Hawaii Island & Maui] A thorough explanation of how to enjoy & spend time on the islands of Hawaii and Maui!
Table of Contents
- 1 Which island do you recommend, Maui or Hawaii? How to get around? Attractions and Sightseeing Spots
- 2 Distance between Maui and Hawaii Island
- 3 Access between Hawaii and Maui
- 4 What is Maui like?
- 5 How to get to Maui
- 6 Maui Attractions
- 7 Recommended Tourist Attractions on Maui
- 8 What is the Big Island of Hawaii like?
- 9 How to get to Hawaii Island
- 10 Attractions of the Big Island of Hawaii
- 11 Recommended Sightseeing Spots on the Big Island of Hawaii
- 12 Things to do in Hawaii and Maui Recommended Activities
- 13 summary
Even if it's your first time in Hawaiipeace of mindThe city is a great place to enjoy sightseeing.
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Would you recommend Maui or Hawaii Island?
How to get around? Attractions and places to visit.
Hawaii has more than 130 islands, including eight major islands. These islands are Kauai, Niihau, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui, Kahoolave, and Hawaii Island.
Maui is the second largest islandand is known as the "Valley Island," with many beautiful canyons, waterfalls, tropical rainforests, the world's largest dormant mountain, and beautiful beaches.
on the other handHawaii Island is the largest island in the Hawaiian IslandsIt is. The Big Island of Hawaii is home to high mountains, wide open pastures, active volcanoes, and exclusive resorts and quiet towns.
◆If you would like to visit the islands of Hawaii and Maui
◆If you want to know how to get between Hawaii Island and Maui
◆If you want to know the best places to visit in Hawaii and Maui
◆Looking for recommendations for activities to enjoy on the islands of Hawaii and Maui?
If you want to know whether Hawaii or Maui is better.
This article will compare and contrast the differences and attractions of Maui and Hawaii Island!
Distance between Maui and Hawaii Island
The distance from Maui to Hawaii Island is 96.8 miles (about 150 km)It is.
If you know the distance in advance, it will be easier to plan your trip.
Access between Hawaii and Maui
Transportation between Maui and Hawaii Island isairplaneHawaiian Airlines has the largest number of flights.
Mokulele Airlines also protects other "inter-island" routes within the state of Hawaii.
The time required for both isApproximately 40-50 minutes by planeIt is.
What is Maui like?
Maui, together with the islands of Molokai, Lanai, and Kahoolawe, make up Maui County. Third most populous in the state of Hawaii.It is.
kaffir lime (Citrus hystrix)There is an airport here calledPolitical and economic centerIt is. Lahaina on the west side is the old capital.
To the east, Mount Haleakala (3,055 m) is sacred, and to the southwest, Kihei, Wailea, and Makena offer luxury resorts.
In winter, humpback whales can be seen in abundance, and whale watching can be enjoyed from December to the beginning of April.
How to get to Maui
Since there are no direct flights from Japan to Maui, it is more common to fly through Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu on the island of Oahu.
Hawaiian Airlines and Mokulele Airlines offer direct flights from Honolulu Airport,35 minutes from Hornolulu to Kahului Airport, Maui's main terminal.The flight will be a flight of
Maui Attractions
Maui has an area of 1,883.5 square kilometersIn,About the same size as Osaka PrefectureIt is.
The island is shaped like a "gourd" or "the upper half of a woman's body facing sideways".
Since there are few Japanese tourists, this island is recommended for those who want to enjoy the American resort atmosphere.
Magnificent Nature
Maui is known as the "Valley Island. The beaches are extremely beautiful and popular with tourists from all over the world.
It is a beautiful island full of natural attractions such as the resort area of Kaanapali and the spectacular view from the top of Mount Haleakala, which means "House of the Sun" in Hawaiian.
Enjoy the resort atmosphere!
The first master-planned resort, which includes a hotel and shopping center, centered around a beach and golf course, wasKaanapali ResortIt is.
