plgtamu24 asked:


I really want to see the Arizona Memorial, go to the North Shore, see Waikiki, etc. on Oahu. But I don’t have any friends/family who have been to Oahu, only Maui, and they rave about it. And in reading…it seems like there is much more to do on Oahu. This is my first trip and I can only stay about a week. Someone please help explain the difference so I will know where to stay. Are they the same or totally different?!?!?!?

Barbara
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Jun
27
Shannon Jennewein asked:


Maui, the valley isle, is expensive, but worth it. There are some great activities available on Maui that WON’T break the bank! They range from Under $25 to free. With options for the whole family from body surfing to free hula shows.

Try some of the following suggestions for a great and inexpensive time!

General: One great way to save money on Maui is to use the natural resources to your advantage!

Swimming - All 81 of Maui’s beaches are free and open to the public and many have showers, restrooms. Snorkeling - You can take a few hours or a whole day exploring Maui’s sea life, up close and personal. Rent a set of gear from the Beach Shack and go on you own adventure! Sunbathing - Maui is perfect for sun worshipers. You can sunbathe anywhere from sunrise to sunset. Don’t forget the sunscreen, though! Sunsets - There is nothing more spectacular than a Maui sunset. Sip in a tropical drink (virgin or alcoholic) and enjoy Mother Nature’s finest work. Reading - Bring your own reading material, or visit the historical public library and sit on the beach, by the pool or pick a nice shady spot. Picnicking - There are many beach parks that have picnic tables and barbeque pits. Stargazing - Hawaii’s seclusion allows you to view the night sky unobstructed by big city lights and tall buildings. You can even go to the top of Haleakala Crater to view the stars. Join a group, with electronic telescopes, or do it on your own. Whale Watching - Watch the 400 humpback Whales that winter in Maui from the beach or your lanai. Try Beachcombing - Find seashells at Kanaha Beach Park or Waiehee Beach. Surf Watch - Watch the surfers from any shore. Scuba Dive - Introductory and experienced divers can take part in a myriad of dive locations from Kaanapali to Makena. Body Surf - Let the cool blue water of the Pacific Ocean move you as you body surf in some of the most spectacular locations. Go Surfing - You can take a two hour surf lesson from an experienced instructor, or if you would rather just rent a board and head out on your own, there are many locations throughout Maui that can accommodate your needs and abilities. LOCAL EVENTS - Maui is famous for Halloween (also called Mardi Gras of the Pacific), The Taro Festival, The Makawao Rodeo, The Maui County Fair. There are way to many fun things happening year round to list. Check our Calendar of events to see if anything is going on during your stay. Playgrounds - Kihei’s Kamaole and Kalama Parks have free swings, slides, and jungle gyms. Play Tennis - public courts in Wailuku, Kahului, Kihei, Lahaina, Makawao, Pukalani, Haliimaile, Hana. Go Camping - Kanaha Beach, Hosmer’s Grove, Waianapanapa Park, Oheo Gulch. Go Hiking - Haleakala, West Maui Mountains, over fifty trails. Attend a Golf Tournament - Mercedes Championship (January), Ka’anapali Classic. Hawaii’s largest collection of whaling artifacts from Lahaina’s whaling era, Short films on whaling and whales, photomurals, graphics, a large scrimshaw collection and gift shop. Free tours by a certified marine naturalist may be arranged. Open daily from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Free.

TIP: Whale watch for free from the shore, or get on a boat. You might be able to save money by combining 2 boat trips, like a Whale watch and a cocktail cruise.

Iao Valley & lao Needle

Iao Valley’s sheer green walls are adorned with long, slender waterfalls. It is one of the most awe-inspiring sights on Maui. On the road up to it from Wailuku is the Tropical Gardens of Maui, 808/244-3085 http://www.tropicalgardensofmaui.com; open weekdays), where for $3 you can explore four acres of tropical plants, koi ponds, streams, and taro patches. Further into the valley, you will find the nonprofit Hawaii Nature Center 808/244-6500, http://www.hawaiinaturecenter.org Rainforest Walks can be booked at 11:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. Monday through Friday; 11 a.m. or 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Cost for the Rainforest Walk is $24.95 for adults and $22.95 for children. The fee includes a visit to the museum.

Hana

Hana is much more than just a destination, rather what counts on this trip is the spectacular scenery. The east side of Maui is what you would picture Hawaii to be: lush, tropical beauty. Pack a big lunch and stop at as many waterfalls freshwater pools as you can. There are many flower and fruit stands and if you have the opportunity, you must try the banana bread.

