Hawaiian legends claim that the god-chief Maui pulled the Hawaiian Islands up from the Pacific Ocean by tricking his brothers. While out fishing, he claimed to have caught a great fish, and instead, hooked his line to the ocean floor. As his brothers paddled furiously, they dragged the islands up from the bottom of the ocean.

It is also said that Maui and his grandmother captured the sun at Haleakala (“House of the Sun”), the island’s highest volcano. The island of Maui was named after him, and is said to resemble his head and body,

It is believed that an ancient Maui chief ordered the building of Ke’anae peninsula into farmable land. Workers hauled, by hand, baskets of soil from the valley above to fill in the entire area.  Since the Ke’anae peninsula is relatively young, geologically speaking, it is possible that the story is based in fact, and not just in legend.

In 1790, King Kamehameha The Great defeated Kahekili after a tremendous civil war in the iconic Iao Valley. Kamehameha took control of Maui and made Lahaina the new capital of the unified Hawaiian Kingdom. For nearly five decades, Lahaina served as the center of government for Hawaii. At the height of the whaling era (1840-1865) as many as 500 ships anchored in Lahaina’s port. Kamehameha is perhaps best remembered for the Kānāwai Māmalahoe, a law that protected non-combatants in times of war. The “Law of the Splintered Paddle” became the inspiration for the rights of civilians around the world. They like maiʻa (banana), and they also like fish.

There are many stories of “little people” called the Menehune in Hawaii, protective magical creatures that are similar in many ways to brownies or pixies. Some believe these stories were introduced by English and European sailors and settlers. Others believe the Menehune were at one point real people, the descendants of early settlers who were displaced by the Tahitians or non-Tahitian immigrants who considered of “lesser” social status. Regardless of their origins, the Menehune are now believed to have magical powers that help good people and punish evil-doers. They are master craftsmen and gifted archers said to have magic arrows that can pierce hard hearts and bring forth feelings of love.

Explore Maui’s rich past on theLahaina Historic Walking Trail, and you will find the Lahaina Banyan Tree, one of the largest banyan trees in the United States. Its extensive trunk and aerial root system now covers more than an acre. Arts and craft fairs are often held in the shade of the gigantic tree. There are museums and historical buildings including an historic fort, churches, lighthouse, prison, and the brick ruins of one of the palaces that King Kamehameha built for his Queen, Kaahumanu. http://lahainatown.com/lahaina-historic-walking-tour.php

Sometimes the best way to see Maui is on foot! Maui offers spectacular opportunities for hiking on every area of the island.

The Pipiwai Trail

The Pipiwai Trail is off the Road to Hana (Highway 360) between mile markers 6 and 7. It meanders through spectacular Hawaiian scenery, past the 200 foot Makahiku Falls with the “Infinity Pool” at the top, several step-falls, and culminates at the base of the tremendous 400-foot Waimoku Falls. The trails are long but are easily accessible from the parking lot, and traverse a wide range of vistas and scenic stops.  The first half-mile of the trail is steep in places, but still navigable for most casual hikers. Along the path, well-maintained boardwalks wind through many diverse scenes, though a bamboo forest, and past a gigantic banyan tree. The Bamboo Forest is about one mile’s hike along the trail and carries on for about a half a mile. It can be a long and challenging hike, but well worth the effort.

The Kula Botanical Garden

The Kula Botanical Garden encompasses 8 acres of unique native Hawaiian and imported plants, rock formations, a covered bridge, meandering stream, waterfalls, koi pond, aviary and a carved Tiki exhibit. Plants are labeled, and a map is available for self-guided tours in the Garden’s gift shop. The Garden was designed with a botanical focus that continues to govern the plant selection and placement. Many plants are selected for their educational potential or to preserve native specimens.

The Ke’anae Arboretum

The Ke’anae Arboretum is a charming arboretum and botanical garden built on ancient leveled terraces. Located along the meandering Pi’inau’au Stream, with over 150 labeled plants on six acres of land, the Featured displays include blue marble trees, lobster claw plants and a grove of Maui’s famous rainbow eucalyptus trees. While you hike the half-mile length of the Arboretum, you’ll also find different types of taro, gingers, hibiscus, papaya, and a mix of native and non-native Hawaiian trees.

Twin Falls

Twins falls is located a short walk away from Mile Marker 2 on the Hana Highway, about 40-45 minutes from Kahului. Several other small falls are located at this stop, but the primary falls runs over a cave-like overhang that is richly festooned with local flora. These accessible, picturesque waterfalls offer a large shallow pool at their base. You can take a relaxing swim, or swing from a long rope into the cool water, when the water is deep enough. The many hiking trails around the falls offer many photo and exploratory opportunities, including a hand-dug rock tunnel, and an old rock masonry weir.

