Maui Hawaii: The Island of Aloha!

If watching the sunrise from atop a 10,000-foot volcano, swimming under waterfalls, hiking through craters and luxuriating on white-, red- and even black-sand beaches sounds like paradise, then you must visit Maui.

Maui is located in Hawaii and is part of the United States. It is one of the most beautiful islands, with lush green hills, waterfalls, and white sand beaches. It is the second largest second-largest of the Hawaiian Islands at 727.2 square miles (1883.5 km). Maui is also home to the Haleakala Crater, the largest dormant volcano in the world.

Just have a look at the map of Maui below, which show that there are mnay things to see!

So, If you and your family want to bathe in the sun all day, as well as explore and experience new sights and adventures, Maui is a wonderful choice.

Some major attractions of Maui:

Safari Boat Excursion: Safari Boat Excursions promotes a respect and understanding of the world's oceans. Through education, enthusiasm and experience they strive to develop a lifelong passion of the marine environment. By connecting individual experience with conservation awareness, they support the ongoing need for wildlife protection.

Safari Boat Excursions was a dream that began three years ago, sparked by a desire to create a company respectful to the environment, while remaining considerate to the comfort and performance intended for guests. One of the newest boats on Maui was designed specifically to fill the needs of any guest.

They provide three different types of safari: Lanai safari, Whale safari and Lanakila (Hawaii word for Victory). You will find it a fantastic adventure, Which ever safari tour you go on, unlike anything you have ever experienced!.

For details you can visit their website.

Lahaina Trilogy: Trilogy offers the best day trip and best value on Maui. It was even features on the Oprah show and Good Morning America. The crews are knowledgeable in all things "Maui" and the service is first class. It is the oldest sailing company in Maui and its visitors will never forget the experience....the scenery, the food and the placid sail. Highly recommend is the Discover Lanai trip which includes breakfast, snacks and a bountiful lunch. This, along with a fantastic beach experience and van tour of Lanai will be the highlight of any ones trip.

Old Lahaina Luau: This is the most romantic and beautiful place to spend an evening. There is stadium-ish seating, which gives everyone a good view of the stage, it is a traditional hula and feast!

There is an open bar with a wide variety of mixed drinks available as well as wine. Right when you are admitted into the luau, you are shown to your seat and given an explanation of the evening as well as a program and menu. If you wish you can walk around and look at handmade arts and crafts as well as the pig cooking in the pit. Then dinner is served buffet style, MMMM you can eat all that you like,. You even have waiters waiting by your side to get you anything you desire or need, even a napkin!. The little desserts are to follow and they are amazing, especially the little passion fruit chocolates and the little nut pie.

Many famous people have come to enjoy the feast and hula, they include Donald Trump, Robbie Williams, Rosanne and Billy Crystal just to name a few. Have a look at their fantastic website and if their website is any indication then the dinning experience will definitely be superb!

The hula performance begins once it gets dark. Oh yeah, this is what we want to see and enjoy. The performers are fantastic and the whole presentation had a great air of authenticity that you will really appreciate. It explains some of the history of Hawaii and of hula- not cheesy at all. Another note is that all of the workers are so helpful the entire night! They all have fun and really enjoy what they do and their culture. They definitely enhance the evening. You will surely love it and remember it for the rest of your life!

America II - Sail boat: If you just want to sail away for a day and enjoy the sun and water, hop onto the America II. It is an aggressive sailing experience that will likely get you very wet, so be prepared with a change of clothes and enjoy the experience! Here is a hint if you want to avoid getting totally drenched: Sit on the left side of the boat (if you are facing the front).

Banyan Tree at the Courthouse Building: You won't believe it until you see it these trees are just breath taking. This tree starts roughly in the center of the city block, and has branches that fall down to the ground to make new roots that support the very long branches that cover the whole city block! Take some time out to sit under them and feel the breezes of Lahaina after walking through all the shops (and spending money) and art galleries on Front Street.

