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 Activities
In the lobby of the Valley Isle Resort
there is a large rack of brochures for you to choose from with some
great things to do while you are there.
Places to Visit
Visit Lahaina Town, also referred to as Front Street. There
are some fabulous shops and art stores to visit. This is also where
many of the restaurants are. If you get a chance, stop by Whalers
Village and have lunch or dinner on the beach! Whalers Village has
many fun stores!
There are so very many things to do on Maui that you can
never get them all done so just pick some fun things that you want
to do and save the rest for next time!
Weddings in Maui
For
a romantic wedding without all the fuss and expense – get
married on Maui! Maui is also a wonderful place to renew your vows.
There are many companies that can arrange everything for you. You
and your guests can stay at Valley Isle Resort.
Swimming and Sunbathing
The most plentiful and best beaches for swimming
and sunbathing are on West Maui, strung along 18 glorious miles
from Kapalua to Olowalu. The best for snorkeling: D.T. Fleming Beach
or Kapalua Bay Beach. Next I would say Ka'anapali Beach, especially
around Black Rock. Kama'ole Beach l, ll, and lll at the south end
of Kihei. Wailea Beach has public access between the Grand Wailea
and the Four Seasons Hotel in Wailea.
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Snorkeling
tips |
- Remember sunscreen!
Snorkeling is the most common way that visitors
get sunburned! You may consider wearing a t-shirt
if you are really fair skinned.
- Use anti fog
on the inside of your mask. The dive shop will show
you how to use it.
- Don't touch the coral
and don't stand on it - if you need to fix your
mask, tread water or stand on a rock.
- Don't use your arms
much or you will spook the fish. Just gentle fin
motion. Any rapid motion can cause the little critters
to scatter.
- Don't turn your back
on the ocean!
- Dive under incoming waves
before they reach you.
- When the wind comes up, get
out. Stay out of water during
periods of high surf. High surf often creates
rip tides that can pull you out to sea.
If caught in a rip tide, don't panic, just
swim parallel to the shore until you are
out of the strong pull.
- It is best not to feed
or touch the fish. Especially the green
sea turtles. There is a huge fine if
you knowingly disturb them.
- Stay out of the water at dawn
and dusk.
- Snorkel in the morning when
the water is calmer – 9 or 10 a.m.
is a good time to start
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Snorkeling
and Diving
For snorkeling or diving on Maui, there are two
shops that you can walk or drive to and rent equipment.
Snorkeling Shops
You can call for snorkeling conditions the day before you plan to
snorkel: 871-5054.
Maui Dive Shop
www.mauidiveshop.com
At Maui Dive Shop, in Kahana Gateway Shopping Center, you can get
a "Maui Dive Guide" which will show you a map of the best
places to snorkel. This magazine gives you a brief explanation of
each site and tell you which areas are good for beginners, intermediate,
or advanced snorkeling. This guide also has a page that will tell
you the names of some of the beautiful fish you will see when snorkeling.
The fish are very used to people and so they are just as busy looking
at you as you are at them! I love the yellow "banana"
belts they have there as you can just float around in the water
and watch the fish!
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Snorkeling and Lunch at Molokini Crater
 Don't
miss Molokini Crater. This is the crater of a dormant volcano where
half of the volcano stays above the water and blocks the waves and
the other half is below the water. It is crystal clear and just
wonderful. You will see so many beautiful fish! This is one of Maui's
four marine preserves. It is Hawaii's most exciting snorkeling and
scuba diving destination. It is accessible only by boat.
This aquatic wonder was created when an undersea
vent built up a tuff cone with lava and ash. The northern half has
been eroded away by waves, so it is a semicircular reef. Underwater
visibility is nearly always 100 to 180 feet! The water is so inviting
because the reef blocks the waves. The crater is a marine and bird
sanctuary. If you are going to only snorkel or dive one time, do
it at Molokini Crater.
Pacific Whale Foundation is good for this excursion.
They usually take you out to snorkel; feed you a barbecue lunch,
and then take you over to Turtletown, where the green sea turtles
are and you can swim with them.
Mendes Ranch Horseback
Riding
We had a lot of fun riding at Mendes Ranch. You
get to ride up to the rainforest and then you can
look down over the ocean from on top and on your way back down.
You will also get to ride all the way down to the ocean.
Haleakala Crater Horseback Riding
There is also the Pony Express 1-808-667-2200.
They go down Sliding Sands Trail to the bottom of Haleakala Crater.
The views are supposed to be fabulous so book ahead should
you decide to do this one. They only take eight
people a day! Call from the mainland two or three
weeks ahead at least.
Waterfalls
 You
should take a day to drive to Hana. You should be in Kahului by
8:30 a.m. to get the most time out of your drive. There are so many
beautiful waterfalls there! Pack a picnic with the cooler in the
condo and have a picnic. The views are spectacular so you may need
to bring a lot of film. Once it is 5 p.m. though, you need to head
back to Kahana. You can head completely around the island or you
can just go back the way that you came. You do not need a jeep to
make this drive. Email me if you would like a list of some of the
best waterfalls and how to get to them. Some of them you may drive
right by. You can swim in the pools of the waterfalls so you may
want to wear your bathing suit.
