Maui Excursions

Molokini Crater is a crescent-shaped extinct volcano located 2.5 miles off the south coast of Maui. It is designated a State Marine Life and Bird Conservation District, and is known for its snorkeling and diving, as well as a great place to see whales and sea turtles. Several tour companies offer boat excursions out to the crater, which is about 4 hours away. Maui Classic Charters is a local company that offers half-day morning and afternoon trips, which include snorkeling equipment (2009 average cost: AM trip, $89 adults and $59 child; PM trip, $41.95 adult, $29.95 child). The morning trip offers two meals, while the afternoon excursion offers an open bar and an optional $7 BBQ lunch. Scuba equipment can be rented for an additional cost of $49.

Within the national park is the Haleakala Crater, known as the "House of the Sun," which is the world's largest dormant volcano and is a popular destination for hikers and backpackers. The 30,183-acre park was designated an International Biosphere Reserve in 1980 and boasts several endangered species of plants, birds and animals. It has three distinct terrain areas: Summit, Wilderness and the Coastal Kipahulu--each offering different activities. Hike Maui offers a 4-mile hike (average cost 2009: $130) to the crater that includes lunch and travel to the park from central Maui. The trek goes through three different environments: The first 2-mile hike via a lava rock trail (8,000 feet elevation); a 2-mile hike at the summit (10,000 feet elevation); and a trail through a cloud forest called Hosmer Grove (7,000 feet elevation).

A 52-mile drive from Kahului, Hana is a popular destination if you seek magnificent vistas. The road is a highway (HI-360) that takes you through 600 curves and more than 54 bridges, with views of rainforests, coastline and waterfalls. Depending on how many times you stop, the journey could take between 2 and 4 hours. Once you reach Hana, there are places to eat and relax, like the black sand beach of Waianapanapa State Park, which is also a snorkeling spot. Or, just past Hana in the Kipahulu area of the Haleakala National Park are the pools of Oheo Gulch, known as the Seven Sacred Pools. You can take a dip in the pools, or hike to the higher 400-foot Waimoku Falls via the Pipiwai Trail.