The favorite island of many Hawaii visitors, Maui attracts legions of fans for its gorgeous beaches and varied terrain. A Maui vacation offers the chance to explore some of the most beautiful coastline not only in the Pacific but in the entire world. Those embarking on a Maui beach vacation will find 81 beaches and a coastline spanning 120 miles, with popular activities including windsurfing, snorkeling and surfing.
A Maui family vacation can include a host of kid-friendly diversions, from the nation’s largest tropical reef aquarium at the Maui Ocean Center to a scenic steam-train ride on the historic Lahaina Kaanapali Railroad. A Maui travel itinerary should definitely include watching the sunrise from atop the largest dormant volcano in the world, Haleakala, with a crater that’s roughly the size of Manhattan. Those who travel to Maui during the winter months get the chance to witness the migration of about 3,000 Humpback whales, who live off the island’s shores from January to March. Another popular activity in Maui is driving the 53-mile Hana highway (beware the hair-pin turns), which winds its way through lush, waterfall-filled scenery.
Many airlines fly directly to Maui, which is also a stopover on some flights. There is ferry service to Lanai and Molokai. Car rentals are readily available and recommended for a thorough exploration of the island. The average winter temperature in Maui is 71°F, while the average summer temperature is 79°F. Wet season is November to April. For more information on a vacation in Maui, log on to www.gohawaii.com, the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau’s website.