Hawaii

A Whale of a Tale

Monday, May 30th, 2011

Kauhale Makai Condo Resort is a luxurious hotel on the island of Maui ideal for groups of friends looking for an island retreat, or for a family ready for a warm-beach getaway. Staying in a gorgeous and convenient rental is an important aspect of any Maui vacation. You want to be close to the beach and other world famous activities and attractions! Of course Maui is home to some of the world’s most glorious beaches, surfing and fishing but there are also many opportunities to discover the beauty of the island from a different vantage point.

Maui Pools

Pacific Whale Foundation is one such opportunity. Founded in 1980 with the mission to save whales from extinction, PWF has expanded into a world-renowed education, advocacy and cruise center that educate the public from a scientific perspective about whales and the need for ocean conservation. Not only does PWF offer informative lecture series, classes and events to introduce the public to important ocean issues, they also have a variety of Eco Adventure Cruises that are as exhilarating as they are informative.

If you and your party want to experience the great majesty of the humpback whales, choose one of the Whalewatch tours that depart from Ma’alaea or Lahaina. These tours have an amazing 97% sighting success rate and can be enjoyed during the day or at sunrise.

PWF president and founder, Greg Kaufman, offers a VIP Whalewatch on select dates throughout the year. Mr. Kaufman has more than 30 years of whale experience and research under his belt and has authored four books about the subject. His passion and dedication are almost as exciting as whale spotting!

Other tours include specialty & holiday cruises, sunset and cocktail and snorkeling. With so many fabulous choices, it won’t be hard to choose the perfect cruise for you and your party. Aloha!

Welcome back!

A Lesson on Scuba Diving

Sunday, May 1st, 2011

Snap1Adventure seekers from all around the world congregate in Hawaii every year for world-class diving and snorkeling expeditions. From the most seasoned professionals to first timers the waters of the islands have long beckoned to be searched by curious minds and souls. Scuba diving has become a popular mainstream activity for travelers who venture to the beautiful beaches of Hawaii and her sister islands like Maui. Kihei, Maui especially has quickly become a well known surfing destination. Surfers from around the globe snag a fun Kihei condo rental and hit the waves. What many don’t know is that man has been employing the art of scuba diving since he was required to obtain food from the sea as a mean of nourishment. From the Trojan War to Da Vinci and beyond, Scuba Diving has an intricate and interesting history.

As early as 4500BC, coastal cultures like in China, Greece and many others utilized scuba diving as a way to gather food, and participate in commerce and warfare.  These cultures are not the only ones who saw scuba as a convenient way to attack their enemies. In the Trojan Wars, divers would incapacitate enemy ships by cutting holes into their boats or cutting anchor ropes. Greek history tells of fishermen who would “dive” into deeper parts of the ocean by using a heavy boulder to sink into the waters. The physical dangers of diving without protection were not known at the time. Greece also notes the first instance of utilizing diving in warfare during the siege at Syracuse. Around 360BC, according to the writings of Aristotle, attempts to provide divers with a breathing mechanism were made in the form of a kettle that was filled with air and lowered down with the diver.

From 1300 through the late 1500s and mid 1600s, many creators like Leonardo Da Vinci, Guglielmo de Loreno and others perfected the idea of a diving bell and scuba suit. The credit of the first true diving bell goes to de Loreno. Of course, many advances and improvements to scuba have been made since the time of these thinkers. Now diving is safe and can be enjoyed as a leisure activity for people of all ages. While many diving spots have popped up on the map around the world, some of the most glorious waves will be caught at Kihei, Maui.

Five Things to Know About the Honolua Bay and Mokule’ia Bay Conservation District

Sunday, April 10th, 2011

Protecting the majesty that is Hawaii and its surrounding islands is no easy feat. Regardless, local residents and government bodies have made it their calling to safeguard the lush vegetation and unique ocean animals of Hawaii by helping to maintain Hawaii State Marine Life Conservation Districts like Honolua Bay and Mokule’ia Bay.

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Currently, there are eleven Marine Life Conservation Districts established around the islands that preserve the glorious natural beauty that Hawaii has to offer. The conservation districts are essential for local residents and have also become preferred spots for diving, snorkeling and other underwater activities. Get to know a little about the Honolua-Mokule’ia Bay District here:

  • Both bays are located near Kapalua Resort in Maui, Hawaii. Kapalua Resort is proud to persevere in its mission to maintain the 22,000 acres it rests on and keep it established as not only luxury lodging, but as a safe place for the flora and fauna and fishes of the area.
  • Mokule’ia Bay is known to the locals simply as “slaughterhouse”. Years ago a slaughterhouse and tanning (animal hide tanning that is) shop was located directly on the edge of the cliffs that overlook the beach. The slaughterhouse closed more than fifty years ago.
  • Both Honolua and Mokule’ia Bays were established in 1978 and are comprised of 45 acres.
  • Honolua means “Two Bays”
  • There are over 400 species of fishes in the coastal waters of Hawaii including those found in Honolua and Mokule’ia Bays.

Island Adventures

Tuesday, February 15th, 2011

Maui Kamaole Resort Maui, Hawaii is a majestic destination full of history and mystique. The ethereal Pacific Ocean with its sapphire and emerald colored waters envelops the flourishing vegetation; exclusive wildlife and towering mountains that make up the island of Maui. Each year families, friends and groups look forward to finding an ideal Maui condo to rent and discovering the area’s most popular entertainment.

When escaping to the exquisite island of Maui the only thing you want to think about is how close the beach is. The town of Kihei is an idyllic resort town with an abounding selection of Kamaole beaches, an appealing family-friendly scene and more audacious outdoor splendors than you can experience in just one trip.

Jump in with both feet and experience first-hand the delight and exhilaration of Snuba. Yes, Snuba – a combination of scuba diving and snorkeling. Snuba divers breathe underwater with assistance from an air hose that is connected to a customary scuba tank above water. It’s safe, fun and best of all; you don’t have the intrusion of a heavy tank on your back. Maui Classic Charters in Kihei will have you pumped up and out in the water in no time.

Kihei is also home to three magnificent beaches: Kamaole I, II and III. This stunning collection of oceanfront property is a quintessential part of any island getaway. Whether you’re in the ocean on a kayaking extravaganza or lounging on the soft sand with the latest bestselling novel, Kamaole beaches welcome you with a smooth ocean breeze and pristine skyline.

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Are you ready for more? Just north of Kihei is the charming Maalaea Bay, where you and the group can gear up for a whale watching expedition or charter fishing excursion. Don’t forget to stop by the Maui Ocean Center where you’ll come face to face with the largest collection of living coral, green sea turtles and an array of reef sharks.

Book a flight, pick a beautiful Maui Kamaole condo to rent and throw on your Lei – Kihei, Maui awaits you!

Get Into The Aloha Spirit ~ Visit The Big Island

Friday, September 11th, 2009

The timing has never been better for planning a trip to Hawaii.  Deals to the famous waileaislands are better than we’ve seen in years!  Whether you’re looking for a swanky hotel on the Kona coast, or a private Wailea vacation rental, there are deals to be had for everyone!

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 wenjoy 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