When they learn you're taking your first trip to Maui, get ready for some envious looks. The thought of lying on sun soaked beaches, regularly named "the best" by travel magazines, is enough to make anyone jealous. But once you arrive on Maui, you'll see there's so much more for them to envy. Maui is blessed with a variety of picturesque landscapes. You can snorkel in Kaanapali one day and explore the summit of Haleakala the next. Spend a day driving along the legendary Hana highway then relax the next day by taking a leisurely stroll in Lahaina. There's so much to see and do on Maui it's best to plan ahead. Just remember to send your friends a postcard.

Here's our list of the Top Five Things to do on your first trip to Maui: Visit Iao Valley State Park to see the Iao Needle, a 2,250-ft. rock pinnacle. Browse through Lahaina storefronts and visit the 60-ft. tall Banyan Tree. Take a boat trip to tiny Molokini island for unparalleled diving or snorkel at Black Rock off the Kaanapali coast Take the long, winding road to Hana and see the Seven Sacred Pools. Drive up, up, up to Haleakala National Park and learn about the volcano.

Hawaii's Major Industries: Tourism Sugar Pineapple Cattle Diversified Agriculture Size: Maui is the second largest of the Hawaiian Islands with a land area of 729 square miles. It is 48 miles long and 26 miles across at its widest point. Population: 117,644. Ethnic mix: 36% Caucasian, 23% Japanese, followed by Hawaiian, Chinese and Filipino.

Biggest Towns: Kahului Wailuku Lahaina

Principal Resort Areas: In West Maui the principal resort areas are Ka'anapali and Kapalua; South Maui's prime resorts are Makena and Wailea. Hana, Kihei, Ma'alaea, Napili, Honokowai and Upcountry are also visitor destinations. Highest Peak: Haleakala Volcano (dormant), 10,023 feet. The summit depression is 21 miles across, and 4,000 feet deep, large enough to hold the island of Manhattan. Number of Hotels: Approximately 16, with 10,664 rooms. Number of Vacation Condominiums: Approximately 103, with 7,343 units. Number of Bed And Breakfast Inns: 40

Number of Visitors Annually: Approximately 2.2 million Number of Whales Annually: Approximately 3,000 whales winter in Maui waters. There are only 7,000-8000 humpback whales surviving today. An adult whale is 45 feet long and weighs 40 tons. Baby whales born in Maui waters weigh a mere 2,000 pounds. Most Popular Visitor Attractions: Haleakala National Park, Lahaina Town, 'Iao Valley State Park, Hana and the Maui Ocean Center. Parks: There are 10 state parks, 94 county parks and community centers and one national park, Haleakala National Park. Golf Courses: Maui has seventeen golf courses! Airports: The main airport is in Kahului at the center of Maui. There is also a smaller airport in Kapalua (West Maui), and a commuter airport in Hana. All major airlines offer direct service from the U.S. and Canada to Maui. Fun Facts: Maui has more miles of swimmable beach than any other Hawaiian island. Maui has the largest dormant volcano in the world, Haleakala. Maui has the second highest waterfall in the United States. Maui had the lowest temperature ever recorded in the Hawaiian Islands, 11 degrees in 1961, atop Haleakala.

For more information on Hawaii, or any of the other Hawaiian Islands such as Maui, please contact us by email or call us on the telephone today! (800) 272-2106

~your Innovative Incentives Team