Which is the most populous island of Hawaii?

Answer 1

Well, there aren't many "cities" on Maui, but if you mean popular among travelers, here are some thoughts:

1. "Hana" - well, it's not really the community, but the "Road to...Hana" that just about every visitor knows because the drive is through some of the most lush "rainforest" type areas.

2. "Lahaina" is the old whaling port town on the west coast of the north side of the island. It's loaded with restaurants, shops, activity centers, a couple of the better luaus, touristy theater shows, a movie theater, and is probably the most "touristy" town. It also has historic buildings from the early days of European and American settlement.

3. "Kihei", along the west coast of the south side of the island, was until last year one of the fastest, if not the fastest, growing 'cities' in the US. It is some 10 miles in length, is composed of a number of neighborhoods that originally were individual native Hawai'ian Villages, several great beaches, pretty good shopping, restaurants, and a lot of condominiums that are not "resorts" although most have some kind of amenity like a pool. One of the four multiple screen movie theaters is in the middle of Kihei.

4. "Ka'anapali", just north of Lahaina, is really a city of hotels, some condos and several golf courses. Several of the hotels condominiumized themselves, and one of the larger outdoor shopping centers - Whaler's Village, and the "Cannery Mall".

5. "Wailea" is another area where there's no real "town" but a collection of high end resorts, high end condos and golf courses, with another major outdoor mall, beautiful beaches, etc.

6. "Pa'ia" is a bohemian town on the north shore of south Maui, with funky shops, hippie types, another great beach, home of wind surfing - Ho'okipa. Willie Nelson is part owner of a bar called "Charley's Place".

7. "Makawao" is upcountry, has a small town center, is home to some artists, a rodeo, a few shops (that tend to be higher priced....) and a few restaurants.

8. "Kahului" is the port city, has several malls including the largest on the island (Queen Ka'ahumanu Mall with a Sears and Macys and multiplex), a Costco, Whole Foods, Maui Mall (which suffered when Queen opened but also has a multiplex), has a hidden beach next door with great wind surfing, has the primary airport, is where the big cruise ships come in, has hospitals, the community college, and the "MACC" which is the Maui Arts & Cultural Center which has two theaters for live productions, music, etc.

9. "Wailuku" borders Kahului on the west, is the seat of County government, has buildings from the early part of the last century, a theater (the 'Iao which during WWII saw the likes of Bob Hope & Bing Crosby entertaining the troops stationed there), was really regenerating itself until last year or so and is again apparently falling into some decline. There are a couple of youth hostels, resale shops, a few great "plate lunch" shops, the County building, and a few museums. It is also the entrance to the 'Iao Valley, a quick alternative to the Road to Hana and is a beautiful, lush area and garden.

There are other "popular spots" but you asked for "cities" so I'll stop there.

Answer 2

Maui is superfine.

Kauai is extrafine.

But the volcanoes are on Hawaii.

And the people are on Oahu.

Answer 3

It depends on what you want to do and how bustling an area you want to visit.

Answer 4

Kauai is very diverse.

Answer 5

Oahu.

Answer 6

Honolulu