Are you dreaming of a Maui vacation  but can’t get over the language and pronunciation of some of those Hawaiian words? Perhaps you’re dreaming of sounding like a kamaaiana but don’t know the jargon. Or perhaps you’re trying to reserve a Maui condo rental, but you can’t figure out one resort name from the other.

Although some Hawaiian words can be intimidating just by the sheer number of letters contained in them, lauwiliwilinukunukuoioi for example,   

   it’s interesting to note that the language consists of only 5 vowels and 7 consonants! Practicing breaking down the syllables and applying the correct pronunciation can be vital to not getting your okole kicked and not making you sound like a haole.

Once you’ve mastered the Hawaiian alphabet and syllable breakdown, get ready to learn how to speak Hawaiian with a local flair so you can avoid sounding aznuts. You’ll find it to your advantage to know the difference between a lua and a luau so you don’t inadvertently look like a lolo buggah and get asked in a heated fashion, “Like beef?”

So, practice wiki wiki, enjoy the island paradise without sounding like a malihini and have planny good times on your vacation.

Welcome back!

There are many reasons for choosing a fun-filled, family vacation to the pristine sands of Maui such as the great food, fun activities and amazing weather – it’s no wonder thousands flock to Maui’s shores each year. All of these reasons aside, many will tell you the most appealing aspect of the magical island, are the world-famous beaches. Whether you want to ride the waves on your surf board, bask in the sun and work on your tan or walk the smooth sand with a loved one, there is surely a beach in Maui to fit your needs. If you want to be close to the best beaches in Maui, check out the sweet vacation rentals from Maui Vista Condos. Read on to discover a Maui beach that will perfectly complement your warm island escape!

• Kama’ole Beach Park I – One of Maui’s most popular beaches, this island gem has an exquisite stretch of sand parallel to cool, emerald green grass. With a lifeguard on duty during the day, parking and bathrooms, this beach is a premium family-friendly location.

• Kama’ole Beach Park II – Like its sister beach, Kama’ole I, Kama’ole Beach Park II provides beach-goers with the assurance and comfort of an on-duty lifeguard during the daylight hours. This particular beach in particular offers pleasant snorkeling waters as well as majestic scenery.

• Kama’ole Beach Park III – The last of the beach triplets, Kama’ole III is a popular option for those who prefer more space on the grass to enjoy the sweet humidity and white capped waves of the Pacific Ocean. Before you head to this bustling beach, put together a fresh picnic to enjoy between swimming and tanning.

• Charley Young Beach – This fun little beach is actually an extension of Kama’ole Beach Park I. If you want to try your hand at fishing but you’re not ready for a sea excursion, cast your line at Charley Young. Swimming and snorkeling are also awesome water activities that guests and locals enjoy at this beach.

• Keawakapu Beach – If you brought Fido along on your family vacation, feel free to bring him/her to this beach! Keawakapu is a dog-friendly beach, perfect for walking your four-legged companion anytime of the day. As with other top Maui beach selections, Keawakapu is full of luscious sand and open for a great swim.

The peaceful elegance and intriguing scenery of the island’s beaches allows locals and guests the opportunity to experience the gift that Mother Nature has bestowed upon the treasured island of Maui.

Murrells Inlet in South Carolina is bursting at the seams with a fascinating and sometimes chilling history. Tales of pirates (yeah, the kind with eye patches) have been passed down for hundreds of years enticing locals and visitors alike to search for their own hidden treasures. It’s said that the famed Blackbeard himself took refuge in the creeks of Murrells Inlet waiting to attack ships bound for England. Other notable pirates like Stede Bonnet and Calico Jack Rackham also terrorized their fair share of the South Carolina coast.

Beginning in the 1700s Murrells Inlet made its debut in the rice industry and had cultivated close to 47 million pounds of rice by 1850. This lucrative business made many South Carolina rice planters very wealthy including one Joseph Alston, who eventually became South Carolina’s governor. To many people’s surprise, during this time, rice planters in South Carolina became wealthier and more powerful than their tobacco and sugar plantation counterparts in the southeast. Unfortunately, the success and wealth of rice plantations came to an abrupt halt in 1863 when the Civil War intruded on the shores of Murrells Inlet. Confederate troops were secretly using the inlet as a port to send products such as cotton to England in exchange for medicine, food and other war supplies. When the Union learned of this their warships attacked the confederate blockade destroying part of the inlet and a large portion of the rice industry. Although no one could predict this at the time, between the Civil War and a series of hurricanes that followed, South Carolina’s rice industry would be completely gone by 1916.

