A Peaceful Retreat with a Quiet Beauty
Grandma's Coffee House--is a short 1/2 mile walk from The Star Lookout along the popular one-lane Thompson Road. Grandma's features home baked goodies and serves up a delicious breakfast and lunch. Thompson Road provides local access to the Thompson Ranch and a scattering of homes including The Star Lookout. Bird watchers, bikers and folks walking their dogs can be seen strolling along this path.
Maui's Winery at Ulupalakua Ranch--Visit Hawaii's oldest winery set in a eucalyptus forest on the nearby Ulupalakua Ranch, a mere 5 mile drive on another scenic road. Enjoy wine tasting and tours, Maui style!
Haleakala National Park--High atop this extinct volcano at 10,000 feet above sea level one can see to the edges of the earth! Get up early and drive to the top to watch the sunrise. Or set out on foot across the moonscape of the crater for day-or multi-day hiking, with accommodations in the Park Service cabins.
Hike Maui--Maui is a mecca for hikers! Set out on a self-guided excursion or enlist the help of "Hike Maui," a professional guide service, to explore areas off the beaten path. Your expert guides can teach you all about the geology, the birds, the plants and insects of Maui, the "Valley Isle."
Maui's Magnificent Beaches--Pull up a beach chair on one of Maui's prized beaches. The sands of Kanaha and Hookipa, and world class windsurfing are 25 minutes away. Kihei and Wailea Resort are a mere 35 minutes from your quiet hideaway.
Mountain Bike or Hike --for the rugged adventurer, Poli Poli Park offers challenging and technical singletrack. Also explore the nearby Makawao Forest.
Go Cycling Maui--One thing you should know about the owners: they are cycling fanatics! The Star Lookout is located in prime road cycling country. Riders from the top pro teams can be seen training on Haleakala's slopes in the off season. Check out "Go Cycling Maui," an outfit dedicated to making you ride (or at least feel) like a pro!
Drive to Hana--Plan a day to drive around the "other side" of Haleakala along the lush and tropical Hana Highway. The views, waterfalls, pools, abundant tropical birds and flowers are things that movies are made of. Don't forget to allow plenty of time to visit the many natural sites. A nature-lover's adventure!
Sample Maui's Golf Courses--If a full day of golf is your idea of relaxation, check out Maui's golf courses. The nearby Pukalani Country Club offers great golfing at temperatures about 7 degrees cooler than beach-level courses.
Bring the family for the horseback ride of a lifetime! Come ride with the folks at Thompson Ranch through eucalyptus forests and sparkling green pastures as the West Maui Mountains rise in the distance, with breathtaking views of Maui and neighbor islands. Along the way you will see rare and beautiful native Hawaiian trees in their natural environment.
If thrills are what you're after, don't miss the zipline up the Haleakala Volcano. You'll glide through the Upcountry forest and get a bird's eye view of this fascinating ecosystem.