You do not have to be a guest to use the open-to-the-public facilities.
Enjoy the resort life, including a beautiful dinner.
Nostalgic townscape is also attractive
A 10-minute drive from Kahului Airport, Wailuku has a pleasant atmosphere and is the administrative center where the Maui County government offices are located.
The city has a deep connection with Japanese immigrants, and the nostalgic streets are lined with retro buildings, giving the area a unique atmosphere.
Source:Ka'ahumanu Church
Queen Kaahumanu Church, the oldest Christian church on Maui, located right in front of the Maui County Government Office, is a popular tourist attraction.
This Western-style church, with its beautiful chalk walls and green roof, is a historic building constructed by Queen Kaahumanu, wife of King Kamehameha the Great.
Along with the nostalgic old streets, it is sure to be Instagram-worthy.
Recommended Tourist Attractions on Maui
Here are some must-visit attractions on Maui.
Haleakala National Park
A must-see spot on Maui isHaleakala CraterIt is. It is a U.S. national park managed by the National Park Service.
Haleakala is Hawaiian for "house of the sunIt means "the sun," and local legend has it that Maui, a demigod and demi-human, trapped the sun to lengthen the day.
The temperature at the summit is cooler, so you need warm clothes, but the air is clear,Sunrise and stargazing spots
◆Able to reach the summit area from the "Haleakala Visitor Center" by car.
◆Sunrise viewing requires advance reservations through the Haleakala National Park website,Tour participation is recommended!
Access:
Car] You can drive from major cities on Maui. Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from Kahului Airport
Bus] Tour buses provided by Maui sightseeing companies.
Hiking] There are several trails in the park, and you can walk to places that are inaccessible by car.
Maui Tropical Plantation
Maui Tropical Plantationis located on Route 30 leading from Wailuku to Maalaea.agricultural museumIt is.
The plantation can be enjoyed by all ages, from small children to adults.
◆Tropical Express, a 40-minute electric car tour that takes visitors
◆Enjoy aerial flightziplineThere are also a variety of activities such as
◆The park also has commercial facilities, including restaurants, cafes, ice cream stands, and souvenir stores.
Source:Maui Tropical Plantation
Access:
Car] 20 minutes from Kahului Airport / 30 minutes from Lahaina and Kihei
Bus] Maui Bus route runs nearby and public transportation is available.
Iao Valley State Park
On the west side of Maui.Iao Valley State Parkis a canyon with sky-high rock walls, beautifully clear mountain streams, and subtropical trees, and is a popular tourist spot for its mysterious scenery.
Mark Twain is the author of "Yosemite in the Pacific OceanThe beauty of the valley is worth seeing.
◆The site of the Battle of Kepaniwai, where King Kamehameha the Great defeated Maui's forces and unified Hawaii in 1790Historically significant place
◆Ancient Hawaiians believed that mana (sacred power) resides in the bones of the deceased, especially those of kings, chiefs, and other high ranking people, and that they were buried in this Iao Valley site.Sacred PlacePlaces that have been noted as
Iao Valley, which means "light at the top" in Hawaiian, is still a sacred place for Maui's people, a place where you can feel the strong mana and find peace and tranquility.
Source:ʻĪao Valley State Monument
Access:
Car] About 20 minutes from Kahului Airport and 10 minutes from the town of Wilk.
Public Transportation] Public buses do not provide direct access, so renting a car or taking a cab is the best option.
Lahaina
It is one of West Maui's most popular tourist attractions.Lahainais a seaside port town located about 40 minutes by car from Kahului Airport.
As the Hawaiian word "lele" (meaning "shining sun") implies, the sun is strong and it can get very hot, especially around 2 to 3 in the afternoon. However, in the evening, the temperature rises and a fresh breeze blows through, making it comfortable and enjoyable to walk around town.
