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Maui

Places : Pacific Region : Hawaii : Maui

Introduction

Maui is more than a sandy beach with palm trees. The natural bounty of this place is impressive. Pu'u Kukui, the 5,788-foot interior of the West Maui Mountains, is one of the earth's wettest spots -- annual rainfall of 400 inches has sculpted the land into impassable gorges and razor-sharp ridges. On the opposite side of the island, the blistering lava fields at 'Ahihi-Kin'au receive scant rain. And just above this desert, paniolo, Hawaiian cowboys, herd cattle on rolling, fertile ranchlands reminiscent of Northern California.

But nature isn't all Maui has to offer -- it's also home to a rich and vivid culture. In small towns like Pa'ia and Hana you can see remnants of the past mingling with modern-day life. Ancient heiau (Hawaiian stone platforms once used as places of worship) line busy roadways. Old coral and brick missionary homes now house broadcasting networks. The antique smokestacks of sugar mills tower above communities where the children blend English, Hawaiian, Japanese, Chinese, Portugese, Filipino, and more into one colorful language. Hawai'i is a melting pot like no other. Visiting an eclectic mom-and-pop shop (like Komoda's Bakery) can feel like stepping into another country, or back in time. The more you look here, the more you will find.

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