TIP: Check out Hana’s Red Sand Beach, which is a small crescent of sand in a collapsed volcanic dome. The snorkeling is unparalleled and you’ll often have the entire place to yourself.

Upcountry

Kula Botanical Gardens with more than 700 tropical plants on display with helpful tags explaining their types and uses.$4 adults, $1 kids 6-12 yrs. A&B Sugar Museum: Learn about the sugar cane, its impact on Maui and the history of the industry. The museum is open daily from 9:00AM to 4:00 PM. Non-profit, $4.00 for adults, $2.00 for kids (17-6), under 6 free. Tedeschi Vineyards on 20,000 acres of Maui’s Upcountry (near Ulupalakua) has been making their specialty Pineapple wine since 1974. The history of the winery goes back to the legendarily wild parties held here by King Kalakaua (aka the Merrie Monarch). The historic Iao Theater (circa 1928), located in the old section of Wailuku, hosts theater events for enthusiastic local crowds, like splashy Broadway-style revues and musicals. Best of all are the non-Broadway prices: Tickets for most shows start at only $18 (68 N. Market St., Wailuku, 808/242-6969, http://www.mauionstage.com).

Central Maui

Swap Meet, Kahului - $1 per person (Saturdays) : The Maui Swap Meet blossoms every Saturday from seven in the morning until noon, with island items like aloha shirts, fresh taro, fruit breads, tropical flowers, and more-all for an entrance fee of only 50 cents. Located on South Pu’unene Avenue, next to the Kahului Post Office. For more fresh Maui produce, check out the free Ohana Farmers Market under the monkeypod trees at the Kahului Shopping Center every Wednesday morning. The Maui Tropical Plantation, In Waikapu offers visitors an opportunity to learn about all of the plants that grow on Maui. The plantation offers free admission, but the tram tour is $8.50 adults and $3.50 children

Lahaina

Sugar Cane Train: although this trip is admittedly very touristy, the Sugar Cane Train from Lahaina to Ka’anapali is a pretty fun outing, along six miles of incredible scenery at the foot of the West Maui Mountains. The conductor even sings! You must note that there is no longer any sugar cane being grown on the West Side of Maui, but the golf Course views are just as pretty. A round trip costs $15.95 Adults, $9.95 Kids (3-12 yrs). Friday Night is Art Night, Front Street. Lahaina Arts Society, Lahaina voluntary donation for exhibit gallery: The old whaling streets of Lahaina are now filled with outstanding art. The galleries open their doors Friday Nights so you can meet the artists. Many galleries offer appetizers and beverages. There is a Complimentary Hawaiian Music and Hula Show, nightly held in the Tiki Courtyard of the Ka’anapali Beach Hotel. The show is open to the public the Hawaiian music is played from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., and the hula show from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. For Aloha Friday, there are local crafters making their products in the lobby and courtyard between 9 a.m. and noon, and at 11 a.m. on Fridays the staff gets involved by performing songs and hula, as well. The three-acre Maui Ocean Center at Ma’alaea Harbor is more than just an aquarium, it is also a cultural experience, with an exhibit called “Hawaiians & the Sea,” which features the bonds of the Polynesians with the Pacific. The exhibit displays authentic hooks, traps, and nets. The guides at the Maui Ocean Center even refer to the sea creatures by their Hawaiian names. Tickets are $19 http://www.mauioceancenter.com. Contact the Online Concierge for tickets and more information.

Hula Shows

The Arts and Craft Fair at the Lahaina Civic Center is a great place to buy souvenirs to take home for your friends and family, or for yourself - Sunday $1 admission. A great place to save money on Hawaii - made products. Take an Art Class at Kapalua Art School for adults and children, ages 4 ½ and up. Prices for classes range from $10 for ceramic painting to $110 for kids’ all day programs. The Kapalua Art School also offers Yoga and dance classes. See http://www.kapaluaart.com for a complete listing and schedule of classes. Cliff Diving Ceremony, Sheraton Maui. This dramatic sunset show features a lone male diver lighting torches atop Black Rock, then plunging 100 feet into surging Pacific waves.