◆The town of Lahaina itselfDesignated as a National Historical Preservehave been
◆A place that was also a busy base for a whaling fleet of about 400 ships and 1,500 whale catchers during the dynastic capital period.
◆About 18 meters high in the center of Front Streetbanyan treea sight to behold
◆The Pioneer Inn, a landmark hotel and restaurant in Lahaina, is famous
Access:
By Car] Approximately 40 minutes from Kahului Airport. Take Honoapiilani Highway, the main roadway on Maui.
Public Transportation] Maui Bus routes run directly to Lahaina, making it accessible from other parts of the island.
Kaanapali Beach
Located in West Maui, also known as Maui's "Golden CoastKaanapali Beachis Maui's best andOne of the best beaches in the entire United StatesIt is.
The beach, which offers a dreamlike beauty with a 3-km stretch of white sand, is also a highlight for activities such as snorkeling, diving, cruising, and parasailing.
Especially in snorkeling and diving, you can see a lot of tropical fish and sometimesEncounter with sea turtlesThe winter season (December to April) is also a good time to visit Kaanapali Beach. In addition, during the winter months (December through April), humpback whales come to the vicinity of Kaanapali Beach to breed,Whale Watching Toursare also available in abundance.
◆The cliff diving ceremony is being held to show the diving
◆Snorkeling spotsHighly recommended as a
Source:Maui Guidebook.com
Access:
Car] About 45 minutes from Kahului Airport and 10 minutes from Lahaina.
Public Transportation] Maui Bus runs to the Kaanapali area and is accessible from Lahaina and other areas.
What is the Big Island of Hawaii like?
The island of Hawaii is known asvolcanic island". There are five mountain ranges on the island: Mauna Kea (4,205 m), Mauna Loa (4,169 m), Hualalai (2,521 m), Kohala (1,670 m), and Lakiware (1,248 m).
These were fused together by volcanic activity to form the giant island of Hawaii.
Of these, only the Kilauea Mountains are the most active. And.Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where Kilauea Volcano is located, is a World Heritage Site.The "I" in the name of the company is being
Hawaii Island has a subtropical climate, but it is much cooler in the alpine areas. Frost can occur in the Volcanoes and Kohala Mountains, and Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa have snow during the winter months (October through March).
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How to get to Hawaii Island
There are two major airports on the Big Island of Hawaii. On the west coastEllison Onizuka Kona International Airportand northeastHilo International AirportIt is.
When traveling to the Big Island of Hawaii from JapanThe flight usually requires a transfer at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu on the island of Oahu.
From Haneda and Narita Airports to Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport on the Big Island of HawaiiDirect flights are available.(No transfer required in Honolulu).
Attractions of the Big Island of Hawaii
The Big Island of Hawaii is the largest island in the Hawaiian Islands, covering an area of 14,432.5 square kilometers.About half the size of Shikoku, JapanIn,Nickname for "Big IslandIt is known for its
The World Heritage Site of Kilauea, where you can feel the pulse of the earth, and the star-filled sky that can be observed from Mauna Kea are breathtaking sights that will change your worldview and are unrivaled.
In addition to nature, there are many attractive tourist spots such as museums and botanical gardens, the town of Hilo with its famous Hawaiian stores, Kailua-Kona & Coast for visiting historical sites, snorkeling, and diving, and the Kohala Coast, a luxury resort area.
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Maximum untouched wilderness
When people think of Hawaii, they have a strong image of Waikiki on Oahu Island, but if you want to feel the real Hawaii, we recommend the Big Island of Hawaii, which is filled with the natural charm of Hawaii.
The mysterious cobalt blue ocean, jet-black lava plateaus, endless grasslands, breathtaking sunsets, and starry skies.
A powerful volcano
Kilauea Volcano and its surrounding areaHawaii Volcanoes National Park is the only World Heritage Site in the state of HawaiiIt is.
