Imagine walking on a beautiful beach with soft sand scrunching between your toes, the gentle waves lapping at your feet and you are watching the brilliant sun dip into the western horizon. Your dream vacation continues with eating fresh pineapple, a wide variety of seafood and listening to the soft tones of the Hawaiian music.

Your days are filled with exploring a volcano, driving through a rain forest, snorkeling in pristine water and many other activities. You have come to the right place for all of this and more…the island of Maui.

Maui is a beautiful Island with incredible beaches. In the north are the very popular Kaanapali and Kapalua areas.

The beaches are great, you can ride the Sugar Cane Train and you stay at great hotels ranging from moderate to luxury. Also in the north is the fun whaling town of Lahaina, we loved the fishing village feel with great little shops, fun restaurants, talented local artists and an enormous banyan tree.

We loved our whale watching trip out of Lahaina, seeing these huge animals was amazing. The whales are only there in the winter months but year round you can snorkel at great places like the partially submerged volcano cone named Molokini.

On the south western shore is the fabulous Wailea golf course and exclusive resorts like the Grand Wailea. The nearby town of Kihei has shopping, many restaurants and other activities.

We rented a jeep for a day and it was great driving around the island. We drove the famous road to Hana which is the most beautiful drive but also quite a challenge. The skinny two lane road has 600 turns and 54 bridges, many of them one way. Along the way you will see incredible cliffs, the deep green rain forest and the striking blue Pacific Ocean.

The trip is only 54 miles to Hana but takes 2-3 hours each way. In Hana stop at the general store for an ice cream and to buy your “I survived the drive to Hana” t-shirt.

For a contrast to the green and the beaches drive up to the peak of the Haleakala Crater that looks more like a moonscape. At 10,000 feet the views are spectacular. People love to watch the blazing sunrises and sunsets but bring a jacket it can be cold at 10,000 feet…I speak from experience!

Maui is a fantastic vacation spot with nearly unlimited activities and when you are finished for the day relax by listening to the waves, watching the sunset and eating ice cream out of a hollowed out pineapple.

Travel Tip: Best prices to Hawaii are usually in the fall. The weather is great year round and even if it rains…you are still in Maui!

Travel Deals: Cunard 12-Day Mediterranean Cruise Athens to Venice Nov. 8 starting at $999 inside cabin; Princess Scandinavia and Russia 10 day cruise May 24 balcony cabin starting at $1599; Alaska cruise and 4 day cruise tour Aug.24 starting at $1254 balcony. All prices plus taxes/fees and subject to change.

Gary Sorensen is a Regional Manager for Morris Murdock Travel. For all of your travel information see Morris Murdock Travel in Bountiful at 320 W. 500 S. or call 295-9443.