A few of My Favorite Places: Maui

   Maui is one of the eight Hawaiian islands. It's a beautiful place where you can relax on the beach all day, or explore non-stop. The second most populated island, Maui also has plenty of shopping and tourist attractions. If you're looking for one island to see in Hawaii, then Maui has the best of both words. My wife and I spent our honeymoon here, and I would go back tomorrow if I could.

Blackrock at Kaanapali

There are so many options to choose from when vacationing in Maui. Some of my favorites are driving the Hana Highway, visiting Haleakala National Park, and swimming at Kaanapali beach.

                                               
      
     The Hana Highway winds along the coast of Maui for a little over sixty miles. However, be prepared to spend 3-4 hours taking the drive. There are multiple hairpin curves, and 46 one-lane bridges. There are so many incredible sights (waterfalls, black rock beaches, swimming holes) along the route that it would be silly not to take your time and enjoy it.

At the end of the Hana Highway are the seven pools of O'heo Gulch. It's a beautful place where you can swim in the pools and enjoy Hawaii.

At the top of Mt. Haleakala (10,000 ft.) lies Haleakala National Park. The plant life and scenery there is very different from the rest of the island and resembles a landscape similar to the surface of Mars. People drive to the top of the mountain before daylight to witness the amazing sunrises on top of the mountain.





Kaanapali beach is a perfect spot to relax. It has wide sandy beaches and unlimited snorkeling opportunities. Those who prefer to lounge at the beach all day could do much worse than Kaanapali.