In Hawaiian mythology, one of Kilauea's famous craters, Halemaumau Crater, is called "Pele, goddess of volcanoesis said to be inhabited by a "volcano" that explodes when angered.
In the park, visitors can experience the endless nature of Hawaii and the energy of the earth while viewing the pitch-black lava land and crater, which is a powerful experience.
Beautiful Beaches
Hawaii Island, rich in nature, has many beautiful beaches. Here are some recommended beaches.
The beach is ideal for snorkeling, and there is a good chance of encountering sea turtles.
◆Hapuna Beach
Located right in front of the Westin Hapuna Beach Resort Hotel, this beach is one of the 10 most beautiful in the United States. It features a wide sandy beach, perfect for relaxing.
◆Kuah Bay Maniniowali Beach
Like Hapuna Beach, this is a beautiful beach with white sands. The contrast between the white sand and emerald green ocean is beautiful, and the locals love it.
◆Kauna Oa Beach
This crescent-shaped beach is located in front of the world-famous Mauna Kea Resort Hotel. Enjoy snorkeling and stand-up paddle in the calm waters!
The Big Island of Hawaii has many breathtaking beaches that are not touristy. Every beach has its own charm.
Shopping and dining are also recommended.
The Big Island of Hawaii has many malls where you can enjoy restaurants, supermarkets, sports stores, and food spots all day long.
Located at the Waikoloa Beach Resort in western Waikoloa, Queens Marketplace is a shopping center with unique stores, a large supermarket, and a food court. The marketplace is also home to events such as hula dance shows.
Source:Kings' Shops
Located in the Waikoloa Beach Resort, "King's Shops" is close to the beach, so you can enjoy shopping and dining while enjoying the beautiful scenery. Macy's, Tiffany's, Rolex, L'Occitane, and other stores are located here, and the prices are cheaper than in Japan.
In Hilo, in the eastern part of the island, is Prince Kuhio Plaza, the largest shopping mall on the Big Island of Hawaii. With over 70 stores, including brand-name stores, general merchandise stores, gourmet food spots, and a nine-screen movie theater, it is a fun place for couples and families alike.
We hope you enjoy shopping and dining at these attractive shopping spots on the Big Island of Hawaii!
Learn about culture and history
Source:Hulihe'e Palace
Hawaii is the only state in the United States with palaces. Iolani Palace, located in Honolulu, Oahu; Hānaiakamalama, Queen Emma's summer residence in Nuuanu Valley, also in Honolulu; andHulihee Palace is located on Kailua Bay in Kona, Hawaii Island.It is.
Hulihee Palace was built in 1838 and served as the summer home of King Kalakaua. King Kalakaua was the seventh king of the Kingdom of Hawaii and the first foreign head of state to visit Japan in history.
The villa is now a museum, displaying furnishings and collections such as koa wood tableware, antique glasses, and other items that show the life of the royal family.
Source:Lyman Museum
The other is the Museum of Natural History in the eastern Hilo area.The Lyman MuseumThere is also a Built in 1838 as a mission house (family residence) for the Lyman missionaries, it became a museum in 1931.
The Wei Laiman Mansion is the oldest surviving wooden structure on the Big Island of Hawaii. Visitors can learn about Hawaii's natural history, history, and culture at the Lyman Museum.
Recommended Sightseeing Spots on the Big Island of Hawaii
Here are some of the best places to visit on the Big Island of Hawaii.
Kilauea Volcano
Located in the southeastern part of the Big Island of HawaiiKilauea Volcanois located in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park,World Heritage (cultural, natural, etc.)The volcano is a volcano of
Kilauea Caldera and the Halemaumau Crater within it are the highlight of Hawaii Island tourism for many visitors.
Kilauea Iki Crater inside Kilauea Caldera and Halema'uma'u Crater, which continues to emit volcanic smoke.Famous sights are worth seeing!
◆An 18-km road circling the caldera is recommended as a driving course.
