Archive for the 'Business' Category

Golfing In Maui

Author: mauiact1blog
12 10th, 2008
Maui activities
Chris Sutton asked:


Anyone who is planning a trip to Maui, Hawaii probably has a plan in mind for what they want to see and do on this magnificent island. There is history, beaches, mountains, biking, volcanoes and more all on the second largest island of Hawaii. There are water activities, land activities and even activities from the air. You can tour the island in a bi-plane, go whale watching or snorkeling in a coral reef and much more. However, one of the most favorite activities to see and do in Maui has always been golf.

If you are a golf fan, you will absolutely love Maui. There are so many great places in Maui to enjoy golf. Maui is home to some of the best courses in Hawaii and even in the world. You have likely never seen courses as beautiful and amazing as those that you can find Maui, even if you are a seasoned golfer. If you want a great golf vacation getaway, then you are sure to love and enjoy the many options that Maui has for you. It is literally a golf lover’s paradise.

Before you pack up your bags and set off to Maui, you might be wondering what exactly this island has to offer and where you will stay and play. There are many different resorts all over the island of Maui that offer you the finest in accommodations as well as some fantastic golf courses and package deals. In fact, you can see that these are some of the best places in the world to go play golf. If you are traveling with someone who is not a golfer, there are many resort packages that also have spas and other options for the non-golfer you bring along.

Maui is home to lush green oceanfront courses, mountainside links and much more. You can even golf while taking in the view of a volcano! Maui is referred to as the “valley Isle” because of the two volcanic mountain ranges that for the east and west of the island. Here in the middle of these mountains is the Valley which makes up most of the island’s activity and this is where you can find the many great golf courses to choose from.

The weather is always mild and nice and with over 20 golf courses on the Magic Isles, you can choose from the best in the country. Whether you are new to golf or has been doing it for a lifetime, you will love the many options you have in Maui.

There are even many discount golf locations to choose from. There are places where you can enjoy golf on the greatest island in the world without spending a fortune. If you are planning a great golf adventure but you are on a tight budget, you might want to look into cheaper, affordable golf locations in Maui.

Maui Golf Courses

Below are some of the golf courses you have to choose from. If you are taking a golf vacation, looking to get in a few holes while on a family vacation or you want the ultimate golf resort getaway, you can find something that will meet your needs. You might want to contact the courses to find out more information about them as well as exactly where on the island they are located.

Bay Course

Course characteristics: rolling and hilly terrain; 68 bunkers total; 8 water hazards total; picturesque fifth hole has golfers at the edge of the Pacific.

Kaanapali Resort South Course

Beautiful ocean views, rolling fairways, premium on accuracy not distance.

Kaanapali Tournament North Course

Scenic fairways, sweeping views of the ocean and mountains.

Makena North Course

Located on 1,800 acres of unspoiled, natural beauty; both the North and South Courses at Makena will whet any golfer’s appetite.

Makena South Course

Sharing the spirit that embodies the Makena Resort, the South Course provides the serenity and tranquility many golfers are looking for.

Plantation Course

Course characteristics: large-scale terrain features; deep valleys; expansive greens and fairways; Home to the Mercedes Championships; the start of the PGA Tour season.

Village Course

Course characteristics: hilly terrain; links-style playability; 61 bunkers total; 4 water hazards total; panoramic views of Molokai, Lanai, and the Pacific Ocean.

Wailea Blue Course

Scenic resort golf course that has great ocean and mountain views and great family rates.

Wailea Emerald Course

Picturesque resort golf course. Wailea is the most women-friendly award winning golf course.

Wailea Gold Course

Award-winning golf; host of Champions



Maui Discount



Maui Top Ten Tips

Author: mauiact1blog
05 9th, 2008
maui helicopter
Shannon Jennewein asked:


1) Sunscreen is a must, regardless of the weather. Even if it is cloudy or overcast the sun in Hawaii can be merciless so wear sunscreen whenever you plan to be outdoors for more than a few minutes.

2) If you are driving to Hana, make sure that you have a full tank of gas. There is only one gas station in Hana and gas is at least $1 more per gallon. It’s also a good idea to pack a cooler with water, juice or sodas and sandwiches. There are only a few places to buy food in Hana.

