MAUI, "the Valley Isle," was formed long ago by the eruptions of 2 volcanoes--the now extinct Pu'u Kukui and the dormant Haleakala. The island is known today for its beautiful white-sand beaches, lush scenery, and great surfing. The sunny western side of Maui is the busiest part of the island as that's where most of the high-rise resorts are located. Eastern Maui is the place to be to escape the tourist scene as it consists mainly of rainforests, cattle ranches, and farms. However, the focal point of Maui is clearly Haleakala, the 10,023-foot volcano that dominates the southeast part of the island. Hundreds of tourists travel to the summit every day to enjoy the spectacular views of western Maui and several nearby islands, as well as the unparalleled view of the sunrise.

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Points of Interest

Haleakala National Park - Haleakala, or "House of the Sun," is Maui's most popular attraction. Tourists flock to the summit of the 10,023-foot dormant volcano to peer into the massive crater, which is big enough to hold Manhattan! From the summit you also get a great overhead view of western Maui, and on a clear day you can see the islands of Molokai, Lanai, and the Big Island. Haleakala is also known for its spectacular sunrise. Hundreds of tourists get up early every day to see what Mark Twain called "the sublimest spectacle I ever witnessed."

The Road to Hana - The Hana Highway, a 50-mile winding road along Maui's northeast coast, takes visitors past little towns, lush vegetation, and spectacular scenery. Driving is not for the impatient, though. The narrow, winding road and single-lane bridges force drivers to slow down and take caution at every turn. Points of interest along the way include Paia, the Keanae Overlook and "heavenly" Hana.

Iao Valley State Park - A beautiful, lush valley near Wailuku. The centerpiece of the valley is the Iao Needle, a huge spire that rises more than 2,000 feet from the valley floor. Accessible paths and walkways lead to numerous scenic lookouts.

Lahaina - Once the capital of Hawaii before it was moved to Honolulu, Lahaina served as a major port for the whaling industry in the 1800s. Today, it is a popular tourist town that you don't want to miss. Front Street is lined with shops, art galleries, boutiques, and eateries. There is also a huge banyon tree downtown, as well as a small port.

The Banyan Tree in Lahaina- This massive tree in the heart of town is the oldest in the Hawaiian Islands. Although there are 12 main trunks and it actually looks like several different trees, all of the roots are connected and it is in fact one tree. Planted in 1873, the tree has grown from an original height of only 8 feet to over 50 feet today.

Sample Independent Itinerary

Day One - Arrive in Maui
Arrive in Kahului. Accessible transfer to hotel for check-in.

Day Two - Independent Day
Spend your first day in Maui exploring the local area, doing a little shopping, and relaxing at the beach.

Day Three- Haleakala, Central Maui, Iao Valley Tour
Board a wheelchair accessible bus for a trip to the summit of spectacular 10,023 foot high Haleakala. Peer in to Haleakala Crater and check out the amazing overhead views of western Maui. Then make a visit to the unique Iao Needle located in lush Iao Valley State Park. You'll also visit the town of Wailuku, see flower farms and fields of pineapple and sugar cane. Return approximately 3:30 p.m. Balance of afternoon and evening free.

Day Four - Hana Tour
Board a wheelchair accessible bus for a day trip to Hana. Travel winding roads and experience the lush tropical beauty of the Hana Coast. Sights you will see along the way include Paia Town, Kaumahina State Park, Keanae Lookout, Waianapanapa State Park, Caves and Black Sand Beach, Hana Town Tour, Hana Bay, Kauwiki Hill, Wailua Falls, Kipahulu, Wailua Lookout, Windsurfing Beaches, and Hana Ranch Lands. As the tour travels over some rough roads, it is not recommended for pregnant women and those with back problems. Return to hotel by 6:30 P.M. Balance of evening free.

Day Five - Lahaina
Spend the afternoon and evening in Lahaina. Take a stroll along Front Street and take in the many shops. Make sure you make it down to the harbor area to check out the boats and the big banyon tree. In the evening, head over to the Old Lahaina Luau, widely regarded as the best luau in Maui.

Day Six - Independent Day
Spend the day independently. Make sure you get to bed early at night for your early morning pickup on Day Seven!

Day Seven - Haleakala Sunrise
Get up early for your pickup between 2:30 and 3:30 a.m. Then board a wheelchair accessible bus for another trip to Haleakala's summit, this time to witness the spectacular sunrise! The tremendous colors and overall beauty of the sunrise inspired Mark Twain to write, "it was the sublimest spectacle I ever witnessed … the memory of it will remain with me always." Return to the hotel around 10:30 a.m. Balance of the day free.

Day Eight - Depart