Ma’alaea (Pronounced: Ma ah lah ay ah) is located on the North West side of the isthmus between the West Maui Mountains and Haleakala. The closer you get to the giant windmills that hug the ridges of the West Maui Mountains the closer you get to Ma’alaea (If you trace the line of windmills from the top of the ridge down, that line points directly at Ma’alaea). See Map
Most visitors to Maui find Ma’alaea on their way to Lahaina town or when they visit the Maui Ocean Center which is located just off Hwy 30 and sits between the highway and the harbor. With more than 350 residents Ma’alaea qualifies as a “census designated place” as is clearly marked on every Maui map. Some of these residents live on their boats in the marina and in condos that stretch down the beach from the harbor towards Kihei.
During whale season (Late Nov-Apr) Ma’alaea is the launching point for many whale watching cruises and other year round water activities. If you’re interested in a luau, snorkel trip or sport fishing or almost any other activity, please stop by the Island Sands front office or contact Ma’alaea Harbor Activities for assistance booking your excursions.
The wave called freight train, is a right-hander off the breakwall and over a shallow coral reef. It is considered to be one of the world’s fastest rideable waves, but is rideable only on large southerly swells.
Still searching for a reason to stop by Ma’alaea for a visit? Enjoy this post.
