Wailea is Maui’s premiere luxury resort destination that features a wide range of things to do. After a long flight in from the mainland, Wailea offers the perfect ambiance to relax and unwind as you settle in on the island. Known for its five beautiful crescent-shaped beaches with staggering ocean views, Wailea exudes a sense of serenity, freedom, and natural beauty.

A stay at the Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort will offer you the welcoming aloha spirit along with all of the conveniences that you will need to acclimate to the time change - Hawaii Standard Time or 'Island Time'. Begin your day with a stroll along the picturesque Wailea Beach Walk, a coastal path that begins at the Andaz Maui and runs south for 1.6 miles. Take advantage of the daily resort amenities at the Andaz Maui such as guided kayak tours, stand-up paddle board lessons, daily outrigger excursions and use of snorkelling equipment.

You can also venture into town to The Shops at Wailea, which is a destination in itself, featuring world-class restaurants and shops, along with regular entertainment programmes. Wailea is home to events such at the Maui Film Festival, February's Whale Week, as well as award-winning restaurants serving the best of Hawaii Regional Cuisine.

Travel upcountry to Haleakalā National Park for one of the most memorable experiences - seeing the sunrise or sunset at Maui’s famed volcano Haleakalā (almost 10,000 feet above sea level). The landscape at the top of Haleakalā is otherworldly, the dormant volcano’s “crater” is actually a valley carved by erosion. Sunrise at Haleakalā is the most popular time to visit, and for good reason. Witnessing the sun soar from the summit—the orange and red-coloured dawn of a new day set amidst the clouds—is downright astonishing.

If you are not a morning person, skip the crowds at sunrise and book a day-time journey to Haleakalā. Sunsets are just as terrific and the experience of watching the sky change into a kaleidoscope of colour at the top of the world just can't be adequately described in words.

You can also explore the landscape of Haleakalā National Park by foot by hiking on one of the variety of trails, which can provide you with a great workout and a complete National Park Experience. There are dense rainforests, mountainous valleys, arid volcanic landscapes, and at least five separate climate zones, helping it earn its title as one of the most unique national parks in the United States.

With three miles of marvellous soft white sand and crystal clear water, Kāʻanapali Beach is a popular getaway for people all over the world. A stay at the Sheraton Maui Resort and Spa at Kāʻanapali will help you enjoy everything that West Maui has to offer. Relax at the resort’s 142-yard lagoon style pool, participate in Hawaiian cultural activities and rejuvenate at The Spa at Black Rock. At sunset, the resort showcases its iconic cliff dive ceremony, a tradition since it first opened in 1963. A cliff diver lights the torches along the cliff, diving off Black Rock in a reenactment of a feat by Maui’s revered King Kahekili.

While you are at Kāʻanapali, beach activities will be at the top of the list. Take a surfing lesson, head out on a sunset dinner cruise, or book a whale-watching excursion. There are plenty of land activities too. Try zip-lining over the lush green landscapes of Kāʻanapali or head out to the Whalers Village for a truly unique Maui shopping experience.

Make sure to look into the cultural events going on during your stay. Catch a hula show or musical performance, learn Hawaiian lauhala weaving, quilting and lei-making. To learn more about the area’s fascinating past, take the free Kāʻanapali Historical Trail & History and Legends Tour, ride the complimentary Kaanapali Trolley, or visit the Hawai’i Wildlife Discovery Centre. 

Maui’s famed Road to Hana is one of the best drives in the world. Along the east coast of Maui, the Road to Hana is a serpentine route that parallels one of the most spectacular coastlines. It consists of waterfalls galore, plunging freshwater pools, tropical rainforests, and radical seascapes. The beaches consist of black sand, red sand, white sand, and even grey.

If you choose to embark on a journey on the Road to Hana, your first decision will be to rent a car (and drive yourself to Hana) or to book an organised tour. Both have advantages depending on the amount of time that you have and your personal travel goals. There are 1/2 day, full day, and 2 day tour options, depending on the amount of stops that you make.

Planning is key for a successful journey on the Road to Hana, an experience you will never forget. Before you jump in the car, be sure to pack appropriately (hiking gear, bathing suits, and sunscreen), download a map, and create a list of all the stops you want to make for an epic trip of a lifetime.