One of the main reasons to fall in love with Maui is undoubtedly its gorgeous beaches. Volumes have been written about Maui beaches and their diversity. From white to black and red sand, from snorkeling to windsurfing and swimming, Maui has over 30 miles of unbelievably beautiful beaches. Maui, known also as “The Valley Isle,” is the second largest Hawaiian island. The island is beloved for its views of migrating humpback whales (during winter months), farm–to–table cuisine and the magnificient sunrise and sunsets.

Maui is the island that receives the most sun in Hawaii, and this is perhaps why it offers some of the most beautiful views of sunrise and sunset in not just the state but the country. Sunrises and sunsets in Maui are gorgeous, and there are many spots around the island to see them.

Hula shows on Maui in their authentic forms are the most powerful expression of indigenous Hawaiian culture that exists. The chants that give reason to the dance and the music are, in essence, the oral history of Hawaii’s native people. On its surface, hula is the storytelling dance of the Hawaiian Islands. The exact origins of the hula are largely unknown as no physical records exist of its creation. The only stories we have to go on are the myths passed down from one generation to another via oral recitation. There are several different variations to the story, but one popular telling begins with the fire goddess Pele fleeing her sister Namakaokaha’i, the goddess of the oceans. When Pele finally finds an island where her sister’s waves can’t reach her, she dances in celebration. And thus, the hula was born.

Maui Ocean Center, The Aquarium of Hawaii is an aquarium and oceanography center located in Maalaea, Hawaii, on the island of Maui. Opened on March 13, 1998, by Coral World International, the 3 acres facility is the largest living tropical reef aquarium in the Western Hemisphere. Named “Top 10 Aquariums in the World” by TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards, Maui Ocean Center is the premier destination to encounter and learn about Hawaii’s marine life. Maui Ocean Center regularly partners with like–minded non–profit organizations. They support marine life rescue operations and coral reef restoration. MOCMI (Maui Ocean Center Marine Institue) operates one of only four land–based coral nurseries in the United States and strives to protect all rare and endemic species of coral in Hawaii. The Institute’s Fishing Line Recycling Program is a community-focused initiative that seeks to prevent marine life entanglements caused by discarded fishing gear.

Lahaina, Hawaii was once the capital of the Kingdom of Hawaii and the heart of the whaling industry worldwide. Later, in the 1830’s, it served as a fort to defend the town. Today, whaling ships have been replaced by pleasure boats and the fort's huge walls and original cannons can still be visited. With its stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and neighboring islands, Lahaina Harbor serves as a focal point for tourism, offering a range of water–based activities such as whale watching, fishing charters, snorkeling tours, and boat excursions.