Pacific Whale Foundation: Eco-tours that benefit both visitors and the environment are the organization's specialty, from whale watches and snorkel trips to cocktail and dinner cruises. They take you out near Lanai where you can see a huge group of Hawaiian spinner dolphins, and the naturalists on the boat gives you quite a bit of information along the way. It is about a 5 hour trip and they stop at two places to snorkel. They supply you with all the gear you need plus they offer a free "learn to snorkel" class for beginners, how good is that!.Children are also looked after, they also offer Ocean Discovery Camps for children and teens. Visit their website for more information Look what you can see when you are on that cruise, what an experience!

Makena Beach: One of the most beautiful beaches you have ever been to, located on the south side of Maui. Lots of white sand, waves, and blue-green waters.

A word of warning, waves can be unpredictable though! Surf break can seem normal then all of a sudden the surf break can become huge. About 3 feet over the people standing near the break. So you should be careful.

Honolua Bay: It is an excellent place for snorkeling in the summer when the water is calm. You can get there via tour boat, or you can park on the road nearby and walk .The water is a deep, around 20 to 30 feet, and the reef below is full of large, colorful fish. Why not try your hand at snorkeling, or diving? In the winter, strong winds can funnel giant waves into this bay, and you can sometimes watch expert surfers test themselves against the dangerous waters.

There is also one of the most interesting forests. So green and alive it is amazing, have a look at the wonderful pic below. It is a slippery in/out but worth every effort!!! Get there early, it does get crowded.

Kaihalulu Beach: This is a beautiful RED beach. The access trail will provide a little trouble for the agile, as it can be slippery especially when wet. Nudists are fairly common as the best is isolated, so be aware! (hahaha) There is a small pool for swimming when the surf is down, but be aware of the current if you go beyond the big rocks. Wear water shoes because the sand is really mostly pebbles.

red sand beach

Maui Ocean Center: This Hawaii's top rated family attraction- its kid friendly, while fun and educational for adults as well. This is one of the few places in the world where you can see a tiger shark in captivity. Other exhibits include Turtle Lagoon, Hammerhead Harbor, and Marine Mammal Discovery Center, Hawaiians and the Sea and more! Plan at least two hours to tour the aquarium or more, if you would like to have lunch at the Seascape Ma'alaea Restaurant, or shop in the very large and diverse Maui Ocean Center Store. Maui Ocean Center is also a unique venue for weddings or other special events

Maui Hana Highway: Follow this road and be rewarded with spectacular views, the road to Hana Maui is 52 miles long, so sit back and enjoy!

driving road

Ho'okipa Beach Park: this is an excellent place to watch the surfers and generally enjoy the relaxed Hawaiian way of life. Cool overlook views of surfers and windsurfers after 11am. A must stop after Paia on the Road to Hana.

Molokini: It is a partially sunken volcanic crater just 2.5 miles off the coast of Maui, Hawaii and located between the islands of Maui and Kahoolawe, Molokini is now a beautiful underwater sanctuary for marine life, so it is a must to see all it has to offer under water by doing snorkeling or diving. Look at th wonderful picture of Molokini, the blue waters and calm waters, paradise!

molokini

Maui Eco Adventures: If you are adventurous and looking for some thrill, a tour is a must, but the problem is choosing which one! They offer a waterfall experience, a rainforest waterfall, a or even a combined hike/kayak adventure just to name a few. You get guides who are knowledgeable, enthusiastic and sensitive to the land and nature. You will completely enjoy your time and learn a lot about the land and history of Maui.You can visit the website for details.

Wai'anapanapa State Park: This 122-acre state park encompasses a lovely black sand beach, blow holes, lava tubes, fresh water caves and a trail that goes into Hana.

Ulalena by Maui Theatre: If you are fond of theaters you must watch at least one. They have many talented actors and interesting plays starting from comedy to romantic and thriller. Popcorn and drinks can be taken in to the theatre and the musicians are awesome! The singers have beautiful voices.
You can visit http://www.mauitheatre.com/ to get more details.

There are many more beaches and historical monuments that you can visit on one visit. Activities in Maui can be booked up to three weeks ahead so check availability before you go to Maui. Most activities will even let you change dates if they have space. There are many hotels and resorts that are available, depending on your budget. Two examples, that are a dream to saty at are the Wailea Beach Villas and the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea.

Have a look at The Wailea Beach Villas. How grand does it look with the spectacular pool area. You can spend the whole day just sipping margaritas and enjoying the sun!

wailea beach villas