The Deja Vu Circle Hawaii Voyage, Day 81, Lahaina, Maui Part 1 of 2

Ashore on the first tender, Ann, Cathy and I rented a car and headed for Haleakala National Park.  From the tropics to the moon in two hours, 38 miles, 10,023 feet, it is amazing to think we journeyed from lush tropical island landscapes to stark moonlike craters and the summit cinder desert.  The climb to the summit was a long winding road but breathtaking.  The above clouds views were sureal and made us feel like we were on top of the world, with a photo to prove it!  We came back to the pier a different route, crossing the West Maui Mountains via the Honoapiilani and Kahekili highways.  The narrow one lane roads with many hairpin turns made for an interesting ride but gave way to lush mountains, valleys, blowholes and waterfalls.   I was very thankful to Cathy for her magnificent driving skills allowing me to take these beautiful photos.  On our return to Lahania we found a Starbucks for Wifi and boarded the tender back to the ship at sunset.  We had a wonderful day in Maui and it is almost beyond belief we could experience two islands back to back with such magnificent beauty and weather.  I hope we have a significant weather improvement for our return voyage to San Diego as I am desperate for sunshine!  This blog has two parts, this is part 1.  Just doesn’t get any better than this…..