGG

In a nutshell: It is a small airport, likely refreshingly uncrowded, relatively quick & easy. Likely the only one you’ll need on Maui.
Minuses: It is an airport.
Sound-bite: “Please remove your shoes.”

DETAILS:
Kahului International Airport (OGG) is the main airport for Maui, and unless you have some significantly unusually compelling reason, it is where you should fly in no matter where you stay. OGG is a very small airport, with just two runways, and limited flights. It is an open-air building design, that greets …

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Swinging Bridges (aka Waihe’e Valley Trail)

Last updated 20. Sep, 2011 by Mark.

Not the most dramatic Maui waterfall, but fun to swim in nonetheless!

In a nutshell: CLOSED. Hike into windward West Maui Mountains across suspension bridges, small waterfalls and end at a pool.
Minuses: CLOSED.
Sound-bite:“I’m trespassing, but I paid the fee!?!”

UPDATE: AS OF SEPTEMBER 2011 THIS HAS BEEN COMPLETELY CLOSED
A strong razor-wire lined gate has been placed on the trail/access road. Sorry, it is actually a very sore spot among native Hawaiians, residents and visitors alike, but no one can go here any more.

More information in …

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FLASH FLOOD WARNING

Last updated 10. Mar, 2012 by Mark.

Posted on: March 9, 2012
Storm Updates for Maui County on 3/9/12

1) The Department of Water Supply continues to advise customers in the Central and South Maui areas to boil water before consumption due to possible contamination from rainwater.

Affected areas include Kahului, Wailuku, Paia, Spreckelsville, Waikapu, Puunene, Kihei, Wailea, Makena, and Maalaea.

* Pictures of some East Maui damage are available on the County of Maui Facebook page.
PLEASE NOTE THAT DWS OFFICIALS ARE CONCERNED ONLY ABOUT POSSIBLE SEDIMENT FROM STORM RUNOFF WHICH GOT INTO THE SYSTEM. There …

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