Take A Break From The Beach To Explore The True Tropical Paradise In Maui

There is no denying that a trip to Hawaii is pure paradise. Each island offers something unique, but Maui is one of the most popular vacation destinations. While the beaches are often a major draw for visitors, there is so much more to experience! Take a break from the sand and sun to visit some of the other incredible sites on the island.

David Cooper Photography

The tropical humidity and warmth provide an ideal environment for hundreds of varieties of plants and trees. Some of the trees are as wild and colorful as the beautifully scented flowers in bloom!

David Cooper Photography

One cool way to explore the one-of-a-kind marine ecosystems in this tropical region is by taking a submarine tour to see the underwater reefs, colorful fish, and otherworldly rock and coral formations. This can be a great way to experience the hidden underwater world without busting out the scuba or snorkel gear.

Advertisement

David Cooper Photography

The smaller nearby island of Lanai is reachable by boat and is home to many Macadamia nut plantations, where traditional methods of planting and harvesting this tasty crop are still rigorously observed.

Advertisement

David Cooper Photography

Cruise ships are regular visitors to the island. Whether you come to Maui by air or by sea, these enormous luxury liners are amazing to see floating in the deep-water harbor around Lahaina. Lahaina is a popular tourist town, filled with restaurants and shops, as well as an excellent museum of island history. This town can get very crowded when the cruise passengers come to shore, especially during the summer months.

David Cooper Photography

Coastal views all around the island show its volcanic origins.

Related Stories

This Aerial Footage Of Waikiki Captures An Amazing View Of This World Famous Surf Spot

The Hidden Waipio Beach In Hawaii Will Take You A Million Miles Away From It All

These 13 Beachfront Restaurants In Hawaii Are Out Of This World

David Cooper Photography

Haleakala, the dormant volcano that towers over the island, is responsible for the creation of Maui. Although the peak is often shrouded in mist, especially during the rainy seasons, the view from the peak on a sunny day is unbelievable.

David Cooper Photography

While mainlanders may think of them as pets, ferrets roam freely around the island. They may be tempted out of their homes with a piece of fruit, but be careful – these are wild animals. They may look cute, but do not attempt to touch them!

David Cooper Photography

While the road to Hana is a popular route, the road to get there can be a challenging (but fun!) drive around hundreds of tight corners on rough, narrow roads. Due to the frequent rain, the road may be closed due to mudslides and dangerous conditions, so check ahead before you make the trip.

If you think the views might be a distraction, there are tour busses that will carry you through the twists and turns like an amusement park ride! It can be terrifying and bumpy…but incredibly scenic. Sinuous waterfalls dot the countryside providing fresh water to animals, plants, and people alike.

Advertisement

David Cooper Photography

There are many areas with paved hiking trails that will take you to wondrous views; however, these spots can be quite rainy. Plan ahead and pack a lightweight rain shell!

David Cooper Photography

The weathered countryside buildings speak to the rich past. Great storms have left their mark on the stone and wooden structures.

One of the best ways to explore the island is simply to hop in a car and hit the road! You are surrounded by abundant culture, history, and sites unlike anywhere else in the world. No matter which direction you go, don’t focus on the destination – you are on island time!

Pull over frequently along the way; there are hundreds of hidden gems on this island and no adventure is complete without a few impromptu stops to explore the roadside shops, hole-in-the-wall restaurants, and secret features that the travel guides don’t tell you about!

Photographer David Cooper travels across the country to capture the incredible beauty all around us. Check out his adventures hiking through Tent Rocks and the Chaco Canyon ruins in New Mexico, exploring Bryce Canyon in Utah, and his visit to this incredible Viking Castle at Lake Tahoe!