◆healing spotAlso known as
Access:
By Car] About 2 hours from Kona area by car, about 1 hour from Hilo area by car.
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Mauna Kea
Hawaiian for "white mountain."Mauna Keais 4,205 meters above sea level andTallest mountain in HawaiiIt is. The view from the top of the mountain, with the sea of clouds stretching far into the sky, and the beautiful sunset and sunrise are well worth seeing.
Because of the stable weather and clean air near the summit of Mauna Kea, research institutes from 11 countries have established a total of 13 observatories (Mauna Kea Observatories), and the Subaru Telescope, which discovered various cosmic phenomena and was established by the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, is also located here.
◆Onizuka Visitor Center information station with stores, restrooms, and telescopes
◆The area can get crowded in the evening when cars begin to arrive at the summit for sunset time,Best to arrive 1-2 hours before sunset.
Hours of operation: 9:00 - 21:00
Closed: Open daily
Access:
Car] It takes 3 hours by car from Kona International Airport and 2 hours and 30 minutes by car from Hilo International Airport. However, it is best to join a tour, as insurance will not cover the climb if you rent a car.
If you are driving to the summit of Mauna Kea,A stop at the Onizuka Visitor Center (VIS) is a must.It is. At that time, the vehicle will be checked to see if it is a four-wheel drive vehicle.
Rainbow Falls
The Wailuku River runs through the city of Hilo on the Big Island of Hawaii and has a number of waterfalls, the most popular of which isRainbow FallsIt is.
◆Depends on the season,Around 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. is the most established time of day when rainbows can be seen here!
Access:
Car] About 10 minutes drive from the center of Hilo.
[Public Transportation] It is also accessible by public transportation of buses in Hilo.
Waipio Valley
Spreads across the northern part of the Hamakua Coast in the northeast of the Big Island of Hawaii.Waipio Valleyis also known as the "Valley of the Kings," where King Kamehameha the Great spent his childhood, and is not only an important site of Hawaiian history and culture, but also a celebration of dramatic tropical beauty.
Waipio" means "winding water" in Hawaiian, and is derived from the Waipio River that flows through the valley floor.
The steep mountains and numerous waterfalls flowing from the cliffs are some of the best on the Big Island of Hawaii.Dynamic landscapeYou can see the
Surrounded by precipitous cliffs that defy invasion from the outside, royalty is buried here, and even today, theA sacred place where mana (holy power) dwells... is considered ...
Waipio Valley is where the Waipio River flows.It is also possible to descend to the valley floor!However,The canyon is private property and is off limits to rental cars and other vehicles.Since it has beenIf you are heading into the canyon, it is recommended to join a local optional tour!
Access:
By car] About 1 hour from Hilo and 1 hour and 30 minutes from Kona. It is necessary to climb a mountain road.
Public Transportation] Since public transportation is scarce, rental cars or tours are recommended.
hero
herois in the state of Hawaii.Second largest city after Honoluluand isPolitical, educational, and industrial center of the Big Island of HawaiiIt is.
It is relatively rainy, in contrast to Kona on the west coast of Hawaii Island.
Hilo was founded by Japanese Americans who came to Hawaii as sugar cane farmers, and the area around Kamehameha Avenue, facing Hilo Bay, is still a town that is known for itsThe old-fashioned townscape remains.
Many of the buildings along ◆Kamehameha Avenue are more than 100 years old, including those listed on the National Register of Historic Places,Nostalgia.
◆ Keawe Street, the main street in downtown Hilo, is,Old-fashioned streets that look as if the entire town has been dyed in sepia.
◆Hilo's Wailoa State Park, erected in 1997.Hawaii's third statue of King Kamehameha the Greatis located in the state of Hawaii. This statue is the newest statue of the Great King in the state of Hawaii
Access: There are no direct flights to Hilo from Japan. There are two ways to get to Hilo: transfer in Honolulu, or take a direct flight to Kona Airport and drive from Kona.
