Central Maui

Central Maui is the island’s primary hub for population, commerce, and transportation. It’s home to Kahului Airport (OGG) – Maui’s main airport – and the headquarters of Pacific Permanente Group (PPG). This region also includes Maui Memorial Medical Center and its affiliated Outpatient Clinic, where many of PPG’s physicians and providers work.

Main towns: Kahului, Wailuku

South Maui

Located on the sunny, leeward side of the island, South Maui is known for its beautiful beaches, upscale resorts, and a bustling mini-hub of restaurants, shops, and outdoor activities. The main road winds south through resort communities and eventually ends at a wild, undeveloped stretch of coastline.

Main towns: Kīhei, Wailea, Mākena

West Maui

Once one of the island’s most iconic visitor destinations, West Maui was deeply impacted by the August 2023 wildfires, which devastated much of historic Lahaina town. While few PPG physicians and providers live in this region due to commuting distance from PPG practice sites, the organization has been actively involved in Lahaina’s recovery and healing efforts.

Main towns: Lāhainā, Kā‘anapali, Kapalua

Upcountry Maui

Nestled on the cooler, elevated slopes of Haleakalā, Upcountry Maui offers sweeping views, rolling pastures, and charming small towns with a more rural feel. This area is ideal for providers working at Kula Hospital or the Kula Clinic, and appeals to those seeking a quieter lifestyle surrounded by nature.

Main towns: Pāʻia, Pukalani, Makawao, Kula

East Maui

Remote and lush, East Maui is a world away from the island’s urban centers. It’s best known for its winding scenic drive, waterfalls, rainforests, and secluded beaches. This area isn’t suitable for commuting to PPG practice locations but is a popular escape on days off for those seeking a peaceful retreat.

Main town: Hāna

Maui is home to a variety of exceptional public and private educational institutions. According to the Hawai‘i Association of Independent Schools (HAIS), there are 14 private schools on the island. You can learn more about these schools on the HAIS website. To explore Maui’s public schools, visit the Hawai‘i State Department of Education website.

Hawai‘i is a rabies-free state, and to protect that status, the state enforces strict animal quarantine laws for incoming pets. The primary animal quarantine station is located on O‘ahu, but Maui has an approved animal hospital where pets may be eligible to complete their quarantine if certain criteria are met.

There are two main quarantine options:

• A 120-day quarantine for pets arriving without completing the required pre-arrival steps.

• The “Five Day or Less” program, which significantly shortens the quarantine period for pets whose owners complete all necessary preparations in advance on the mainland – including vaccinations, blood tests, and paperwork submitted within specific timelines.

For more information about bringing pets to Hawai‘i, including quarantine requirements, travel preparations, and local support, visit the Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture’s Animal Industry Division website and the Maui Humane Society website.

Maui’s four primary employment sectors are tourism, health care, government, and agriculture, each offering a wide range of career opportunities. In recent years, remote work has become more common, and Maui now has a growing community of work-from-home professionals across various industries.

For a small island in the middle of the Pacific, Maui offers a remarkably rich and varied cultural scene. The Maui Arts & Cultural Center (MACC) in Kahului hosts an impressive lineup of concerts, theatrical performances, and community events throughout the year.

Music lovers can enjoy events like Jazz Maui, the annual Slack Key Guitar Festival, and the Maui ‘Ukulele Festival. Visual arts enthusiasts can explore exhibits at the Hui Noʻeau Visual Arts Center in Makawao or the Schaefer International Gallery, located within the MACC.

The celebrated Maui Film Festival, held each summer in Wailea, features outdoor “Celestial Cinema” screenings under the stars, film premieres, industry panels, and tributes to notable filmmakers and actors. It has become one of the island’s signature cultural events.

Food lovers can look forward to the long-running Kapalua Wine & Food Festival, which showcases culinary excellence and fine wine in a scenic resort setting.

Maui is also home to major sporting events that attract national attention. Each January, the Sentry Tournament of Champions kicks off the PGA TOUR season at the world-renowned Plantation Course at Kapalua, bringing together the top golfers in the sport. For golf enthusiasts, Maui boasts 14 unique golf courses to explore – each offering its own scenic beauty and level of challenge, from resort-style oceanfront courses to cooler upcountry fairways.

In the fall, the Maui Invitational basketball tournament welcomes elite college basketball programs for a nationally televised competition that energizes fans.

For ocean and surf lovers, Maui offers an incredible range of activities that highlight the island’s deep connection to the sea. You’ll find world-class surf breaks at spots like Honolua Bay, Ho‘okipa, and Pe‘ahi (Jaws), along with local surf competitions, outrigger canoe regattas, and open-ocean paddling races throughout the year. Snorkeling enthusiasts can explore vibrant coral reefs and marine life at locations around the island, including the crystal-clear waters of Molokini Crater, a partially submerged volcanic caldera off the south coast. You can also learn to surf at Launiupoko Beach, kayak through the turtle-rich waters of Olowalu, or go fishing for marlin and mahimahi year-round. During the winter months (December through April), humpback whales migrate through Maui’s waters, offering unforgettable opportunities for whale watching.

Maui is also a paradise for hikers and land-based adventurers, with a wide variety of trails and scenic experiences. You can bike down the slopes of Haleakalā at sunrise, hike through the bamboo forests and waterfalls of the Pipiwai Trail in Hana, or explore the lush ‘Īao Valley State Monument in Central Maui. More advanced hikers can take on Waiheʻe Ridge Trail, which rewards with sweeping coastal views, while casual walkers can enjoy coastal boardwalks or beachfront nature paths. No matter your level, Maui’s natural beauty offers endless ways to connect with the ʻāina (land).

For more events and activities on Maui, visit GoHawaii.com/islands/maui.

Maui is located approximately 2,500 miles from the U.S. West Coast. Despite its size, Kahului Airport (OGG) is a well-connected hub, offering direct flights to and from the mainland on several major airlines, including Alaska, American, Delta, Hawaiian, Southwest, and United, as well as international carriers such as Air Canada and WestJet.

Hawaiian Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Mokulele Airlines provide convenient interisland service to the other Hawaiian islands.

Maui’s location in the Pacific also makes it a strategic jumping-off point for travel to destinations around the Pacific Rim, including Asia, Australia, and the broader Oceania region. For those interested in exploring these parts of the world, living on Maui offers a unique advantage in terms of geography and flight access.

Maui is home to two hospitals: Maui Memorial Medical Center (MMMC) in Wailuku and Kula Hospital in upcountry Maui. Both are part of Maui Health, which is affiliated with Kaiser Permanente. Pacific Permanente Group (PPG) contracts with Maui Health to provide care in several specialty areas.

While Maui is a small island, there’s a strong and collaborative medical community, with physicians and advanced practice providers often working closely across specialties. Pacific Permanente Group and Maui Health foster professional development, quality improvement initiatives, and interdisciplinary teamwork.

In 2015, the State of Hawai‘i selected Kaiser Permanente to operate the Maui region hospitals previously managed by Hawaii Health Systems Corporation. This includes Maui Memorial Medical Center (MMMC), Kula Hospital, and their affiliated clinics.