This is the third of four in my original series of Franko Hawaiian dive maps, which also includes Franko's Dive Map of Kauai, Franko's Dive Map of Oahu, and Franko's Dive Map of Hawaii. This one, I think, is the best, probably because the underwater scene is so fantastic in Maui. Diving Maui is an amazing experience whether you are snorkeling in the shallows of Olowalu Bay on a balmy summer day, or if you are scuba diving amongst sharks, manta rays, and a myriad of tropical fishes early on a winter morning at Molokini Island. Maui is a place where you can snorkel during the humpback whale season and hear them singing their magnificent underwater songs as if you are close to them - and you just might be close! Over the sounds of the whales you might hear the clicks of spinner dolphins as they discuss their next aerial twirling leaps out of the water.

Maui provides rich snorkeling experience even right in front of the hotels and condos on the West Shore from Lahaina to Kapalua or South Shores from Kihei to Makena. Just across the street from your condo in Kihei you can wade in at Kamaole Beach Parks I, II, or III and have an immediate encounter with Maui's beautiful underwater life. Or, you can go to seemingly remote spots on the top end of Maui's West Shore and have a snorkeling or scuba experience that is 100% different than the last. The variety in and around Maui's waters is astonishing and could keep you busy for years. And if that is not enough, there are 15 miles of reefs along the northwest side of Lanai, where snorkel tours have endless choices to let their customers take a plunge into crystal waters full of green sea turtles, all kinds of fishes, and the sounds of whales.

Franko's Dive Map of Maui is a beautiful shaded relief map showing the majesty of Maui's vast upcountry and its miles of coastline. The island of Maui rises up out of descending hues of ocean blues like a 700 square mile jewel. The deep and steep valleys of “The Valley Isle” can accurately be seen on the map. Just as accurately, you can follow the roads all around Maui as this map serves as an excellent road map as well. From the airport at Kahului you can follow the roads to all parts of Maui. The road goes eastward to the famous Road to Hana, southward to Kihei, Wailea and Makena, and westward through Maalaea, Lahaina, Kaanapali, Kahana and Kapalua. You can also find your way to the West Maui Mountains and the Iao Valley, or to Maui's awesome Upcountry where classy homes dot the hills around Kula, cowboys hang out at Makawao, and farmers grow lavender and grapes for Maui's winery at Ulupalakua Ranch.

Of course this is still a dive map. Thus there are dozens of dive sites for scuba divers and snorkelers to find and explore. However, I am and ocean lover not restricted in my activity to diving. Well, Maui has its great surfing as well. In fact, there are a few surfing breaks offshore that rival any of Hawaii's great surfing. Oahu, of course, is the king of the surfing world. But Maui's great surfing deserves recognition, and many of my map customers have requested that I include surfing spots. Yes, I also love the surfing in Maui, and thus this map also features over 30 of Maui's most known and notable surf spots.

Side 1:
Franko's Map of Maui, The Valley Isle was begun as a first edition in the year 2000. I later changed the name to Franko's Dive Map of Maui, because I also introduced a map called Franko's Guide Map of Maui. I wanted a clearer distinction between the two, and thus the name change. I remember coming to Maui in 2000 to explore and to ask questions amongst the local experts. I had printed out a prototype Franko Map of Maui and I expected that I could get a lot of editing and help on site. It was a new concept for Hawaii to have Franko Maps. In fact, most of the maps in the world at the time did not show the technical beautiful shaded relief of the mountains, nor did they show dazzling colors as inspired by the island and its environment. In fact, I had never seen a really colorful, beautiful map like this until I created my first “dive map”, which was Franko's Map of Santa Catalina Island. This California island map was followed by Franko's Map of Channel Islands, and then others.

Side 2
Turning to the other side of the map you will find Franko's Map of Maui County, with a beautiful shaded relief map of the islands of Maui, Lanai, Molokai and Kahoolawe. These islands look like emerald jewels against descending hues of turquoise ocean blue on my map. The colors are unbelievable, but so it is true with Maui and her sister islands, Lanai, Molokai and Kahoolawe.