We were looking forward to a great stay on Maui — we had seven whole days to relax and see everything possible! And how lucky were we? Peter's aunt and uncle owned a nice condo in Kihei on the southwestern shore — where they generously encouraged family members to stay when on Maui. That was our home for the duration. We bought our own groceries for meals — a great luxury — and settled in. We even had a little gecko friend greeting us at the door every day.

Kihei is at the northern end of a stretch of beautiful beaches and resorts on the southern end of Maui. On our first day we drove south on Kihei Road, to Makena. Looking out at the Pacific, we saw tiny Molokini island, a half-circle sliver of a volcanic cone that rose above the surface; and Kahoolawe, a large uninhabited island that was (is?) used as a bombing target by the U.S. Navy. Also, looking northwest, there was Lanai, off in the mist. And, more directly north, the West Maui mountains rose beyond the isthmus (the neck between the two ends of Maui's figure 8-like shape) — a spectacular backdrop.

The light was warm, glowing, stunning. A beautiful, wonderful atmosphere on this late afternoon. Darned if we weren't on Maui!

The next morning we set off for Hana, at the opposite end of southern Maui. We drove across the isthmus, to highway 36, then 360. From the island center it's 50 miles to Hana ... no big deal, right? This so-called "Highway to Heaven" has 617 curves and 54 bridges. No, I didn't count them, but I believed it. And many of the curves were sharp, narrow hairpins, where only one car could pass at a time. There were long stretches of bumpy, unpaved road also. Not fun driving, but the scenery along the way was worth it. Lush (there's that word again) green country and fabulous coastal views. Basically we were circumnavigating Haleakala, the volcano that forms this end of Maui.

The coast was very rocky here — volcanic rocks for the most part — the surf is rough and dangerous on this side of Maui. There were nice villages, old ranches (with horses), farms and taro fields.

We stopped at Wai'anapanapa State Park and took a walk. The waves were crashing in againt rocky outcroppings. There was a delicious-looking black sand beach.

Hana was just ahead, a pretty, quiet town with a frozen-in-time kind of feeling. We went into a neat General store for some snacks and postcards. A very friendly, down-home place. We toured around town a bit, then kept on ... rounding the eastern bend of the island. Another 10 miles to Kipahulu.
Charles Lindbergh had escaped to Maui in his last years of life, and lived in Kipahulu. He picked out his own gravesite there, and we paid a visit. After several hundred yards on a gravel drive off of the main road, we found the secluded, pretty church and cemetery overlooking the Pacific. Mr Lindbergh chose well.

Gallery...Maui