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Kahului & Haleakala
Maui Island
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The north coast of Maui has two attractive beaches although the focus here is on the extreme wind and surf conditions. wind-surfing and para-gliding are world class at Hookipa Beach where several international tournaments are held each year. The sweeping stretch of sand at Baldwin State Park to the west of the small town of Paia is more for strolling and beach life and is popular with locals at weekends.
Heading west from Kahului Town is the administrative town of Wailuku, a rather drab settlement. However, beyond at the end of the bitumen road is the attractive Iao Valley and with its much photographed needle. Here you can stroll along wooden-plank pathways for twenty minutes enjoying the tropical gardens and stream.
The desert landscape of Haleakala National Park is an eerie abut spellbinding region in the heart of Maui. Haleakala is the worlds largest dormant volcano, last erupting in the late 1800's. Standing almost 10,000 feet high, Haleakala offers fantastic views of its 3000 feet deep cinder with several other volcanic peaks within its crater. Most people arrive very early in the morning to watch the stunning sun rises over the west maui mountains, but the best way to experience this landscape is camping in the park headquarters. There are miles upon miles of open trails within the park which make for excellent trekking absorbing the serenity of the surreal landscape and observing some unique fauna including the impressive tall Silversword plant and the nene or Hawaiian wild goose. Haleakala has an alpine climate and early mornings can be very cold, so warm winter clothes are essential, and a good sleeping bag if you plan to camp overnight.
Downhill bicycle tours are extremely popular and pass through several climatic zones as you whistle down the winding slopes through rural upcountry Maui and the historical town of Makawao all the way down to the coast - that's some 10,000 feet trip!
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continue to ... Hana Town and East Maui
Readers may also be interested in the following destinations:
Cook Islands Travel Guide
Fiji Travel Guide
Samoa Travel Guide
Tonga Travel Guide
Tahiti Travel Guide
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