Maui - Hawaii with Kids - page 295

Kapalua ( & 808/665-0007; www.kapaluaart.com), in a charming 1920s plan-
tation building that was part of an old cannery operation, features local and vis-
iting instructors and is open daily for people of all ages (except kids 4 and under,
who are a little too young) and skill levels. This not-for-profit organization offers
projects, classes, and workshops that highlight creativity in all forms, including
photography, figure drawing, ceramics, landscape painting, painting on silk, and
the performing arts (ballet, yoga, creative movement, Pilates). Classes are inex-
pensive. Call the school to see what's scheduled while you're on Maui.
BICYCLING
If you want to venture out on your own, cheap rentals—$10 a day for cruisers
and $25 a day for mountain bikes—are available from Activity Warehouse
( & 800/923-4004; www.travelhawaii.com), which has branches in Lahaina at
578 Front St., near Prison Street ( & 808/661-1970 ); and in Kihei at Azeka Place
II, on the mountain side of Kihei Road near Lipoa Street ( & 808/875-4050 ).
For information on bikeways and maps, check out www.bikehawaii.com or
get a copy of the Maui County Bicycle Map, which has information on road suit-
ability, climate, mileage, elevation changes, bike shops, safety tips, and various
bicycling routes. The map is available for $7.50 ($6.25 for the map and $1.25
for postage), paid for with bank checks or money orders only, from Tri Isle R,
C, and D Council, Attn: Bike Map Project, 200 Imi Kala St., Suite 208,
Wailuku, HI 96793.
HIKING & CAMPING
In the past 3 decades, Maui has grown from a rural island to a fast-paced resort
destination, but its natural beauty remains largely inviolate; there are still many
places that can be explored only on foot. Those interested in seeing the back-
country—complete with virgin waterfalls, remote wilderness trails, and quiet,
meditative settings—should head for Haleakala's upcountry or for the tropical
Hana Coast.
Camping on Maui can be extreme (inside a volcano) or benign (by the sea in
Hana). It can be wet, cold, and rainy; or hot, dry, and windy—often, all on the
same day. If you're heading for Haleakala, remember that U.S. astronauts trained
for the moon inside the volcano; bring survival gear. You'll need your swimsuit
and rain gear if you're bound for Waianapanapa. Bring your own gear, as there
are no places to rent camping equipment on Maui.
For more information on Maui camping and hiking trails, and to obtain free
maps, contact Haleakala National Park, P.O. Box 369, Makawao, HI 96768
( & 808/572-4400; www.nps.gov/hale); and the State Division of Forestry
and Wildlife, 54 S. High St., Wailuku, HI 96793 ( & 808/984-8100; www.
hawaii.gov). For information on trails, hikes, camping, and permits for state
parks, contact the Hawaii State Department of Land and Natural Resources,
State Parks Division, P.O. Box 621, Honolulu, HI 96809 ( & 808/587-0300;
www.state.hi.us/dlnr); note that you can get information from the website but
cannot obtain permits there. For Maui County Parks, contact the Department
of Parks and Recreation, 1580-C Kaahumanu Ave., Wailuku, HI 96793
( & 808/243-7132; www.mauimapp.com).
GUIDED HIKES If you'd like a knowledgeable guide to accompany you on
a hike, call Maui Hiking Safaris ( & 888/445-3963 or 808/573-0168;
www.mauihikingsafaris.com). Owner Randy Warner takes visitors on half- and
full-day hikes into valleys, rainforests, and coastal areas. Randy's been hiking
around Maui for more than 25 years and is wise in the ways of Hawaiian