Maui has long been regarded as THE place to visit if you’re heading to Hawaii. Not that the other islands don’t have their charms, but Maui is the picture mixture of everything you’d ever want in a vacation, or in a life. Nature, as it was meant to be experienced, up close and in peak form, can be found on the Hawaiian island of Maui. The island is a melting pot not only of cultures, but also of new age Hawaiian industry and old school Hawaiian traditions. The food is a delectable sampling of local fare, in both laid back atmospheres and the utmost luxury establishments.

With 120 miles of coastline, you’re never far away from a sandy beach in Maui. With temperatures averaging a balmy 75 to 85 degrees, cooled by soft trade winds, it’s always a perfect beach day. Head over to one of the island’s famous beaches where you can go for a swim or snorkel in the warm waters of the South Pacific. Kaanapali, Wailea, and Napili are the most visited and with good reason. With red, black and white sand, Maui's beaches have consistently been chosen by "Dr. Beach" Stephen Leatherman as ranking among the best beaches in the U.S. These beaches have also been named among his top 40 choices as the "healthiest" beaches in the country, based on water quality, amenities, safety and environmental factors.

You’ll never run out of fun activities in Maui. Drive the road to Hana which takes about a day and en route you’ll see lava cliffs, waterfalls, and plenty of rainforest. At the top of Haleakala, an inactive volcano, you can watch the sunset and see the stars. Take a snorkeling or diving cruise to Molokini Crater where there is world class snorkeling and whale watching. Explore the island by helicopter or hire a fishing charter to take you deep out to sea where the big game is caught. Zipline through the canopy as you see the rainforest like you’ve never dreamed of. Take a surfing lesson so you can at least attempt to ride a wave or stop by the Maui Ocean Center to get up close and personal with some friendly fish. Don’t leave without tasting some authentic cuisine or taking part in a traditional luau!

Maui is home to stunning native flora and fauna; hidden tropical waterfalls; rolling pastureland; steep, rocky cliffs; and some of Hawaii's most stunning sunsets, framing the islands of "Maui Nui" ("Big Maui" or Maui County): Maui, Molokini, Kahoolawe, Lanai and Molokai. Hiking through the bamboo forest and churning waterfalls of Haleakala National Park to driving the scenic road to Hana along the island’s northeastern shore, you’ll be up close and personal with some of the world’s most beautiful natural scenery.