It's no secret that Maui is the number one site in the World for sailing. Shaped like a figure eight, Maui is the second largest of the Hawaiian Islands; spanning 48 by 26 miles with a population of about 90,000 people. Maui was formed by two parallel and now dormant volcanoes. The western section was formed by Mauna Kahalawai (5,788 feet) and the southeastern section from the world's largest dormant volcano, Haleakala (10, 029 feet). A valley straddles these volcanic peaks and gives Maui its nickname the "Valley Isle". When northeasterly trade winds kick in, they are sucked through the valley and accelerated -- creating the ideal windsurfing conditions an average of over 300 days a year.

Maui isn't all World Cup Racing and giant surf either. Count on consistent 4.0 to 5.5 winds and a full range of surf, including moderate wind swell and mast-high breakers. The South Shore is renowned for flat slalom sessions. And, as a general rule, on the North Shore as you travel east the surf intensifies from Kanaha to Sprecklesville to Hookipa. There's a seaside cliff straight up from treacherous sites like Hookipa where you can watch the world's best sailors pulling off the latest moves. Your time has come to experience firsthand why so many sailors from around the globe call Maui home.