Introduction to Maui

Maui, called the Valley Isle, may be just a small dot in the vast Pacific Ocean, but it offers myriad experiences. Float weightless through rainbows of tropical fish, stand atop a 10,000-foot volcano and watch the sunrise paint the sky, or wander back in time to the days when whalers and missionaries fought for the soul of Lahaina. The ""real"" Hawaii exists, for sure, from the heart-pounding hike to the volcano summit of Mount Haleakala, to lazing on the sandy beaches. 

Things to Do
Don mask, fins, and snorkel the underwater wonderlands of exotic coral and tropical fish in Molokini. World-championship windsurfing contests are held at Hookipa, on the north shore, where top-ranked competitors twirl and dance on the waves. Inland, the Enchanting Floral Gardens at Kula invite fragrant strolls. A drive along the twisty Hana Highway takes you through a verdant rain forest for a glimpse of untouched Maui. Back along the shore, sun and swim at Kapalua Beach or Wailea Beach.
Shopping
Maui is home to many resident artists who show their works in dozens of galleries and countless gift shops across the island. The island proffers an agricultural cornucopia of speciality products that includes Kaanapali coffee. For souvenirs, prowl the touristy boutiques in Lahaina and Kihei, or visit the Shops at Wailea for designers such as Louis Vuitton and Tiffany. Hawaiian treasures and trinkets abound on Main and Market streets in Wailuku.
Nightlife and Entertainment
Nightlife in Maui begins at sunset, when all eyes turn westward for astonishing views of the sun dipping into the water, especially the panoramic vistas in Kaanapali and West Maui. Later, revelers head to upbeat bars in Makawao and Lahaina for mai tais and margaritas. The live music scene is fertile, with bars and clubs hosting reggae, jazz, and Hawaiian slack-key bands in Kapalua and in Makawao.
Restaurants and Dining
Maui's star chefs create menus with a dazzling culinary stew of local ingredients and fresh fish like succulent ahi and Kona lobster. You can dine well at Lahaina's open-air waterfront establishments, where the view comprises half of the experience. Splurge on a juicy filet mignon at a bistro at the Haiku Cannery Marketplace or Vietnamese in Wailuku. Upcountry, hunt down the low-key or ethnic spots in Makawao for banana and guava breads or fresh pineapple. Don't miss a traditional luau (open-air feast) on the beach.