Speaking of bathing suits . . . At the northern end of Makena Beach there is a large volcanic cinder cone called Puu Olai. If you climb over that, you’ll find Little Beach, a calmer, gentler cove that has long been regarded as clothing-optional (even though public nudity is illegal in Hawaii).
The highest point on Maui is the top of Haleakala, a dormant volcano whose name means “House of the Sun.’’ We made the 38-mile trek in our rental car, driving slowly up the steep, winding road. The views from the 10,023-foot summit were incredible. It seemed as if we were looking out onto a vast ocean of clouds. Many tourists come here before dawn to watch the sun rise. A car pass costs $10, valid for three days. Haleakala National Park,808-572-4400,www.nps.gov/hale
Private companies will drive you to the top of Haleakala, then let you ride a bicycle back down. Hard-core cyclists can pedal up on their own; a pass is $5.
The summit area of Haleakala looks like a gigantic crater, and there are plenty of hiking trails. The air is thin up there, and it’s typically 30 degrees colder than on the coast. As my friends and I trudged through the barren, desert-like landscape, it felt like we were visiting another planet. Overnight camping is available. Campsite permits are free; cabins cost $60-$75 per night. www.fhnp.org/wcr
If you can’t afford to stay at a posh hotel resort like the Four Seasons or the Ritz, you can still drop by and see how the other half lives. We strolled around the grounds of Grand Wailea and stopped at the Bistro Molokini, one of several dining areas at the complex, where we sat at the bar, ordered an appetizer, and treated ourselves to $13 pina coladas. 3850 Wailea Alanui Drive, Wailea,www.grandwailea.com