3) Seabands apply continuous pressure on a point on each wrist using a plastic stud and are very good for motion sickness (without drugs or side effects), plus they are reusable and can be worn in the water. They are easy to take along with you on your daily trips.

4) Leave your valuables in your safe in your room. Do not leave valuables in your car if the vehicle will be unattended, especially in remote locations or on the beach, while you are enjoying the warm tropical water.

5) If you drive to the summit of Haleakala, make sure to put your car in low gear when you drive back down the volcano, so that you don’t burn out the brakes on your vehicle.

6) We recommend that you bring a light jacket or sweater if you are planning to attend any of the island shows or a luau. The indoor theatres will be air conditioned and some may be chilly. Many of the luaus are close to the oceanfront and the air can be cool after the sun goes down.

7) Lahaina is more fun to visit in the evening. During the day it can be very hot with little air movement on Front St. because of the narrow streets. All of the shops and restaurants are open late into the evening.

8) Wear darker colored tops when taking a helicopter or “flight-seeing” tour. You’ll be able to take better photographs with less reflection through the windows of the aircraft.

9) When playing in the ocean, be careful of the surf. Do not turn your back on the water, rogue waves can suddenly appear and create dangerous shore breaks.

10) If you take any boat trips for snorkeling, sailing or whale watching make sure to bring a towel with you because the boats do not provide towels. Sunscreen, sunglasses, camera / film, hats / caps, and a light cover-up are also recommended.



Maui Volcano Tour



03 14th, 2008
things to do in maui
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).



Alex Air



Maui Fun For Everyone

Author: mauiact1blog
02 24th, 2008
maui helicopter
Chris Sutton asked:


There is literally something for everyone in fabulous Maui. If you are planning a trip to this Hawaiian island than it is likely you already know about the many great things there are to do in Maui. There is literally fun for the entire family and there are many activities to choose from and sights to see.

If you are an active person, you can find Maui activities to keep you busy. If you’re a beach bum, there’s no better place to go. If you prefer to relax in a spa or resort, Maui has plenty of those as well. There are fine places to shop, to eat and even historical places to visit. You can enjoy a luau with authentic Hawaiian good and much, much more. There is literally Maui fun for everyone!

See below for an overview of some of the many different places to see and things to do while visiting in Maui.

See a Volcano

Have you ever been to a volcano? Maui has the world’s largest inactive volcano, Mount Haleakala.Called the “House of the Sun” it is a sleeping volcano whose base it big enough to cover Manhattan! That’s right; it’s over 10,000 feet high. Any volcano is impressive but this one is truly amazing.

There are places where you can tour and hike in the craters and much more. This will certainly be something to write home about! Get pictures of yourself in the volcano and share with friends and family.

The Valley Isles

Maui is known as the “Valley Isle” due to the two volcanic mountain ridges that go on the east and west coasts of the island. Maui is the second largest island of Hawaii and it measures 48 miles long and 26 wide, offering some 728 square miles of paradise to enjoy.

Maui has everything you’d expect from Hawaii, including lovely beaches, warm tropical waters, a fascinating history, high mountains, lush green valleys, fantastic waterfalls and sugarcane fields stretching to the horizon. It is a true tropical paradise for anyone of any age.

Activities

The island is full of many activities no matter what your style and physical fitness level. One favorite activity is golf and there are tons of resorts and courses to choose from. Maui is one of the most beautiful places on earth to golf and there are locations that are perfect for you whether you are new to golf or have been playing your entire life. There are also many affordable package deals you might be interested in.

You can go sailing, surfing or swimming in you enjoy the water. You can spend some time just tanning on the beach sipping tropical drinks, visiting the many shops and stores that are located on the shores. You can go shopping and buy authentic Hawaiian pieces or other souvenirs. You can visit many historical and nature sights all over the island as well.

Underwater Adventures

Many of the activities to do on Maui are underwater related. There are is the Maui Ocean Center to learn first hand all about the underwater life of Maui and you can also find places to go SCUBA diving or snorkeling. You can watch the whales come in to mate during the right season and you can also go fishing, dolphin watching and much more.

