In the Hawaiian archipelago, if Maui were to be summed up in one word, let's say two, it would be “slow life”.
Its lush valleys and its streams and waterfalls are an invitation to well-being and regeneration.
The energetic power released by its volcanoes collides with the luxuriance of the jungle.
Maui is a compendium of biodiversity with... a dozen microclimates.
We go from the furnace of its volcanic fields, to the tropical rains on the east coast, to the mildness on the north coast, all in a territory that measures two-thirds of Corsica.
Champion of biodiversity, Maui is a pioneer in the protection of the environment.
It was the first of the Hawaiian islands to ban plastic bags in 2011. More chic, more sophisticated than its neighbor Oahu,
from the American West Coast like Oprah Winfrey and the tech
tycoons
.
This does not prevent the locals from indulging in their favorite pastime: meeting on a beach around a barbecue to play and sing the ukulele until sunset in the company of their "ohana", the family in the broad sense of the term which can bring together both close friends and neighbours.
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Maui offers a diversity of landscapes with its volcano culminating at 3000 meters of altitude, its beaches of white or black sand, its plains in the center where the cows graze and its giant waves which can reach twenty-five meters high in the north of the island. island, without forgetting its scenic routes that will delight the most demanding.
Read the fileHawaii: destinations, advice... Our travel guide
Observe the migration of whales
Thousands of whales migrate every winter in the Hawaiian archipelago.
Erin
About twelve thousand whales migrate every winter through Hawaiian waters, two-thirds of the entire North Pacific population, to give birth to their young mainly on the west coast.
You can see them near the beaches at Papawai Point and along the oceanfront boardwalks in Kihei and Wailea.
To approach them more closely and have the chance to witness their jump, embark on a cruise on one of the catamarans that depart from the port of Lahaina.
The migration takes place every year between January and March.
Apart from these three winter months, you can enjoy the underwater fauna on the reef of Olowalu, a small crescent-shaped island in Molokini.
The most economical option is to participate in the cleaning of the seabed.
You will enjoy the seabed while doing a good deed.
Trilogy Excursions (
www.sailtrilogy.com
) 207 Kupuohi St, Lahaina.
Tel: +1 (808) 874-5649.
Approx.
€150 for a five-hour snorkeling trip with breakfast and lunch on board.
Blue'Aina Reef Clean Up, €44.
At the top of the Haleakalā volcano, watch the sunrise
The crater of the Haleakalā volcano.
fnendzig
Once at the top of the volcano, when the orange halo appears in the distance piercing the midnight blue of the sea of clouds on the horizon line, you will forget the ringing of the alarm clock at three o'clock in the morning and you will think of Mark Twain when he exclaimed from the summit of Haleakalā:
"
I have never seen a more striking spectacle"
.
To limit access, the park rangers have established quotas, so it is essential to reserve your place as soon as possible and to climb well equipped.
Temperatures can be negative at altitude.
Don't go back down right away, equip yourself with a water bottle and good shoes and take the Pipiwai hiking trail.
Sunrise reservations:
https://www.nps.gov/hale/planyourvisit/sunrise.htm
.
Tickets available 60 days in advance.
Do the Hanā road with 600 turns
The winding road to Hana winds through incredible landscapes for more than a hundred kilometers.
Kelly Headrick
It's one of the prettiest scenic drives on the island, if not the entire state of Hawaii.
A hundred kilometers of road, more than 600 bends that meander along the coast and span 56 one-lane bridges with extraordinary views of the island's indented coastline and numerous waterfalls and rivers, bamboo forests, natural swimming pools of transparent water Obviously, you won't be the only ones, so a word of advice, leave at sunrise to avoid the crowds and the tourist buses.
The south-north direction is much less frequented.
The route starts from the small town of Hana to Twin Falls Far Stand in the north or vice versa in a north-south direction.
Before you go, check the weather sites as some portions can be flooded in winter and take care not to stop.
anywhere on the bridges.
If you plan to stop at the pretty black sand beach at Wai'ānapanapa State Park, you will need a permit which must be reserved very early.
To make the most of it, rent a convertible Ford Mustang, you will be amazed.
Sites to consult before taking the road to Hana:
www.hanamaui.com/drivewithaloha/
;
https://hanamaui.com/makaala/
Reservation for entry permit to Wai'ānapanapa:
www.gowaianapanapa.com
Attend a lū'au, a traditional Hawaiian festival
Meals, dances... The Luau is an institution in Hawaii.
Steve Azer
The luau is a traditional Hawaiian celebration where communities gather around feasts and dances.
In the past, women and men did not eat meals together.
In 1819, King Kamehameha II put an end to his practices by abolishing all religious laws and, to mark the event, had a meal with his mother.
The lū'au were created.
The menu features poke, poi (mashed taro), breadfruit, and haupia pie (made with chocolate cream and coconut).
Visit Mick Fleetwood
The famous lead singer of Fleetwood Mac has lived on Maui for many years.
At the end of 2021, he opened his concept store Mick'House of Fleetwood at the exit of Païa, a village on the north coast which has a crazy charm with its slightly hippy side.
There are ukuleles by Dhani Harrisson, perfumes and candles by Lola James Harper, paintings by Surfcowboy, a local brand inspired by the world of surfing.
Here, you are in the realm of yoga and wellness, so there is no shortage of healthy cafes and restaurants.
Take the time to stroll down Baldwin Avenue, the main street, and shop at Mana Foods, the island's first organic supermarket, which opened in 1983.
Mick's House of Fleetwood (
www.mickshouseoffleetwood.com
) 43 Hana Highway, Paia, HI 96779. Tel: +1 (808) 868-2210.
Stroll in Makawao
Makawao is a small cowboy village inland.
Amazing as it may seem, you might see paniolos (Hawaii cowboys) on horseback with their herd.
Makawao is their stronghold with its little wooden houses as beautiful as a movie set.
The village has attracted a bobo chic population with pretty decoration shops and bars and their terraces where you can enjoy a lilikoi juice at Sip Me. If you want to relax, the Sacred Garden of Maliko offers you the arms for a moment of meditation.
Don't leave Maui without attending a workshop to create your own “lei,” the famous Hawaiian wreath of flowers, at Haku Maui.
Crema Maui (
www.cremamaui.com
), 30 Kupaoa St, Makawao, HI 96768
Haku Maui (
www.hakumaui.com
).
3642A, Baldwin Ave, Makawao, HI 96768. Tel: +1 (808) 856-0101.
€70 for a two-hour workshop.
Discover the local agritourism
A hibiscus.
Maui enjoys a flourishing and typical, but fragile fauna and flora.
stock.adobe
The island of Maui has always been respectful of the environment.
This was the first the state of Hawaii has adopted a plastic bag-free policy in over ten years.
More than 35% of the electricity comes from renewable energy.
When you arrive on the island, remember to brush the underside of your shoes as well as that of your luggage so as not to bring seeds and insects from elsewhere.
Participate in an alfresco dinner under the stars at the Wailea hotel of the Relais et Châteaux chain, organized by Kiawe Outdoor.
This young start-up invites you to discover local cuisine cooked over a wood fire in an enchanting setting.
Did you know that it was possible to make sparkling wine from pineapple?
The Maui Wine distillery will reveal the secret to you.
Admittedly, this
Kiawe Nights dinner (
www.hotelwailea.com/kiawe-nights/
).
350 € per person wine and champagne included.
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