There are so many incredible things to do on Maui that you'll likely have to compromise some of your beach time in order to get plenty of Maui tourist attractions on your roster. The island is awash with Maui attractions full of Polynesian charm, kaleidoscopes of vibrant, natural colors and expansive and various terrain including lush peaks and valleys, temperate ocean water, exotic native flora and plenty of world class amenities.

For those seeking a greater understanding of Hawaiian culture, the Hana Cultural Center on the east side of Maui is the place to broaden your knowledge of the islands' long and varied history. This Maui tourist attractions activities include exploring the area's revitalized courthouse and jail along with traditional island architecture and colorful gardens. The role of sugar production on the island is illustrated through displays and exhibits. An on site gift shop provides an opportunity to take home native crafts and hand made quilts.

Haleakala National Park is one of the most famous of all Maui tourist attractions and contains two dormant volcanos with Haleakala being the largest in the world. Visitors remain mesmerized by the towering volcanic structures and more often than not take part in some Maui hiking for a closer look. Further down the road, but still part of the park, visitors will find the Kipahula hiking area where the Seven Sacred Pools are found.

If you're looking for free attractions Maui offers head over to the town of Lahaina. There are several historic landmarks in the area that don't cost a penny. On Friday evenings the Lahaina Arts Society hosts Art Night along Front Street where local artists display a number of mixed media objects including sculptures, paintings and drawings. The famous Banyan Tree, providing almost an acre of shade, is another of the free attractions Maui visitors flock to. It's also found along Front Street and is not to be missed. The complicated network of branches and numerous thick trunks stand out as another rare and natural work of art.

At Lahaina Center Activities view a Hawaiian Village replica, enjoy a number of guided cultural tours and take part in traditional hula lessons, all for free. From the shore between Lahaina and Wailuku, on Highway 3 at the Pali Lookout, whale watching is a top priority during the months of December and May. The ocean water becomes stocked with majestic humpback whales.

Ka'eleku Caverns, located near the Hana Airport, is another of the captivating Maui attractions. They are a natural wonder and a big draw for visitors. This Maui attractions activities include exploring a network of underground cave systems created more then 30,000 years ago. Geologically fascinating, the caves are replete with stunning lava formations that define the two mile journey and feature surface gaps more than 40 feet above.

With so many great Maui attractions activities are available for all ages. The Pacific Whale Foundation is a great place to arrange a number of Maui tours. This nonprofit organization offers organized trips to support whale research around Maui. Visitors can choose from guided tours to the Molokini Crater and Lanai, snorkel tours and whale watching cruises onboard their 65-foot catamaran. From December through May there are 15 different fun tours to choose from.

More free attractions Maui visitors can enjoy include a hike through the dramatic and lush Iao Valley, features the Iao Needle, or exploring the cultural and historical Hawaiian temples throughout the ten acres of Haleki'i-Pihana Heiau in Wailuku. Wai'anapanapa State Park houses one of the Maui beaches black sand stretches and plenty of opportunities for fun. This Maui attractions activities include camping, a trip through the sea caves and hiking the Old King's Highway.

Those who choose to delve into the many attractions Maui offers will find no reason for disappointment. After days spent relaxing on pristine island beaches, stretch your legs with a journey around the island and discover why Maui is such an incredible place. Sublime backdrops compliment every inch of the landscape and prove there is more to Maui than sand, sun and surf.