Maui

Maui is not quite as big as the Big Island, Lanai is not nearly as small, Oahu is not nearly as busy, and Kauai is not nearly as quiet. For many visitors to Hawaii, Maui is the ideal destination since it gives them a taste of almost everything the Aloha State has to offer, from amazing wildlife to fascinating history and culture. You may shimmy with professional hula dancers here, play golf on coastal fairways, zip line into the air, snorkel with five distinct species of sea turtles, or just relax on some of Hawaii's most famous beaches.

Maui, one of the most visited destinations in the archipelago, is situated between the Big Island and the considerably smaller Molokai (which you can explore by signing up for one of the best Maui tours). The island of Maui is separated into five main zones. Many visitors establish themselves on the West or South Maui coasts, which are home to Kaanapali Beach and the Old Lahaina Luau, respectively, and the renowned Wailea Beach. But it's important to visit the rest of the island as well. Explore Haleakala, the biggest dormant volcano in the world, in the Upcountry, as well as the former tribal battlegrounds of Central Maui's Iao Valley State Park as you travel along the Road to Hana.

April through May and September through November are the ideal months to travel to Maui. While summer and winter are more expensive and crowded, the shoulder seasons of spring and fall offer Hawaii visitors the lovely weather they are looking for. However, if you enjoy surfing, you should go during the winter for the best conditions. Just make your reservations as early as possible to get a good deal. Spend more money on summer vacation if you're traveling with children because that's when the waters are the calmest.

Even though there are alternative possibilities, you should certainly try to sample as much of the local cuisine as you can when visiting a place like this. Like the rest of America, Maui supports the local food movement; here, dishes are piled high with just-caught fish and locally grown veggies. You should avoid resort-heavy areas and instead travel to towns like Lahaina, Kihei, and Paia, which are home to well-known eateries like Paia Fish Market, Mama's Fish House, Merriman, Star Noodle, Lahaina Grill, and Nalu's. More neighborhood mom-and-pop restaurants can be found the further away you go from Maui's resorts. These neighborhood eateries offer regional specialties including barbecued pork in banana leaves, poi (taro root powder), and haupia, a rich coconut custard. If you're unsure of where to begin your culinary journey, ask some locals for suggestions or book a spot on one of the top Maui tours.

Location: in northwest Maui, between Kapalua and Honokowai.

Ranking:

• #1 in Best Beaches in the U.S.
• #1 in Best Places to Visit in November
• #2 in Best Hawaiian Islands
• #3 in World's Best Places to Visit
• #4 in Best Places to Visit in the USA
• #4 in Best Family Beach Vacations in the U.S.
• #5 in Best Honeymoon Destinations
• #7 in Best Adventure Vacations in the U.S.