by Angie Yomo

Created on: May 07, 2008   Last Updated: April 18, 2011

Do as the locals do. It seems funny that Oahu folk enjoy "escaping" to outer islands, needing a rest in paradise from paradise. Still, compared to my Honolulu home Maui has always seemed like an oasis, an island caught between past and present still vibrant with the spirit of old Hawaii. So what is it that tourists and Hawaii residents alike enjoy on Maui?

THE ROAD TO HANA

This winding road from Kahului to the town of Hana in the East is a breathtaking scenic drive that should encompass an entire day. While only 52 miles from Kahului to Hana, 617 curves and 56 bridges makes the drive alone roughly 3 hours. Along the way there are towering waterfalls, a black sand beach, ancient Hawaiian temples (Heiau), superb hiking trails, and jagged coastlines with crashing surf. It would be a wise idea to purchase a guide to Hana to assist your sightseeing.

Your travels will culminate at the Oheo gulch, actually 15 miles past Hana in Haleakala National Park, home to the Seven Sacred Pools. Contrary to its name, the location actually contains dozens of pools and many waterfalls flowing towards the ocean.

Also, be sure to stop at the family-run Hasegawa general store for a vast selection of merchandise including many "Hana-only" products.

HALEAKALA

A favorite of my childhood, the drive up to Haleakala summit always made me feel as though I were ascending into another world. The tallest peak in Maui at over 10,000 feet above sea level, and the largest dormant volcano in the world, the summit of Haleakala is home to endangered species such as the silversword and Hawaiian Goose. For simple sightseeing, watching the sun rise over the crater is nothing short of magnificent, while other activities such as hiking and intense bike rides fulfill the needs of the most adventurous. Open 24 hours, you may even experience the intensity of the starry sky, seemingly close enough to touch. Keep in mind that the temperature will be roughly 32 degrees less than at sea level so bring a jacket.

Haleakala National Park also has Coastal and Mountainous areas to explore with day hikes, campgrounds, and aforementioned Oheo Gulch, all rich with tropical vegetation and creatures.

MOLOKINI

A scuba diver and snorklers haven, the partially sunken volcanic crater 2.5 miles off the coast Maui teems with underwater life. Book a tour and enjoy the spectacular sights but keep in mind that it is a preservation, so you are not allowed to step foot on the island itself.

TRILOGY TOURS

Catamaran day adventures include a

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