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Many people think of Hawai’i as heaven on earth. Gorgeous setting, perfect clime, laid back atmosphere… If that isn’t a slice of paradise right there, what is? The state is an archipelago composed of eight main islands. Off the top of your head, you can probably name Oahu and Maui as two of these, with Oahu being the location of the state’s capital and Maui being popular for its mega resorts. Kaua’i has also gained much recognition over the years. It may not be as frequented as the other islands, but there are also plenty of things to do in Kaua’i.

First time travelers who want to make the most of their Hawaiian holiday are best off exploring Maui. While Honolulu and its famous beach neighborhood of Waikiki are the common destinations for the usual tourist, Maui has just as much to offer anyone seeking leisure, adventure, or both.

Have you been saving away for such a trip? It’s definitely not cheap to travel to the Aloha state, so you have to make sure that you get to experience and enjoy the place to the fullest. There are direct flights to the Kahului Airport from the mainland, which means that you can skip Oahu or the Big Island altogether if you mean to concentrate on The Valley Isle.

If you’re wondering what the must-dos in your much-awaited trip are, here are some of the most popular things to do in Maui:

1. Water sports. Do you surf? If not, then Maui’s the very place to learn. You can ride the waves to your heart’s content, even just bodyboarding or skim boarding. Want to explore underwater? There are lots of snorkeling and dive sites. Do you want to try something truly exhilarating? How about kiteboarding or windsurfing? If you’re not quite the adrenaline junkie, you can stick to swimming or kayaking.

2. Breathtaking hikes. Are you in the mood to commune with the mountains (or dormant volcanoes) and the trees, experience a trek that will overwhelm your sight with the grandeur of nature? If so, then head on to the Iao Valley State Park or the Haleakala National Park.

3. Road trip. Have you heard of the famous Road to Hana?

idee viaggio cannot go to Maui and not experience traveling on this historic highway. To miss it would just be a crying shame. It’s a series of visual delights from Kahului all the way to the Seven Sacred Pools in Hana. You can see the ocean in a multitude of perspectives, waterfalls, and various other attractions.

4. Food trip. While a luau is a must, there are many other gastronomic experiences that you cannot miss. Where else can you get shave ice? It’s snow cone taken to whole other levels? How about a Spam musubi? This is the processed food version of a maki or a sushi. You also have to try the Hawaiian sweet bread, another food curiosity. This one knocks off the "wonder" in Wonderbread and takes its throne.