Following the Civil War, South Carolina in general and Murrells Inlet specifically got into the commercial fishing industry and by 1914 were offering fishing excursions as a recreational opportunity for guests and locals of Murrells Inlet. The commercial fishing industry became an advantageous market for Murrells Inlet although it never became the behemoth that the rice plantations developed into. As a couple decades past on and the Great Depression assaulted the majority of the United States, Murrells Inlet had a bit of good fortune in New York millionaire, Archer Milton Huntington when he rolled into town. Huntington had plans to build an audacious compound for himself and his wife, Anna Hyatt Huntington. Mr. Huntington commissioned all local workers to develop his 9,000 acre estate including brick masons, carpenters, landscapers and painters. Not only did he spend millions of dollars on his homestead, he also funded a community center, medical clinic and church for the people of Murrells Inlet.

Murrells Inlet is a hidden gem of abundant history and enchanting stories for all ages to enjoy. Just 20 minutes from Myrtle Beach, Murrells Inlet is an ideal family vacation destination.

The game of golf first came to Hawaii’s shores in 1898 in the form of Moanalua Golf Club in Oahu. Since then, Hawaii and surrounding islands have become a worldwide Mecca for the popular sport. While Hawaii may hold the title for first golf course on any of the islands, it’s the island of Maui that lays claim to some of the best-designed, stunning courses in the Pacific. The island of Maui is dotted with many gorgeous vacation rentals that are home to picturesque golf courses like Wailea Champion Villas. It is here you will find challenging courses that offer players of all levels the opportunity to improve their game among gorgeous foliage rich with color.

The award-winning Wailea Golf Club is one such course. The club is actually one of the largest and most celebrated courses in Hawaii. These greens actually consist of three separate courses; the Golf Course, Emerald Course and Blue Course. The Gold Course requires the most skill, being the toughest course of the popular trio. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr, players will be surrounded by native Hawaiian plants, lava rock and spectacular views.
On the heels of its sister course, the Emerald Course has been awarded by Golf for Women as one of the most women-friendly courses in the nation. The rolling fairways are encircled with an abundant medley of flowers like: bird of paradise, beach morning glory, plumeria and many more. Perhaps the most special aspect of the Emerald Course is the ability to personalize each golf game to challenge players at their level.
As the first golf course built in Wailea, the Blue Course has been host to many famed golf events and players. The course provides players with the serene view of the startling blue ocean amidst majestic flora & fauna. The sweet humidity of the island is chased away by cool ocean breezes during your round of golf.
Shine your clubs and practice your swing, the courses of Maui await you!

If you have your Kihei Akahi condo set for your next trip to Maui, you are no doubt in for a wonderful trip. During your stay on the beautiful island, consider taking an adventure off the beaten path and discover a better island vacation at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center.
The Maui Arts & Cultural Center (MACC) has played a huge role in bringing out the best in Maui’s talented artisans, performers and more. Established in 1994, MACC has grown to serve over 260,000 people each year with roughly 1,800 events annually. MACC offers a multitude of opportunities throughout the year for locals and visitors to enjoy the immense talent of musicians, artists, dancers and others from around the island and the globe.
The center is an excellent way for visitors to get a glimpse into the real essence of Maui. The best vacation is the one where you can immerse yourself into the traditional culture of your vacation destination. MACC allows visitors to do just that, feel the spirit and charming aesthetic of Maui. If you’re looking for a true Maui experience, check out one of the many awe-inspiring events or exhibits that make MACC the island authority in art and entertainment.

For music aficionados MACC hosts a variety of shows from Grammy Award winning guitar players, reggae music pioneers, famed rock bands and so much more. These types of shows are available year round so tourists are sure to find a musical event they will enjoy. Before you go, check to see if your show has an artist meet-and-greet as many artists do this at MACC.
Along with the spectacular musical selection MACC presents an assortment of exhibits and shows throughout each year. Take in a comedy act or fashion show during your stay in Maui. Many of these types of shows also have optional dinner and beverage service so you can make the most of your evening. As a guest on Maui you may also enjoy a traditional hula competition display.
Perhaps one of the most intriguing facts about MACC is their successful and in-depth Arts in Education program. This program provides workshops for teachers and field trips for students all centered on integrating the arts into today’s classrooms. MACC provides multiple courses for teachers during the year that offers them a creative and innovative way to accomplish professional development. Field trips for students include a unique variety of performances.
With a distinct blend of cultures and talent, all who visit the Maui Arts & Cultural Center are sure to discover something beautiful and inspiring.