MAUI

Mid-afternoon from the east coast airport , we headed thru Pa'ia to drive the well-known Road to Hana (Dom would call it the Road to H- - -), featuring 100+ hairpin (and I mean it!!) turns and 52 bridges, most one-car where one driver had to wait for the other to cross! Along the Road there are many hiking trails, flora farms and waterfalls but we were intent on getting out to Hana (over two hours) and didn't stop except for photos we could take from the car! One could make a leisurely day of it by planning to take in the sights along the way.

Once in Hana,the most southeastern town, it seemed like being out in the middle of nowhere...only one small market, no fast food outlets and only the 5 star $$$Hotel Hana. where we had a $60 breakfast the next morning. Several B&Bs and guesthouses are available, particulary along the coast.

We skipped going a bit further to see Charles Lindberg's grave and hiking Ohes Gulch on advice that roads were not the best out there - we didn't have a four wheel drive - and we still had to return on that famous Road!

On the way back we detoured thru the old western town of Makawao and walked the interesting area; then out thru HaliMaile to stop at the famous Market Cafe passing by the old Sugar mill and Museum on the way to Mahalea Bay near the Maui Aquarium, where we sought out Island Sands Condo, owned by a friend.

Finally, we arrived at Kihei on the west coast (Aston Maui Hotel 808-879-5881) for the next two nights. The beach across the road was great for walking, fishing and bathing and the hotel pool was pleasantly set amidst lovely greenery.

Kihei is a pretty active locale with multi shops, restaurants, condos and the like. Enjoyed an outstanding meal and great jazz at Yorman's, near our hotel.

The next morning took us thru the Makena area to one of the most, if not the most, architecturally beautiful hotels in all of our travels ... Grand Wailea Resort. The mostly open air setting is marvelous - impressive statutes, winding pools, gracious lawns, even a Wedding Chapel, along the beautiful ocean! We partook in another expensive breakfast, this a buffet on the patio overlooking the sights! We savored the moment...and the food!

Our final three nights on Maui and Hawaii, were spent in an efficiency unit at Noelani Condo, facing the pool and ocean (1-800-367-6030) on the Kahana coast, up the road a bit from Lahaina.No a/c here either but they told us at check-out that we could have ordered a portable unit.

Several restaurants ( including Pizza Paradiso) and large hotel chains are located nearby and we brunched at the Embassy one day , walked their beach and Dom played volleyball in the pool.

Halloween in Lahaina is a spectacle! People fly into the island just to celebrate with the locals and party on into the night. We started off at 4pm watching the children's parade which led into the adult fiasco a bit later...lots of crazy and creative outfits, fun people and noise! - but very orderly in spite of all the action. A one-time experience to behold.

On the way back across the island to the airport, we stopped at Tropical Plantation for a view of its well-kept gardens and then drove up to IAO Valley, Yosemite of the Pacific, to see the 1200 foot stone needle reaching up to the sky! Lunched at the Wailuka/Kahului Shopping Center before dropping off our car..

... and then the Party was over!

Aloha, Dom & Lucille Gioello in West Hartford, Ct.