South Maui

Makena Beach (Big beach) is one of the largest and prettiest beaches on the island. Makena is the last major undeveloped beaches on the south side of the island. This beach is now a state park. People enjoy the soft white sand and crystal blue waters. From the right side of the beach, you can take a short walk to an outcrop, on the other side of the outcrop is Little Beach, hidden from the road and often used by nudists (which is illegal in Hawaii, by the way). Walk the shoreline nature path between the Outrigger Wailea and the Kea Lani it also makes a great place for jogging. Tour the Art & Sculpture at the posh and exotic Grand Wailea Resort, a tourist attraction, all on it’s own. Go shopping at the Shops at Wailea (a shopper’s paradise).



Robert
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Katie M asked:


My husband and I are going on vacation for a week in March (4 nights in Maui, and 3 nights on the Big island). We are renting a car for the whole trip and I was wondering what are some things we just cannot miss. Where are some good places to shop, good scenic places, places to eat. Basically anything you would recommend that would be great!! Thanks.

Heidi
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luvtropics asked:


Where are the best spots to snorkel on Maui? How about the best Luau?

Kelly
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Jun
10
Fred Mallery asked:


Have you recently booked a stay at a Maui vacation rental? Whether your next trip to Maui is intended to be a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a trip with a group of your friends, you will likely want to get out and explore all that this beautiful Hawaiian Island has to offer. The good news is that there are no shortage of activities for you to participate in and attractions for you to visit on the island of Maui.

Before focusing on a few of the many Maui activities you can enjoy or the Maui attractions that you can visit, it is first important to take location into consideration. Although Maui is relatively small in size, the location of your Maui vacation rental will have a significant impact on the Maui activities you are able to participate in, as well as the Maui attractions you are able to visit. With that in mind, no matter where your Maui vacation rental is located, boredom will be the last thought on your mind.

One of the most popular activities in Maui is that of sailing. If you have a love for the water or would like to experience all that the ocean has to give firsthand, you will want to plan a sailing adventure on your next Maui trip. What is nice about this Maui activity is that you have a number of different options. If you are an experienced sailor, you may be able to rent your own sailboat. If sailing is something new that you would like to experience, you can book a reservation aboard a chartered sailboat, where you are able to sit back and relax.

In keeping with boating, one of the most sought after activities in Maui is that of whale watching. If you are not originally from a coastal location, whale watching in Maui is an experience that you will likely never forget. The only downside to this fun activity is that whale watching is a seasonal activity. With that in mind, you will find that many boating companies and small whale watching cruises take reservations from December to May.

In addition to water and beach related activities in Maui, you will also find a number of fun filled land activities as well. Many tourists highly recommend taking a guided helicopter tour over Maui. These helicopter tours are often affordably priced and well worth every penny. In addition to Maui helicopter tours, you may also enjoy a horseback ride along the coast or a hiking adventure through the beautiful lands of Maui. No matter where your Maui vacation rental is located, you should have a number of national parks and other attractions nearby.

Speaking of national parks and other attractions, you will find that there are number of great attractions for you to visit while on Maui. One of the many Maui attractions you will want to take the time to visit, depending on the location of your Maui vacation rental, is that of the Haleakala National Park. The Haleakala National Park is home to the world’s largest dormant volcano. When exploring the Haleakala National Park, you have the option of doing so by car, foot, or bike.

If your Maui vacation rental is located near Lahaina, you will want to make a stop there. The biggest attraction in Lahaina is the banyan tree. Lahaina is home to one of the world’s largest banyan trees. In addition to visiting this world famous tree, you and your traveling party can also visit the many shops nearby, as well as a number of restaurants, many of which are referred to as fine dining restaurants.

If your Maui vacation rental is located along the southern end of Maui, you will want to visit the island of Molokini. This island is located around three miles out from shore. It is home to a number of great Maui activities, many of which are perfect for adventure vacations, as well as romantic getaways. While on a guided tour to Molokini, you can also enjoy a snorkeling or scuba diving adventure.

As a reminder, the Maui attractions you will be able to visit, as well as the activities that you will be able to participate in will depend heavily on your Maui vacation rental and its location. If you have already booked a Maui vacation rental, you will want to examine nearby activities and attractions.



Yvonne
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Daryl Moore asked:


Are you dreaming of the perfect tropical Maui vacation but need some travel tips to make your trip as magical as it can be?

It is difficult to find another tropical location that provides the blend of fantastic scenery and activity options that Maui can claim. A visit to this island will change your life (if you allow it to).

This Maui travel tips article will provide some foundational tips for people planning travel to Maui. The information can be especially handy for first time vacationers to the island.

