Mark Twain went to Maui in the 1800's and wrote the following: "I went to Maui to stay a week and remained five. I never spent so pleasant a month before or bade any place goodbye so regretfully. I have not once thought of business or care or human toil or trouble or sorrow or weariness ... and the memory of it will remain with me forever."

One hundred and thirty six years later, Maui still has that effect on visitors . it is still hard to say goodbye and the memories remain forever. Year after year the readers of Conde Nast Traveler Magazine vote Maui the "World's Best Island". Officially nicknamed the Valley Isle, it could also be called the Magic Isle because it seems there is more magic and romance on this island than any other. Actually the origins of Maui's reputation goes back to the mists of time when Maui, the demigod, felt his people's days were too short because the sun flew so fast across the sky. So he hid in the crater of the highest mountain and lassoed the sun and made it promise it would travel more slowly over Maui. To this day the sun is said to make its home in Mt. Haleakala, referred to as The House of the Sun.

It is an island of different climate zones, culture and geography. There are the rolling hills and cool breezes of Upcountry Maui where you can tour a winery and visit the charming town of Makawao; the thrill of driving up to Haleakala in total darkness with a universe of stars overhead you feel you can almost touch, then watching the sun rise over the opposite rim of the crater; or the unforgettable road to Hana with its 52 bridges and scenery that will simply take your breath away, from waterfalls to African Tulip trees and bamboo forests.

Then there is the lushness of Iao Valley State Park with its wild rushing stream and the unusual Needle formation, hiking trails back into the valleys and the site of the final battle between King Kamehameha and the warriors of Maui. Not be missed is Lahaina, former capital of Hawaii and whaling center of the Pacific. There are also beautiful beaches including Jaws, famous in the surfing world, friendly people, clear skies and the best place to see Humpback Whales from November until April, along with Dolphins and giant sea turtles all year round. All on one island – the mystical, magical Maui.