You may have noticed in your People magazine that many of the stars head to Maui, Hawaii for a quick getaway. Or maybe you remember that some of your friends used to go there with their families when you were younger. Or maybe you remember your college friends going there for spring break or a graduation celebration. In Hawaii there are 6 main islands and several small ones to choose from for a vacation. Why do so many love Maui and return year after year? What’s so special about a Maui vacation?

Maui is located two islands southeast of Oahu. Oahu is where the state capital and Pearl Harbor meet. Both Maui and Oahu have major airports that allow you to fly there from the continental United States, so both are fairly accessible. Maui is about the same size as Oahu. Depending on which side of the island you are on, you will see amazing sunrises and beautiful sunsets over the crystal blue ocean water. Maui is most famous for its incredible beaches. People come from all over the world to expose themselves to these highly ranked beaches. Some are public and others are exclusive but all are spectacular. When it comes to scenery, beaches aren’t the only thing Maui has to offer. With several state parks and reserves, you can find rainforests, cliffs, rivers, and mountains to explore. If you are a nature lover, Maui is paradise for you. It is not only fun to explore the land, but also the ocean. Certain times of the year are better to go whale and dolphin watching. Marine life abounds, even in the smallest of places. Imagine staying in one of Maui’s fantastic vacation rentals, stepping out onto the beach from your front door, and strolling along the ocean’s edge to view tide pools and what the ocean has left behind. Watch resplendent sunsets and feel the warm sand under your feet.

What other things are there to do on Maui? Well, take your pick from all the outdoor land and water adventures you can think of. Ever wanted to learn to surf? How about parasailing or windsurfing? Snorkeling is the perfect way to observe marine life below the surface. If you really like marine life, take scuba lessons and explore the vast ocean floor. If you’re more into inland discovery, try kayaking or whitewater rafting down rivers or hiking through mysterious rainforests. You will never have enough time to do them all. That’s why people keep coming. There is simply too much to discover.

Another reason people love Maui is the lack of over-the-top commercialism. Other places tend to be a bit touristy and you feel like herded cattle. On Maui you can feel like a local or like you belong there. Many visitors choose to stay in places like Maui vacation homes. This is a wonderful way to get some privacy, a more spacious space, and lots of delightful amenities to round out your Maui experience. You can find anything from Maui condos to beach cottages, villas, and luxury homes. Having vacation home rentals to choose from helps keep Maui from feeling overly done and built up. People love Maui because it’s beautiful, close to nature, and makes you feel like only you know its secrets.