The resort is at the very end of the road well past the newer; glitzier resorts at Wailea.The 25 minute drive from Kahului Airport is an excellent introduction to the island. Once past the central commercial and industrial center of Kahului, the two lane highway breaks free from the traffic lights and busy intersections and quickly slices through sugar cane fields through which, there are glimpses of the neighboring islands of Kahoolawe, Molokini and Lanai. The road continues through residential areas and schools. Real evidence that real lives are lived in this expanse of sun, soil and sea. Freeway signs indicate that the small seaside town of Kihei is close at hand. Just a few easy minutes from Makena, Kihei is the commercial center of Maui's south shore. It offers everything from fine restaurants, supermarkets and public parks and playgrounds. Kihei also offers a wide selection of moderately priced hotel and condominium accomodations.
The slopes of Haleakala dominate the "mauka" or inland side of the island as the freeway continues onward and eastward. It's a rare day that the entire summit of the now dormant volcano is visible. Haleakala is known in local legends to be the "House of the Sun" and is a popular spot to experience the sunrise up and over this massive volcanic crater. The vegetation along the roadway is dry, arid and typical of the leeward side of all the Hawaiian Islands. Such vegetation is a promise that sunny and warm weather is no stranger to this part of the island. Afer a few more miles, the freeway begins narrowing gently then comes to an abrupt end at the entrance to the Wailea resort. The transition is even more noticable by the appearance wide tree shaded throughfares and the generous landscaping along the resorts medial strips.
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