The Great Maui Adventure

 

Sunrise at Haleakalā National Park

As you shiver in the inky darkness, bumping elbows with strangers and wishing for your warmer coat, it’s easy to grumble, ‘What was I thinking?’ But then a soft, orange glow pierces the darkness. The crowd leans forward, holding its breath. Cottony clouds appear, stretching to horizon’s end, encircling your lofty summit perch. Rich tones of amber and ocher blaze on the crater floor below. Elemental. Communal. Spiritual. To quote Mark Twain: ‘The sublimest spectacle I ever witnessed.’ And to quote the park service: 'Reserve before you go!' Yep, reservations now required.

Driving the Road to Hana

Buckle up. Of all the heart-stoppingly dramatic drives in Hawaii, this is the Big Kahuna. A roller-coaster of a ride, the twisting Hana Hwy winds down jungly valleys and back up towering cliffs, curling around 600 twists and turns along the way. Some 54 one-lane bridges cross nearly as many waterfalls – some of them eye-popping torrents and others so gentle they beg a dip. But the ride’s only half the thrill. Swim in a Zen-like pool, stroll a ginger-scented trail and stop once, maybe twice, for banana bread.

Snorkeling at 'Turtle Beach'

Packed with coves, reefs and lava rocks, the Maui coast is made for do-it-yourself snorkeling. Grab a map at the dive shop, rent gear, hit the beach and off you go. From stunning Maluʻaka Beach in Makena, simply swim in the direction of the tour boats. Before you get halfway you’ll likely spot a magnificent green sea turtle nibbling algae on the ocean floor, and another swimming gracefully through the surf. The underwater sights at ‘Turtle Beach’ are mesmerizing – and a great introduction to Maui snorkeling.

Whale-Watching

Breaching. Lunging. Slapping. And the ever-mysterious spy hopping. Humpback whales keep things lively off Maui’s western coast each winter, when thousands arrive to court, mate and calve. If you’re in Maui at the same time – typically December through April – treat yourself to a whale-watching cruise. Whales are also readily spotted from cliffside lookouts such as Papawai Point, from west-facing beaches and from oceanfront condos. Snorkelers and divers who stick their heads underwater at the right time can even hear them singing: love songs, we presume!

Waihee Ridge Trail

Hiking doesn’t get much better than the Waihee Ridge Trail, an inviting footpath that climbs the rugged green slopes of the West Maui Mountains. The trail is alternately covered and exposed, winding through a dense grove of guava trees before darting up a grassy ridgeline with bird’s-eye views of cloud-topped peaks and overgrown valleys. After 2.5 miles of gentle climbing, the lonely summit is a sweet reward.

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