Hawaii - 1974
Maui

The attraction on Maui that I really wanted to visit was Haleakala National Park, which includes the primary volcano on Maui. Fred, however, wanted to travel to Hana. There wasn't time for both. We "compromised" by going to Hana. The drive was gorgeous and I don't regret it.

Maui is lush with numerous waterfalls. That translates into a lot of rain. It rained most of the time that we were there, but I became adept at juggling an umbrella and my camera.

We didn't stop much on the way out to Hana because it's a long way and we would return over the same road in the afternoon. At one point there was a brief moment of sunshine that turned one of the many waterfalls into a lovely rainbow, but we passed it by. I'm not sure why we stopped at this particular spot, but this is where the picture was in sequence. Beauty alone wasn't enough reason - there was simply too much of it.

As it happened, we were running out of time on the return so we didn't stop anywhere then either.

Once we reached the Hana area, we spent most of our time at the 'Ohe'o Gulch - at that time called "the seven sacred pools." It is part of the Haleakala Park.

The bridge carries the Hana Road over the gulch.

The iconic place to stay in this area of Maui was the Hana Ranch. It still exists although it has gone through numerous changes since the time that I was in the neighborhood. The resort was well beyond our budgets, so we didn't even consider it. We returned to the more populated part of the island for the night.

Maui is the one place I would really like to revisit in Hawaii. AND I'd like to stay at the Hana Ranch!

The view of the pools leading down to the sea.

I've been told that taking pictures detracts from the enjoyment of the moment, but I disagree. I delve more into a place prowling around looking for its most striking features.

My most vivid memory of Maui is scrambling up and down this gorge enjoying all the lovely views -- only a couple of which are included here.

One of the waterfalls discharging into the gulch.

The volcanic origin of the island can be seen here in spite of favorable growing conditions that cover the lava with green. Similar volcanic areas in arid Oregon are still barren after centuries.

Looking back along the Hana Road. The gulch is off to the left.

At one time I had fantasized about continuing on from Hana completely around the island, but the road was rugged and required an off-road capable vehicle. I don't know if that is still the case.

The road to get this far is hardly a super-highway.

Not every place is lush. The formation of the trees shows that this is the windward side of the island.

The following day we made a short visit to Iao Valley State Park. The pinnacle is known as the Iao Needle. I remember that it was a challenge to wrestle an umbrella and take pictures in a steady downpour.

It was time to move on to Hawaii, the Big Island.