Maui

   My fourth trip to Maui was in January 2007.  These pages contain information from all four trips.

   Flights of general aviation aircraft are expensive on Maui.  I found one Cessna Flight Center who would rent  GA aircraft, Maui Aviators, LLC.  The day I went there they were out of 100 LL and were not flying.  They were expecting the shipment of fuel to be in later that day or the next day.  As expected, the prices were higher than you would pay on the Mainland.  A Cessna 172L was $135 plus $15 fuel sur charge.  Instructors were $55 per hour.  By the time you completed a checkout, it would cost approximately $225 dollars.  You are allowed to fly inter-island but you must be back by 5PM when the close.  Their is a 4 hr. minimum to keep the plane all day.   If you go a while without flying with them they require  another checkout.  Their instructors also can serve as tour guides and show you the area.  If you fill the plane up you can beat the cost of the helicopter rides and see what you want to see while building time. They are located at  Kahului Airport (PHOG) in two of the General Aviation hangers, next to the Fire Rescue station.  The airport is a class C airport.  The Hana Airport (PHHN) has parachute jumping and Powered Hang-gliding activity.  I stopped by to talk with the owner and take a flight, but they were booked up solid for the next week.   The Kapalua Airport (PHJH) just west of Ka'anapali does not allow general aviation activity. The airplane noise bothers the wealthy land owners.

        The South Maui Area includes Kiehi where we stayed. and many restaurants.

    The West Maui Area includes Lahaina. and Ka'anapali as well as several nice roadside parks.

    The Hanna Highway Area includes the road to Hana, and Hanna itself. 

     The Southeast Maui Area includes the area from Hana around to the south Maui Area.   The road is currently closed because of road damage done during the November 2006 earthquake.     FEMA, Federal, and State agencies are working on fixing the road so it may be a long time being fixed.

    The Haleakala and Upcountry Area includes the area that grows much of the islands food, wineries, ranches, and of course Haleakala.  I have been to the top for the sunrise twice.  Once it was fantastic, the other time we were covered in clouds and couldn't see a thing.  If you want to see the sunrise, you must get up and leave South Maui by 4am.  Take a coat as it will be very cold.

     Maui Scuba Diving is fantastic.  There are many dive companies and dive sites to chose from.