Although all of Hawaii is breathtaking, Wailea is one of our favorite beaches on the Big Island.  Wailea Bay offers amazing snorkeling, sunbathing, sunsets, and much more!  A lava rock formation in the bay attracts a variety of fish, so be sure to bring your snorkeling gear!  In the winter, enjoy watching surfers perfect their craft near the south end of the beach.  Wailea Bay is a state park, and guests can enjoy showers, restrooms, and changing areas on site.

While visiting the Big Island, be sure to check out Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.  Experience the world’s most active volcano, hardened lava as far as the eye can see, and much more!  Truly a sight to be seen!

For more information on fun things to do on the Big Island, visit GoVisitHawaii.com, one of our favorite resources on all things Aloha!

Images Courtesy MBelgard

What better way to see the beautiful island of Kauai than by air, sea and land.  I imagine that they are all spectacular in their own way.  Helicopter and airplane tours, sea kayaking and boat tours and biking Kauai are just some of the ways to see this amazing island. 

Taking a helicopter or airplane ride can let you experience the beauty of Kauai without lifting a finger or making a step in the rugged terrain.  Air Kauai Helicopter Tours flies over 10 hot spots on their daily tours.  They offer a deluxe 1-Hour Tour that takes you all over the island highlighting the Waimea Canyon which is known as the “Grand Canyon” of the Pacific and Mt. Wai’ ale’ ale Crater which is actually the wettest place on Earth averaging 420 inches a year!  The famed NaPali Coast and the Jurassic Park Falls are also part of the tour.

Seeing Kauai from a boat or kayak is also a wonderful way to see the hugeness of Kauai’s coastline.  Kauai Sea Tours offers catamaran as well as zodiac boat tours.  The guides are educated on the local wildlife, marine life, conservation and history so that you get a full view of Kauai’s environment and existence.  One can go snorkeling, whale watching and enjoy sunset cruises along the NaPali coast with Kauai Sea Tours.

Discovering Kauai on a bike allows one to be up close and personal with the island and its’ environment.  You can pretty much ride on flat roads around the island or choose to mountain bike easy, moderate or steep terrain.  Coconut Coasters is a bike rental company that specializes in biking from Baby Beach to Kealia Beach on what is known as the Coconut Coast.  You can rent a classic cruiser with tandem bike attachments or kid carriers so that the whole family can enjoy the ride.

All of these activities can be done while staying at a number of places on the island.  Whether it’s a luxury vacation rental on the Poipu coast that you are seeking or a rustic inland villa off the beaten path Kauai enjoys less people and more of Mother Nature.

So, the next time you are planning to go to the Hawaiian Islands, try to make time to get to Kauai where the Grand Canyon meets the Pacific.

1. A scenic drive up to Haleakala National Park takes visitors from sea level to the summit of a massive volcano over 10,000 above the ocean. Watch as the ecosystems change at each turn of the road. Hiking trails through the crater valley offer views of rare plant life and the remnants of volcanic activity from nearly 200 years ago.

2. For the ultimate mountain biking experience, book an amazing Haleakala Downhill Bike Ride. It is the world’s longest downhill bicycle cruise down the slopes of Haleakala, the largest dormant volcano in the world. Cruise down the ever-changing landscape from the lava encrusted top of the crater, to the lush seaside plantation town of Paia, 38 miles away.

3. For the animal lover, try the Haleakala Ranch Horseback Ride. Saddle up “paniolo-style” and ride across the rolling hills of Haleakala Ranch, Maui’s largest operating cattle ranch. Your seasoned wranglers will take you on an uplifting ride across some of the Ranch’s 35,000 picturesque acres, passing some of its 7,000 heads of Hereford/Santa Gertrudis cattle.

4. Drive the road to Hana. Hana is an elegant, yet quiet, community once prized by Hawaiian royalty for its beauty and serenity. The road to Hana is an unforgettable experience, in part because the narrow road twists and turns all the way along Maui’s north coast, but mostly because of the spectacular scenery the drive offers. The drive takes you through a lush green tropical rainforest marked by crystal water-falls and gulches full of tropical plants and flowers.

5. To get your feet off the ground, fly like a tropical bird above two of the most famous sites on Maui – Hana and Haleakala Crater – and everywhere in-between on a Hana-Haleakala Helicopter Tour. Cruise over the alien vista of Haleakala, the “House of the Sun,” and see the terrain change right before your eyes.

6. Driving along the Hana Highway you will find beautiful Wailua Falls in the lush Wailua Valley. A short hike takes you to the base of the 200 foot waterfall for an extraordinary view of the rushing water.

