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Almost every Maui trip begins in Kahului, the island's commercial hub, where the main airport, the deep-water harbor and the biggest shopping centers sit on the isthmus between Haleakala and the West Maui Mountains. Most visitors drive straight through, but the town rewards a slower look.
Kahului was largely built after World War II by the Alexander and Baldwin sugar company as a planned 'Dream City' of affordable homes for plantation workers, and sugarcane fields surrounded it until the last harvest in 2016. That history is told at the sugar museum in nearby Puunene.
Today Kahului mixes local life with easy sights: endangered Hawaiian stilts wading in Kanaha Pond, windsurfers and kiteboarders racing off Kanaha Beach, native plants at Maui Nui Botanical Gardens and concerts at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center. It is also the most convenient base for day trips to Iao Valley, Paia and the road up Haleakala.
A former royal fishpond right beside the Haleakala Highway, now a refuge for the endangered aeo, or Hawaiian stilt, plus Hawaiian coots and migratory ducks. A free observation shelter by the parking lot gives good views. The inner trails open only on certain days, so check with the state before planning a walk.
A long, tree-shaded beach near the airport where steady trade winds make it one of the world's best known spots for windsurfing and kiteboarding. Mornings are calm for a swim and picnic; afternoons belong to the sailors. Lessons are offered nearby. Watch for planes overhead, which kids find thrilling.
Maui's main performing arts venue, with the indoor Castle Theater, an outdoor amphitheater that hosts touring bands, and the free Schaefer International Gallery for visual art. Hawaiian music, hula, film nights and festivals fill the calendar. Look at the schedule before your trip; big shows sell out early.
A small, peaceful garden devoted to plants native to Maui Nui and to the canoe plants brought by early Polynesian voyagers, such as kalo, banana and sugarcane. Signs explain traditional uses for food, medicine and crafts. A visit takes about an hour; wear sunscreen, as much of it is open to the sun.
Kahului's largest park, named for a Hawaiian queen, has wide lawns, walking paths, a skate park, a dog park and sports fields used by local families. It sits beside the botanical gardens, so the two pair well for a relaxed morning. Bring shade and water, as the paths are mostly exposed to strong sun.
Set in the former superintendent's house beside the old Puunene sugar mill, a short drive from Kahului, this museum traces 150 years of Maui sugar, from irrigation ditches to the immigrant workers who built plantation life. It is small but rich in photos and artifacts. Check opening days before going.
The island's largest shopping center, with department stores, local boutiques, a food court and free hula and Hawaiian music performances on some days. Locals come for everyday shopping, visitors for souvenirs, aloha shirts and air-conditioned breaks. It is a short drive from the airport and easy for last-minute gifts.
A lively Saturday morning market at the University of Hawaii Maui College campus, with stalls selling fresh fruit, flowers, baked goods, crafts, jewelry and island art. Prices are better than in resort shops. Bring cash, arrive early for the best produce, and expect a small entry fee.
Maui's main deep-water harbor, where cargo ships, barges and visiting cruise ships tie up within sight of the West Maui Mountains. Hoaloha Park and the waterfront path along Kaahumanu Avenue give good views and a breezy stroll. Outrigger canoe clubs often practice in the calmer water of the harbor in the late afternoon.
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