the drive up the Haleakala crater.

[kim lilley]

[Karen Knowlton]

Unless you have spent your entire life in flat country with no winding roads, you will have no problem driving it - just be sure the driver doesn't spend too much time eyeing the scenery! Can't remember how long it takes - I'd give the entire round trip 3 hours, though, in case you get a great view at the top and want to spend some time.

If the day is cloudy, though (overcast), choose another sightseeing locale on Maui. We learned this the hard way - twice in one trip.

[kim lilley]

Thanks Karen for your response. We do live in flat florida, but we will take our time. The shore excursions are expensive.
KIm

[Sandy]

Kim, we did an excursion that was expensive but really unique. We were taken up to Haleakala and then bicycled down the 10,000' to sea level. It took 4 hours, and all levels of bicycling ability were able to participate.

You have some time at the top to look around, and then you put on this spray suit and helmet and get into one long line of bikers, followed by the support van. The bikes have automobile-type disk brakes, and all you're doing is braking and coasting, as you go through the some clouds, through the tree line, all the way down to sea level. We made frequent stops along the side of the highway and a lunch stop half way through. The scenery is amazing, and we were told that the only times accidents happen is when people are looking around so much, they forget to look at the road.

Sandy

[Oggy Boy]

Sandy, that is the only way to do Haleakala. It is a great experience.

Tom

[Sandy]

Tom, we actually did it twice, off two different American Hawaii cruise ships a year apart. We're heading back on a Hawaii cruise at the end of the year, and we may do it again!

Sandy

[billybuzzy]

It's a gorgeous drive just make sure the driver concentrates on the road on Haleakala-it is very windy-keep your eyes peeled to see the Silver Sword Plants-they are very rare but they grow well on the mountain! 3 hours is plenty of time!