Along the slopes of Haleakala - meaning the House of the Sun - you discover everything from tropical rainforest to desert, and the island's geographic diversity means there is a surprise around every corner.

Mountains melt into central plains, strange lava formations change into rolling meadows and the coast jumps from dramatic sea cliffs to gently sloping sandy coves.

Several sites in the historic whaling town of Lahaina have been restored, including the Old Prison and Seaman's Hospital, but it retains a timeless charm despite its dozens of shops and restaurants and thriving nightlife. The islands main towns of Wailuku and Kahului also offer plenty of choice for shopping on your holidays to Maui and after dark fun too.

The holiday infrastructure is well developed in Maui. The luxurious resorts of Wailea and Makena are in the south while the popular Ka'anapali and Kapalua resorts are in the west, all boasting activities galore. Conditions are perfect for windsurfing (try Ho'okipa beach), snorkelling, surfing or just plain swimming. As most of the island is an untouched wilderness, there is also great hiking, biking or riding through tropical jungles, lava deserts, bamboo forests and picturesque mountain ranges. If you wanted to play some golf on your holidays to Maui there are more than 10 championship courses along the famed 'Golf Coast'.

One of the best ways to see Maui is by car - the winding road along the coast to Hana, past waterfalls and forested mountains, is famous for its breathtaking panoramas.

A top annual attraction is to watch the thousands of Pacific Humpback whales that congregate off the coast during the breeding season from November to April. The chance to get up close to these magnificent creatures is one not to be missed.

Often voted by Conde Nast as the Best Island in the world, it's no wonder it's a personal favourite with the staff at Bon Voyage.

Call Bon Voyage - the experts in planning holidays to Maui.