Sights:

ALEXANDER & BALDWIN SUGAR MUSEUM
A&B is Maui's largest landowner and historically one of �Big Five� companies developed the island�s agricultural economy with sugarcane. The museum is an operational sugar refinery nestled next to the post office in Puunene. The business of sugar forever altered the islands ethnic, economic, and environmental mix. Early plantation modes of doing business are still felt in many sectors of Hawaiian commerce and government. The museum provides ample opportunity for a full understanding of the importance of sugar in this process: 3957 Hansen Road, Puunene: (808) 871-8058. Cost: $5. Mon.-Sat. 9:30-4:30.

BAILEY HOUSE
Edward and Caroline Bailey were two prominent missionaries who came to Wailuku to run the first Hawaiian girls' school on the island. The Maui Historical Society runs a museum on site with a collection of artifacts and some of Edward�s paintings. Tapa cloth making and other artifacts are also shown. 2375A Main Street, Wailuku: (808) 244-3326. Cost: $5. Mon.-Sat. 10-4. http://www.mauimuseum.org/

BALDWIN HOME
Built of coral and stone in 1835 by an early missionary to Lahaina, this house has been restored to period furnishings and will give the visitor a good view of missionary family life of the time. The Lahaina Restoration Foundation is headquartered in the house and can answer your questions about other historic Lahaina sites. 696 Front Street, Lahaina: (808) 661-3262, www.lahainarestoration.org. Cost: $3. Daily 10-4.

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HALEAKALA NATIONAL PARK
Haleakala Crater is the main attraction of this large national park and certainly one of the most unusual in the U.S. Hiking and camping is permitted and both offer rare opportunities to experience life at high elevation in the tropics. Many loops take hikers through the �crater,� more properly the eroded center of the dormant volcano than a true volcanic crater, and are several miles in length. Care must be taken to allow for unexpected weather like high winds, heavy rain, cold, and so on. Inclement weather, however, seldom stays long.  Beautiful, clear days are more common.

Check out the Haleakala Visitor Center for information and exhibits on wildlife and geology, and Puu Ulaula Overlook at the summit for a breathtaking view of the crater. The summit is nearly always open to watch the sunrise�or the sunset�which at 10,023 feet can be quite awe-inspiring. Haleakala Crater Road, Makawao, Telephone: (808) 572-4400. Cost: $10 per car.

HANA
For a slice of old Hawaii, visit the quaint and remote town of Hana on the rainy side of the island. Stop in to the Hana Cultural Center Museum (Ukea Street) for displays and information about the area. Hana Highway, Mile Marker 35.

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HOOKIPA BEACH
This is one of the world�s top windsurfing and surfing spots, offering both waves and wind to the adventurous. If surfing culture is your thing, you�ll not fail to find it here. Warning! This is not for beginners and swimming is risky here! Small BBQ areas and plenty of viewing spots will allow you to check out the wave action. Free parking is available in one of two lots. Highway 36, about 2 miles northeast of Paia.

IAO VALLEY STATE PARK
Shrouded in mist, subject to eerie light effects, Iao Valley is a beautiful deep valley cut into the mountains west of Wailuku. Several easy hikes on well-defined paths usually mean a lot of tourist traffic. Come early in the day to explore the area. Iao Valley Road, 5 miles west of Wailuku. Cost: Free. Daily 7-7.

KAANAPALI BEACH
This is not exactly a laid-back beach, but a good one if you like to people watch. Excellent snorkeling is a hallmark of this area and Black Rock can be a diving platform into the waters below. Any of the Kaanapali exits off Honoapi'ilani Highway will take you to the beach. Restrooms and other amenities are available in the several nearby hotels.

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MAKENA BEACH STATE PARK
The locals call this beach Big Beach. Free from hotel and condo development, this stretch of sand offers great walking and swimming. The more adventurous can try Little Beach, just past the large cinder cone hill on one end, where clothing is optional, even if technically illegal. Off Wailea Alanui Drive.

MAUI ARTS & CULTURAL CENTER
Lots of events play at this multi-million dollar facility, from classical, rock, and jazz concerts to movies (shown every Wednesday in Castle Theatre) to art exhibits and various classes. An outdoor area often features smaller concerts and meals and treats are available here before events. Kahului Beach Road, Kahului: (808) 242-7469 box office. Weekdays 9-5.

MAUI OCEAN CENTER
Other than the ocean itself, this is the best place to experience the wonderful variety of life found in Hawaiian waters. Tidal exhibits, large walkthrough aquaria, smaller up close aquaria, and a well-stocked retail store round out your trip here. Eating establishments and a variety of retail stores in the immediate area of Maalaea abound. Honoapiilani Highway. (Highway 30), Maalaea Harbor. Maalaea: (808) 270-7000. Cost: $18.50. June-Aug., daily 9-6; Sept.-May, daily 9-5.

NAPILI BEACH
This beautiful and romantic beach is the home of the Kai Beach Club, a favorite of honeymooners. There are showers and a footwash. Upper Honoapiilani Highway, look for Napili Place or Hui Drive. 5900 Lower Honoapiilani Highway, Kapalua.

PAIA
Favorite hangout of surfers, hippies, spiritual seekers, artists, and beach rats, this colorful town is the heart of the North Shore and still retains its local flavor. Many small eateries and boutique shops make this a worthwhile place to stop. Paia is also home to a Tibetan Buddhist temple called Karma Rimay O Sal Ling, on Baldwin Avenue a half mile from the traffic light. Highways 390 and 36, Paia.

TEDESCHI VINEYARDS AND WINERY
Pineapple wine, for some an acquired taste, is for sale here, as well as a small selection of the area�s more usual varieties. Various buildings on the ranch house a tasting room, historical exhibits, and artifacts. Make sure you stop at the old General Store. Kula Highway, Ulapalakua Ranch, Ulapalakua: (808) 878-6058. Cost: Free. Daily 9-5, call for tour times.

WAIANAPANAPA STATE PARK
This park is close to Hana, right on the ocean. An ancient heiau (sacred outdoor arrangement of stones) and burial sites are near. Many hikes, excellent swimming, black sand beaches, and freshwater caves offer the visitor much to do. The natural beauty of the area is magnificent and quite unforgettable. Old, somewhat dilapidated cabins can be rented with a permit for under $30 per night. Early reservations are recommended. The tent camping area supports a limited amount of people and often fills up weeks in advance. Hana Highway, near Mile Marker 32, Hana, Telephone: (808) 984-8109. Cost: Free.

WAILEA
Opulence, in landscape, architecture, and natural beauty characterizes the Wailea area. Latest addition is the Shops at Wailea, considered Hawaii's most beautiful and exclusive shopping center. Several large and world-class resort hotels are found here, interspersed with expensive privately owned condominiums. The Grand Wailea, the Four Seasons, and the Kea Lani offer art, shopping, dining, and well-maintained beach areas open to the public. The paved beach walk along the hotel beachfronts and condominiums is a real treat in early morning or sunset hours. Wailea, at the far end of Piilani Highway, park in any hotel parking lot.

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Your Hosts: Marie & Terry Schroeder 

651-765-8845(CST)or 651-271-9296 (Cell)

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