Haleakalā National Park
This 7 by 2 1/2 mile 10,023-foot volcano (it goes down another 20,000 feet below water) in the eastern section of Maui is dormant, so you can hike through its Mars-like, cinder-cone-studded crater and camp. Its summit can be reached by car or bike, through eucalyptus and jacaranda forests and wildflowers, and is most elegantly viewed at sunrise from the visitor center, where wind and a 32-degree temperature drop from sea level suggest a light jacket in your day bag.
Haleakala National Park
PO Box 369
Makawao, Hawaii 96768
(808) 572-4400
www.nps.gov/hale
Molokini
The clear waters and rich ocean wildlife of this marine preserve, set in a crescent-shaped volcano crater off the south shore of Maui and accessible only by catamaran or other water craft, can be seen by snorkeling, scuba diving or through the glass bottom of a boat.
Hana Highway
Drive the northeast shore of Maui 52 miles of hairpin turns and over bridges to the old sugar plantation town of Hana, and beyond, past waterfalls and rugged seascape, to the road's end at Seven Sacred Pools in Oheo Gulch. En route, near Paia, Hookipa Beach is reputed to be the world's best windsurfing spot.
Lahaina
The hub of Maui's west coast is Lahaina, an old whaling town and former capital of the Kingdom of Hawaii, where tourists gather to shop, dine, listen to music or visit museums and historic sites, and to see the huge banyan tree in Courthouse Square. The Kaanapali coast, northwest of Lahaina, has some of the island's best beaches.
Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau
2270 Kalakaua Avenue, Suite 801
Honolulu, Hawaii 96815
1-800-464-2924
www.gohawaii.com/maui/learn/lahaina
Immersion
A bonafide 65-foot submarine, the Atlantis, dives 100 feet to prowl around reefs in comfort from Lahaina Harbor several times a day. The cheaper Reef Dancer Semi-Submersible offers underwater viewing through the craft's windows and from the cameras of divers.
Atlantis Submarine Tours
658 Front Street
Suite #175
Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii
96761
1-800-548-6262
www.atlantisadventures.com/maui.cfm
Reef Dancer
Slip #6 Lahaina Harbor
Maui, Hawaii 96761
808-667-2133 or (808) 667-2133
www.mauiglassbottomboat.com
From Above
Blue Hawaiian and Sunshine Helicopters will fly you over the island for a day, half day or an hour, as your budget allows. At the high-end range, there are flights over erupting Kilauea volcano on the nearby Big Island.
105 Kahului Heliport
Kahului, Hawaii 96732
(808) 871-6657
www.bluehawaiian.com
Sunshine Helicopters, Inc.
Kahului Heliport #107
Kahului, Hawaii 96732
(808) 270-3999
www.sunshinehelicopters.com
Iao Valley State Park
Hike beside rock formations like the Iao Needle (2,250 feet tall), left over from the Pu'u Kukui volcano, and visit nearby Kepaniwai Park and Heritage Gardens.
Iao Valley Road (Highway 32)
Wailuku, Hawaii 96793
(808) 587-0300
www.hawaiiweb.com/maui/html/sites/iao_valley_state_park.html
