On Maui, also known as "Valley Iceland" (Valley Isle), the two gigantic extinct Haleakala volcano on the east and Puu Kukui in the West charge, that lava was preparing for once united in a valley and a very fertile soil. Even Mark Twain gushed 1866 of Maui and the sunrise on Haleakala. The largest dormant volcano in the world for decades attracted tourists to the island.

Maui is not only geographically but also ideologically in two "split". On the north coast resorts are, that luxury is surpassed only by the resort in Waikiki, on the other side of the hippie culture bubbled with surfers.

Pool for humpback whales

Demigod Maui did well to pull this beauty spot with his fish hook in the sea. Did he not therefore an ideal pool for thousands of whales established that from December to April in the waters off Hawaii romp.

The shallow basin between Maui, Lanai and the uninhabited island of Kahoolawe is now a Flirt mile, the birthplace and nursery of the humpback whales. "Thar she blows," the former starting signal for hunting the gentle giant that was especially the sperm whales is, fortunately only on the history of the former whaling town of Lahaina.

In the port of Lahaiana wait Whale Watch boat, on which visitors can view the sea giants closer. Young whales jump high spirits flying fish in shallow water with a race, a Wal-mother lifts her baby gently to the surface to breathe.

And when a 15-meter 40-ton truck like a U-boat out of the water in order with a mighty roar back on the water's surface collide, they say: Bring camera to safety, hold on to the railing and look forward to the cooling.

Molokai - the place of silence

Molokai is the least open to the island of Hawaii. The few rental cars of the 1200-strong community Kaunakakai are usually booked up. Well, that Molokai residents are always happy to chat with strangers, but not much else going on. "Hitch-Hiking" (hitch) is not a problem. Not have to wait too long until you're asked to jump on the back of a pick ups.

Only when people respond to Molokai's Kalaupapa Peninsula, darkens her face, usually so friendly. Although today no more risk of infection by about 90 lepers who still live there, posed,: The fear runs deep.

The colony of the dying

As "Hansen's disease, as leprosy is now known, broke out in 1865 in Hawaii, King Kamehameha V. all those who showed the slightest rash, expose to Kalaupapa. Cut off from the outside world and without medical assistance remained condemned to die there, abandoned to their fate.

In 1873, the Belgian Father Damien arrived in the colony and brought a little humanity into the misery of the sick, which he served until his death in 1889.

Molokai beach life is focused on Dixie's Papohaku Beach and the West. On the road to Halawa Valley to the east of the island can be found at mile 18 is an excellent snorkeling. As provision can best be some sandwiches from the owners of the Molokai Mango Video "trim. The famous Molokai bread that you can buy in the Kanemitsu Bakery in Kaunakakai, is considered specialty in the islands.

But not even the heavenly Coconut-Pineapple Bread could prevent that had recently the only luxury hotel Molokai close its doors - too few tourists. Molokai's bad for business, good for those who want to listen to yourself think. He had the quiet places of Molokai to heart.