Another TravelShark™ Site

FIND A HOTEL

FIND HOTELS NOW

  • Area:

Check Availability

  • Star Rating
  • Facilities

Why book with TravelShark? Find out today

Have you seen something Sharky in travel? Nominate it today.

  • Hyatt Regency Maui More Hotels

    Hyatt Regency Maui

    4 Star

    Discover the ultimate Kaanapali Beach hotel - Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa.

    Learn More

FEATURED Maui hotels

See all hotels

Maui is known as the Valley Isle and is the second largest island in the Hawaiian chain. It is known for its landmark, the Haleakala Crater, which translates to the 'House of the Sun'. Humpback whales come to Maui to breed for the winter, then return to Alaska. The island is about forty-eight miles long and twenty-six miles wide. The county of the island's residence also includes Lanai, Kahoolawe and Molokai. Those who plan on visiting this beautiful island may also want to know the true meaning of "aloha". To say aloha to someone is to recognize the life in another person. It is said that if there is life, then there is mana, goodness and wisdom. Having goodness and wisdom meant having a "god quality". It was important for this to be recognized and it was important that the speaker truly meant this with no anger before saying aloha. It was not originally intended to be used lightly, the way it is sometimes used today. Maui is a place of joy and understanding and when staying in hotels Maui visitors will come to understand this.

Visitors should take time to see the Haleakala Crater. It provides visitors with an astounding view and is rich in history. Farmers began producing vegetables here as early as the eighteen hundreds. During the Gold Rush, farmers shipped many potatoes. Because of this, the island was briefly given the nickname of Nu Kaleponi, which means "New California". Chinese and Portuguese farmers moved here in the late eighteen hundreds. They admired the modest farm life that can still be found here today. The farmers of Haleakala grow onions, lettuce, tomatoes, cauliflower, carrots and cabbage in addition to flowers.

The Surfing Goat Dairy is located on the slopes of Haleakala. Here, visitors can see around one hundred and forty goats grazing freely. These same well cared for goats have their milk harvested for twenty-four different kinds of cheeses. These cheeses have received extremely high marks and visitors should definitely stop by and sample some. For a little added luxury when staying in hotels Maui visitors should pick up a bar of goat milk soap, which is excellent for the skin, while they are there.

The Iao Stream is a beautiful natural attraction laden with greenery. One would never guess by its pristine appearance that such gory events took place here. King Kamehameha the Great and his followers battled for control over Maui in the Iao Valley war. There were so many bodies strewn across the stream that the site was named, Kepaniwai, which translates to "damming of the waters".

When staying in local hotels Maui visitors will find these to be the picture of luxury. Many feature on-site restaurants and bars or buffets. Valet parking, room service, laundry and dry cleaning services are also regularly available. Many also offer a concierge service and they feature terraces and gardens. Some also provide a childcare service and shuttle service. Common amenities include jacuzzis, golf, tennis, saunas, spas and massage. A few also give access to snorkeling, diving and fitness centers.

The Ocean Arts Festival is a free event that celebrates the migration of the humpback whales. Festivities include presentations by marine biologists and videos. Other festivities include ocean themed art displays and performances by Hawaiian musicians and hula dancers. Kids' activities include an ocean art contest, whale photos and a Creature Feature touch pool exhibit.

Aloha Festivals events are free, save a select, noted few. The kickoff event is held in August, while the rest are in September. Past events include the Royal Court Investiture, which features traditional chanting and hula dancing and the Waikiki Hoolaulea, which is a huge, block party featuring island music and plenty of food. Another featured event is the Aloha Festivals Floral Parade. The parade features elaborate floats, a procession of vibrantly decorated horseback riders and Hawaiian flowers everywhere. Marching bands are also featured.

The Taste of Helumoa Food and Wine Festival is an affiliate event that benefits the Aloha Festivals. It features ten restaurants, including Wolfgang's Steakhouse, Doraku Sushi and Azure. The event also features entertainment by the Brothers Cazimero. The event also has private and VIP cabanas for interested parties.