Travel Planning

The Perfect Getaway: Maui Vacations

Experience the perfect island getaway in Maui, Hawaii

Visiting a tropical island paradise is not as far-fetched as it may sound. Hawaii has been one of the top vacation destinations in the United States for decades. The island state is made up of more than one island, and Maui is a great hotspot for vacation goers. Whether you are the adventurous type who loves excitement or you simply wish to relax and recharge, Maui vacations are perfect for you.

One very popular experience that visitors shouldn’t miss is a luau. Luaus are outdoor celebrations complete with traditional dances, food, and music. Dancers typically perform in grass skirts, bikini tops (for the women), and flower necklaces known as leis. The feast typically features a Kalua pig that has been roasted for several hours in an imu (earth oven). Another traditional Hawaiian dish is called poi and is made from taro root. Salmon, poke, tropical fruits, and other native Hawaiian dishes can all be found at luau celebrations. Guests usually eat with their hands while sitting on the floor or ground.

Luaus can be found all over Maui. Most hotel resorts host luau feasts throughout the week. There are also other locations that may seem more traditional for guests looking for a real Hawaiian experience. Most luaus also serve alcoholic beverages, and some even have kid’s menus. Fire dancers are also a common sight at festive luau parties.

Maui vacations are well known for pristine beaches and wonderful water sports. Visitors can bask in the sun all day while enjoying a mai tai, or they can jump into the crystal blue waters for fun and excitement. Guests can experience the magnificent marine wildlife with snorkeling adventures in multiple locations.

Molokini crater is famous for its resident sea turtles. This volcanic crater is shaped like a crescent moon and is great for beginners to underwater activities. Another wonderful snorkeling location is Lanai, which is known for its friendly dolphin population. Lanai hosts a beautiful coral reef that attracts a multitude of marine wildlife for snorkelers to view.

For vacationers who wish to dive deeper, Lahaina Harbor just off the coast of Maui offers an amazing underwater submarine adventure. This trip into the deep blue sea dives down to approximately 100 feet. Guests have the opportunity to see underwater sites that not many others have viewed.

Maui vacations also offers great excursions for visitors who wish to stay above the water. Guests can enjoy delicious dinners on nighttime cruises or even go parasailing during the day. Lahaina Harbor has so many activities, everyone can find what they are looking for.

Haleakala National Park is another wonderful location to explore. Visitors can enjoy a pleasant bike ride to see the volcano at sunrise. It’s a magnificent sight to see. Haleakala is the world’s largest dormant volcano, standing at a whopping 10,023 feet high. The park is home to a vast array of plants and wildlife that cannot be seen anywhere else in the world. Hiking tours will take guests to visit Haleakala’s rainforest and waterfalls. The guided tour takes visitors 2.5 miles to the trailhead. Guests may take the time to go for a swim in the famous pools before heading back. For those who prefer to see the rainforest and volcano from above, helicopter tours of Haleakala are also available.

Hana Town, or Heavenly Town, also has much to offer. Visitors can enjoy a 68-mile tour of the “Magic Isle” region of Maui. The coastal roads give the most spectacular views of the beaches. Guests can also visit the Seven Sacred Pools in the town of Paia. This small, quiet town is home to the Ho’okipa Beach and was once a sugar plantation. Nowadays, tourists flock to Paia for some of the world’s best windsurfing.

The Kaumahina State Park is also near Paia and hosts beautiful eucalyptus groves, roadside fruit stands, and bamboo jungles to explore. Visitors can take a look at Keane Valley by stopping at Keanae Lookout. This location is famous for its phenomenal views of the valley.