1. Thriving arts and cultural scene.
Big name acts, bands and shows regularly pass through the
Maui Arts and Cultural Center. Every Friday evening, Lahaina turns into Hawaii’s art capital when artists work and display outside their Front Street galleries. The Lahaina Arts Association sponsors an outdoor art fair under the giant
Banyan Tree in Lahaina on a bi-monthly basis.
2. Schools.
Maui’s private schools include names like
Seabury Hall,
Haleakalā Waldorf,
Montessori and
Kamehameha. Despite a statewide reputation for poor public education, Maui public schools such as
King Kekaulike High School have sent graduates to Harvard, Stanford and Yale in the last few years.
3. Shopping.
World class shopping at
Wailea Resort and in
Lahaina will cater to the fashionista’s wildest dreams. Old Town Wailuku is famous among locals for antiques and local color, and
Queen Ka’ahumanu Center has everything the heart could possibly desire. There’s even
Costco and
Whole Foods!
4. Haleakalā.
Haleakalā. Meaning “House of the Sun” in Hawaiian, this
massive extinct volcano is a national park with observatories, breathtaking views and unique flora, including the threatened
Silversword, a plant found nowhere else on Earth.
5. Rare wildlife and active conservation.
Maui is home to a large portion of Hawaii's native bird population and, because of highly active conservation efforts, the island’s rainforest is some of the healthiest in the world.
Maui’s tourist economy is booming, thanks to its international notoriety as a perfect travel destination.
The famous Banyan Tree in Lahaina is 130 years old and shades almost two thirds of an acre.