2 Best Sights in Maalaea, Maui

You'll feel as though you're walking from the seashore down to the bottom of the reef at this aquarium, which focuses on creatures of the Pacific. Vibrant exhibits let you get close to turtles, rays, sharks, and the unusual creatures of the tide pools; allow two hours or so to explore it all. A whale exhibit includes interactive learning stations and a dome theater that uses 3-D technology to give viewers a whale's-eye-view. There's also a moving exhibit highlighting the history of Kahoolawe, a neighboring island that can be seen just across the Alalakeiki Channel. It's not an enormous facility, but it does provide an excellent introduction to the sea life that makes Hawaii special. The center is part of a complex of retail shops and restaurants overlooking the harbor. Enter from Honoapiilani Highway as it curves past Maalaea Harbor. The Ocean Center's gift shop is one of the best on Maui for artsy souvenirs and toys.

With so many good reasons to head out onto the water, this active little harbor is quite busy. Many snorkeling and whale-watching excursions depart from here. There was a plan to expand the facility, but surfers argued that would have destroyed the world-renowned surf breaks. The elusive spot to the left of the harbor, called "freight train," rarely breaks, but when it does, it's said to be the fastest anywhere. Shops, restaurants, and the Maui Ocean Center aquarium front the harbor.