Maui

Maui isn't as big as the Big Island, nor is it as small as Lanai, as busy as Oahu, or as peaceful as Kauai. Maui is ideal for many Hawaii visitors, as it provides a taste of almost everything the Aloha State has to offer, from breathtaking wildlife to fascinating history and culture. You can shimmy with professional hula dancers, golf along coastal fairways, zip down a zip line, snorkel with five different types of sea turtles, or simply relax on some of Hawaii's most famous beaches during your visit.

Maui, one of the archipelago's most popular tourist destinations, is sandwiched between the Big Island and the much smaller Molokai (which you can learn more about by joining one of the best Maui tours).

Many visitors base themselves along the coasts of South Maui (home to the famous Wailea Beach) or West Maui (home to the sands of Kaanapali Beach and the music of the Old Lahaina Luau), where they can enjoy the sands of Kaanapali Beach and the music of the Old Lahaina Luau). The rest of the island, however, should not be overlooked. Explore East Maui's scenic coastline along the Road to Hana, the world's largest dormant volcano, Haleakala in the Upcountry, and the former tribal battlegrounds of Central Maui's Iao Valley State Park. Reserve a spot on one of Maui's best helicopter tours for a bird's-eye view of it all.

• Best Times to Visit: April through May and September through November
  
• Best Things To Do: hiking Haleakala volcano or flying above it on a helicopter tour, soaking up the sun, snorkeling, ...
  
• Location: Flathead County & Glacier County, Montana, United States