Maui: No Ka Oi
So, why Maui above the other Hawaiian Islands? Balance. For me, Maui has the best mix of everything Hawaii has to offer. And, Hawaii has the best of what any other tropical spot in the world has to offer. Let's get back to just Maui, for now. Perfect climate, the high temperature varies from an average of 80 in the winter to 85 in summer, along the leeward coast. Which is where you’ll spend most of your time. The ocean temperature also varies 5 degrees, between 70 to 75. As you travel towards the windward side (Northeast end), you’ll see a complete change in climate, as it turns from beaches and sun, to rain forests and humidity. Annual rainfall here can be as high as 360” compared to as little as 10” in Kihei, only 14 miles away in a straight line over the volcano. Volcano? Oh yeah! The 10,023 ft dormant volcano called Haleakala or House of the Sun, shields the towns of Kihei, Wailea and Makena from the trade winds and the weather associated with them.
As you round the mountain (volcano) from either direction, you will see your surroundings grow increasingly green and waterfall rich. As you climb the mountain (or mauka), the temperature gets dramatically colder. The two biggest (not very) towns on the way to the summit, are Makawao and Kula. Nighttime temps there can get into the 50’s.
At the summit, which I’ll go into greater detail about later, the temperature gets down into the 20’s and I’ve seen it snow there.
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The entire island is stunningly beautiful, and it’s hard to take a bad picture. I’ll tell you about one road trip later on, where you’ll find the exact paradise you’ve always dreamt about. Around every curve in the road is another postcard. Whether it’s a 50 ft. waterfall, or sapphire blue water turning white, as it crashes onto the black lava rock.
And thats just for starters.
As far as lifestyle and activities, you’ll find that balance on Maui, too. There is truly something for everyone. Whether you’re into sports, shopping, sightseeing, or just relaxing and finding your chi. You’ll find everyone here has a laid back demeanor, and you’ll have to adjust your internal clock to island time.
(Click here to read about when I misplaced my island time)
You’ll find all of Hawaii operates on island time, with the exception of a portion of Oahu.
Oahu is home to Honolulu, a major, bustling city. But, there are areas on Oahu to get away. If you want to compare, consider this. Maui and Oahu are basically the same in geographic area, with 10 times the population on Oahu.
The Big Island (real name: Hawaii), is just that, BIG. You could fit all the other Hawaiian islands onto the Big island. Where most things on Maui are no more than a 30-40 minute drive away, you may find yourself on the road for 3-4 hours on the Big Island.
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(If you find yourself confused right now. Don't worry, people commonly mistake Oahu for the Big Island. Click here, and I'll help explain it to you. Just come back to this page when you're done.)
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Kauai is the island I’ve spent the least amount of time on. So, I can’t go into great detail. Many people prefer this island for it’s beauty and variety of scenery, and I plan on getting there again. I’d probably consider it the second most desirable destination out there. But, as the locals say, “Maui No Ka Oi.”
Maui is the best.
There's another advantage to a Maui vacation I haven't even mentioned yet.
Maui is part of the United States.
That can't be overstated. Same currency, same language, same standards. Let's face it, we like to have the comforts of home that you won't find in many countries through the Caribbean.
We'll cover this more deeply on a later page.
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Kihei, Maui Climate
Hana, Maui Climate
