Maui — The Magical Island

Maui is often referred to as the most versatile and romantic island of Hawaii — and rightly so. On an area smaller than Saarland, you find: golden sandy beaches in the west, the over 3,000 m high Haleakalā volcano, the legendary Road to Hana through tropical rainforest, and some of the best snorkeling spots in the world. Maui is Hawaii's honeymoon island — but also a paradise for adventurers.

Road to Hana

The Hana Highway (Highway 360) is one of the most exciting roads in the world: 84 km, 620 curves and 59 one-lane bridges along Maui's northeast coast. The drive takes at least 3 hours (without stops), but plan for a whole day — the stops are the real experience:

• Twin Falls (km 3) — Easy 15-minute hike to two waterfalls with swimming pools.
• Keanae Peninsula (km 27) — A volcanic promontory with taro fields and a view of the wild coast. The roadside banana bread stand is legendary.
• Wai'anapanapa State Park (km 50) — Hawaii's most famous black sand beach, surrounded by lava cliffs and tropical greenery. Reservation and park fee ($5) required.
• Hana — The sleepy town at the end of the road. Hamoa Beach (James Michener called it the most beautiful beach in the world) is less crowded than the west coast.
• Pools of Oheo (Seven Sacred Pools) (km 68, beyond Hana) — Tiered freshwater pools flowing into the sea, in Haleakalā National Park. Entry $30 per car.

Haleakalā

The Haleakalā (3,055 m) is a massive shield volcano, whose crater is 11 km long, 3 km wide, and 800 m deep — "large enough to fit all of Manhattan," as Mark Twain wrote. The sunrise at the summit is a nearly spiritual experience: You stand above the clouds and watch as the sun slowly bathes the crater in gold and red. Reservation required (recreation.gov, $1 per car, plus $30 park entry, book at least 60 days in advance). It is freezing at the top (often below 0°C at sunrise) — warm clothing is absolutely necessary!

Beaches & Snorkeling

Maui's west coast offers the best beaches and snorkeling spots:

• Ka'anapali Beach — 5 km of dream beach with the famous Black Rock, from which a cliff diver jumps every evening at sunset (Hawaiian tradition).
• Molokini Crater — A half-submerged volcanic crater off the south coast with crystal-clear water and over 250 fish species. Only accessible by boat (snorkeling tours from $80). Book early in the morning before the wind picks up.
• Honolua Bay — Maui's best snorkeling spot, freely accessible. Marine reserve with turtles, rays, and tropical fish.