Wai‘anapanapa State Park

The caves of Wai’anapanapa are believed to be the scene of a tragic legend that ended in the murder of Princess Popo’alaea. She ran away from Chief Ka’akea due to his jealousy and cruelty. She and her attendant hid in these caves until her reflection was seen by Ka’akea. Every spring, for one night, red shrimp cover the cave floor, turning it blood red. Some believe that this annual event marks the anniversary of Ka’akea’s gruesome murder of Princess Popo’alaea and her friend.  Today, visitors can enter the caves and even swim in the cool anchialine pools of the Wai’anapanapa Caves, fresh water pools that float in a layer above the heavier salt water that comes up from the Pacific Ocean below.

Make sure you bring water, towels, snacks, and a first aid kit, and watch for warning signs, no matter where you hike. Hiking trails can be long, they can be unsupervised, and there may be hidden dangers. Don’t stand under tall waterfalls. Even a small rock can cause serious injury if it falls from several hundred feet. Watch for muddy patches after rainfall.

One exiting way to tour Maui is to take part in a zipline adventure. Fly from tree to tree, getting a unique view of the stunning scenery of Maui along the way. These are a few of the many world-class zipline tours we have featured:

Maui Tropical Plantation

Maui Tropical Plantation offers family-friendly zipline adventures, welcoming guests as young as five! While you are at the Maui Tropical Plantation, you want to stop for a meal at the Maui Chef’s Table or Mill House Restaurant, and spend some time exploring the gorgeous grounds of the plantation.

https://mauitropicalplantation.com/maui-zip-lines/

Flyin Hawaiian Zip Lines

More challenging lines and gorgeous views of the island can be found at Flyin Hawaiian Zip Lines. 8 ziplines ranging from 250 – 3,600 feet. Flyin Hawaiian Zipline wanted to provide a fun way to protect and preserve Maui’s natural treasures while educating guests about their non-invasive, eco-friendly approach.

http://www.flyinhawaiianzipline.com/

Skyline Eco Adventures: Haleakala

Experience a swinging bridge and 5 amazing ziplines that will speed you across massive canyons, above 90 foot drops, and through fragrant eucalyptus trees on the slopes of the Haleakala volcano. Skyline Haleakala was recently recognized by Fodor’s Travel as one of the world’s most amazing zipline courses. Learn about Hawaii’s flora, fauna and culture on the zipline Eco-Tour as your guides lead you through the Haleakala Forest.

https://www.zipline.com/haleakala

Pi’iholo Ranch Ziplines

Pi’iholo Ranch has grown from a cattle business and horseback riding venture into one of the premier zipline experiences in the country—and a spectacular way to experience the scenic beauty of Maui. With rolling meadows, deep gulches and a high hill commanding spectacular views, this area offered a perfect setting for a world-class zipline adventure. It also includes a side-by-side zipline over a half-mile long!

https://piiholozipline.com

NorthShore Zipline

On this Maui zipline tour, you soar high through the canopy of giant eucalyptus trees on 7 different ziplines, while soaking in the view of Maui’s North Shore. Imagine reaching heights of 70 feet and speeds up to 40 mph, with ziplines up to 900 feet long! The NorthShore Zipline Co’s “Camp Maui Zipline Tour” was designed fora first time zippers, as well as the most experienced zipline enthusiasts. Children age 5 and up are welcome to participate when accompanied by an adult.

http://www.nszipline.com

Kapalua Ziplines

Kapalua Ziplines offers an all-dual 7 zipline course. Kids as young as 10 can start ziplining at Kapalua Ziplines, provided they are accompanied by an adult

https://www.kapaluaziplines.com/

Lahaina Dragon Zipline

Lahaina Dragon Zipline Maui Dragon Fruit Farm is a 20 acre USDA certified organic farm located in West Maui, about a five minute drive from Lahaina. Currently, there are sixteen distinct varieties of dragon fruit in production. 450 feet of fun!

http://www.mauidragonfruit.com/maui-adventure-tours/

Reservations are required at most zipline tours. Closed toed shoes may be required. Loose scarves are not advised.

Maui has a tremendous variety of local farms, flower farms, ranches, coffee, cacao, organic farms, many that include specialty tours and chef-led restaurants. We can arrange for a visit to the farm or farms of your choice for an exclusive tour of the property, its operations and specialty crops. Preview the ingredients to be used in your locally-sourced lunch, partake in a farm-specialty sampling experience, even participate as a farm hand for a day!

ONO Organic Farms of Maui is a family-owned and operated, certified organic, hand-picked, tropical fruit, coffee and cacao farm located along the “Road to Hana”.

https://www.onofarms.com

Mahele Community Farm is Hana’s Community Farm​. Mahele means to share, divide, apportion equally. Mahele Community Farm strives to operate a productive community farm that serves as an educational, sustainable, and healthy food resource for the Hana, Maui region.

http://mahelefarm.wixsite.com/mahelefarm

Hana Gold Plantation was founded in 1978 by Robert and Francine Frost.  Hana Gold produces chocolate from “branch to bar”, which means that their high-quality chocolate is produced with a commitment to the finest, naturally grown products created with the most environmentally thoughtful methods.