Useful Maui Travel Tips:

Plan Your Budget and Create your Trip Using that Budget as a Guideline - Maui offers a large amount of activities that can be either extremely pricey or rather inexpensive. There are lodging options that range from luxury to modest. Depending when you travel, there are great airfares available. Car rentals on the island run on the inexpensive end compared to other resort locations. It is better to understand your ideal budget and stick to it when planning travel so you don’t experience stress the entire trip. For example, staying at a cheap Maui hotel because you plan to snorkel and hike is a great strategy if you don’t plan to be in your room a lot.

If your goal is to save on your trip, the best option is to investigate Maui vacation packages, which will combine flights, lodging (hotels and condos), and your rental car. Maui vacation package options include five star hotels to cheap hotels (and condos), first class or coach air, and a range of rental cars to economy size to luxury SUVs (like Lincoln Navigators).

Plan for a Good Time of the Year - If you going to Maui as a family, most likely you will travel when school is out. This is usually during summers, holidays, or spring breaks. The link below contains a page on planning for Maui family vacations.

If Maui is a romantic getaway for you, honeymoons included, one tip is to avoid dates when family volume is increased on the island. I have determined that February through May is a good time and September through November is great as well. Travel is less expensive and you will miss many of the high tourism months.

Be Sure to Complete Your Research – It is a great idea to visit sites like this one in order to create a desired list of activities that have appeal to you while visiting the island. There are a range of activities that include going to a luau, trying a snorkeling or dive excursion, or hiking or viewing lava fields and a volcano. Make a “must do” determination before you book travel and then make a commitment to do each. There is something to do in every price range to do on the island.

Do Advanced Preparations if Doing Family Travel – When traveling with family, be it your kids or your extended family, be aware of the considerations you must take into account when traveling this way. Again, the link below will offer a link on the left called “Travel Tips” and will provide a link to a Maui family vacations information.

Also visit the same link for additional Maui travel tips that should be planned for when traveling to the island like weather, safety concerns, clothing to wear, and other information that can be extremely useful while there.

If you would like free advice on planning and booking your perfect Maui vacation, visit www.ideal-maui-vacation.com



Francisco
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Jun
04
Filed Under (Maui) by admin
Chris Sutton asked:


Are you planning a trip to Maui? You are not alone if you are one of the many people that want to see and visit this beautiful and amazing island. The second largest island on Hawaii, Maui is cram-packed with things to see and do. Time and time again it has been chosen as the best island in the world and it’s no surprise why.

If you are going to Maui, your question will not be of what to do but instead of what to do first? There are so many great sights to see, things to do, places to go and more that you might feel you can never see and do it all in one trip. (Maybe this is why so many people make repeat visits to Maui).

1. Go to a Luau - You can’t visit Hawaii without seeing a luau and Maui knows how to do them right! Even some of the hotels that you might stay at in Maui have great beachside luaus as well as restaurant and resort package deals. Luaus will feature authentic Hawaiian food such as kalua pig, poin and haupia (coconut pudding) and usually a buffet spread of more familiar foods.

2. Go biking- If you don’t mind some physical activity, you should see Maui from a bike. In fact, there are few places in the world that are as bike-friendly as Maui. There are even bicycle tours that let you go from one end of the island to the other. There are downhill bicycle tours and slow-paced tours that let you see the farms and small towns of Upcountry and the beaches down at Paia. There are places all over the island of Maui for you to rent bikes.

3. Fine dining- There are fine places to eat and dine all over Maui. In fact, this island has the best dining in all of Maui. Many fine, experienced chefs from all over the country and even the world have come to Maui to work their magic in the restaurants here on the island. There is literally a restaurant for every taste so whether you like to experiment and try a bit of everything, or whether you are strict in your eating habits, you are sure to find plenty of great places in Maui.

4. Hiking- Another great idea while in Maui is to go hiking. There are fabulous trails that take you literally all over the island. You can even hike in the great craters such as the Haleakala and you can see waterfalls, plunge pools and much more. There is a hiking trail for everyone- no matter what your physical fitness level. Get ready to see Maui by foot!

5. Go for a drive- You would not believe some of the fantastic scenic drives on Maui. The Hana Highway is a 56 mile stretch of 54 bridges over winding lava shore, through old plantation towns, past miles of beaches and through towering forests. You might also want to take a drive to the summit of Haleakala. Haleakala crater appears like the surface of an alien planet and the views of Maui from the summit are amazing.

