Maui

Maui is Hawaii's second-largest island and arguably its most diverse - a place where you can watch the sunrise from a 10,000-foot volcanic summit, drive a winding road past waterfalls and tropical gardens, and snorkel with sea turtles in crystal-clear waters, all in a single day.

Haleakalā National Park dominates the island, with its otherworldly summit crater offering one of the world's most spectacular sunrises. The Road to Hana winds along 620 curves and past 59 bridges through lush rainforest, waterfalls, and bamboo groves. West Maui's resort areas of Ka'anapali and Wailea offer world-class beaches, golf courses, and luxury resorts.

Maui's food scene blends Hawaiian tradition with farm-to-table innovation. Fresh poke, plate lunches, shave ice, and farm-fresh tropical fruits are daily pleasures. Whale watching season (December to April) brings thousands of humpback whales to the warm waters between Maui and Lanai.

Maui is wonderful year-round, but the best time to visit is shoulder seasons - April to May and September to November - for great weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices.

Winter (December to March) is peak season with whale watching, higher surf on the north shore, and slightly cooler temperatures. It's also the wettest season, especially on the windward (east) side. Summer (June to August) is dry and warm with the calmest ocean conditions for snorkeling.

Shoulder seasons offer the best of both worlds: warm weather (24-29°C), moderate crowds, and reasonable hotel rates.