Known as the Valley Isle, Maui has exactly what you want in an island vacation, whether that’s beautiful beaches, vibrant snorkeling, lush waterfall hikes, championship golf courses, or world-class surfing. Each part of the over 700-square-mile Hawaiian island offers a slightly different experience: Head to West Maui to stroll the bustling beachfronts of Kapalua Bay Beach, Kaanapali Beach, and Kahana, or peruse farmers’ markets in historic Lahaina or mellow Napili. In South Maui, upscale Wailea is famous for its ocean-view luxury condos and five-star spas, and nearby Kihei is a great central base if you want to explore Haleakalā National Park and the verdant eastern parts of the island. No matter where you stay, be sure to spend some quality time relaxing on the lanai.

Getting There

The easiest way to get to Maui is to fly into Kahului Airport (OGG) on the western side of the island. If you’re arriving from another part of the archipelago, you may fly into one of two additional airports, Hana (HNM) and Kapalua–West Maui (JHM), which are served by inter-island commuter airlines. Rideshares and taxis are available across the island, but a rental car is the best way to get around—especially if you want to drive the famous Road to Hana. Reserve one at Kahului Airport or Kapalua Airport.

Weather

There are essentially two seasons in Maui, but year-round, the temperature stays nice and warm. The summer season, May to October, is a little hotter, with temperatures in the mid-80s. Winters are slightly cooler, with temperatures in the high 70s. August, September, and October are the wettest months, but you can expect passing rain showers throughout the year. The weather can also change depending on where you are on the island, thanks to Maui’s many microclimates. It tends to be drier on the leeward (west) side of the island and colder at higher elevations, so don’t forget to pack warm layers if you plan to visit the summit of Haleakalā.

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It’s worth the effort to reserve a permit to visit the 10,000-foot summit of Haleakalā, a dormant volcano, for sunrise. Once the sun is up, follow some of the park’s well-marked hiking trails through varied terrain, including alpine desert, shrubland, and bamboo forests.

The epic 52-mile Hana Highway winds through some of Maui’s most lush and dramatic scenery. With no stops, the drive takes only about three hours, but take your time: Explore some of the secluded beaches and waterfalls along the route, and be sure to stop at roadside banana bread stands when you get hungry.

On the southeastern side of Haleakalā National Park, ‘Ohe’O Gulch is sometimes called the Seven Sacred Pools, but this natural wonder actually contains more than a dozen pools as well as several waterfalls. The river valley is also just 10 miles outside of Hana, making it an easy addition to a drive along the Road to Hana.

The shores and reefs around Maui offer outstanding snorkeling, but Molokini, a volcanic caldera off Maui’s northwest shore, is the only protected marine sanctuary in the state. Join a boat tour to experience the incredibly clear waters, which are home to more than 200 species of fish, as well as turtles, octopus, and the occasional whale shark.