by Cecelia Lawson

Created on: July 20, 2008   Last Updated: April 18, 2011

Maui is the perfect place for a tropical getaway, and if you make your trip during the high tourism season (between December and January) you'll be sure to get the best of the weather and the special vacation packages. Though Maui's stunning beaches, awesome shopping, gourmet dining, and epic sunsets provide more than enough excitement for some travelers, Maui, which has a much less touristy' feel than its neighboring islands, is the perfect place for outgoing travelers to explore and have some real adventures. It's easy to spend your vacation in tourist traps and famous landmarks, but if you're looking to have a real adventure and take advantage of everything Maui has to offer, here are the top three can't-miss excursions for your vacation in Maui:

The Road to Hana:

A trip from Kahilui to the town of Hana in east Maui is an absolute must for anyone who can handle three hours in a car on Maui's roughest road. The 68-mile drive will take you over 59 tiny bridges, around 620 winding turns, and deep into the heart of Maui's dense tropical rainforest. Even if you turn back before making it all the way to Hana, the road will take you past countless scenic beaches and numerous national parks where you can stop to stretch your legs and explore the vibrant depths of the forest. The long and winding road will take you to black sand beaches, gorgeous waterfalls, and crustacean-filled tide-pools, so bring a camera, a swimsuit, and some snacks so you can spend the day both on the road and off the beaten path.

Haleakala National Park:

Commanding the skyline of Maui is Haleakala, a massive active volcano that comprises more than 75% of Maui. The National park has two main hiking trails that lead into the crater, and both afford views of rock formations and wildlife that will spark the excitement of any traveler. If you're trying to get away from the beach for a day and try something new, you can be sure that walking around Haleakala is a surreal and unique experience. As an added bonus, if you find yourself in need of a break from the tropical heat and humidity, the temperature at the peak usually hovers between 60 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit, so it's a great place to cool off.

Whale watching:

Something incredibly unique about taking a vacation on any island is that you can spend great portions of your trip on the water, while still returning to the comfort and convenience of land-based accommodations to eat and sleep. Maui affords countless swimming, boating, snorkeling, scuba

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