A full moon illuminates Haleakala, the sacred mountain on the Island of Maui. At 10,0000 feet the summit air is unexpectedly chilly for being in the Hawaiian Islands. Below and to the west is the twinkling lights of Kihei.

You could easily imagine you will be the lone sentry to welcome the first arrival of sunrise, but expect to share your experience with several other early risers who also want to encroach on your dream.

The world may seem to be a small speck in the universe as you watch the sun trying to sneak up on you over the eastern horizon; the anticipation of the event in the air as you watch this marvel of God.

You turn your look to the west at the fading moonlight and then back to the east as the sky comes alive in color.

Imagine the other sky watchers to the east and what they experienced as they watched the same sky come alive too; waiting to see that first ray of light shoot over the horizon. The sky coming alive with color as a preview of the life giving rays of sunshine that is rapidly pushing it westward.

You are in Hawaii, down below it will soon be 82 degrees and hot steamy breezes will carry the tang of coconuts and pineapples to the enchantment of tourists and even locals as well.

You are standing on the top of the Island called Maui where astronauts once trained because the scenery resembled the moon. Maybe you really ARE on the moon and you are looking across to the earth?

What about people sitting in airplanes at that very moment? Rocketing along those rays of sunlight to their dream location, the excitement they surely must be feeling the eagerness for what lies in store for them. Do they look out their window at the same striking sky unfolding before their eyes?

Think of those you know that would not take the time to experience the marvel of a sunrise; they say it is too early or it is too cold or it takes too long to reach the vantage point. That is tragic in a way, to deny oneself the pleasure of such a beautiful event. One should feel grateful, almost like being gifted with the inspiration, the desire, the excitement of wanting to embrace the magic of the universe that everyone has access to every waking day.

Perhaps you should consider booking your very own Maui adventure vacation today?

James Maree is a travel writer for Travel Resort Living.