A few years ago when I was doing manning assist at Tripler, I stayed in Temporary Lodging for a month. I first met my next door neighbors because I ran to their sweet dogs like a little kid ... doggie doggie doggie. Apparently Missy doesn't always like strangers, but she liked me ... good thing. Anyway, since that time, we have been asked a few times to petsit while they go on vacation. This year, we decided to take a few extra days and go to Maui before going to Oahu. We wanted to spend time with Marian and Paul before their trip also, so it was a quick trip to Maui ... but our first time on the Island.
We left home early on the Fourth of July and arrived in Maui around 2 PM. I had no idea how big the island was and how long it took to get places on the one small road driving 35 miles per hour. We finally arrived at the Sheraton at Kaanapali (The Black Rock) around 5 PM and looked through a stack of brochures to decide what we were going to do. Time was short. By the way, sunsets in Maui are as spectacular as the postcards. Even with a camera phone. This is how I know God exists.
We decided to go into Lahaina to see fireworks and they were spectacular. Even saw Elvis. Apparently a new attraction but one of the top tourist attractions on the island these days. I was a little sad missing my Dad because he idolized Elvis.
Top of the list of things to do was an early morning drive to Haleakala to see the sunrise. That meant waking up at 3 AM to start the hour drive to the top of the Volcano. I was packed for warm weather, but it gets cold at 10,000 feet. We were not disappointed. This is a "must do" for any visitor to the island. I think we will see a sunrise every time we go to Maui. Can't wait to go back. From one second to the next, the scene changed. There really are no words to describe the beauty. This beauty is how I know God exists.
The views from the peak are absolutely spectacular. One direction, lush and green. Another direction and you're on the moon.
Tired and sleepy and jet-lagged, we went back to the hotel for a nap before spending the afternoon at the Black Rock beach. The water was as clear as a swimming pool. I have never been in such clear water in nature before. We saw folks jumping off the Rock, but I didn't have the nerve. Another beautiful sunset. The beauty never ends. Again, I'll say it ... this is how I know God is real.
The 'Ahinahina (Silversword) plant grows only at the top of Haleakala and Moana Kea and nowhere else in the world. It has one bloom cycle and then it's done. It is very beautiful.
The views from the peak are absolutely spectacular. One direction, lush and green. Another direction and you're on the moon.
Tired and sleepy and jet-lagged, we went back to the hotel for a nap before spending the afternoon at the Black Rock beach. The water was as clear as a swimming pool. I have never been in such clear water in nature before. We saw folks jumping off the Rock, but I didn't have the nerve. Another beautiful sunset. The beauty never ends. Again, I'll say it ... this is how I know God is real. 
Next morning was the Road to Hana. We stopped and picked up the GPS tour en route and back across the Island. We elected the GPS instead of the CD because we thought the interactive features would be good. I think next time, for $20 less, I would recommend the CD. The CD comes with a map and apparently has lots of description of the road. Of course, you may not get the description at the exact site where you are. On the other hand, the GPS provides about 2 minute description approximately once a mile marker. I didn't find it descriptive enough and you can't take it with you like the CD ... no souvenir. And, with just one road around the island, it's not like you can get lost. Anyway, the 52-mile drive on a narrow 2-lane road with 620 hairpin curves and 59 bridges is expected to take at least 2 1/2 hours. There are a few fruit stands, but no restaurants along the way so we
It was a really beautiful drive and the Musician had fun navigating the turns. A nice little treat was a stop at Coconut Glen's for Hand madeVegan Ice Cream. I had Spicy Chocolate and it was amazing ... this was hot hot hot, but cold at the same time. Worth the drive. Our only regret is that instead of 2.5 hours, with all of our stops and hikes, it took us about 9 hours. By the time we got to Haleakala National Park, it was near dusk and we didn't get to explore 'Ohe'o Gulch (7 Sacred Pools) or make the 4-mile round trip hike up to the Waimoku waterfall. Next trip we will probably stay a day or two on the Hana side also. One thing about the Road to Hana ... if you don't go off-road around the island, you have to backtrack the 620 hairpin turns. It was getting dark and we preferred maintained roads, so up the road we went. We were hungry and by the time we got back to Paia we were hungry. The vegan restaurant with great reviews had closed permanently 2 days earlier. We didn't know that. We got hungrier and found a nice little bar for pizza... no cheese please. 
Our last morning on Maui we were scheduled for a helicoptor tour of the island. We chose the helicopter instead of the Molokini snorkel to get the best overall view. Sadly, our helicopter was down for maintenance. I suppose that's better than down with us in it. But it was too late to schedule the snorkel, so we slept late and relaxed. The Musician was able to make a stop at the VA to drop off some ukeleles and coordinate volunteers. A quick lunch at a grocery with vegan deli options and to the Airport. 72-hours is not enough time. Next stop, Oahu ... can't wait to see our friends.
