It's only about half as big as Rhode Island, but it more than makes up for its size with diverse attractions running from beaches to scenic mountains.
And the best thing about the Hawaiian island of Maui at this time of year might be the weather: daytime highs of 80 degrees in January and February. No sleet, no ice, no snow.
Look out the window at your leafless trees and lawn buried under snow, and then go to the Maui section of HawaiiWeb -- www.hawaiiweb.com/maui -- and find "Explore the Beaches." They tell you which ones have lifeguards or facilities, whether a beach has good fishing or snorkeling, where the current might be dangerous, an where to find the famous Waianapanapa Black Sand Beach.
At the other extreme, the island's highest point is the summit in Haleakala National park -- www.nps.gov/hale -- where you can hike in the volcanic landscape, look for rare plants and birds, or camp. But it's not all mountains; under "Plan Your Visit" and "Things to Do," look for the link to the Kipahulu area along the coast and the park's wilderness area. Then pick up a map and guide to the sightseeing highlights at the commercial Haleakala National Park Information -- www.haleakala.nationalpark.com -- along with links to Hawaii bird-watching information and suggestions for scenic drives in the area.
Find farms and gardens to visit under "Activities" at the Maui Visitors Bureau -- www.visitmaui.com -- plus accommodations directories and even help planning your island wedding or honeymoon.
Even if you don't go surfing or snorkeling, you should leave dry land to see some of the magnificent humpback whales that visit the islands during the winter. The Pacific Whale Foundation -- www.pacificwhale.org -- has visitors' photos to show you why you should go, and an array of cruises and educational programs. The foundation also sponsors the Maui Whale Festival -- www.greatmauiwhalefestival.org -- in February.
The foundation isn't the only show on the water. Go to Yahoo, Google or whatever search engine you prefer and search for "Maui whale watching" to dig up a long directory of tour companies and charters.
Whether you fly or take a ship, you'll probably land at Kahului -- www.mauihi.com/mhwailuku.htm -- the island's biggest town. The Hawaii Superferry -- www.hawaiisuperferry.com -- can get you there from Honolulu in speedy style.
From Kahului, take the winding scenic road to Hana -- www.hanamaui.com -- home of the 17th annual East Maui Taro Festival in April, the Hana Lava Tube -- www.mauicave.com -- and still more beaches and places to snorkel.
On the west side of the island, the town of Lahaina -- www.visitlahaina.com -- claims to be the second-most visited place on the island after the beaches. If you're not going right away, look up the events calendar and find the Ocean Arts Festival in March, which celebrates the annual migration of Pacific humpback whales, and in April you could take in the 136th birthday party for the town landmark, a banyan tree planted in 1873. If you want to make your visit part of a cruise, click on "Cruiser's Corner" to see which ships call at Lahaina. Try Lahaina.com -- www.lahaina.com -- for information on hotels, nightlife and even a link to the Lahaina Surf Report. And the Old Lahaina Luau -- www.oldlahainaluau.com -- is one of those touristy things you'll tell all your friends about.
Some people prefer to let someone else drive and make arrangements, like All Maui Tours -- www.allmauitours.com -- which advertises tours on water, on the land and in the air, on buses, horses and even submarines. Adventure Maui -- http://adventuremaui.com -- advertises deep sea fishing, bike tours and kayaking. And if you're just taking your boots, Maui Hiking Tours -- www.hawaii-search.com/Maui/Activities/Hiking -- or Hike Maui -- www.hikemaui.com -- will take you on a trek.
■ Comments and tips can be sent by e-mail to cybertrip@ap.org.
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