Maui weaves a spell over the more than 2 million people who visit its shores each year.

The island was formed by two volcanos that erupted long ago: the extinct 5,788-ft Pu'u Kukui and the dormant 10,023-ft Haleakala. Maui's volcanic history gives it much of its beauty. The roads around the island are lined with rich red soil, Central Maui is still carpeted with grassy green, and the deep blue of ocean and sky mingles with the red and green of Maui's topography.

With its wonderful beaches, glorious sunsets, and (in winter) leaping humpback whales, leeward Maui is justifiably one of the top beach-vacation spots in the world. But there's more to the story. Don't miss the curious history of Lahaina, the towns and ranches Upcountry, and the dramatic rain-forest drive to Hana.