On Sunday, our fourth day on Maui, we decided to drive to the summit of Haleakala, which happens to be encompassed by Haleakala National Park. I was a bit hesitant to drive to the summit because the previous day's drive to Hana left me exhausted and car-weary, but I knew Sunday was our last full day on the island. It was the last chance I'd have. As it turned out, the drive wasn't so bad--probably because the road wasn't quite so curvy. And it was well worth the time in the car. The journey to the summit (the depression/crater area of the East Maui Volcano) took us from the lush, overly-developed coastal lands of Maui to the remote, native, high elevation area protected by the federal government. At 10, 023 feet, summit of Haleakala features a landscape unlike any I'd seen before. I felt certain I'd left earth. 
From the volcano, we drove to Ulupalakua to visit Tedeschi Vineyard. It was a beautiful side trip! The drive was scenic--we could see the ocean the whole time, yet somehow it seemed less tourist-driven and more "local". The papaya, mango, flowering jacaranda, or eucalyptus trees were plentiful, making the air smell sweet. We tasted four different wines, including a delicious raspberry dessert wine. But in the end we purchased a true novelty--pineapple wine. It's still chilling in the refrigerator, waiting until our taste buds need a reminder of Hawaii. Here are some pictures of the Tedeschi grounds:
Dinner that night was another delight. We dined at Nick's Fish Market at the Fairmont Kea Lani Maui. Scrumptious! I had snapper, Mihir had mahi mahi. We're still thinking about that meal. Here's a picture taken at the restaurant:
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