Maui..... a trip to Haleakala

I recently spent a week on Maui celebrating a special family birthday. It had been many years since my last visit to this island and I was afraid that I was going to be disappointed.....that my memories of a unspoiled island was going to be replaced with that of a tourist trap.  I am happy to report, I was not disappointed in the least.  It is still beautiful, yes .....more developed,  but still the tropical paradise I remembered.... and the best part it's the USA.

Loving every minute of being with family, it was so nice all being in one time zone.... just relaxing and looking at the beautiful ocean. Every day started out with an amazing sun rise.

Although we did this years ago, we decided to take another trip up to Haleakala.  

The ride up was beautiful as we climbed to 10,000 feet above sea level.  

A lavender farm along the way....

 we moved through the clouds as we climbed...

up up and away....

it is amazing that these photos were actually take from the ground

The flowering plants along the way....

less green and more rock formations as we reach the top.....

 breathtaking...

 we zoom in...

a look at the center...

Silversword....a very unique plant species grown at the top

we start to descend

It was a great trip!