Maui's sun, sand and surf all add up to excellent opportunities for outdoor recreation. Discover the island's exotic and rugged natural beauty during your Maui resort vacation by hiking the world's largest dormant volcano, finding remote wilderness trails or exploring dramatic waterfalls. Bask on one of the island's more than 80 accessible beaches or enjoy exciting ocean sports in the clear blue coastal waters.

In Wailea and Makena, you can tee off on any of five phenomenal Wailea and Makena golf courses, play a match at the Wailea or Makena tennis clubs, learn how to scuba, go snorkeling, paddle a canoe or sea kayak, sail, watch whales, take a dinner cruise, peruse art galleries, and much more.

Golf. Playing a round of golf in Maui is a vacation in itself. The island is famous the world over for great golf courses that combine beauty, challenge and enjoyment. Among all Maui golf courses, Wailea and Makena resorts top the list.

Tennis. Throughout Maui, tennis reigns as one of the island's most popular activities. You'll find several outstanding facilities, including the Wailea Tennis Club in Wailea Resort and the Makena Tennis Club in Makena Resort. There are several other world-class tennis facilities on Maui, including the Kapalua Tennis Club in Kapalua Resort.

Hiking. If you're interested in seeing Maui's backcountry – complete with virgin waterfalls, remote wilderness trails and quiet, meditative settings – nothing beats exploring the island on foot. Head to the tropical Hana coast or ascend the slopes of Haleakala to behold the timeless beauty of the crater, truly one of the most awesome spectacles in the world.

Biking. Rent a bike and enjoy the scenery on Maui. In addition to cycling around the neighborhood where you're staying, you can do the famous Haleakala downhill ride or the less-famous Skyline mountain bike ride down the other side of the volcano.

Scuba diving. The diving around Maui can be incredible, thanks to clear, placid waters, colorful coral and vivid varieties of tropical fish. Great dive locations include Molokini, Makena Landing, Turtle Town, Cathedrals I and II off Lanai, and 5 Graves/5 Caves. One of the best beginner dive sites on Maui is right off of Ulua Beach – located in front of Wailea Elua Village, one of Destination Resorts Hawaii's properties.

Snorkeling. Maui's clear coastal waters, calm surf, coral and colorful fish make for outrageous snorkeling. Some of the most scenic snorkel locations are La Perouse Bay, Makena, Black Sand Beach, Wailea Beach, Oneloa Beach, Ulua Beach and Molokini.

Windsurfing. Maui offers the world's finest windsurfing, thanks to consistent winds along the shoreline. Beginners find Kanaha Beach a good place to learn. If you'd rather watch the best windsurfers in the world, try the grassy cliffs above Hookipa Beach Park.

Parasailing. Become a human kite, sailing high in the sky while you're attached to a parachute and towed by a long rope. One of the best locations for parasailing is off Lahaina, where you'll get a great view of the town.

Surfing. Several schools offer 2-hour lessons in this ancient Hawaiian sport. If you're a seasoned surfer, Launiupoko State Park, Lahaina Harbor and Honololu Bay all offer good, dependable waves.

Boogie boarding. Have a blast in shallow water and small waves with these 3-foot boards, which are easy to rent anywhere. In South Maui, the best places to catch waves are Kamaole Beach and Wailea Beach.

Boating and sailing. A Maui resort getaway wouldn't be complete without getting out on the ocean. Charter a sail boat, schooner, catamaran or trimaran for a guided sea journey. If you're more adventurous, you might want to rent a Zodiac raft, sea kayak or Hobie Cat.

Whale watching. From December to April every winter, Pacific humpback whales cavort in the waters off Maui. You can see them from shore on the Wailea coastal walk, off Olowalue Reef or overlooking Makena Beach. On sea, you can take a whale-watching cruise out of either Lahaina or Maalea harbor.

Camping. Maui's diverse landscape provides opportunity for equally diverse camping experiences – from the extreme of inside the Haleakala volcano (where the U.S. astronauts trained for the moon) to the peace and serenity of the beach in Hana.

Bird watching. The Kealia Pond wetland in South Maui is home to several species of native birds. This is a great place to bird watch and features a boardwalk trail.

Horseback riding. Saddle up for adventure and fun. Maui features horseback rides that range from a few hours or all day and take you from forest to plains and from lava fields to the inside of a crater.

Helicopter tours. Gain a whole new perspective of Maui by swooping over the island's inaccessible and unspoiled heartland. Circle above Haleakala, the world's largest dormant volcano, to enjoy a bird's-eye view of the crater's lunar-like cinder cones and canyons. Soar over the Hana tropical rainforest, taking plenty of time to gently hover over cascading waterfalls.

Hawaiian luau. Enjoy a traditional evening of live entertainment, hula dancing, Polynesian music and an authentic imu ceremony. Add to this a Luau feast featuring beef, chicken, fresh fish, roast pork and a variety of island favorites.

Sunset dinner cruises. Have an enchanted evening under the stars, watching the sunset and enjoying soft ocean breezes. You'll find several charter companies that offer cruises complete with catered dinner, cocktails and live music.

