Maui, Hawaii is definitely one of the
best travel destinations in the U.S.

In fact, Maui is likely one of the best travel destinations in the world. Maui is known as the "Valley Isle" and is a tropical paradise. Like the Big Island, it has a wide and varied landscape which includes dense tropical rain forest areas, fertile valleys and a very high mountain peak. Mount Haleakala (10,023 feet high) is the third highest peak in the Hawaiian island chain and is a dormant volcano. Many people enjoy driving up to the top of Haleakala before dawn to watch and photograph the morning sunrise (however, this photographer didn't get up early enough to see the beautiful event since this tropical island vacation was a honeymoon trip for my wife and I!).

This photograph was taken at the Napili Shores resort on Maui
where we stayed. The small hut building shown is called the "Gazebo"
and it serves breakfast and lunch each day. Macadamia nut pancakes
are their specialty, and the view while dining is fantastic.

This photo was also taken at the Napili Shores resort
and shows the island of Molokai in the distance.

The west side of Maui has many grand Hawaiian resorts, including the magnificent Hyatt Hotel. The swimming pool at the Hyatt is huge and is definitely worth seeing if you are in the area. Kaanapali Beach is found here on the west side and so is beautiful Napili Bay. There are a number of gorgeous Hawaii beaches on this side of the island - from Kapalua to the north all the way to Makena near the island's southern tip. And great beaches help make Maui one of the best travel destinations to be found anywhere.

Ocean view on the west side of Maui. A portion of Lanai can
be seen in the distance (right side of photo).

Beautiful valley in the middle of Maui.

There are many things to do in Hawaii during a visit and Maui has more than its share of enjoyable activities to offer. From swimming and snorkeling to windsurfing, parasailing and hiking. Or you can choose to go boating or scuba diving. One very popular activity on Maui is to ride a bicycle down the curvy mountain road of Haleakala. And naturally, there are several world class golf courses available. In the winter months, whale watching tours are very popular. If shopping is your favorite pastime, you can find lots of specialty shops in the old whaling town of Lahaina. Lahaina is especially popular after dark with lots of waterfront restaurants and lighted art galleries and shops. The best travel destinations always offer a multitude of things to do.

Windsurfing is a very popular activity on Maui. This photograph
was taken on the northeast side of the island.

Another view of windsurfers enjoying the northeastern shore of Maui.

On the other side of Haleakala (the east side of Maui) lies the town of Hana. Getting to Hana is no easy matter. The road to Hana is likely the curviest road you will ever see. In fact, it features approximately 600 curves and has 59 bridges to cross (most of them are one-lane bridges). Even though Hana is only about 52 miles from the town of Kahului, the trip takes about 3 hours (one way) due to the narrow twisting road. But it is the trip - not the destination - which makes the road to Hana something special. You will see many tropical waterfalls along the way and lots of lush tropical scenery. You also drive along beautiful island cliffs which drop to the ocean below and make for fantastic picture opportunities - that is, if you can find a place to pull off the road! The road to Hana is truly one of the best travel destinations on Maui.

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One of many small waterfalls seen along the way as you drive the road to Hana. You can swim at the base of several tropical waterfalls - another reason why Maui is one of the best travel destinations to be found anywhere.

Just a short distance beyond the town of Hana is the Seven Pools. This beautiful area features small waterfalls spilling over into seven pool areas as the water descends to the ocean.

Looking down on the Seven Pools from the bridge above.

Taking a helicopter tour over Maui is an exhilarating experience and allows you to see remote parts of the island which would be difficult or impossible to see on the ground. An aerial view of this tropical paradise further enhances Maui's status as one of the best travel destinations in the world.

From the air, you can enjoy tremendous views of
the Maui coastline and the island interior.

Beautiful Hibiscus flower - the State flower of Hawaii. The best travel destinations are also colorful ones.


Click on the hat image below if you are interested in seeing some unique Maui products. T-shirts, hats, mugs, calendars, posters, tote bags and more.

Maui flowers by bbdesignsco Browse more Maui Hats

Please visit more of my Maui pages:

More pictures of Maui

Helicopter flight over Maui

Also, check out my photos of Tahiti:

Tahiti main page

Pictures of Moorea, Tahiti

Pictures of Bora Bora, Tahiti

Pictures of Bora Bora sharks



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