Wilde Adventures
Hawai'i and South Pacific Cruise: November 23 — December 21, 2012

Maui

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    Lahaina, Maui
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    Maui was formed from two shield volcanoes whose lava flows overlapped each other to form the island. The larger, younger volcano to the east, Haleakalā, rises to more than 10,000 feet (3,000 m) above sea level, and measures 5 miles (8.0 km) from seafloor to summit, making it one of the world's highest mountains. The port city, Lahaina was our entryway to Maui. It is famous for it huge Banyan tree, in Banyan Tree Square, as well as serving as the starting point for visitors who come to enjoythe many attractions available on Maui.

    A Volcano and a Needle, with Cats

    We've been to Maui several times; we've vacationed there, snorkeled, driven to Hana, and enjoyed many of the coastal attractions. We'd never been to see Maui's volcanic areas. Thus, we decided to join the ship's all-day tour to the Haleakala Crater, the highest point on the island of Maui. It rises to 10,032 feet above sealevel, and is the tip of a volcano that last erupted in 1790. The tour bus took us via a switchback road to view the crater. The scenery along the way, and at the crater, was spectacular.

    Later we were taken to Maui Tropical Plantation for lunch where there was time afterwards to enjoy the beautiful grounds and gardens. Finally we visited Iao Valley State Park where we saw the the Iao Needle, a 2,250-foot cinder cone pinnacle. The park, we noticed, was also home to many stray cats; someone has placed tins of food and water for them. We stopped at two areas in the state park; both are populated with many cats.

    Vendor

    HAL Shore Excursions
    Haleakala Crater & Iao Valley


    Blog Content & Website Design: Marney Wilde • Photographs by George Wilde