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Thousands of travelers
weighed in on which vacation spots can be considered the best in the USA. Based
on those user votes and expert analysis of factors like the variety of
attractions, accommodations and dining options, U.S. News came up with the
best places to visit in the USA.
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Maui is not nearly as large as the Big Island, nor is it as
small as Lanai, as bustling, as Oahu or as quiet as Kauai. For many Hawaii
vacationers, Maui is just right — offering a taste of just about everything the
Aloha State has to offer, from impressive wildlife to intriguing history and
culture. While on a visit here, you can shimmy alongside professional hula
dancers, golf along coastal fairways, snorkel alongside five different types of
sea turtles or simply lounge along some of Hawaii's most notable beaches.
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One of the archipelago's most popular
tourism spots, Maui can be found sandwiched between the Big Island and the much
tinier Molokai. Maui is divided into five distinct regions: Many travelers base
themselves along the coasts of South Maui ( home to the famous Wailea Beach )
or West Maui, where the sands of Kaanipali Beach and the music from the Old
Lahaina Luauare located. But the rest of the island should not be missed.
Travel along the Road to Hana to experience East Maui's scenic coastline,
explore Haleakala — the world's largest dormant volcano — in the Upcountry, and
explore the former tribal battlegrounds of Central Maui's Iao Valley State
Park.
How
To Save Money in Maui
- Consider the busDriving is
by far the easiest way to get around Maui, but if you plan on spending
most of your time in one single area, you may be able to save on rental
fees by relying on the bus. However, if you do decide to rent a car...
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- Know your insurance policySome car
rental agencies will try to convince you that you'll need collision
insurance. (This is a no-fault state where you'll have to pay any damages
before leaving.) But your personal insurance or your credit card might
already cover this.
- Forgo the oceanviewIt's nice
to look out at the ocean, but if you can wait to do so at the beach rather
than from your room, you can save a considerable chunk of change.
Maui
Culture & Customs
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Maui is a great place to go if you're looking to learn more
about Hawaii history and culture. In fact, legend has it that it was the
demigod, Maui, who pulled the islands from the sea and lassoed the sun from the
top of haleakala. Travelers who are interested in learning more about island
lore will have plenty of opportunities to do so: A visit to the scenic Iao
Valley will offer a glimpse of the tumultuous era of tribal warfare, while a
stroll through the small town of Lahaina will yield a glimpse of Hawaii's
whaling, plantation and trade history.
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Today, Maui is one of America's most popular vacation
destinations — probably because it's so drastically different from any place on
the mainland. Vacationers will find all the makings of contemporary luxury at
the island's resorts, but outside the hotel areas, the relaxed "Aloha
spirit" permeates. If you're looking to blend in with the locals, you
simply need to loosen up: Pack T-shirts, shorts and flip-flops (as well as some
light layers) for everyday wear and tone down the road rage (no honking here).
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Folklore still plays a large role in day-to-day life, with
residents paying tribute to various gods and goddesses in a number of ways —
most notably hula dancing. Although visitors to the island see hula
performances as entertainment, they are also a type of prayer and should be
respected.
Other cultural traditions continue to influence everyday life in
Maui, one of the most noticable being language. Unlike many other states,
Hawaii has two official languages: English and Hawaiian, which is a member of
the Polynesian language family. Though you won't have any trouble finding
English-speakers, you'll benefit from learning a few basic Hawaiian phrases;
"Aloha" means both "hello" and "goodbye," and
"mahalo" means "thank you."
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The arts are a mainstay on the island, with numerous
festivals — like the one held twice a month in Lahaina's Banyan Tree
Park — showcasing works by regional craftspeople. And throughout the year,
Maui honors its vibrant culture through events like the Maui Steel Guitar
Festival and the East Maui Taro Festival (both held in April).
If you're more interested in discovering Maui's natural wonders
than its heritage, you'll find plenty of places to do so — from flower-filled
jungles to underwater reefs teeming with aquatic life. However, it's important
that you leave the island as you found it. Resist the urge to collect living
souvenirs or to have a one-on-one encounter with local wildlife, as these could
result in hefty fines or even jail time.
Maui
Dining
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Maui is quickly earning a reputation as a foodie destination:
The island's restaurant scene is as diverse as its visitors with restaurants
serving food from around the world. But as long as you're here, you may as well
get a taste of the local cuisine.
Like the rest of America, Maui is on board with the local food
movement — here, you'll find plates piled high with freshly caught fish and
regional produce. To find these ingredients prepared in the island way, you'll
want to stray from resort-heavy areas. Maui's towns (and its countryside) brim
with local mom-and-pop joints serving such specialties as pork roasted in
banana leaves, poi (ground taro root) and haupia, a creamy coconut
custard. If you're not quite sure where to start your culinary tour, ask some
local residents for recommendations.
One very popular — and
very economical — way to get your fill of Hawaiian cuisine is to eat big around
noon. Many local eateries served what's called a "plate lunch," which
comes piled high with some sort of protein (usually beef, pork or fish), rice
and/or macaroni salad and some sort of pickled vegetable. This tradition formed
on the sugar plantations, where workers would gather for lunch and share their
food. Today, it's common to see residents and visitors alike chowing down on
the mountainous servings dished out by plate lunch restaurants and stands
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