Iao Needle, Iao Valley, Kahului, Maui

Kahului, Maui Information
by Tom Ogg

Language and Currency
What is Kahului, Maui Like?
What is the Weather Like?
Where Does the Ship Dock?
Where is the Shopping?
What is There to Buy?
What is There To Do?
Is There Anything of a “Don’t Miss Quality?
Are There Any Great Restaurants or Bars?

Kahului, Maui Port Reviews

Language and Currency

The official language of Hawaii is English and the currency is the America Dollar

What is Kahului, Maui like?

Kahului is Maui's largest city and home to many locals that work on the other side of Maui in the tourist areas. Kahului (and nearby Wailuku) are considered the business and commercial center of Maui. Both the Maui harbor and airport are located right in Kahului.

What is the weather like?

While Kahului is on the windward side of the island, its location on the flat isthmus between the West Maui Mountains and Mt. Haleakala allow most of the rain clouds to pass by it without dropping too much rain. While dryer than most windward island towns, Kahului gets about 20 inches of rain per year but does get considerable cloud cover and mild winds.

Where does the ship dock?

The main port on Maui is Kahului Harbor right in Kahului. The port is only 5 minutes from Maui's International Airport and only about 5 to 10 minutes from the town of Kahului.

Where is the shopping?

Most visitors that arrive in Kahului will make their way across the island to the tourist centers of Lahaina and Kaanapali Beach (see the Lahaina Port Review), but there is some shopping at the Maui Mall in Kahului (about 5 to 10 minutes from the ship) Maui Mall offers over 40 stores and shops and many specialty stores of interest to visitors. There are also some tourist store surrounding the Maui Airpot that are soewhat interesting if you are looking for tee shirts etc.

What is there to buy?

Everything you would find in a normal mall environment, but many Hawaiian goods as well. Maui is especially noted for its unique food products. Don't miss the opportunity to buy a bag of "Maui Chips" These locally grown and processed potato chips are outstanding! While you will find the potato chip rack full of bags claiming they are Maui Chips, there is only one real mcCoy. Look for the red and yellow printed bag that says "Kitchen Cooked" as the brand name. You will be hooked forever. Also, flowers, Maui Onions, leis and other Hawaiian items are available as well.

What is there to do?

Again, most folks will make their way across the island to the more popular spots with tourists, but there is lots to see and do in and around Kahului. First, driving through Kahului and Wailuku is fun because many of its streets are populated with quaint older homes. If you drive inland from Wailuku you will find yourself at the entrance to Iao Valley State Park. Iao Valley is a verdant valley encrusted year around in a deep green vegetation. Iao Creek runs through the valley floor and the experience is capped when you get your first vista of magnificent Iao Needle. This mountain rises abruptly to over 2,000 feet. There are trails throughout Iao Valley and it makes for a nice hiking experience.

Another wonderful spot is the small town of Paia located south of Kahului. Paia was a non-descript old sugar farming town where workers lived in small shacks and purchased their necessities from company run stres. When windsurfing became popular the main beach at Paia, Hookipa Beach became world famous as it enjoys both large surf and high winds.  To this day, Hookipa is windsurfing's "World's Best" and this has driven Paia from a sleepy little village into one of the most popular spots on Maui. You will find interesting boutiques here that offer interesting items.

Kahului is also the gateway to upcountry and the Haleakala National Park.  Haleakala Crater resides at an altitude of about 7,000 feet above sea level and the road from Kahului will take you through just about every climate Hawaii has to offer. It is 75 miles round trip from Kahului to the summit but the drive will take about 2 1/2 to 3 hours. It is certainly well worth it. If you are spending the night in Kahului, one of the best experiences that Maui offers is sunrise at Mt. Haleakala Crater. You would leave well before dawn and spend the dawning hours on top of the crater and then ride a bike all the way down the grade.

Is there anything of “Don’t Miss” quality?

Yes, even if you are a health nut like I am, don't miss trying Maui Chips.

Are there any great restaurants or bars?

Mamas Fish House Restaurant on the beach just past Paia is wonderful (but a tad commercialized), yet the setting, menu and bar would qualify for this category.

If you get over to Kihei be sure to drop into Bada Bing in the Kihei Kalama Village. This outstanding restaurant/bar offers excellent Italian cuisine at affordable prices, but best of all the atmosphere is a wonderful blend of locals and tourists alike.  The Rat Pack Lounge is sure to be a hit with those that remember.  Enjoy!

Kahului, Maui Port Reviews
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