Maui is best known for its outstandingly diverse geography, perfect for a host of thrilling outdoor activities including hiking and cycling, windsurfing and snorkelling. The enormous Haleakala National Park is breathtakingly beautiful, containing the island's highest mountain, Haleakala, and the dream-like waterfalls and pools at Oheo Gulch, reached via one of the most beautiful roads in the Hawaiian islands, the snaky Hana Highway.
The road to Hana has 600 curves and 54 bridges, one of the world's most scenic drives.
Much of the terrain here is so remote and challenging that flying is the only way to experience the island in all its glory, including the volcano, waterfalls and the huge Hana Rainforest.
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Explore the wild, remote and often beautifully bleak landscapes of Haleakala National Park
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Chill out in the glorious Kula Botanical Park
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Grab a zipline adventure or go snorkelling in the island's jewel-like waters
This place is wild, wild, wild. You can book guided tours to take in the spectacular island sunrise and sunset, and even camp outdoors with the stars wheeling, uncannily enormous and bright, above you.
In the mid 1800s the town of Lahaina was a bustling whaling port. Now it's one of the favourite spots on the island for meeting people, seeing art, dining out, shopping and entertainment.
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In winter the Auau channel is one of the world's primary whale watching spots
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The awe-inspiring Haleakala Crater in Haleakala National Park sits a dizzying 9,000 feet or so above sea level
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Take a romantic sunset cruise off the island's scenic southern coast
You can also visit the Whalers Village Museum to find out about the history of whaling in the area, explore the island's agricultural past at the Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum and follow the Lahaina Historic Trail to find out more about the port's heritage.
Want miles of pristine sandy beaches with more or less nobody else on them? Maui has more than 80 incredible beaches and a total of 120 miles of stunning shoreline.
Maui has a thriving arts scene with regular events and exhibitions at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center and more at the excellent Hui Noeau Visual Arts Center. Plus there's Art Night to enjoy every Friday in Lahaina. You can spot Hawaiian cowboys, AKA Paniolo, in upcountry Maui, and there are all sorts of fascinating live music events around the island. Take a trip to magical Molokini, the perfect place to snorkel and dive, home to the area's gorgeous green sea turtles, whales and dolphins. Go sea fishing if you fancy it – there are plenty of fishing tours available. Or, ideal for thrill-seekers, ride a hired mountain bike down the steeply sloping shoulders of a real volcano... if you're crazy enough!
Wherever you go, you're never far from a zipline. As well as awesome fun it's a great way to find out more about the landscapes, flora and fauna, thanks to one of the island's many friendly, expert guides. Maui isn't known for noisy nightlife, but there's the lovely Mill House at Maui Tropical Plantation, live music at the island's prettiest venue plus extra treats like funky cocktails and outdoor movies. Maui is full of gifted chefs too, many of whom qualify at the excellent Maui Culinary Academy, and the island has a growing reputation for top class cuisine.