http://hanagoldmaui.com/

Hana Ranch is a working cattle ranch on 3,600 acres in Hana, Hawaiʻi. The Hana Ranch aims to be a responsible steward of the land, a regenerative and sustainable business, actively working to make the land and community better. Looking for an unforgettable private dining experience? Hana Ranch offers meals prepared using local ingredients at the Hana Ranch farmhouse.

https://hanaranch.com/

Maui Tropical Plantation tour with lunch at Mill House Restaurant in Waikapu will take you through the private grounds of the Plantation, showcasing a variety of native Hawaiian plants, tropical fruits, and fields of row crops. The tour also provides a live coconut husking demonstration.

https://mauitropicalplantation.com/

ONO Organic Farms of Maui is a family-owned and operated, certified organic, hand-picked, tropical fruit, coffee and cacao farm located along the “Road to Hana”. The southeastern slopes of the Haleakala volcano, in the Kipahulu District of East Maui offer a uniquely verdant and isolated environment that is ideal for growing exotic tropical fruit, coffee, and chocolate.

https://www.onofarms.com/

The slopes of the dormant Haleakala Volcano are known as the Upcountry region. Tour scenic pasture land and an unparalleled, unique perspective of the island. The Upcountry region is the cornerstone of Maui’s rich agricultural heritage and ranching history.

We arrive mid-morning at your resort to start your adventure to the slopes of Haleakala, and a walking tour of Alii Kula Lavender Farm. After a scenic drive through the town of Kula, we’ll make a short stop in the charming historic town of Makawao, then head over to the Haliimaile General Store for lunch. Then we’ll take a guided tour of the Haliimaile Distilling Company, followed by product sampling in their tasting room. Makai Glass Creations next door is available as an alternative to the distillery tour. A botanical tour of the exquisite Haiku Mill includes history of Maui’s sugar cane industry. We’ll stop at Ho’okipa Beach and the eclectic town of Paia on the North Shore before return to resort. Breakfast and lunch provided.

The Upcountry area of Maui is also home to the cowboy town of Makawao. You could walk the entire town in under an hour, however the art galleries, history museum and selection of fine shopping boutiques could keep you busy here for a full day. Activities in the area include Piiholo Ranch & Ziplines, Rainbow Acres Succulent and Cactus Farm, Pukalani Golf Club and more!

ATTRACTIONS:

Alii Kula Lavender Farm, O’o Farms, Rice Park, Kula Country Farms, Kula Botanical Gardens, Sun Yat Sen Park, Holy Ghost Church Kula, Grandma’s Coffee House Keokea, Maui Winery Ulupalakua, Ulupalakua Ranch Store, Nui Farms Kula, Ocean Vodka & Distillery, Surfing Goat Dairy Farm, Haleakala Scenic Lookout at 6,000 ft., Haleakala Ranch Ziplines, Olinda Forest Hike, Piiholo Ranch & Ziplines, Rainbow Acres Cactus and Succulent Gardens, Bike Park Maui, Third day Nursery, Sip Me Coffee House Makawao, T.K. Komoda Bakery, Market Fresh Bistro, Haliimaile General Store, Haliimaile Distilling Company, The Pineapple Tour, Makai Glass Company, Haiku Mill, North Shore Zipline, Colleen’s Bakery and Restaurant, Nuka Sushi, Paia Town, Charley’s Restaurant & Saloon, Kuau Store, Mama’s Fish House, Hookipa Beach Park, Maui Sugar Museum, Ululani’s Shave Ice.

Old World Europe meets natural Hawaiian splendor at Haiku Mill – a stunning property located on Maui’s north shore, off the famous Road to Hana. With its unmatched beauty and elegance, unique past, and lush, tropical location, Haiku Mill is unlike anything you’ve ever experienced.

In 1879, after years as a center of sugar production, the Mill was abandoned.  It was left for over a century to gently decay into ruin. Vines and lush vegetation grew and covered the thick stone walls. Together, this provided a framework for the beautiful structure we see today.

Pursuing a childhood dream of having “a castle that was so enchantingly beautiful, that people’s spirits were lifted just by its existence,” owner Sylvia Hamilton-Kerr moved to Maui in 2009 to devote her attention to the Haiku Mill.  With a love for the romantic beauty of Europe, and her sharp eye for old-world treasures, Sylvia has raised a castle from the ruins of an old sugar mill, alive with the spirit of Aloha.

The Haiku Mill is a spectacular and highly prized wedding venue. Guests today are treated to an enthralling mix of French-inspired décor, vine-draped ruins and spectacular tropical flora. A stroll beneath the Mill’s archway feels like a romantic trip back in time.

From botanical tours of its spectacular mango groves, gardens and floral arrangements; to elegant displays of historical relics; to interactive farm-to-table chef’s dinners featuring innovative meals featuring locally-sourced ingredients; to the wide range of tropical fruits growing on its property, including limes, bananas, lilikoi, starfruit, eggfruit, breadfruit and more; Haiku Mill is a must-visit for both residents and visitors.

Please note that all visits to this property are by appointment only. Contact the Haiku Mill or Platinum Tours to book your experience.