away were untouched , and are as beautiful as they ’ ve always been .
Known for a climate as warm and welcoming as its people , the island of Maui is ringed with beautiful sandy beaches and offers great fishing , surfing , paddle boarding , canoeing , snorkeling , scuba diving – everything you ’ d expect in a tropical paradise . There are resorts for every kind of vacationer , whether you ’ re looking for a romantic getaway for two or taking the kids for a blow-out family holiday .
The seafood is fabulous and the service is uniformly gracious – hospitality is a Hawaiian tradition that ’ s taken very seriously . From touring the fascinating exhibits at the Ocean Center to taking a helicopter tour of the rainforest , to making the must-do drive up to the Haleakala Crater to watch the sunset above the clouds , Maui will create memories for a lifetime .
AND THE DOLLARS YOU SPEND THERE WILL CREATE A BETTER TOMORROW FOR PEOPLE STRUGGLING WITH THE INCREDIBLE CHALLENGES OF TODAY .
Can we make a difference without making waves ?
Hawaiians are a spiritual people , with a culture built on respect for the land , the ocean , the family and their ancestors . With this in mind , approach your visit to Maui with the same respect . When I was there in September 2023 , police cars were stationed along the road that passes by the ruins of Lahaina , ensuring that no one stopped to take photos . Because families were gathering there on the beach to scatter the ashes of their loved ones , tourists were asked to choose other beaches , of which there are many . It was a simple way to be respectful and didn ’ t have any impact on anyone ’ s holiday enjoyment .
We chose to spend a day at the emergency distribution center , packing food , clothing and other supplies for the hundreds of people who came looking for help each day . The other volunteers we met came from across the U . S . and indeed , around the world , and all had come to Maui planning to roll up their sleeves and pitch in . Far from feeling like the sacrifice of a vacation day , it felt like a privilege to be part of things and that , in a small way , we were making a difference .
Even if a day at the distribution center isn ’ t in your plans , there are things you can do – and not do – to be of help when you visit Maui . Most importantly , be kind and keep your curiosity under control . Resist the urge to ask the people you meet how the fire affected them . The smiling bartender who serves your Mai Tai may have lost a family member and could be struggling to maintain his composure while he does his job . Being asked to relive and describe the horrors won ’ t help , but an understanding smile and a tip from you will .
There ’ s a Hawaiian word that perfectly captures the spirit of choosing to spend your vacation on Maui in these recovery months .
THAT WORD IS MALAMA ´ – IT MEANS HEALING .
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WHAT TO SEE , WHERE TO GO AND what to do
Make a sunrise or sunset visit to the Haleakala Crater 10,000 feet above sea level . It ’ s one of the few places in the world where you ’ ll see the sun rise or set on top of the clouds . Magic !
Enjoy the Te Au Moana ( which means ocean tides ) Luau ( a huge show and feast ) at The Wailea Beach Marriott Resort . If you can stretch your budget a bit , plan to stay there as well . It ’ s one of the most gorgeous resorts on the island .
Do a driving trip along the winding road to Hana , visiting Wai ' anapanapa Park , Ke ’ anae village , and Waikani Falls along the way .
Take a helicopter tour of the rainforest .
Snorkel or scuba dive in the Molokini crater , a dormant volcano under the waves .
Try a whale watching cruise to see majestic humpbacks in the wild .
Take a surfing lesson in Kehei .
Meet the underwater world at the Maui Ocean Center , The Aquarium of Hawaii .
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