One of the greatest dances of all takes place in Maui’s waters during the winter months. Every January through March, humpback whales migrate from Alaska to Hawaii to chase females, give birth, sing and nurse their young—and to witness it is truly an enchanting spectacle. If you’re lucky, you’ll see a competition (a group of six to eight males chasing a female) during which one after the other each of these 80,000-pound giants will surface for air, slapping the water with their pectorals and beating it with their mighty fins. You may also hear their wonderful song, or see a female and her calf, but one of the most magical sightings is a breach, when the humpback leaps into the air, performing its own version of a pirouette.

The journey to this isolated island community is half the adventure, with jungle foliage artfully draped across the road, waterfalls gently spraying your vehicle, and bridges so narrow that you may have to finally surrender to island time and slow down. This land before time offers an unforgettable escape filled with small towns, black sand beaches and hiking trails leading to hidden swimming pools.

From a distance, Molokini, a partially submerged volcanic crater just 2.5 miles (4 kilometres) west of Maui’s southwest coast, resembles a crescent moon or a giant floating plantain. But it’s what’s lurking beneath the surface that tempts thrill-seekers: Plunge your head into its gorgeous blue waters to see peacock grouper, parrotfish, Picasso triggerfish and more in all their colourful brilliance. Do yourself a favour and embark on a predawn journey, so you’ll reach the crater long before other boats muddy up the water and throngs of tourists scare off the fishes.