Maui's unique and beautiful landscapes attract tourists from all over the world.

For an island covering just 727 square miles, Maui offers a tremendous variety of landscapes, townscapes, weather patterns and accommodations. Selecting the right hotel, condo or B&B is not just a matter of researching rates and amenities — choosing an appropriate location is also key.

The majority of the island's visitor accommodations reside along the western shoreline, which offers miles of sandy beaches, shelter from the northeasterly trade winds and the most consistently sunny weather. The extensive resort developments at Kaanapali and Kihei-Wailua are best for travelers in search of an all-encompassing vacation environment, with golf courses, shopping, recreational facilities and numerous hotels and condominium complexes in the middle and upper price ranges. North of Kaanapali, the high-end Kapalua development is quieter and significantly less congested, while the nearby communities of Honokowai, Kahana and Napili are good bets for affordable beach condos. Just south of Kaanapali, the historic whaling town of Lahaina offers reasonably priced accommodations with easy access to night life and restaurants.

Central Maui, the flat isthmus between West Maui and the slopes of Haleakala, is where most Maui residents live, and while lodging choices are limited, Central Maui and the north shore are good places to avoid the leeward coast resort scene and tap into local life. If you really want to get away from it all, drive the famously convoluted and scenic highway that leads to the remote north shore community of Hana, or choose a quiet B&B or cottage in Maui's rural highlands on the flanks of Haleakala.

Cloudy conditions and rain are more likely on the northern and eastern coasts, so these areas are less appealing to serious sun-worshippers, but the prevailing winds and waves make Maui's north shore a top destination for surfers and windsurfers.

A word about airports: Most flights to Maui land at Kahului Airport in the central part of the island. If you fly nonstop from the mainland, Kahului is your only choice, but if you plan to stop in Honolulu en route, consider an inter-island flight to the smaller Kapalua Airport in West Maui (convenient to resorts in Kaanapali, Kapalua and Napili) or the tiny Hana Airport in East Maui.