Clocking in at 727.2 square miles of lush tropical paradise, Maui is Hawaii’s second largest island and full of fun and culturally enriching Maui attractions that will have you coming back to this beautiful island time and time again. Whether you’re feeling adventurous or just want to relax, Maui is the vacation destination that will fit all of your needs.

In West Maui, most of the attractions are centered around the town of Lahaina, near Kaanapali Beach. Lahaina is known for its shopping and its cultural sites such as Baldwin Home, the Maria Lanakila Church, Banyan Tree and the whaling ship Carthaginian. To the northern edge of Lahaina is the Lahaina Jodo Mission at Puunoa Point, which features the largest Great Buddha statue outside of Japan. A few miles to the north of Lahaina is Whalers Village, a popular open-air shopping center.

West Maui’s North Shore, north of Kaanapali, has beautiful beaches and breathtaking coastlines. Honolua Bay and Mokuleia Bay are not popular Maui attractions, but are the perfect places to snorkel or just unwind. Be sure to check out the famous Nakalele Blowhole from Honokohau’s Boulder Beach by way of hiking to Nakalele Point.

In Central Maui, you’ll find Maui’s largest town, Kahului, a commercial town with many shopping centers and complexes. Wailuku is home to many ancient churches, a museum and antique stores, and is also the gateway to one of the most beautiful destinations in Hawaii, the Iao Valley, where you can view the Iao Needle, a natural rock formation presiding over the Iao Stream.

In South Maui, the Kihei Coast features the Kealia Pond Bird Sanctuary and the Ma’alaea Bay and Beach near the town of Kihei. The world-famous Grand Wailea Resort is located in Wailea near Kihei. South of Wailea has beautiful beaches and Makena, a beautiful location with diverse geology that will amaze you.

In East Maui, you’ll find the Haleakala National Park at Kipahulu and the beautiful crater with a 10,023 foot summit. When water is flowing, the incredible Oheo Gulch Pools spring into action, cascading between 24 pools.

There are many other Maui attractions that haven’t been mentioned. Maui is a beautiful, diverse destination that will reveal new layers to you as you come back again and again.