When you’re looking over maps of Maui, you’re likely to see some of the same destinations. Of course, right there they’re only dots, with little to no context or indication of their sheer beauty or majesty. These maps of Maui won’t tell you about the heavenly sand and surf, about about the best hotels in Maui, nor about the delectable food. Yet, Maui is home to some of the best eateries, hotels and beaches of Maui.

So, to help you stop staring at plain, old maps of Maui, and start learning about what those little dots and exotic names really indicate, here’s a short list of some of the best spots on the island.

West Maui’s Rugged North Shore.

Not only does the North Shore offer some of the best beaches in Maui, they’re some of the best beaches of Hawaii as a whole. It’s a breathtaking drive, passing lovely beaches that aren’t frequented, or really well known. While some folks who are quite sociable might prefer the more crowded spots like Waikiki, others might prefer the more quiet, less-busy beaches of the North Shore.

Haleakal? National Park Summit Area.

On many maps of Maui, you’ll see Haleakal?, which means “The House of the Sun.” Not only is it a dormant volcano, but it’s also the tallest peak on Maui, reaching an astounding 10,023 feet above sea level. It’s located in a crater, which is more correctly called the depression, that’s big enough to hold the entire island of Manhattan! It has a mini-mountain range and nine cinder cones, the largest of which is over 1,000 feet tall. Many people like to visit this particular spot on their maps of Maui because watching the sun rise over the crater is one of the most uplifting experience one can feel.

Humpback Whales.

Not far from the North Shore is an area where many humpback whales visit from November until May. This is where they breed, calve and nurse their young. If visiting during the winter, then you have the lucky opportunity of getting to watch these amazing, majestic beasts.

These are only a few of the dots on your maps of Maui–imagine what adventures await in the other spots! If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments.