The Costco Connection

By Tim Talevich

HAVING HAD THE good fortune to visit Hawaii a dozen times over the past years, I’m often asked by friends who want to go: What’s the best island to visit?

The answer, of course, is all of them. But really, if forced to name just one, Maui would be it for me. I consider it the ultimate Hawaiian sampler, with a little bit of all the wonders and activities that make this island state such a wonderful vacation paradise.

Looking for lovely palm-lined beaches? Trails to tropical waterfalls through lush forests? Historical sites and modern cultural exhibits? A resort experience with exciting hotels that offer active pools, saunas, restaurants with local flavors and other pleasures? The unique aloha spirit that welcomes you to the 50th state? On Maui, check to all, and much more.

An island waiting
to be explored

Maui is the second-largest of the eight main Hawaiian islands, but still it’s only 40 miles long and 26 miles across. That means all the must-see attractions are easily reachable in a day trip.

For example, on a recent weeklong visit my family planned three major excursions from our lodging in Wailea, in south Maui. The first was the famous road to Hana, one of the most scenic drives in the world. Leaving at

7 a.m. sharp, we stopped at a dozen waterfalls,
viewpoints and banana bread shacks, finish-
ing at the Seven Sacred Pools before returning
home, where we arrived before dark.

The next trip was to the top of the volcano Haleakala—the “house of the sun”— rising 10,000 feet above sea level. Again leaving early, we reached the summit and hiked into Haleakala’s nearly 3,000-foot-deep moon-like crater. Our return down the mountain included a stop at the Haleakala Visitor Center, and we were back in plenty of time for an afternoon stop for shave ice in Kihei.

Our last trip was up the coast to West
Maui, through the old whaling town of
Lahaina and out to D. T. Fleming Park, where
(successful). After continuing on for photos
of sailboats resting in Honolua Bay, we were
back in Wailea for an afternoon swim.

Variety in abundance

Maui has five distinct regions, and all are fascinating for their unique climate, flora and vibe.

South Maui’s climate is dry and sunny, which has attracted beach-seeking visitors from Makena to Kihei. Central Maui is the island’s business center, but stunning natural landmarks, such as Iao Valley State Park, are just off the beaten path here. West Maui offers bustling shops in Lahaina, once Hawaii’s busiest port, and a string of gem beaches up past Kaanapali. East Maui, highlighted by the road to Hana, is remote and strikingly green, thanks to the ample rain it receives. And Maui’s Upcountry reveals that Hawaii is much more than beaches.

The Upcountry encompasses the gently rolling hills on Haleakala’s shoulder. It’s cooler up here, and ranches and farms take advantage of the rich soil, sunshine and occasional rain. You’ll find a combination of cowboys and hippies in Makawao, the Upcountry’s artsy main town.

The farms of the Upcountry provide many of the ingredients for Maui’s thriving farm-to-table movement. As you explore fine restaurants all around Maui, you’ll enjoy locally grown ingredients and meals created to highlight the island’s exotic vegetables, cheeses, fish and meats, and even beer. Try all of them for a delicious sampling of Hawaii. C

travel connection
Maui offers a little of everything
special about Hawaii

PHOTO COURTESY HA WAII TOURISM AU THORIT Y (HTA)

Samples of paradise

In our digital editions

Click here to see a video of Maui. (See page 13 for details.)

and a string of gem beaches up past Kaanapali.
,
y
c
up here, and ranches and farms take advan-
and hippies in Makawao, the Upcountry’s
many of the ingredients for Maui’s thriving
n
highlight the island’s exotic vegetables, cheeses,

e i

The Costco Connection Costco Travel offers a variety of vacation packages at exciting resorts on Maui, including a new location, the Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort, which features five dining venues specializing in foods from local farms (pictured here). For details, click ” Travel” at Costco.com or call 1-877-849-2730.