Maui has been consistently chosen as the best island in the world because there are so many things to do. You'll never be able to do them all in just one visit so here are some starters inspired by the Maui Visitors Bureau.

1. Attend a Luau The Wailea Beach Marriott Resort & Spa offers the beachside Te Au Moana Luau, and the Grand Wailea Resort presents the spectacular Honua'ula Luau, both featuring ono (delicious) Hawaiian foods such as kalua pig, cooked in an earthen oven (ipu), poi (taro) and haupia (coconut pudding), along with a buffet of more familiar foods. Experience Hawaiian music, a story of Maui told through hula, and even fire dancing. Want to know how to say something in Hawaiian? Try this link.

2. Bike It is possible to bicycle from the Southern side of Maui at the Wailea Resort to Kapalua on the northwest end while enjoying a spectacular shoreline road. There are guided downhill bicycle tours down Haleakala, through the flower farms and small towns of Upcountry to the beach at Paia. In 38 miles, the elevation drops 10,000 feet. Bicycle rentals are available all over the island.

3. Dine Maui is Hawaii's dining epicenter, and Wailea restaurants have many of the best known chefs in the islands. From lavish hotel dining rooms to lunch counters serving plate lunches, Maui's eateries are sure to please. The multi-cultural island features Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese, Italian and Mexican among the specialty restaurants. The pride of Maui, Hawaii Regional Cuisine, is served at many award-winning restaurants using fresh local produce from the local Upcountry farmers.

	4. Dive Maui has some of the finest dive spots in Hawaii, with many shoredive locations on the south side. There are two marine conservation areas, one at Honolua Bay on West Maui and the other at Molokini, a partially submerged volcanic crater offshore at Wailea. Reputable operators located at Lahaina and Maalaea harbors offer a number of dive and snorkel excursions.
Photo: Bud Pikrone

5. Drive One of the world's most scenic drives is the Hana Highway - with 54 bridges in 56 miles along a winding lava shore, through old plantation towns, past miles of beaches and through towering forests to the pools of Oheo Gulch in Hana. A drive to the summit of Haleakala is also a must. Haleakala crater appears like the surface of an alien planet and the views of Maui from the summit are amazing. Go for sunrise or early in the morning to experience the best views. Be sure to bring a jacket as it can get very cool up at 10,000 feet, even on Maui.

6. Hike The rainforests of Maui echo with the songs of birds found nowhere else on the planet. Hike a trail to waterfalls with plunge pools for swimming, or into valleys so deep they never see a sunrise or a sunset. There are trails into the dramatic lunar landscape of Haleakala crater. There are trails and nature walks for every level of skill. Take a look at the Maui Hiking Map for hikes offered through Maui's Department of Land and Natural Resources.

7. Shop Maui abounds in art galleries, international shops, designer boutiques and shopping malls, with some of the best found right here in Wailea. Many carry specialty items and Maui products unique to Hawai'i, such as hand-turned bowls and carvings of beautiful native woods; woven lau hala hats; hand painted resort fashions; jewelry, glass work, and colorful island art. The old whaling town of Lahaina is a shopper's paradise. There is also a weekly swap meet in Kahului and numerous other craft fairs and farmer's markets across the island.

8. Sightsee Visit nostalgic plantation towns, tour the historic preservation district of Lahaina and see the biggest Buddha outside of Asia, stop at old Hawaiian churches, or visit a museum dedicated to Maui's whaling history. Visit the Maui Ocean Center aquarium and discover the wonders of the surrounding Hawaiian waters as schools of fish swim around you while you walk through a clear tunnel; or marvel at the beauty of Īao Needle and the West Maui Mountains. Drive to the paniolo (cowboy) town of Makawao, or under the canopy of giant redwood trees in Olinda. The choices are endless.

9. Swim and Snorkel Take advantage of the more than 80 beaches on Maui and 120 miles of coastline. The beaches come in sands of gold, black, green, red and pure, shimmering white. Grab a snorkel and mask and swim with the many species of fish. The beaches of Wailea offer easy access and ideal spots for exploring ocean life. From Kapalua to the north, Ka'anapali Beach (near Black Rock), all the way south to Makena there are many opportunities offering ideal conditions for snorkeling, especially early in the morning. Many hotels rent snorkel gear, or you can rent it from one of the many dive shops around the island.

10. Watch Whales From November through April, Maui welcomes the humpback whales - Hawaii's largest seasonal visitors. They come to Hawaii to mate and give birth. Maui's south and west coastlines provide abundant opportunities for watching this endangered species, and various companies offer whale watching excursions aboard both power and sail boats. More...
	Photo:Terry Hunt

If you want to know more about what Maui has to offer visit the Maui Visitor Bureau.