A spectacular dormant volcano, 10,023-foot Haleakala erupted five million years ago to create the 279-square-mile island now called Maui and is the second largest of the Hawaiian Islands located midway between Oahu and Hawaii.

The island was first settled in 750 AD by the Marquesas, then Tahitians followed, but when Captain James Cook "discovered" Maui in 1778 it led the influx of traders, whalers and missionaries and now 120,000 people make the island their home.

Maui is a mix of eclectic styles and cultures; in some villages, ancient Hawaiian is still spoken and Asian and Polynesian influences are evident everywhere: from cuisine to clothing and architecture.

The warmth of the islands invites you to admire its tropical allure, arts and cultural activities, and miles of perfect-tan beaches and it seems like many have accepted this invitation as 2 million people visit its shores each year. They find Maui to be the hottest spot for action and excitement as pursuits range from hiking in a crater or swimming under a waterfall to diving with sea turtles. The stunning island offers plenty of camping and hiking opportunities, and the warm oceans are ideal for year-round swimming, sailing and whale-watching cruises.

The more adventurous spirits interested in the natural world can arrange for a helicopter tour of the more remote regions, or arrange a paraglide tour in the mountains. But what’s a must for all visitors is the island's most breathtaking feature: the Haleakala volcano visited each year by more than one million people. The volcano last erupted about 200 years ago, and the view from its uppermost rim into its 3,000-foot-deep crater is nothing short of magnificent.

The rest of this exotic island is also worth a glance. Several of the island's cities are renowned for their special flavor. Take for example Lahaina, located on the island's northwest coast, it is a little whaling town with its museum documenting the harsh whaling life that made it a boomtown of the mid-19th century.

Many of its buildings are now being listed as National Historic Landmarks. Pa'ia is a favorite between the young windsurfing crowd, and the best place to see the world's best sailboarders is Ho’okipa.

This is without question the most diversified island, recommended for the rich and famous as there are five-star resorts to attend to their request as well as for a family or group with divergent interests. Everything you could want is here in the Aloha State.

Come to Maui, the Magic Isle, for whale watching, art and exploring the Haleakala volcano.