Maui fans have a saying: "Maui No Ka Oi." It means Maui is the best—and many visitors would agree. Maui is the most popular neighbor island, drawing visitors back again and again to its sunny shores. Maui has a magical energy that can nudge devout sunbathers right off the beach. People get inspired to do things they might not do otherwise—like arising before dawn in order to catch sunrise over 10,000 foot Haleakala Crater, the "House of the Sun."

Maui is a lot of fun—from watching for humpback whales in winter to exploring old plantation towns and discovering special sights, sports and activities. Maui golf courses are celebrated in televised tournaments every year, and its waters are enjoyed daily by sailors, snorkelers and sunset cruises.

The Maui landscape is dominated by massive Haleakala on one side and the majestic West Maui Mountains on the other side of a broad valley planted with sugar cane and pineapple.

The breezy North Shore is one of the world's prime expert windsurfing areas. Lahaina, a national historic landmark and whalers' haunt of bygone days, features restaurants, nightlife and shops amid restored structures along the waterfront. The curvy road to remote Hana winds by taro patches, magnificent seascapes, waterfalls, botanical gardens and verdant forests.

Upcountry on the shoulder of Haleakala, the air turns cooler, and the scenery transforms from tropical to upland ranch and flower farms. Resort areas are clustered on western and southern shores—from the north, Kapalua, Ka`anapali, Kihei, Wailea and Makena. Lodgings range from very luxurious to moderate.

Courtesy of Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau