Ideal weather all year long, palm trees swaying in the wind, and picture-perfect beaches in every direction. This is what many people would describe as paradise when you ask them and perhaps why around 800 people make the move to the beautiful Hawaiian island of Maui every year. With a local population of around 160,000 residents, the large island is still able to keep a quaint and family-friendly feel to it.
Maui is the second-largest Hawaiian island coming in at 727.2 square miles and the 17th largest island in the United States. Due to the island’s microclimates, each area of the island can have a different feel to it making the area truly unique in every area. The central part of the island usually sees high temperatures throughout the year while the South and West are dry with the least amount of rainfall. The North and East side of the island see the heaviest rainfall while the Upcountry part of the island has cooler temperatures, which can be as low as 40 degrees in the early morning hours.
For those who enjoy the beauty of mother nature, there might not be a better place to be surrounded by it than on Maui. With lush mountain ranges, breathtaking waterfalls, unbelievable beaches, and gorgeous hiking trails, it’s an outdoor lovers’ paradise. One of Maui’s top-rated hikes is the Waihe’e Ridge Trail, a 4-mile trek that is considered difficult, but features a waterfall, lush landscaping, and some amazing views. An easier trail is the Waimoku Falls via Pipiwai Trail, a 3.8-mile hike that takes you through an incredible bamboo forest before reaching waterfalls and banyan trees. Located in the Haleakala National Park is Maui’s Hana Highway, a sixty-mile scenic road featuring 620 curves and 59 bridges. The island is also a top destination for surfing, boasting more beginner surf breaks than any other Hawaiian island.
Maui also hosts an array of annual events including their popular Kapalua Wine & Food Festival that takes place every June. This event showcases winemakers, sommeliers, and top-rated chefs. They also have the Hawaii Food & Wine Festival in October that takes place over three islands, Maui being one of them, and offers wine tastings alongside cooking demos and other fun interactive activities. In May, the Olukai Hoolaulea is an annual festival that pays tribute to the ocean and the cultures that surround it while April’s East Maui Taro Festival honor’s Hawaii’s “staff of life.” All these festivals are local favorites and something for the entire family to enjoy.
The islands of Hawaii have a laid-back and relaxed feel to them, with many people choosing to spend their time at the beach soaking in the incredible surroundings. There you can enjoy watersports, sunbathe, and even catch a glimpse of incredible sea creatures such as the beautiful Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle, a humpback whale, or even an octopus. This attracts many people to the area, along with the mild winters they experience, meaning you can enjoy the outdoors pretty much all year long. Along with a bustling downtown, a wide range of culinary experiences, and an assortment of outdoor activities at your fingertips, many people every year decide to make the move to the tropical paradise and enjoy the islands lively culture, amazing trade winds, and views that you simply cannot find anywhere else.
