Maui Sights
Seeing the sights on Maui is not like in Paris where you view the Eiffel Tower or visit the Louvre. Rather it involves a fair amount of driving and experiencing nature outdoors in its glory and majesty. For those reluctant to drive themselves, tours are available and most will pick up from the hotels. Most roads are well paved and rental car company maps will point out the roads they don't want you to drive on. So if you stick with the permitted roads, and take your time along the turns, you should be able to navigate the sights with no problems.
It is difficult to pick the number one sight on Maui since it is often a matter of personal preference, but for the sheer 'other-worldliness' it would have to be Haleakala National Park. Getting there is a bit of a challenge since it involves driving over a twisting road with multiple switchbacks going from sea level to approximately 10,000 feet in a couple of hours. At the summit you will see a landscape unlike any other on this earth. You might feel as if you are on the moon. You will look down into a huge crater that was once an active volcano and will be hard pressed to stand up straight as it is very windy and quite cool up here. If you plan to visit Haleakala, and you certainly should, pack a sweatshirt or light jacket as you will want it up here. A popular Maui activity is to see the sunrise from the summit, and then bike down. Many outfitters offer this tour. Views of Maui on the way down are spectacular, especially on a clear day, and there are lookouts to stop and enjoy the views.
Another sightseeing activity that is considered a 'must-do' is the road to Hana town and the Oheo Gulch (aka the Seven Sacred Pools). This drive takes you from the Kahalui area, where you originally landed, all along the southeastern coast of the island until you arrive at the Oheo Gulch. Expect the drive itself, without stops, to take about 3 hours from Kaanapali, perhaps a bit less from Wailea. Since you will want to stop numerous times along the way, devote an entire day to this exploration. The sights along the way are spectacular. You drive through rain forest with the mountains and waterfalls on one side and the ocean and sea cliffs on the other. The road is a bit narrow in places, but well paved so take your time and enjoy. There are numerous places to stop along the way to see the waterfalls, swim in the pools formed by them, gaze upon the surf crashing on the sea cliffs and just generally enjoy this spectacular area. The town (really village) of Hana is quite simple and is not that much to see in and of itself. You must drive beyond Hana to the Oheo Gulch and stop here and walk to the pools. The waterfall descends from the top of the mountain forming many pools of water along the way and this area is sometimes crowded with people playing and sunning in and around the various pools. The ocean view is also spectacular here with high surf crashing onto the cliffs. On the way back make a quick stop to watch the wind surfers off of Paia.
If you.re staying in or around Kaanapali you will probably spend many an evening in Lahaina. If you.re staying south in the Wailea area, Lahaina is definitely worth a trip for its fun blend of shops, restaurants and nightlife. Also worth a visit is the Iao Needle in Iao Valley State Park. It's a lush, green paradise, but bring an umbrella, especially during the rainy season, since it is often misting. If time permits, and especially if you are staying in the Kihei/Wailea area since you are nearby, drive all the way south to La Perouse Bay. It's a very pretty bay with good snorkeling. The road ends a bit further south amid a lava flow reminiscent of those found on the big island of Hawaii.
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