Dig beneath surface of Maui, looking for a slice of authentic Hawaiian life, and you will uncover the lively culture of Kahului, the island’s bustling port town.
If you want to visit Maui, you have to visit Kahului. It’s the home of the island’s major airport and harbor, so chances are you’ll at least pass through this place. And this is very good news because in Kahului you’ll get a taste of what life is actually like in Maui, mingling with the locals and dining at their favorite restaurants. Oh, and this is also the best place to stock up on everything you need from the huge shops.
Kahului is the kind of town where the beautiful sights take a little more searching to find, but the reward is destinations that are blissfully free of crowds. Take Kanaha Beach State Park, a stretch of sand in an unexpected location next to the airport. It offers both unbeatable surf and safe swimming. Head to Maui Nui Botanical Gardens afterward for a wander around an array of native Hawaiian plants.
Don’t miss the Story of Hawaii Museum, which traces the history of the islands through a series of maps. Join one of the informative volunteer-led guided tours around the fascinating museum.
Make sure you hit the restaurants of Kahului while you’re here. It’s far easier to avoid the tourist traps selling poke en masse; here you get to find out where real locals like to dine out. Be sure to try the frozen delights of Tasaka Guri-Guri, a dessert destination where you’ll meet Maui’s friendly residents.
Let’s face it, Kahului probably isn’t your final destination on Maui. You’ll be heading out after stopping here to other sites on the island. But make the most of your time here. Large grocery and general stores will equip you for the rest of the trip, while the laid-back neighborhoods will give you a pleasing taste of real island life.