Maui is known as the Valley Island because of its two large extinct volcanoes divided by a tropical central valley. Its the second largest of the Hawaiian Islands and the most developed of the Neighbour Islands. Its windsurfing and surf spots are some of the best in the world.

Winter, December to March is high season, largely because of the unappealing weather on the US mainland. Its a bit rainier in winter and a bit hotter in summer, June through August here, but there are no extremes and cooling trade winds modify the heat throughout the year. Winter storms can last for days, which can make this season slightly less appealing than summer, but not by much.

If youre on a tight budget, low season is April to mid December, when accommodation rates are cut by up to 30 percent. Avid divers should come in summer, skilled surfers in winter. Come in September or October for cultural events such as the Aloha Festival. Beware of crowds and high prices around Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year and Easter.

What you can I do on Maui includes watching the sunrise on top the 10,000 foot Haleakala Crater. Spot a humpback whale on a whale watching excursion. Drive up the scenic, 53 mile Hana highway. Snap a picture of striking Iao Needle in Iao Valley. Spend a day browsing the museums, shops, and restaurants of Lahaina

A 750,000 gallon water tank surrounds you, as you walk through an acrylic tunnel, you gape at the manta rays and sharks swimming safely overhead. The Maui Ocean Centre, recently voted Hawaiians top rated family attraction, is just one of the many family friendly treasures youll find on Maui.

Take your kids to the Paper Airplane Museum, where 2,000 models dangle from the ceiling and tin can airplanes adorn the walls. Or take a ride on a genuine 1890s train on the Lahaina.

Perhaps the main appeal of Maui is the way it manages to have a little bit of everything. It is simultaneously an undeveloped jungle and a bustling town. By offering the perfect combination of secluded natural beauty and sophisticated commercial appeal, this little island manages to touch a special place in everyones heart.