The flight to Maui, one of the most beautiful islands in Hawaii, is indeed long, very long. Despite that, who wouldn’t want to enjoy a few days of heaven on earth?

The recommendations below are primarily based on our personal experience, thanks to local young people who did the driving and accompanied us for almost three weeks.

The first site is Haleakala National Park. Although we had visited the park in the past, we found it more interesting the second time. The sight of this dormant volcano mesmerizes even long-time visitors. The colors, cliffs and ravines, aridity and sparse vegetation felt like being on another planet; the landscape fascinated us. On the second visit, we viewed the crater from additional vantage points.

Suggestion – you can drive up to the explanatory observation point slowly, stopping on the way to enjoy the views, or you could ascend on foot, but that requires arranging certain permits. Everything is explained on the park website.

Imagine being at an altitude of 7000 meters where there are strong winds even when the sun is shining. The winds are so strong that even as adults we held on to the railing leading to the observation deck, in order not to “fly away” after getting out of the car. It was very cold, freezing actually, but our desire to continue seeing the sights did not abate.

The park also includes a range of other sights –- waterfalls, ponds and lush vegetation – but the crater is the destination that makes the park most unique.

Three more:

A small beach with black sand, Waianapanapa State Park. Look at those pictures. It was hard to believe the meeting of turquoise sea and black beach surrounded by green vegetation. From the park we descended to the beach, in order to touch the black sand, which nature created by grinding lava into fine sand. An experience!

Entrance to the park requires non-residents to register in advance and pay an entrance fee. Advance approval is required.

Kapalua Beach on the north shore of Maui, was defined by the University of Maryland Beach Study as “the best beach in America…” The resort, the first to be built on the island, embraces the landscape. It is worth remembering that all beaches in Hawaii, even if they are developed “as if” they belong to a hotel, are public property. This is state law, and therefore no one can be prevented from entering a beach.

It was hard to leave Kapalua Beach. The beach is wide, the sand white and turquoise waters are calm and inviting. What else would a lover of swimming water want? At the foot of the green West Maui Mountains, the Kapalua coast has three white sand beaches and five bays.

Paia Park Beach was the final stop on our tour of “paradise.” On the last day of our visit, we asked ourselves if any recommended sites remained, which we hadn’t yet seen, but we mostly wanted to indulge ourselves by swimming in the sea. Our hosts took us to Paia Beach. The park is very tidy with lawns, trees, and clean showers. We walked along the beach a bit, heading towards a few villas built on the beach, to find a quiet corner just for ourselves. And find one we did. We didn’t want to get out of the calm, pool-like waters of clear Hawaiian turquoise. Some trees provided welcome shade. The company was wonderful but , unfortunately, did not stand still.

Some sections of the long Paia Beach are graced with winds that favor windsurfers or paragliders. The Waluku mountains that rise above the northern part of the bay, appear as if an exceptionally talented landscape designer had positioned them with care.

Of course, we also recommend culinary delights –

The culinary crown goes to a restaurant with a long history in Maui – founded in 1973! – Mama’s Fish House, overlooking a section of Paia beach. The quality of the food, the culinary presentation, the service (a senior waiter stays close-at-hand) and atmosphere are all impeccable.

Please note: To make a reservation for this excellent restaurant, you must place a reservation on their website months in advance and wait for confirmation. Midday reservations are easier to obtain; the problem is primarily at dinnertime.

The restaurant is located in an elevated section of the beach, and it faces the sea on all sides. Getting a reservation is indeed a problem; they must be made months, if not a year in advance, depending on the season…. Truly, a restaurant for “unforgettable celebrations.”

www.mamasfishhouse.com

Of course, more nature sites were revealed before our eyes: landscapes, waterfalls, additional beaches, diverse vegetation, natural streams and pools, and the local people – we leave them for your curiosity and enjoyment.

Regarding to the people, the presence of mixed couples, both local and visitors, is particularly conspicuous. In the relaxed atmosphere of the island, the natural acceptance and inclusion is striking. The behavior of people, young and old, the sea, casual behavior and informal clothing free people from conventions. And that is a blessing!