7. Experience the Valley Island from a different perspective as you paddle gently along Maui’s golden coast on an Ocean Kayak & Turtle Adventure. This kayak adventure opens you to the world that exists both above and below the ocean. Safe and wonderfully unique, this paddling adventure is perfect for both first-time and seasoned paddlers.

8. Experience Hawaii’s aquatic journey at Maui’s world-class aquarium with a Maui Ocean Center Tour. Filled with exhibits of colorful marine life and interactive displays and activities, the Maui Ocean Center is the only aquarium devoted solely to Hawaii’s unique underwater world. This extraordinary destination was named “Top-Rated Attraction in Hawaii” and one of the “50 Top-Rated Attractions” in the country by Zagat Survey, “US Family Travel Guide.”

9. Plunge into a world of enchanting beauty and natural wonder aboard a Maui Atlantis Submarine Tour. Departing from Lahaina, you’ll board a specially designed ferry for a scenic sail to the dive site. Once aboard the sub, you’ll dive more than 100 feet below the surface. Relax in air-conditioned comfort as you watch the underwater seascape unfurl through the large portholes. Schools of exotic fish swim by in a rainbow of color among fans of ocean foliage waving gently with the current. Drift past rare coral formations and keep your eyes open for moray eels, giant sea turtles, sharks and other amazing creatures that call the living reef their home.

10. The steam engine of the Lahaina Ka’anapali & Pacific Railroad was once used to transport crops of sugar and plantation workers around the island, but now the “Sugar Cane Train” takes its passengers on a scenic 6-mile route up along Hahakea Trestle which offers spectacular views of the ocean and the West Maui Mountains. The “Sugar Cane Train” is fun for young and old.

Maui is full of activities to suit just about anyone. These 10 only scratch the surface! Amazing tours like this book up in advance, so if you have a vacation planned don’t wait any longer to book your Maui tours. If you haven’t yet booked your Hawaii vacation yet…what are you waiting for?

Mahalo!

Why Maui? That’s easy – You don’t need a passport. You understand the language and the money and no matter what you want to do, you can do it here in style. Here are some of my top picks:

Maui Condo Rentals

Kahana Sunset, on the northwestern “thumb” of the island, offers enough to do right there that you won’t ever need to leave the resort, but it is not so remote that you can’t jaunt elsewhere. These sweet oceanfront condos all have their own lanais, daily maid service and every modern convenience and World Class golf is right next door.

Maui Luau

If you only go to one Hawaiian luau in your life – and you must go to at least one -the Old Lahaina should be your choice. It’s probably the most authentic representation of native culture and tradition and even Emeril loves their food.

Maui Beach

D.T. Fleming State Beach on Maui’s west coast, a perennial favorite, was again named “America’s Best Beach” in 2006. It’s a public beach with lifeguards, rest rooms and picnic tables, has great waves and gives you that classic Hawaiian beach feel. Plan on spending the day.

If you only go to one Hawaiian Island, make it Maui!

The island of Maui is the second most popular tourist destination in this south pacific island chain. Nearly 120,000 people call this 727 sq. mile isle their home, while pineapple and sugarcane are still their key exports. 2.5 million visitors each year travel to the golden-white sand beaches, mile-high mountain peaks and scores of breathtaking, natural waterfalls, all creating an ideal backdrop to the most relaxing vacation of your life.

Over 80 miles of the most stunning beaches in the world grace the coastline of this exquisite island. Scuba diving, snorkeling and “snuba” (a combination of both scuba and snorkeling) are enjoyed by so many who are so inclined to do so. Under water pictures taken by average Joe’s out for a day at the beach can turn into some of the most stunning photography available, certain to make even the most highly trained professional take a second look.

If you’d rather spend your day on top of the water, why not try your hand at windsurfing for hours at a time on any given day. Paia, one of the smaller cities on the island, has often been referred to as the “Windsurfing Capital of the World”, turning this once afternoon hobby into quite the colorful spectator sport. Windsurfers from all over the world gather here, complete with the most breathtaking sails made, delighting and mesmerize passersby out for an afternoon stroll, or those who have set for a spell on one of the many beach-hugging park benches.

Since the majority the great Maui attractions are on the coastline, wouldn’t it make sense to stay at a hotel directly on the beach? Having the ability to step out your back door and onto our own private, soft-sanded beach, all while having the most stunning island in the south pacific, complete with some of the most amazing people, places and things at your fingertips, it just plain makes sense. Hop in your rental convertible and zip up the coast to Old Lahaina town- the first capital of Hawaii, filled with the nostalgia of an old whaling town. Or drive up to Haleakala to watch the sunset from the crater of a dormant volcano. With so much to see and do, if you choose to see and do anything at all, checking into a hotel directly on the beach is definitely the right way to begin your stay on Maui.

