HALEAKALA NATIONAL PARK
Makawao - 808-572-4400
Haleakala National Park, home to the world’s largest dormant volcano, is one of the most visited spots on the island. It’s no wonder. The more than 27,000 acres here have a lot to offer visitors. The hiking trails, through strenuous, are among the best in the islands. Birdwatchers flock here for a look at rare Hawaiian forest birds. You can even camp inside the volcano’s crater (call in advance to reserve a cabin). Or drive to the 10,023-foot summit, stopping at the many scenic overlooks – including Leleiwi, Kalahaku and Pu’u ‘Ula’ula – along the way. They offer breathtaking views of the park’s spectacular scenery. Another must see here: the House of the Sun Visitors Center, with its informative exhibits about geology and the volcano’s origin and eruption history.

OHEO GULCH
East Maui, 10 miles from Hana on the Hana Highway - 808-244-3530
Oheo Gulch – part of Haleakala National Park – isn’t easy to reach but it’s definitely worth the effort. Make your way down Piilani Highway, and you’ll be rewarded with one of the most spectacular sites on Maui. Beautiful waterfalls, some plunging more than 100 feet, from a number of glistening pools below. Sunbathing and hiking are both popular activities here.

MAUI OCEAN CENTER
192 Maalaea Road, Wailuku - 808-270-7000
The Maui Ocean Center is swimming with exhibits that showcase Hawaii ’s underwater world. This state-of-the-art aquarium is home to sharks, eels, stingrays, urchins, jellyfish and variety of other marine life. In the Whale Discovery Center, you’ll learn more about Hawaii ‘s State Marine Mammal the humpback whale. Also here: restaurants and gift stores.

ENCHANTING FLORAL GARDEN OF KULA
Highway 37, 20 minutes south of the Kahului Airport, Kula - 808-878-2531
Reasons to visit the Enchanting Floral Garden of Kula keep growing. The eight-acre garden is home to more than 1,500 species of plants. In addition to native Hawaiian plants, you’ll see tropicals, semi-tropicals and 30 varieties of fruit trees. The self-guided tour of the garden takes 30 to 45 minutes.

WHALER VILLAGE MUSEUM
2435 Kaanapali Parkway, Lahaina - 808-661-5992
Learn more about Hawaii ‘s “golden era of whaling,” at Whalers Village Museum. The memorabilia on display here traces the whaling industry’s impact on the small town of Lahaina between 1825 and 1860. Exhibits include an 11-foot model of whaling ship, whaling equipment, and Hawaii ‘s most extensive collection of whaler’s scrimshaw – the ornate, delicate etchings once made on whale bones.

IAO VALLEY STATE PARK
End of Iao Valley Road, Wailuku - 808-244-3530
Iao Valley State Park, dubbed the “Yosemite of the Pacific” by Mark Twain, is one of the most breathtaking spots on the island of Maui. Follow the well maintained paths that lead to the center of this lush, green valley; you’ll find a stone pillar known as “The Needle” rising more than 1,200 feet above the valley floor. The lower path leads to the river, site of a popular swimming hole.

KULA BOTANICAL GARDEN
Route 377, 3.5 miles south of crater Road, Kula - 808-878-1715
You’ll find plenty of flora to fawn over the Kula Botanical Garden. Among the 2,000 plant species growing here: the Hawaiian hibiscus, the rare variety of the Hawaiian sandalwood tree and 40 varieties of proteas. The garden is open daily, including all major holidays. Guided tours are available by appointment.

TEDESCHI VINEYARDS
Ulupalahua Ranch, Ulupalakua - 808-878-6058
If you’re looking for a refreshing change of pace, visit the Tedeschi Vineyards. It’s been producing champagne and unique pineapple wine since 1974. You can take the 25-minute tour of the winery, then head to the tasting room at King’s Cottage for samples. Want to take some of the local flavor home with you? Specially packaged bottles are available.

HANA CULTURAL CENTER
Uakea Road, north of the Hana Bay turnoff, Hana - 808-248-8622
Among the sites to see at the Hana Cultural Center: Kauhale O Hana, a replica of an old Hawaiian compound; the Old Historic Hana Courthouse and old Historic Hana Lockup; and Hale Waiwai O Hana, a museum with more than 560 artifacts, including Hawaiian quilts, poi boards, old bottles, a double-hulled sailing canoe, fish hooks and shells.