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Enjoy Hawaii and Maui
Recommended Activities
From here,Recommended activities to enjoy on the islands of Hawaii and Mauito the following.
Activities in the great outdoors will surely provide you with memories that will last a lifetime!
snorkeling
snorkelingis an activity to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the ocean while swimming on the surface or in relatively shallow water using a breathing pipe called a snorkel.
How to enjoy snorkeling
The best known snorkeling spot on the Big Island of Hawaii is located in the South Kona area.Kealakekua BayIt is the most transparent of the Hawaiian Islands and is designated as a marine life sanctuary. It is designated as a marine life sanctuary, boasting the highest clarity of any of the Hawaiian Islands, and snorkeling surrounded by colorful tropical fish and coral reefs is exceptional.
Located about 30 minutes by boat from the southeast coast of Maui.Molokini Crateris a very popular place for snorkeling, with very high transparency and visibility of up to 45 meters.
diving
scuba divingis an activity to enjoy the underwater world while carrying an air-filled tank on your back and breathing underwater.
The typical maximum dive depth is up to 40 meters, and the average dive depth is around 20 meters.
The average duration of each dive is 40 to 50 minutes.
How to enjoy diving
Diving on the Big Island of Hawaii is,boat divingis the main focus. Large cruisers are often used, making diving comfortable and enjoyable.
Most dives depart from the resort town of Kailua-Kona and take less than 30 minutes to reach the dive sites. The pattern is to dive two dives in the morning, return to port, and re-depart in the afternoon.
In Mauiblackwater divingis a popular choice. This thrilling dive takes you out into the open ocean at night to observe plankton and other rare deep-sea creatures as they emerge from the depths.
helicopter tour
helicopter touris also called a helicopter ride, and allows visitors to enjoy the dynamic scenery of Hawaii from the sky.
How to enjoy helicopter tours
Helicopter rides on the Big Island of Hawaii offer views of the crater of Kilauea Volcano, the white highway that runs over the black lava plateau, and a luxury resort with a golf course.
On Maui, helicopter tours offer spectacular views of Haleakala Volcano, Iao Valley, and the inaccessible and unexplored Hana and West Maui Mountains, which cannot be seen from the ground.
stargazing
In Hawaii and Maui, where there is little artificial light,astronomical observationYou can enjoy the
The breathtaking beauty of the world will surely take your breath away.
How to enjoy stargazing
4,205 meters above sea level on the Big Island of Hawaii.Mauna KeaThe weather is stable, the humidity is low, and the night sky is clear. Let's think about the far reaches of the universe.
MauiMount Haleakalais the most popular stargazing spot on Maui. The altitude, clean air, and almost total absence of artificial light at the top of the mountain make for outstanding stargazing.
riding horse
Riding a horse through Hawaii's wilderness...such activities are also recommended!
How to enjoy horseback riding
Hawaii IslandWaipio ValleyHorseback Riding in the Waipio Valley, also known as the "Valley of the Kings," is a tour in which you can explore the valley on horseback.
The valley floor is a world of tranquility surrounded by dense greenery, and visitors can enjoy a sense of adventure as they cross rivers, walk through taro fields, and feel the gentle air flowing through Waipio Valley with their whole body.
On the other hand, on Maui, located in the western part of the island near LahainaMaui Sunset Ranchis popular. Here you can enjoy horseback riding with beautiful views of the coastline and the spectacular West Maui Mountains.
The "Sunset Horseback Riding Tour" held in the evening hours is especially popular, and riding a horse while overlooking the ocean at the moment the sun sets is a special experience.
summary
We introduced Maui and Hawaii Island!
There are many attractive tourist spots besides Oahu, rich in nature, and you can enjoy a relaxing resort stay.
Come and discover a different Hawaii for yourself!Neighbor IslandYou can go to
Thank you for reading to the end.
