Ended up renting a 172 from Maui Aviators, took along an instructor to
work the radios, look for traffic, and point out things to sightsee.

We flew pretty much the path described below, but went straight from
Molokini back to OGG (no Hana).

I went at 8am, returning about 930am, so the winds were light
(10-15kts). They do get howling in the afternoon, 30+kts is common.

Thanks to everyone for the advice!

-Nathan



On Sat, 24 Apr 2004 14:41:31 GMT, "Mr. Smith"
wrote:

I also rented from http://www.mauiaviators.com. this past November. I
rented a C152 Aerobat (no I did not do any spins) and spent about 20 minutes
checkout just touch and go's at Kahului airport. Their recommended flying
route takes you around three islands; Maui, Molokai and Lanai. You can get
an accumulation of clouds on the north sides of the islands, particularly
where there are mountains or cliffs, with a ceiling of about 2000 ft. in
places.

I will post a few photos later today: http://newapt.tripod.com/Maui

Their recommended flying route consists of:

- leave Kahului airport (OGG) head west along the northern coast of Maui

- head over the water to the eastern tip of Molokai

- fly along the north coast of Molokai (spectacular steep cliffs)

- past Kahiu point (old Leper colony) and airstrip LUP

- turn south over the main airport on Molokai (MKK). Lots of little farms;
Molokai is very rural.

- south over the water (shallow coral reefs, great diving area)

- east along north coast of Lanai (aerial view of two shipwrecks; these
wecks are actually notated on the aeronautical chart as landmarks)

- east across the water back to Maui (Lahaina area). In the winter you can
see whales from the plane

- east along the south coast of Maui. Fly past Molokini Island, crescent
shaped outcropping of rock in the ocean (rim of an old volcano) also a
popular diving spot.

- north along the west coast of Maui. Nobody is there - steep mountains
backside of Haleakala volcano

- past Hana -- there is a nice airstrip here and looks like an inviting
place to land (but it is not within walking distance of town)

-west along the north coast of Maui; this is the road to Hana, a great drive
for the next day.

-back to Kahului airport.The airport is somewhat busy with jet traffic and
always windy. But very long runways.


-Marc