Jesse Francis asked:


 

We call it paradise and “No Ka Oi” (the best) but behind Maui’s pristine beaches and tropical waterfalls lies a polluted history of energy production that to this day exaggerates the unhealthy and wasteful ways of our country’s industrial past. While much of the U.S. has cleaned up with green laws and initiatives, Maui lingers in a world of burning coal, diesel andbagasse. Even though Maui has fallen behind in greening its act, it may become an economic proving ground for clean energy.

An early adopter of electricity, Maui had its first electric lights powered by burning bagasse (the solid waste remains of burnt sugar cane) in 1881. The lights were used to help the Spreckels mill increase nightly production. The majority of Maui’s energy supply now comes from burning diesel. This puts residents and visitors wallets hostage to the cost of crude. The cost of energy on Maui is the highest in the nation. Businesses transfer this cost on to goods and services.

With state and federal initiatives and laws and under pressure from the community Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO) is striving to create renewable sources of power. HECO is advertising with more than one million to increase public support for alternate energy in the islands.

The Current State of Wind.

First Wind’s Kahea Wind project installed on the South West side of the West Maui Mountains has been producing 30Mega Watts since June of 2006. According to First Wind’s website, “the 20 GE 1.5 megawatt turbines generate enough clean, non-polluting power to meet 9% of Maui’s total electricity needs during peak hours and up to 30% during non-peak hours.”Kahea Wind is actively seeking to double the number of towers and energy output of their farm.

Shell WindEnergy and Ulupalakua Ranch announced jointly on June 30, 2006 that they planned to install a 40 megawatt wind farm in Ulupalakua Maui which is on the South West Slope of Haleakala. If the same formula used for Kahea Wind holds this would produce 12% of Maui’s total peak requirements and 40% during non-peak hours. In May of 2008 Rob Parsons reported in Maui Time Weekly that ShellWindEnergy had scaled back its plans to produce only 20 megawatts, is considering battery storage to prevent fluctuating input to the Islands grid and is in the process of drafting the Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) required to move forward.

Tapping in to Hydroelectric.



An Australian company named Oceanlinx is moving forward with a project to harness a mere 2.7 Megawatts of energy by installing floating generators off the North Shore.

In March 2008 Oceanlinx hired Planning Solutions to draft an EIS that is expected to be finished in 2009. The turbines would use air pressure generated by wave swells pushing into a semi submersed chamber.

Makila Hydro, LLC Makila Hydro, LLC was formed in 2001. It has restored a generator at the Pioneer Mill in Lahaina that was originally constructed in 1914. The plant has has been pushing a half a megawatt into Maui’s energy grid since September 2006.

Other prospects for ocean energy include tidal power, Auau channel turbines that run deep between Maui and Lanai, and Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC). Difficulties with deep ocean power plants include the protection of sea life and keeping the generators free of accumulated debris.

Plugging in to the Solar Source.

Despite advances in Solar Power, cost still outweighs benefits. There are researchers trying to change that and some innovators in the field on Maui are finding ways to skirt the high costs.

Solar thermal energy production employs a rooftop system made to heat water. By heating water with solar energy, households can expect large reductions in monthly energy use, (from 15% - 25%). The State of Hawaii, The U.S. Government and Maui Electric, a branch of HECO , all offer incentives for these energy saving installations. There are state and federal income tax credits and no interest loans available.

The photovoltaic method of energy production employs cells that turn light into electricity. These are the cells you find on your solar powered calculator. The high cost of these cells has remained the main obstacle for solar power but with some unique business models photovoltaic energy is inching forward.

Although Maui has a very long way to go to achieve energy sustainability, the greening of paradise continues. I for one look forward to an island that can live up to its sparkling reputation.

If your coming to experience the “No Ka Oi” of Hawaii, consider these affordable Maui Condos to provide a balance of luxury and cost.



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charlene g asked:


I am looking for a newer (not renovated) resort/condo property on Maui for our upcoming vacation. All I have been able to find are the Westin Kanapali Villas, which look great, but they are sold out over thanksgiving week. Thanks for any help anyone can provide!! :)l

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cool_in_07 asked:


I will be going to Maui in July for a friends wedding. I am flying out of connecticut. I have been on expedia, hotwire,kayak,orbitz,aaa,cheaptickets,etc. and the cheapest flight that I have found so far is $748, that is really good considering many are well over $800. Right now I am more concerned about the flight, because my sister works for a major hotel/resort chain and so I know she will be able to get me a good deal on lodging. Any other suggestions for flight information. I will be going for 7 days. Any information that you may have will be greatly appreciated. I want to do this trip as inexpensive as I can.

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Alan Nelson asked:


to surveys, the two most visited islands in the US are Maui and Hawaii. You can either take the word of those who have gone there, or see for yourself by planning your next great vacation in Maui.

