At 10,000 feet above sea level, Haleakalā 's dormant volcanic crater offers breathtaking vistas and invigorating hikes.

At the peak is the Haleakalā High Altitude Observatory Site, Hawaii's first astronomical research observatory.

The Upcountry area includes the towns of Paia, Haiku, Makawao and Pukalani.

Hui No'eau Visual Arts Center provides artisan studios, art classes and a gallery.

Beautiful historical churches constructed of lava stone, coral and local woods are found in towns throughout the area. They have survived storms and tsunamis.

Along the roadways fruit stands serve local produce and shave ice.

Beaches along the north shore are more rugged and have wilder surf.

Kameole Beaches I, II and III in Kihei are family favourites for their rocky outcroppings for snorkelling and their gentle surf for boogy-boarding.

Paia marks the beginning of the Hana Highway from where dramatic sights of sea cliffs and tropical valleys can be viewed.

Green sea turtles gather at Ho'okipa Beach Park. The green sea turtle (Honu) is a symbol of longevity, safety and spiritual energy.
 

The lava formations along the Ke'anae coastline are dramatic.

Kahanu garden is a Polynesian botanical garden and the site of the largest Heiau (temple) on the island.

A viewpoint at Kaumahina State Wayside provides a glimpse of traditional farms and poi fields.

At Wai'anapanapa State Park, there is a black sand beach, a sea cave, a lava arch and some fresh-water caves.

The Hana Highway snakes along the northern and eastern coasts of East Maui. With 600 turns and 50 bridges, it provides spectacular views of coastline, rainforest and waterfalls.

Exclusive resorts line the Wailea beaches in South Maui.

The Hyatt Regency Hotel has exotic gardens and a penguin pool.

From Makena State Park Beach, offshore Molokini can be seen, where coral reefs have formed in the semi-circular tuff crater.
 

The road beyond Makena in South Maui ends in a lava field created by the eruption of Haleakala volcano in 1790.