6. Go for a dive- Maui is the best place to visit the underwater world of Hawaii. There are many different locations for diving and there are two marine conservation areas. Molokini is a partially submerged volcanic crater offshore of Wailea. Both Lahaina and Ma’alaea have glass bottom boats and a pleasure submarine to let non-swimmers share in the beauty of underwater Maui as well.

7. Whale watching- You might already know that Maui has many beautiful and amazing sights that you can’t see anywhere else in the world. But have you ever been whale watching? From November through April each year, Maui welcomes the humpback whale and you can join in the celebration and catch some whale-watching of your own. The endangered species comes here to Hawaii to mate and it’s truly a sight like no other.

8. Shopping- Where would your vacation be without some fabulous shopping? With so many shops and stores to choose from, you simply can’t see Mau without leaving with some fantastic souvenirs. There are also many shops in Maui that contain specialty items unique to Hawaii and Maui such as one of a kind jewelry, glass work and more.

9. Sightseeing- You can’t visit Maui without enjoying the many great sights there are to see. There are many historic locations such as Lahaina, old Hawaiian churches, the whaling history museums and much more. There is so much to learn about the island and so much to see, you will wonder if you have enough time to do it all!

10. Swimming and Snorkeling- Well of course since you are here at the island, you must go swimming. Even if you are not an avid swimmer, you can take a quick dip and get your body wet. Or you might enjoy snorkeling at one of many great locations. Maui has over 80 beaches and over 120 miles of coast to choose from!



Kathleen
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KAMOANAPIILANI808 asked:


im from hawaii and i know its short notice but i need to go back to hawaii for the summer at the end of june and return the end of july or beg. of august. the tickets are up all the way to 800-700 does anyone know where to get a cheaper roundway ticket?

las vegas to maui.

Joshua

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Steve Kent asked:


Maui, the second largest island in Hawaii is a popular place tourists from all around the world go to have fun and relax from their daily grind. While visiting this beautiful island vacationers and regular visitors enjoy the health and beauty benefits of a Maui day spa that offers one of the most relaxing body message and spa treatment of their life.

Because Maui is such a popular island you will not be disappointed by the variety of Maui day spas that you can choose from. Each of these spas offer traditional spa treatments but can offer their own unique specialty spa treatment. For example, one can find the Art of Hawaiia Ancient Healing in Hana. Or if you are a traveling with baby there is even massages for babies too.

When you arrive at a Maui day spa, you are greeted by a friendly staff member that will introduce you to the facility and services offered. A wide variety of services can include Swedish message, reflexology, Shiatsu and more.

Depending on the spa you visit, some spa packages are inspired by local traditions or aromatherapy from local plants and herbs. Other spas will specifically help to relieve stress and revive active muscles from a hard day of play on the island. Still other Maui day spas will just down right pamper you.

Don’t forget other options that will include full service hair and nail salon, hydrotherapy and cosmetic consultations. Regardless the services you choose, Maui day spas excel at meeting and exceeding all of your message and spa needs.

Although messages can be relaxing while releasing tension, scientific research shows that people who regularly get messages are less likely to attract illnesses and are better able to deal with pain. Not only will body messages relax your muscles, they also stimulate and relax your nervous system that allows you to experience healing through touch.

Experience Paradise At Maui Spas

Spas are the hottest trend in Hawaii and clients certainly feel like they’re in paradise at Maui spas. You will find soothing massages, beautifying facials, waxing and nurturing body wraps that are featured spa treatments at most Maui spas. Licensed spa massage therapists will make you feel rejuvenated when they massage your neck,shoulders, back, arms, legs and feet. These massage therapists are highly trained to give you the best in relaxation.

While at your Maui day spa take advantage of the local variety of lotions, oils and creams they offer as many of these products cannot be found else where unless you purchase them direct through mail order.

You will be more than happy to include a Maui day spa treatment as part of your vacation activities as it can add variety to the normal activities of enjoying beautiful Maui beaches or touring this beautiful unique island of Hawaii. The Maui day spa is definitely one activity that should not be overlooked during your stay in Maui. Just think, when you get back from your vacation you will still feel refreshed and rejuvenated from your Maui day spa experience.



Lewis
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May
18
kitty_pride415 asked:


Looking for something to do in Maui for my vacation. Nice beaches to hang out at and some activities to do.

Anna
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