MAUI "The Valley Isle"

There's basically an east and west part of Maui but you cannot drive around the island in a circle, but rather, you must backtrack. A seven mile-wide isthmus links the two parts of the island which were created by two volcanoes: Haleakala and Puu Kukui and, there are parts of the island that can only be driven by four-wheel drive vehicles.

On our trip we saw most of the important sights except we did not "do" the touristy resort hotel strip although we did enjoy the city of Lahaina. Although beautiful, we were mainly interested in seeing the natural beauty of the island.

Maui measures 728 square miles. They ship sugar, pineapple, fruit, and flowers, as well as a variety of truck crops. It is also noted for its cattle and thoroughbred horses. Maui was once known as the whaling capital of the Pacific and great sperm and humpback whales can be seen off West Maui in Lahaina during winter.

HALEAKALA CRATER "House of the Sun"

Haleakala last erupted in 1790. Since it erupts approximately every 200 years, it's due! It is not an extinct but a dormant volcano. Measuring 33 miles long, 24 miles wide, it is the world's largest dormant volcano. Its highest point is Red Hill at 10,023 feet which is one of three cinder cones. The crater itself measures 7½ miles long and 2½ miles wide. Allow at least three hours for the trip. (En route you may witness bicyclists whizzing past you as they come down from the parking area after they've been delivered to the top by other transportation.) The terrain at the top is quite moon-like.

Travel tip: Arrive VERY early in the morning and bring warm clothes! Clouds move into the crater early in the day and they obscure your view.

ROAD TO HANA

It is said that "because of its remoteness, Hana has been slow in accepting change". Let's just hope that it stays that way! Plan on spending four to eight hours on this roundtrip - depending on how many picture-taking stops you make, etc. It is located on the northeastern edge of Maui and advertising brochures call it the "Highway to Heaven" at the base of the foothills of Haleakela. Although it is only 53 miles one way, there are 17 curves and 56 bridges, many of which are one lane. Speed lovers can stay away as no passing is allowed for the entire route and you return the same way you came. It is actually wise to start early in order to avoid all the tourist vans.

If there's been a lot of rain, don't even think about making the trip because parts of the road could be washed out. As the pictures will show, don't miss the experience of driving the Road to Hana because you will see some magnificent scenery.

Travel tip: Make sure that you allow enough time to take in all of the beauty of this trip but we'd advise you not to risk having to drive any part of this road in the dark unless you are very courageous. So allow enough time to see it all. I don't know about you, but I'm a sucker for the beauty of nature and I couldn't even turn my body fast enough from side to side to take in all of the "Ahs" that we saw.

IAO NEEDLE

The Iao Valley is dominated by the 2,250 foot high Iao Needle, a green-covered lava rock which reaches up toward the sky. The lush countryside is even enhanced by the stream leading from the Iao Needle.