Volker Weiss

At one point it was hard work. There was a time when every dollar I spent was a dollar I didn't have. A time when good food consisted of a corn dog from the local 7-11. A time when the closest thing I had to a stereo was two car alarms going off on both sides of my studio apartment.

But I finally made it. I hit the big time. My worries began to consist of whether or not to take the Yacht out in the late afternoon.

I had been working at my company in Washington for several years without a break. I did not even take a sick day. At this point I had several months of vacation and my boss said I needed to leave, "now."

With nowhere to go (it being early December), I took my family to Maui, and here we are at this expensive resort that overlooks the beaches.

Whether you are attracted to the D.T. Fleming Beach in Kapalua or the Keawakapu Beach in Kihei, the possibilities of attending Luau's almost every day of the week, or diving a volcanic crater off the coast of Wailea, Maui is, hands down, one of the best places for active people.

The laid back, yet still fast paced atmosphere of Maui make up one of the prime living destinations for many people.