Overview

Known as the “Valley Isle", Maui is the second largest island in the Hawaiian chain with lush vegetation, pristine white sandy beaches and quaint friendly villages. From the action packed beach resorts to the incredibly beautiful mountain trails in the Haleakala National Park - there is something for all ages and all tastes and one of the reasons why Maui is one of those places where people go back to time and again.

In a single day, you can kayak up a lazy river, hike through forests and discover hidden pools and waterfalls of Oheo Gulch or even drive to the summit of Mount Haleakala at 10,023 feet. All this is possible and you can still be back to your vacation rental in time for a dip in the turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean, before catching the sunset from your beachfront villa.

A Four Season Holiday Destination

Maui is a year-round playground with a warm tropical climate - the best time to visit really depends on what you want to see and do from whale watching and big surf breaks in the winter to warmer and more tranquil summer days.

Mid August until the end of September is the hottest time of the year, with the average high of 85°. January is the coolest season with average highs of 78°, so there is really no cold season. However, if you are planning a trip to the top of Mount Haleakala, take some warm clothes as you can expect temperatures in the 40s or lower.

Maui Vacation Rentals

Self catering holiday rentals along Maui's coast are plentiful and certainly good value especially for family vacations. You will find beachfront villas, often with private swimming pool, spacious condos and family holiday homes to rent along the entire coast.

The main and popular places to stay on Maui include...

• Kihei
• Kaanapali
• Lahaina
• Wailea

Wailea Beach

Flanked by bars, restaurants and shops along a wooden path, Wailea Beach is beautiful and very popular with locals and tourists meaning it can get crowded at weekends. Hiring a paddle board is great fun and there is also a large trampoline over the water which children love.

Hookipa Beach

Sitting just off the Hana Highway towards Haiku, Hookipa Beach is world famous for surfing and windsurfing due to the consistent powerful swells that pound the shore. The beach is large and has all the facilities you need with bathrooms, lifeguards, picnic areas, showers and plenty of parking. However, this is not a family beach for swimming as the currents are very strong and surfing or windsurfing is for experts only - a great beach to watch the pros in action.

Makena Beach or Big Beach

Probably the best of Maui's beaches in terms of scenic beauty, Makena Beach is a mile of silky white sand backed by cliffs on one side and deep blue warm water on the other. Big Beach has a gentle incline into the sea making it popular for swimming plus there is a large shore break that attracts skimboarders and body surfers.

10 Popular Things to see and do

If you are visiting Maui for the first time it can be a bit overwhelming with so many things to see and do in such a short space of time. Here are a few suggestions....

Distance in miles from Kahului Airport

Our view on Maui

As the adventure island of Hawaii, Maui will take your breath away with its spectacular beach resorts, lush interior and national parks. With long hot summers and mild winters, Maui attracts tourists from all over the world throughout the year. And what better way to experience the local culture than by staying in a vacation rental. Whether a beach villa or condo, self catering Maui vacation rentals provide freedom, space and flexibility to do what you when you want - home from home!