Lovely Maui

Maui is the second-largest island in the Hawaiian archipelago. It is known for its beaches, surfing, lovely scenery, and great climate. Maui is located west of the Big Island with the Alenuihaha Channel separating the two islands and about 68 miles from Oahu. This has become the most visited island in Hawaii.

Haleakala National Park is located on the slope of the inactive Haleakala Volcano. Visitors get a look into the dormant crater and from the summit get fantastic views over Maui. 

Among the highlights within this park, are the Pools of Oheo'o. These are idyllic freshwater pools which are fed by the waterfalls from the Ohe'o Valley. 

Two of the loveliest waterfalls are the Makahika and the Waimoku. 

If you are a bird lover, take the trail at Hosmer Grove where some of the original species of Hawaiian birds can be seen.

The remote village of Hana is one of the least populated districts in all of Hawaii. There are lush fields and gardens. 

The Hana Road that takes you to the village starts in the town of Pa'ia. It stretches through a rainforest with waterfalls and follows the curving coastline. 

The Maui Ocean Center has a collection of Hawaiian reef fish, corals, green turtles, and stingrays. The fish have their home in a series of well-designed aquariums. Among the highlights is the Living Reef with over 40 species of coral native to Hawaii. The Ma'alaea Bay feeds the reef with water and is home to different fish that thrive in the reef environment.

The Open Ocean Tanks is another highlight with a 750,000-gallon tank featuring 53-foot acrylic tunnels letting visitors see sharks, rays, and other fish up close.

At the Turtle Lagoon, you can learn about native green sea turtles.

The Iao Valley State Monument is located west of Wailuku. From the parking area, several paths lead to the beautiful valley. 

You'll find the Iao Needle in the middle of the valley. This is a pointed lump of basalt, rising 2,215 feet above sea level. It is assumed that this unique overgrown rock was used as an altar in prehistoric times. 

On the left-hand side of the path to the needle is Pali Ele'ete, a dark, black cliff.

The finest beach in Maui is the three-mile-long Kaanapali Beach. It is located in western Maui and part of the town of Lahaina. One of the most popular things to do here is to watch the daily cliff-diving ceremony from Black Rock, which is traditionally known as Pun Kekaa. Some of the best hotels and resorts can be found here. The area offers a variety of restaurants, lots of shopping, world-class golf, and a zipline course.

Whalers Village is an open-air shopping center with a variety of stores and dining options.

Waianapanapa State Park is in a remote area on the Hana Coast. There are beaches, a rugged coastline, hiking, camping facilities, and lodging options.

You'll enjoy the black lava beach at Paiola Bay.

There are many hiking trails to choose from like the Ke Ala Loa O'Maui/Piilani Trail with fantastic views of Haleakala and the Hana Coast. Among the other highlights are natural stone formations, blow holes, caves, and heiau, an old temple.

The coastal area of Wailea in southern Maui is a top tourist destination and resort area. There are five lovely beaches among which Polo Beach is popular with swimmers and snorkelers. A top attraction is the Shops at Wailea, which is a shopping, dining, and entertainment complex.