Ma’alaea was at one time planned to be the best spot for an airport, however, it was soon discovered that the winds here would be quite frightening for take off and landings. Today, Ma’alaea still has plenty of traffic by car and by boat. Many snorkeling and whale watching tours take off from here, so be prepared to enjoy the sights around Ma’alaea before or after your tour. If you do not plan on visiting Ma’alaea for a tour then you will miss some of the great things that this area has to offer.

You will find the Maui Ocean Center is a very big attraction in Ma’alaea. This aquarium may seem small in comparison to other mainland establishments; however, you will not find the same attractions. The living reef exhibit is one of the best for learning and viewing the various fish and sea life that call the area home. Turtle Lagoon has a variety of turtles the children are sure to love. Sting Ray Cove is built similar to that of Turtle Lagoon in that you see sea life from above or through a glass wall. You may enjoy venturing through a glass tunnel that will give you a very up close and personal experience without actually being in the water and yes, you may see a shark or two so you will be glad there is a wall between you. Be prepared to see a crowd when the weather is not great for outdoor activities. The price to visit the Maui Ocean Center is $ 21 for adults and $ 14 for children.

If you love lying on the beach, then you love the most popular attraction, which is the Ma’alaea Beach. This is a 3-mile long beach, which stretches all the way to north Kehei. Just remember, the wind here is strong the majority of the time. The best time to take a stroll without being blown away is early morning or late afternoon.

Snorkeling is pretty good here and you may catch a few green turtles around especially around the Kealia Pond. Many people enjoy snorkeling in this area and once again, early morning and late afternoon will be crowded. Everyone desires to be on the beach and in the water before the winds pick up.

Kealia Pond is a bird lover’s paradise. Birds love this pond and you never know which bird may come in for a quick splash. A large variety of birds call this area home and enjoy drinking water, taking baths, and of course search for their next meal. You can find the pond by stopping at the turnout and boardwalk between mile marker 1 and 2 on Highway 31. During the hot summer months, however, the ponds may dry up and then you will not enjoy this stop.

Ma’alaea is home to one pesky bug called midges. These little pests like to fly up your nose, get in your hair, or anywhere else, they can. If you have the top down on your vehicle, be prepared to eat a few.

Ma’alaea is not one of the best places to stay on Maui, not because there is nothing to see or do, but because of the wind, the smoke and dust from the sugar operations, a nearby landfill and of course those ugly little bugs.

Do not let the smoke, dust, and bugs keep you from enjoying the Maui Ocean Center and the beach. A night or two in Ma’alaea will not be as bad as you might think; however, you should not pay the high price ticket that you will see in other resorts that do not have these disappointments.

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