Mexico
Los Cabos is one of Mexico’s most popular vacation destinations. It is located at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula. Los Cabos features luxury hotels, championship golf courses and some of the best sport fishing in the world. Other activities include snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing, kayaking and much more.

The Caribbean
The Cayman Islands offer many things for many people. 99% of the travelers visit Grand Cayman Island. It is easy to see why people go here. Of the islands this island offers the most when it comes to resorts and hotels. The fabulous snorkeling and scuba diving is not to be missed. When diving, you will think you are in a pet shop aquarium. The fish are abundant and the stingrays are gentle and fun to watch. If time permits, rent a Jeep and cruise around the Island.

Hawaii
Hawaii offers many choices for the traveling family. Each island is unique and offers something for everyone. Kauai is less touristy but still offers much to do. The surfing and snorkeling are not to be missed. Be sure to take a day and drive up to Waimea Canyon. This canyon offers many photo opportunities, and spots to get out and hike near beautiful waterfalls. Maui offers white sand beaches perfect for sunbathing and relaxing. Maui also offers great sightseeing and wonderful shopping. Of the islands, Hawaii, also known as “The Big Island” is the largest. Here you can visit the only active volcanoes of the Hawaiian Islands. You will also find wonderful resorts, pristine beaches, great nightlife, fine dining and shopping.

South Carolina

Hilton Head Island offers a great beach vacation location – with plenty to do for romantic couples or families. There are a ton of activities and attractions in and around Hilton Head Island that will give both the young and the young at heart plenty to fill their days. Summer mid-day temperatures hover around 85-90 degrees – warm but perfect for beachcombing and swimming or kayaking in the surf or on the sound. Water temperatures average in the 80s from June through September so summer is a perfect time to visit.

Recently John Monahan, President and CEO of the Hawai’i Visitors and Convention Bureau (HVCB) stated “We’re enjoying blue skies and the warm sunny climate that everyone expects when coming to Hawai’i.”[1]

Repeat travelers to Hawaii are on the rise, with more than 62% of visitors enjoying the sun and sand more than once. Today’s travelers are also more likely to be independent, and rely less on group and package tours. In 2000 just over 49% of travelers were independent explorers, while in 2005 that number rose to nearly 54%.[2]

Lahaina is a destination enjoyed by 83% of all visitors to Maui annually. There is definitely a reason why! Enjoy amenities and attractions that will keep the whole family busy, or relax on your lanai and enjoy the sunrise. Plan an ocean adventure and spend the day snorkeling over a magnificent coral reef, or charter a boat and go sport fishing. Cast your line for Wahoo, Tuna, Marlin and Mahi-Mahi. While visiting, you can’t miss the traditional luau. Many are available and your host accommodations can give you recommendations. Take the kids to the Maui Ocean Center and see the largest collection of live coral in the nation.

Enjoy a visit the quaint old whaling town of Lahaina where you’ll find interesting shops and restaurants. Lahaina Harbor offers an array of ocean activities such as sailing, snorkeling and whale watching. Explore the world famous Kaanapali Resort offering championship golf courses as well as a shopping center and whaling museum. A little to the north of Lahaina is beautiful Kapalua. This pineapple plantation of yesteryear is now a fine resort, where you can enjoy exclusive hotels, shops, restaurants, golf, tennis and more.

Kauai is an island off the beaten path, with romantic beaches and a slower pace of life. Don’t be fooled, their kid-friendly beaches and lack of commercial “cartoon-land” influence makes this a great place to vacation with kids. Many of the beaches are tucked in coves, making them great for a romantic sunset stroll, or ideal for spending a day at Poipu Beach Park with toddlers. Visit Spouting Horn, where a natural rock formation makes the water spurt into the air.

Plan a Kauai adventure vacation. Go deep sea fishing from nearby Nawiliwili Harbor or enjoy scuba diving. Exquisite Kauai is not fully appreciated until you’ve discovered the natural beauty of The Na Pali Coast, best explored by boat excursions to remote beaches and caves. Visit Wailua Falls and Hanalei to the north, and to the west, the spectacular Waimea Canyon, the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.”

Find what those 62% of return visitors already know ~ Hawaii is worth the repeat visit. With several islands to choose from, you’ll never have the same vacation twice.
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[1] Sunshine Returns to Hawai’i from Press Release Dated April 17, 2006 distributed by the Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau (www.gohawaii.com)

[2] The Changing Hawai’ian Visitor February 7, 2006 – downloaded from http://www.hvcb.org/trends/index.htm on April 20, 2006.