As one of the Hawaiian islands, Maui is often called the “Valley Isle” because of it’s location between two volcanoes. It is the second largest of Hawaii’s eight islands and has many tropical rain forests, pristine beaches, clear waters, green pasture and rocky cliffs.

The island is a great place to visit throughout the year, as the weather stays a comfortable 75 to 85 degrees all year round. If you are interested in spending your next vacation here, try booking online or visit your local travel agent. This would certainly be a memorable vacation and be sure to bring back lots of souvenirs and pictures.

Tourists can stay either at the western or eastern side of the island. The western side is the biggest tourist destination and where most of the resorts are located, in the towns of Lahaina, Kaanapali and Kapalua. However, if you want to avoid the crowds, try the east side where you can trek through the rainforest, see waterfalls and cross over land bridges.

How can you start your tour in Maui? Well, you can probably start by hopping on board the Sugar Cane Train in Kaanapali and relax in an open-air coach while visiting the historic town of Lahaina. You could then snorkel at Wailea Beach or relax in its waters and see the black lava formations that mingle with the sand.

For those who don’t want to swim, they can go whale watching; join a fishing cruise or a scenic sightseeing cruise. This will give tourists the chance to learn more about the island and intermingle with others.

In the evening, you can enjoy a dinner cruise with lively music and dancing in the perfect setting for a romantic evening. These boats usually depart on the west side of the island and many of these can be found in Lahaina. These cruises usually last about two and a half hours and it is recommended to arrive early.

When you return to the island, you may have a drink at the one of the open air bars or watch a fire dance. This show will surely amaze you as these individuals are able to perform their demonstration unscathed.

Before you leave, you should check out some of the art galleries. Who knows, you may find something here that you would like to buy and display in your home.

A vacation in Maui is not only for families but for couples as well who may be celebrating their honeymoon or anniversary. This provides you the option to stay at a secluded place so as to enjoy each other’s company without disturbances.

This vacation in Maui may be your first, but surely this will not be your last. With the breathtaking views and the friendly people, chances are you will return again in years ahead or even recommend this place to family members and friends



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karcher_stem asked:


Where are there good places to fish for Ulua in maui. I need some good places or some good tips for ulua

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SophieG asked:


Going on a trip to Maui, Hawaii and would like to do the Maui Volcano Bike tour for a sunset ride. Just wondering who is the best - for guides, actual equipment, best deal, basically what company is going to give me the best experience?

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Adam asked:


I am going to be snorkeling in Maui, and I want to know a good spot where I am likely to see sharks. Preferably not a monster tiger shark, but anything else. Thanks.

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Tidpomme asked:


I will be arriving in Honolulu on 14th Feb 2010. I have until the 24th Feb to explore both Honolulu and Maui. I would like some suggestions about how long to spend on each island and the best way to get between the two. Any advice is much appreciated

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Charles Joseph asked:


Maui is one of the most beautiful places on the planet, it is known for its extraordinary beaches and gorgeous clear water. In every way Maui is the perfect place for your family to go to bond and become more close, and through Maui timeshare rentals your vacation can be all about fun with the numerous activities, and world-class attractions to keep everyone in your family excited and yearning for more. You may be bringing a teen with you on your family vacation who may be a little less excited about the vacation but don’t fear, there are tons of activities that your teen can do when you are staying at your Maui timeshare rental.

One of the most popular activities for teens and young adults while they are on vacation in Maui is the Maui Ocean Center, at this one of a kind aquarium teens and young adults are given the opportunity to learn by touching and exploring all different types of ocean wildlife such as starfish, and jellyfish. Another very popular place for teens to hang out when they are in Maui is the beaches; the beaches are known to be a fun and relaxing place for local teens as well as people visiting. With miles upon miles of beaches and warm light blue water along the horizon, who wouldn’t want to be there? The swimming there is unbelievable as well as the opportunity to meet other teens. Keep in mind though that not all of the beaches in Maui have lifeguards so it is very important to talk to your children and teens about safe swimming practices before they head to the beach on their own. The beautiful beaches also give vendors the opportunity to set up shop and sell goodies along the shore as souvenirs for vacationers as well as sell blocks of time to use some of the great machinery for water sports. There is not only great swimming for teens but there is also water skiing, wake boarding, and surfing for them to try. If you have never tried any of these exciting water sports this is a great place to try them for a once in a lifetime opportunity.

When staying at your Maui timeshare rentals and you want to try something as a family it may be fun to try to rent some bicycles as a family and go for a bike ride along the beautiful island, there are miles upon miles of gorgeous paved roads that lead through Maui. Or why don’t you try a horseback ride through the little trails that go through the island, there are a few stables on the island that offer riding services where you can go on a ride for as short as an hour up to a half day ride for the family.



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RwJimbo asked:


We are heading to Maui for a week of vacation, just not sure what the best time of the year to do it is. Any suggestions?

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