Blessed with spectacular terrain and cooling tradewinds, Maui offers great hiking opportunities. No Maui vacation would be complete without one or two invigorating treks. Have you ever hiked into a dormant volcano? Haleakala's Sliding Sands Trail offers just such a challenge. You may never get to the moon, but this trail is the next best thing. Be aware, though, that the altitude (over 10,000 feet) can be fatiguing, as Fran soon discovered. Also, bring a jacket. The wind chill factor can produce near-freezing temperatures.

Another great hiking destination is Iao Valley. Be prepared for light rain, but don't let it spoil your day. The frequent showers are what keep the valley fresh, verdant and brimming with sparkling streams, cascading waterfalls, and tropical vegetation. In addition to the improved trails within the State Park, you also can pick up some unmaintained but easy to follow trails into the back country that will reward you with "waterfall walls" and panoramic vistas.

We recently discovered the Swinging Bridges hike in Waihe'e Valley. This two-mile hike has a little bit of everything, including two rickety suspension bridges that are little more than cables and planks. Your reward at the end is a gorgeous swimming hole formed by an old irrigation dam across the Waihe'e River. To find it drive north out of Wailuku on Hwy 340, turn left at Waihe'e Valley Road (just past the school in Waihe'e), proceed to the end of the road, and pay a $5 easement fee to Waihe'e Valley Farms.

We've saved our favorite recommendation for last. In our opinion, the best hike on the island is the trek to Waimoku Falls. Most visitors make the trip to Hana and beyond to the Seven Pools at Oheo Gulch without knowing about this great hike. After parking in the same lot walk inland (across the road) to the trailhead. After a slight uphill climb, the trail levels out along a stream and into a towering bamboo forest (right). During our hike, gentle breezes set the bamboo into motion, like a giant wind chime.

Along the way Mother Nature has provided cascading streams, colorful vegetation, and delightful photo-ops. Wooden bridges and boardwalks have thoughtfully been added by the Park Service. Eventually you emerge into a natural amphitheater, surrounded on three sides by towering rock walls and, straight ahead, the second highest waterfall in all of Hawaii. After completing this round-trip hike (allow 2-1/2 hours), you will have earned a refreshing dip in the Seven Pools!