Dining

There are some fabulous choices for you when it comes to dining on Maui. There are literally hundreds of restaurants to choose from all with different, varying but delicious menus. Whether you want a simple, quick and cheap meal or eloquent dining at its finest, you will find a place that meets your needs on Maui.

Some of the finest chefs in the world have come here to Maui to enjoy the opportunity to cook in restaurants on this fabulous island. You can take advantage of this culinary delight and enjoy many different types of foods while you are visiting Maui.

Tour the Island

There are actually many different ways to tour the island. You can enjoy it by land, sea or even air. There are hikes, bicycle tours, driving tours and more as well as tours by plane and helicopter. You can go sailing, boating, parasailing, parachuting and almost anything else you can think of. There are so many different ways of getting a new and different view of the island of Maui.

Whether you are coming alone, as a couple, as a family, for business or any other reason, you will love Maui and you are sure to find something to keep you content and busy. In fact, you may find it really hard to do everything in one trip and you will likely want to come back to Maui again as soon as possible.



Maui Helicopter



Choosing A Maui Vacation Rental

Author: mauiact1blog
10 19th, 2007
things to do in maui
Chris Sutton asked:


If you are planning a trip to the beautiful Hawaiian island of Maui, you know that one of the most important details for you to work out is where you will be staying. One great option for you to consider is a Maui vacation rental. If you will be staying for an extended period of time then a vacation rental is practically a must. Even if you are staying for only a weekend or so, a vacation rental can be a great option if you plan ahead and book it in advance.

What is a vacation rental?

If you are planning on going to Maui for an extended period of time as opposed to a quick vacation or weekend getaway, you might consider a vacation rental instead. These are a great option for someone looking to spend all or most of the summer in Maui. Obviously, that would get very expensive if you were paying for a hotel the entire time.

What to look for

If you are looking to select a Maui vacation rental, there are several different things that you will want to keep in mind. Once you have these things to look for, it will save you quite a bit of time when it comes to finding the vacation rental property that best suits your needs.

• Ask yourself what you really need and want.

• How many bedrooms do you need?

• How many bathrooms?

• What appliances and amenities do you desire in your rental?

• Do you have a particular “neighborhood” you want to be in or close to?

• Do you want a beachfront property or an available pool?

• How much are you looking to pay?

Asking yourself these important questions will help narrow your search when you set out to find the Maui vacation rental of your dreams. You should also make a list and prioritize it, placing your most important needs first and going down the line until you reach your “wants”. Then try to find a rental with as many of the things on your list as possible while still meeting your budget.

Selecting your rental

There are many real estate companies online that actually let you look up detailed information about the rental you are looking for. You can choose numbers of bedrooms, baths, oceanfront view, pools and other amenities to meet your specifications and then search for vacation rentals that meet those requirements.

You can find luxury rentals, beachfront rentals, affordable homes and much more. You can get a cozy little retreat for a couple or a home big enough for the family. At some places, you can even bring your family dog! You can truly find your “home away from home” if you look around at rental in Maui.

However, you want to be sure you do your research on the place you choose. Unfortunately, there are still sometimes people that might try to rip you off on a rental in Maui or promise that it is in better condition that it actually is. Then when you arrive dissatisfied, you will have a hard time finding someplace else to go. You need to be sure you find out all you can about the owners or leasers and the property before contracting yourself to it.

Homes and Town homes

There are many different locations on Maui that have homes and town homes for rent. If you are looking to stay in Maui for more than just a couple of days then this is an option you might want to consider. You can rent a town home for a month or a couple of months or the entire summer. Rent varies quite a bit according to what type of home you are looking for, where it’s located, the number of rooms and other pertinent info. Your best bet if you are looking to rent a home or town home for your vacation in Maui is probably to contact a real estate agency on the island that specializes in that.

A travel agent can put you into contact with real estate agents and you can also look them up online as most have websites now. You can even see available listings, pictures of home and much more. Some websites even allow you to submit a rental application through the site.

Condominiums

If you can’t find a home or town home that meets your needs or if that is just not quite what you are looking for, then you might consider a condominium. There are many condos and developments that have properties on Maui and many people who rent for the summer or timeshare, etc. This will be a great option to consider if you want a nice place you can stay and feel at home while on vacation in Maui.



Volcano Helicopter Ride