Maui is a great island to visit and a pretty cool one to work on.  I’m typing fast, because if my boss sees the time I post this, I may not be working here anymore.  :)   (Had a good day yesterday, so starting a little later today.)

No Ka Oi means number one, and it’s hard to argue that this is the number one island or perhaps, the number one tourist destination in the US.  I know, arguably.  You can have Oahu and its hi rises, and congestion in Waikiki and on the roads commuting.  I DO live there, btw.

Maui has two main mountains, the incredible Heleakala Volcano, and then the other ones.

Heleakala dominates the view from the time you get out of the plane, down to Kihei, and central Maui is at its doorstep.  It’s so huge, because unlike other non-Hawaiian peaks, that rise from among the hills, the higher elevations and the neighboring peaks, Heleakala shoots up from sea level.

They say, that going up to the peak takes about 2 1/2 hours on the road and then produces some of the most magnificent sunrises on earth, and pretty good sunsets too.  I got in trouble with my Regional Manager because I told him I was going up there to take pics one morning.  I didn’t, but the suggestion, and the fact I missed the next morning sales meeting landed me in the dog house.

The other mountains impede the jouney to Lahaina, Kaanapali, and the West Maui resorts.  That is mostly the dry area, and the land reflects that with hues of brown.  Of course, with constant watering, the golf courses remain green.  I have to say that, the Mercedes Open just ended the other day.

Those other mountains must have a name, I’ll look.  Going to Lahaina and all those resorts, the road hugs the cliffs along the ocean.  There are 2 tunnels, I believe, and my Sprint didn’t work in a couple of places.  The quaint former whaling village of Lahaina makes for good shopping and cheeseburgers.

BTW, this isn’t going to be a detailed travel blog, but I have seen a good portion of this island.  Write and ask if you want.

Those other mountains include the Iao Valley Park, also spectacular.  Take time, and perhaps a picnic, drive out of Wailuku and vist the valley.  Make sure you bring your camera.

If you go on the famous Road to Hana, you’ll encounter Paia, about 6 miles down the road.  This is where you stock up for the ride with supplies, use the bathroom if you can find one (it’s sometimes great to be a guy), and be a tourist.

I recommend parking at the public lot at the edge of town and walking.  I also recommend Charleys Restaurant (Willie Nelson’s favorite) and Moana Bakery and Cafe on Baldwin.  I’ll be at Charleys drinking coffee and working (on the phone).

Down the road, also towards Hana is the turn to go to Haiku.  Haiku, like Paia gives me a great vibe, a sorta ex-hippie, surfer wannabe, used to like Grateful Dead feeling.  There are also good places to eat, some hairpin turns (careful) and the usual businesses.

I’m going to just say this now.  I saw/see the most beautiful women in Paia and Haiku.  Don’t know what it is, and this is certainly not a scientific study.  I’m still happily married, right honey??? 

Now, the other famous travel writers will go on and describe the Road to Hana with more hairpin turns and many waterfalls.  Drive slow and DON’T if you had too many drinks at Charleys.  This is where I get off, because, like I mentioned, I am working today.

Suffice to say, the Road is worth it.  My beautiful bride and I took that drive on our honeymoon 3 and 1/2 years ago.

I have to go now, I think there will be a part 2, perhaps with pics.  Right now, I fear that somehow my boss is monitoring every minute of my work time here, and this does not qualify. 

Now, off to Charleys for coffee. 

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