Howstuffworks "Maui Overview "

A veritable sampler of all the other Hawaiian islands, Maui has just about everything you might want on a tropical vacation—beaches, volcanic mountains, world-class cuisine, a variety of accommodations and, of course, plenty of that old-Hawaii charm.

The Valley Isle boasts some of the finest stretches of sand not just in Hawaii, but the world. Kaanapali Beach offers four pristine miles of golden sand. But you'll also have to check out the exotic red volcanic sand at Red Sand Beach and the black sand at Wai'anapanapa State Park. The clear aquamarine waters are ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving. The crescent-shaped Molokini crater is a short catamaran ride away, but you barely have to leave the Sheraton Black Rock to see all kinds of tropical fish.

And if you want to see a volcano—don't worry, this one is dormant—trek to Haleakala. It's legendary for breath-taking sunrise views and scenic downhill bicycle rides, but the secret is that Haleakala is even more impressive at sunset.

Maui is no slouch on the culinary scene. Half a dozen of Hawaii's top chefs have signature restaurants here—fusion master Roy Yamaguchi has two locations of his Roy's restaurants on Maui—serving up inventive dishes incorporating the area's excellent local seafood and produce. One spot that melds both flavorfully is the ever-popular Mama's Fish House in Paia.

Island nightlife also revolves around food, as luaus are the best place to try authentic food as well as see some fire dancing and hula performances. If that's too kitschy for your taste, check out a cliff-diving ceremony at Sheraton Maui or kick off your shoes and head to many of the barefoot bars along the beach.

If you're in search of that old-Hawaii style, just get off the beaten path. The tortuous but beautiful road to Hana gets more popular every year, but a paucity of hotels means people don't stay there for long (instead they head to luxe resorts and family-friendly condos in West Maui and South Maui). One area that's still largely untouched by condo development is Upcountry Maui (on the way to Haleakala), a place where you can pick fruit right off the trees and shop for the rest of your dinner at a charming general store.

Of course, Maui also suffers from the problems besetting other Hawaiian isles. Traffic is notorious, especially in the center of the island, where the airport and the two biggest cities are located. And parts of Maui are extremely touristy, with cruise ships belching thousands of passengers directly into the tacky T-shirt shops in Kihei and Lahaina. But pick your spots and you can minimize the downsides and find your piece of tropical paradise in Maui.

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