Hawaii - Jeff Campbell [295]
Post office ( 871-2487; 138 S Pu′unene Ave, Kahului, HI 96732)
Sights
KANAHA BEACH PARK
On a windy day this place is a kaleidoscope of swirling sails. Both windsurfing and kitesurfing are so hot here that the beach has been divvied up, with kitesurfers converging at the southwest end, known as Kite Beach, and windsurfers hitting the water at the northeast end. Kanaha Beach is the best place in Maui for beginners to learn both sports, and most windsurfing and kitesurfing shops (right) give their lessons here.
A section in the middle of the beach is roped off for swimmers, but this place is really all about using wind power. The local facilities include rest rooms, showers and shaded picnic tables.
To get there, look for the shoreline access sign down by the car-rental lots at the airport, or if you’re coming from downtown Kahului take Amala Pl.
KANAHA POND BIRD SANCTUARY
The first stop Audubon tours make when they arrive on Maui is at this sanctuary (Hwy 37; admission free; 6am-6pm), a haven for rare Hawaiian birds. Most notable is the ae′o (black-necked stilt), a wading bird with long orange legs that feeds along the pond’s marshy edges. Even though this graceful bird has a population of just 1500 in the entire state, you can count on spotting it here.
An observation deck just beyond the parking lot offers the ideal lookout for spotting the ae′o, native coots and black-crowned night herons. Close the gate and walk into the preserve quietly; you should be able to make several sightings right along the shoreline.
Hiking is allowed on the sanctuary’s service roads from September to March – when the birds aren’t nesting – by obtaining a free permit from the Department of Land & Natural Resources (Map; 984-8100; Room 101, State Office Bldg, 54 S High St, Wailuku; 8am-4:30pm Mon-Fri).
MAUI NUI BOTANICAL GARDENS
If you’re interested in the subtle beauty of native Hawaiian plants, this garden ( 249-2798; 150 Kanaloa Ave; admission free; 8am-4pm Mon-Sat) is a gem. Come here to view rare species and to identify plants you’ve heard about but haven’t yet seen, such as wauke (paper mulberry, used to make tapa) and ′iliahi (sandalwood). Don’t expect it to be overly flowery, however. What you won’t see here are the riotous colors of exotic tropicals that now dominate most Hawaiian gardens.
MAUI ARTS & CULTURAL CENTER
Maui’s pride and joy, the state-of-the-art Maui Arts & Cultural Center (MACC; 242-2787; www.mauiarts.org; 1 Cameron Way; admission free; tour 11am Wed) is the island’s premier concert venue. There are free tours (reservations are required) that include both the concert halls and the grounds, which have the remains of a heiau. The center’s Schaefer International Gallery ( 11am-5pm Tue-Sat) features changing exhibits of works by both island and international artists.
Activities
WINDSURFING
Windswept Kahului is the base for Maui’s main windsurfing operations. Board-and-rig rentals start around $50/300 per day/week. The business is competitive, so ask about discounts. If you’re new to the sport, introductory classes are readily available, last a couple of hours and cost $80.
Reliable shops that sell and rent gear and arrange lessons:
Hawaiian Island Surf & Sport ( 871-4981, 800-231-6958; www.hawaiianisland.com; 415 Dairy Rd; 8:30am-6pm)
Hi-Tech Surf Sports ( 877-2111; www.htmaui.com; 425 Koloa St; 9am-6pm)
Second Wind ( 877-7467, 800-936-7787; www.secondwindmaui.com; 111 Hana Hwy; 9am-6pm)
KITESURFING
Kitesurfing has taken off big-time in Kahului. The action centers on Kite Beach, the southwest end of Kanaha Beach Park. If you’ve never tried it before, you can learn the ropes from some of the very pros who’ve made kitesurfing such a hot wave ride. Vans set up right at Kite Beach to offer lessons. Expect to pay about $275 for a half-day intro course. Check out the scene live at kitebeachcam.com.
Recommended:
Kiteboarding School Maui ( 873-0015;