Situated on Maui's western shore, Kihei has grown exponentially over the years and now offers an impressive selection of hotels and restaurants, catering to visitors who flock to dive, swim and sun themselves on Maui's fine white sand beaches. Home to the Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, Kihei is an excellent place to spot the vast mammals. Head out on a boat charter, eco-tour, rafting trip or fairway, or rent a car and drive the coastline or to volcanoes Haleakala and Puu Kukui.

Once a mere pineapple patch, the red-dirt island of Lanai is an oasis of calm. Reaching the island is difficult - no direct flights from the mainland - but once you arrive, the tropical surroundings are the ideal backdrop for snorkeling and scuba diving, swimming in Hulopoe Bay (a marine preserve), whale watching, horseback riding, golfing, hiking, four-wheeling and exploring the red spires of the Garden of the Gods. The 1920s-era town is small but quaint, and the locals go out of their way to be friendly.

The Hawaiian island of Maui is a destination for true nature lovers. The ethereal bamboo forest and churning waterfalls in Haleakala National Park can be explored via the Waimoku Falls Trail. Stretch out on warm, golden sands or hit the surf for an unforgettable windsurfing or snorkeling session. Driving the scenic road to Hana along the island’s northeastern shore will be among the most spectacular journeys of your life. Time stands still at the Hawaiian village of Keanae, definitely worth a visit.

Isolated from the rest of Maui by a 52-mile winding drive through coastal rainforest, Hana is an unspoiled beauty dangling from the island's northeastern tip. Untamed Kahanu Garden contains the world's biggest collection of breadfruit and a lava-rock structure believed to be the largest ancient place of worship in Polynesia. Soak up the tropical splendor on beaches with red or black sand. Winter and spring bring humpback whales, visible from Hana Beach County Park.