Neighboring island tours. Make the most of your Maui resort vacation by taking a day tour to one or all of Maui's neighboring islands. Fly into historic Kalaupapa on Molokai and tour a working macadamia nut farm. Visit Oahu and explore Pearl Harbor or relax on famous Waikiki Beach. Take a helicopter to Kauai and discover the breathtaking Na Pali Coast and the colorful Waimea Canyon. On the Big Island of Hawaii, you can experience the awesome spectacle of an active volcano by guided land tour, aircraft or helicopter.

Cultural activities. Maui presents a year-round schedule of cultural events and traditional celebrations, including choral concerts, classical and jazz performances, comedy shows and Polynesian drumming competitions. You might want to visit the Maui Arts and Cultural Center and the Schaefer International Gallery in Kahului, as well as the Hui Noeau Visual Arts Center in Makawao.

Shopping. Maui is a shopper's dream. From the upscale Shops at Wailea and expensive boutiques in Makawao to tourist traps in Lahaina and Kihei, Maui offers something for everyone. The island is also the queen of specialty agricultural products, featuring Kula onions, Kaanapali coffee, world-renowned potato chips and other tasty treats shipped worldwide.

Children / Family Activities

If you're thinking about a Hawaii family vacation, think Maui. This family-friendly destination is a paradise for children, because there's plenty to do: beaches to frolic on, water to splash in, unusual sights to see, and a host of new foods to taste.

Head to the beach. Never underestimate the fun of a day at the beach, where kids can play in the sand and splash in the surf. With 81 of the world's most beautiful and accessible beaches, Maui offers better beach time than just about any other family vacation destination.

Go out on a boat. When you take a Hawaii family getaway, get away to the ocean. Take the kids on a glass-bottom boat, sailing yacht, sport fishing charter, catamaran or ocean ferry. This is the best way to experience the ocean and see the island from a new perspective.

Hike the trails. Hiking into Maui's awe-inspiring interior is another popular family activity, thanks to a selection of easily accessible trails. Discover the Iao Needle, a 1,200-foot spire of volcanic rock. Or hike up the 10,000-foot Haleakala volcano, walk inside the crater or just wander around the park. It's thrilling to walk on the shiny, black-sand beach of Waianapanapa State Park, too.

Experience the Maui Ocean Center. Voted Maui's top-rated family attraction by Zagat Survey U.S. Family Travel Guide, this 5-acre oceanarium in Maalaea lets your family see the fabulous underwater world without having to get wet! The highlight is a walk-through acrylic tunnel in the middle of a 750,000-gallon open-ocean tank, where you'll see rare and spectacular sea creatures that are sure to fascinate kids of all ages.

Take a trip to the park. Drive up to the summit of Haleakala in Haleakala National Park and explore the volcano's crater on foot or on horseback. The children can even earn Junior Ranger badges by participating in activities offered by the National Park Service. Or, drive out to Oheo Gulch at the Kipihulu end of the park. Hike to the waterfalls, swim in the pools and take lots of photos.

Delve into nature. Too much fun to be educational, the Hawaii Nature Center in the beautiful Iao Valley features 30 interactive exhibits and displays relating the story of Hawaiian natural history. This is fun, hands-on way to learn more about Maui's environment.

Hug the Hana Highway. Take your time, stop to smell the ginger, jump in a freshwater pool and watch the clouds float by! This 50-mile wiggle of a road runs along Maui's northeastern shore, past taro patches, magnificent seascapes, waterfall pools, botanical gardens and rainforests and ends at one of Hawaii's most beautiful tropical places – the little village of Hana. Be sure to explore this tiny town, which features the Hana Cultural Center and Museum, Hasegawa General Store, Hana Coast Gallery, Hana Bay and Kauiki Hill.

Let loose in Lahaina. Eat, shop, walk and gawk in this old whaling port. Plunge 100 feet under the sea in a high-tech submarine and meet swarms of tropical fish up close and personal. Marvel at the giant banyan tree, which is 50 feet tall, has 12 major trunks and shades two-thirds of an acre in Courthouse Square. Or, hop aboard the historic Lahaina-Kaanapali Sugar Cane Train – a fun, one-hour ride over the same tracks that used to carry sugarcane to the mill for processing.

Experience the Old Lahaina Luau. Your Hawaii family vacation won't be complete without a luau! After receiving fresh flower lei greetings, you and the kids will watch the unearthing of the roasted pig from a traditional imu and experience a delectable buffet-style feast on the beach. As the sun sets, award-winning entertainers will sing, hula dance and chant. In addition to Lahaina, Maui features several other luaus. The Destination Resorts Hawaii concierge can assist you with making your choice and booking your reservations.

Fly high in a helicopter. Learn about Maui's flora, fauna, history and culture as you and the kids glide through canyons etched with 1,000-foot waterfalls and over dense rainforests. Climb to 10,000 feet and glimpse the summit of Haleakala, fly by the dramatic vistas at Molokai or come face to face with remote sites like Maui's Wall of Tears near the summit of Puu Kukui in the West Maui Mountains.

Treat your teens. Maui can even satisfy the most discriminating teen, thanks to lessons in surfing and windsurfing. Teens also like spending time at “Dig Me Beach” at Kaanapali or Lahaina's Front Street.

Check out lots of other attractions. There's so much to see on Maui, you'll simply have to prioritize. You can visit the Lavender Farm, Surfing Goat Dairy, Kula Botanical Gardens, Maui Tropical Plantation, Ulupalakua Ranch, Grandma's Coffee House, Iao Valley State Park, and more. The list is endless!