- Sunset from Haleakala
I’m not sure which part of my trip was the highlight, there were so many wonderful experiences.
I think I had expected the landscape to be the same all over the island, and for it to be very busy with tourists. I was wrong on both fronts. The island, known as the Valley Isle is 727 square miles, 48 miles long and 26 miles and has 120 miles of coastline with 81 beaches. Sands may be white, gold, black, salt and pepper, green or garnet, due to ancient volcanic activity. It is dotted with quaint towns, artist communities and perfect for visitors looking for the exotic, but in a safe familiar environment.
A ‘must do’ during a visit to Maui is a drive to the top of Haleakala mountain. At 10,000 feet you are above the clouds and the views to the west of Maui, and to the east to Big Island (Hawaii Island) are spectacular. It is really is like being on top of the world.
The most popular time to do the drive up is for the sunset or sunrise over the clouds. But be sure to take warm clothes at is about 20 degrees cooler than at beach level, and as soon as the sun goes down it gets very cold. I had a light down coat on, gloves and hat and was very pleased that I had brought them with me. It’s a 28 mile drive up zig zag roads to the top. There is only one road up and down, and the views are fabulous the whole way. It is a National Park so there is a US$15 entrance fee, but this is good for 3 days and well worth it.
One evening it was pouring on the North shore where we were staying, but we wanted to see the stars as there is so little light pollution. So we got in the car and drove up the mountain, through the clouds, and out of the rain, it was a strange experience. But it made me think; any time you want to see the sun or the stars in Maui, there is always an option, you don’t have to let the weather dictate what you can do, just take a drive to the summit of Haleakala, it’s really quite magical.
- Big Island in the distance
- Haleakala Crater
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