Maui is a good mix of relaxing resorts with opportunities for adventurous exploration. We stayed on the western coast among the resorts and slowed the pace down to spend time soaking up rays poolside. We also found time for adventure as Dana graciously agreed to join me in a surfing lesson. Both of us stood up on our boards (a few seconds count, right?) and we avoided serious injury, so I'd call it a success. We spent time indulging in shave ice, walking along the beach, and frequenting the local shops. A favourite was a photography studio of Peter Lik. He’s an Aussie who takes landscape shots in US and Australia and has a show on the Weather Channel. His photos are amazing: http://www.lik.com/
Our adventures in Maui also include a drive on the road to Hana and an early morning at the top of Haleakalā to catch the sunrise. Road to Hana is a curvy road through a rainforest setting littered with waterfalls and a fairly constant view of the ocean. Wikipedia tells me that there are 620 curves along the highway which is 68 miles long. After a while you begin to feel like a formula one driver. Not because your speeding (it’s probably not safe to drive more than 15-20 mph over most of it), but the constant turning of the wheel.
This sunset was not on the road to Hana. It was from a restaurant on the beach.
One member of our crew (ehhhmmmm, Dana) wasn’t all that enthused to get up at 2:45 AM to make it for sunrise at the volcano, Haleakalā. Compound that with a temperature in the 40s and plenty of wind and it was a miracle that she got out of the car to take a look. I think she was happy that she did because this was a beautiful experience. The Hawaiian chanting one guy was doing as the sun peaked out of the clouds made it feel like we were a part of a local spiritual ritual. In spite of the early rising and cold weather, it turned out to be well worth the effort.
