When traveling, it’s rewarding to see or do things that can’t be done back home or at other destinations. Consider adding these items to your list next time you’re in Maui:

1. See a blooming Haleakala silversword plant. You can visit Haleakala National Park on your own or with a reservation for sunrise visits, or you can book a local tour with an expert. There is always a chance of thick fog that might alter your experience. Please avoid stepping on plants as they are rare. The summit of this volcano is just more than 10,000 feet above sea level — and on a clear day, you can see the ocean below.

2. See the Ua’a, aka the Hawaiian Petrel, at Haleakala National Park, where it is believed to have the largest nesting colony for this species. Although the birds have been spotted on other Hawaiian islands, Maui is where the most significant populations live.

3. Eat pie at Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop. Sure, you can eat pie anywhere, but this place is special with mini pies in a variety of flavors — chocolate mac nut, Olowalu lime — that you can’t get back home or even take home with you. You’ll find it on the roadside in Olowalu, not far from Lahaina. They also have sandwiches and salads.

4. Go on a pineapple tour and taste what is considered the sweetest pineapple in the world only available here, the Maui Gold Pineapple. The Maui Pineapple Tour is on a working pineapple plantation in Hali’imaile in the upcountry, so it gives you an excuse to check out this distinct part of the island. You do taste the difference with fresh pineapple!

5. Snorkel in a volcanic crater at Molokini, a partially submerged crescent-shaped islet you can see from the shores of Maui. Yes, you can snorkel so many other places, but this one is unique due to the water quality at this reef. Schedule early to avoid the crowds.

— Mindy Sink, Special to The Denver Post