| The island of Maui was created by two volcanoes, | | | | With 56 one lane bridges and over 617 hairpin |
| one of which formed the western third of the | | | | turns, the road to Hana is not for the faint of |
| island and Haleakala, the 10,020 feet tall volcano | | | | heart, but this drive through the rainforest on the |
| which formed the eastern two-thirds of the island. | | | | northern coast is a must do. For those who would |
| Known as the Valley Isle because of the central | | | | rather leave the driving to someone else, several |
| valley which is the area where the two volcanoes | | | | tour operators offer tours in air-conditioned motor |
| connect, Maui supports a wide variety of climates | | | | coaches. For those that prefer shopping and |
| and provides a varied environment to explore. | | | | indoor activities, opportunities abound as well. The |
| From pristine beaches, to the moonscape-like | | | | areas along the west coast are more developed |
| crater of Haleakala, tropical rainforests, to bustling | | | | with numerous Maui vacation condos which |
| shopping areas, Maui has something for everyone. | | | | provide opportunities for shopping, dining, and night |
| One experience not to be missed is the sunrise | | | | life. The historic whaling town of Lahaina has |
| from the summit of Haleakala. If you are arriving | | | | hundreds of shops, restaurants, and museums |
| from the U.S. mainland, do this early in your visit | | | | which provide endless opportunities to purchase |
| to Maui because getting up at 2:30am is much | | | | gifts or the perfect souvenir. |
| easier while your body is still on mainland time. | | | | Following Haleakala's last eruption in 1788, La |
| Water activities abound on Maui. | | | | Perouse, a French explorer, discovered La |
| With crystal clear water and coral reefs close to | | | | Perouse Bay. Although the settlement of |
| shore with easy beach access, Maui is one of the | | | | Keoneoio was destroyed by the eruption, a few |
| premier snorkeling sites in the world. The best | | | | parts of the village are still intact. The atmosphere |
| sites can get rather busy as the day progresses, | | | | of the area is eerie and exciting. For a perfect |
| so arrive early for a less crowded experience. | | | | family outing visit Ulua/Mokapu Beach, boasting of |
| Nearby Molokini is a frequent snorkeling destination | | | | ideal snorkeling conditions. Nature lovers can go |
| for excursions on guided snorkeling tours. Sunset | | | | snorkeling with green turtles at Turtle Town, while |
| cocktail or dinner cruises, deep sea fishing trips, | | | | the Wailea condo crowd can treat themselves to |
| and whale watching cruises (in the winter when | | | | a shopping paradise at the Wailea Shopping Village. |
| whales are present) are all great ways to enjoy | | | | Home to three world-class golf courses, the Gold |
| the aquatic environment that surrounds Maui. For | | | | Course, Emerald Course and Blue Course, Wailea |
| those interested in outdoor experiences, there are | | | | is also a paradise for golf enthusiasts. Important |
| miles of hiking trails on the island. Maui boasts | | | | events on the calendar include Taste of Hawaii: |
| some of the worlds most beautiful waterfalls but | | | | The Ultimate Sunday Brunch and Traditional Mochi |
| most of them are visible only from the air so | | | | Pounding for the New Year. |
| don't miss out on a helicopter tour of the island. | | | | |