by Sheree Zielke

Created on: May 06, 2008   Last Updated: April 18, 2011

It's easy to find great activities on an island that has been repeatedly voted Number One by its visitors.

Maui(nicknamed the Valley Isle)is the reigning champ of all islands in the Pacific Rim according to Conde Nast Traveler. The magazine's readers have dubbed the Hawaiian island their number one choice, year after year.

Besides its natural tropical beauty, Maui offers world class golfing, shopping, snorkeling, sailing, scuba diving, surfing, hiking, gorgeous beaches, biking, history (Charles Lindbergh is buried near the tiny town of Hana), luaus, wildlife, a dormant volcano, and one of the most wicked roadways on the planet: the Road to Hana. And in February and March, giant humpbacks and their babies make for some of the best whale-watching in the world.

Maui is the perfect paradise for all ages. Seniors will find all the necessary conveniences, while families with small children will be thrilled with the beautiful parks like Makena State Park, and white sandy beaches like Maui's Kaanapali Beach.

Many tour companies offer assorted options for every level of physicality from day-long sailing ship excursions (try the Trilogy III) to van trips along on the Hana highway. Whale watch trips are easily picked up out of Lahaina.

DRIVING AROUND THE ISLAND:

A rental car really is the best way to get around Maui; all major car rental agencies are located conveniently near the airport. The Hana highway should be high on your list. Take your Dramamine if you get car sick, because the narrow road's twists and turns can make a queasy stomach revolt.

Should you drive the Hana highway yourself, be aware of any restricted areas as dictated by the rental car agencies. Driving the road between Kipahulu and Nu'u will violate your rental car agreement. If you are a nervous driver, leave the driving to someone else, like a tour company. Discover Hawaii Tours offers air-conditioned full day van trips to Hana, with several stops including lunch at an orchid farm before returning.

If you drive to Hana and opt to drive further up the road, you'll find Wailua Falls and Ohe'O Gulch (the site of the Seven Sacred Pools). Charles Lindbergh is buried at an old church near this area. Whatever you do, be sure to get a very early start because it takes at least 8 hours to travel to Hana and back. You don't want to navigate the hairpin curves in the dark.

WATER SPORTS:

Scuba diving and snorkeling fans might hook up with the Lahaina Divers for charters into the waters surrounding Maui like Turtle

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