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Surfing
 Surfing
is synonymous with Hawaii! Hawaiians invented it. Lessons
aren't as hard as you might think. Lahaina is a good place
to learn. In Lahaina, try Goofy Foot Surf School 808-244-9283. They
are good teachers and guarantee that you'll ride a wave or it's
free. You could also try Surf Dog Maui 808-250-7873.
If you are an experienced surfer, West Maui has
easily accessible water, so you may just want to drive along and
look for the kind of waves that work best for you. Launiupoko State
Park, south of the 18 mile maker often has a good break. The area
south of the 19 mile marker can also be good. Lahaina harbor has
a very dependable break, even in fairly low surf.
 One
site that has received national attention in the last few years
is JAWS. The unusual formation below the surface
kicks in when the surf gets bigger than 15 feet,
which happens about a dozen times a year in the winter. Then the
waves become magnified and form a curved shape. They have
been know to reach 70 feet here. Only a handful of experts can surf
Jaws. Less than 15 foot waves mean not much is happening.
No matter what size the waves, you are sure to see surfers out there
and they are great to watch! The most direct route from Hwy 36 is
Hahana Road (between the 13 & 14 mile markers). Go to the left
on Hahana after the fork, and take the dirt road at the end of Hahana.
It's along a gulch.
To watch the wind surfers (or to join in the fun) go to Ho'okipa
Beach or H.A. Baldwin Park. That is along Hana Highway, (36). Baldwin
is around mile marker 6 and Ho'okipa is around mile marker 8. The
pictures you will see in the condo are taken at Ho'okipa Beach!
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Maui Helicopter Rides
There are several different helicopter rides
and they are all pretty similar. They have a lot of retired Vietnam
Veterans who fly the helicopters so you do get experienced pilots.
They are pretty funny too. There are several different routes you
can take. The West Maui/Moloka'I Sea Cliffs is supposed to be the
best. You can circle Maui, which is what I have done a couple of
times and that is fun.
You will find brochures on each company in the
lobby so you can just pick whatever one suits you. You will probably
want to go in the morning. In the afternoon, wind and clouds increase
and conditions get bumpier. Should you decide to take photos, asa
400 and don't let the camera touch the vibrating window. Also, place
a polarizer lens on to cut the glare.
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Hiking
Hiking on Maui is as much of sightseeing tour as it is an adventure. Check out MauiMapp.com for great hiking spots. As you will get caught up in the beauty, remember, it takes as long to hike out as it did to hike in. Packing a little picnic and water is a great idea too. As always, don’t forget the camera as you are likely to get photo’s so good you will want to frame them for your home.
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Jan's favorite lu'au
I suggest that you do go to a Lu'au early in
the trip and as I do believe I have been to nearly all of them:
go to Old Lahaina Lu'ua. It may be a few bucks more, however, it
is so much better than anyone else, it is really worth it. It is
a traditional lu'ua. In other words, no Hollywood glitz added. If
it isn't the real thing, it will not be in the show.
 They
really strive to have all Polynesian dancers also which is really
nice. This is the group that has a line of dancers that is sent
all over the world to perform and then comes back to the islands
and rotates through. I really don't know how they bribe the dancers
to leave the islands but they must get extra for that!
Go to www.oldlahainaluau.com
if you want to check it out. Also, the phone number is 1-808-661-4998.
As they fill up to six weeks in advance sometimes, call from the
mainland and book this one early in your trip. Sort of gets you
in the real aloha mood. The food is great.
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Golf info:
Maui is a golfer's paradise, with 16 superb courses
scattered around the island. They are some of the most beautiful
and challenging in the world. If you factor in the idyllic climate
that offers sunshine 365 days of the year, and you will know why
Maui is a year round destination for both casual and serious golfers
from around the world.
The following is a brief description of the courses:
West Maui Golf Courses
Ka'anapali Resort South
North of Lahaina, 808-661-3691
Open: 6:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
6,555 yards, par 71
Fees: $142 year-round
Designer: Jack Snyder
Clubhouse & Pro Shop
www.kaanapali-golf.com
Considered fun and not exceedingly difficult, the course offers
panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, Lanai, and Molokai.
Ka'anapali Tournament North
North of Lahaina, 808-661-3691
Open: 6:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Fees: $150 year-round
Designer: Robert Trent Jones, Sr.
Clubhouse & Pro Shop
www.kaanapali-golf.com
Maui's first golf-resort and the Hawaiian home
of the Senior PGA Tour. Magnificent panoramic views of the ocean,
all of Maui, Lanai and Molokai stretching the length of the horizon.
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Kapalua Village Course
North of Ka'anapali, 808-669-8830
Open 6 a.m. - 7 p.m.
6,317 yards, par 70
Fees: Seasonal, $180 & up, twilight rate $80+ (after 2 p.m.)
Designer: Arnold Palmer
Clubhouse & Pro Shop, Flemings On The Green Restaurant
The course twists and turns through the beautiful West Maui foothills,
and rises from sea level to over 800' in the first 6 holes, offering
a challenge to golfers of all levels.
Kapalua Bay Course
North of Ka'anapali, 808-669-8820
Open: 6 a.m. - 7 p.m.
6,600 yards, par 72
Fees: Seasonal $180 & up, twilight rate $80+ (after 2 p.m.)
Designers: Arnold Palmer & Francis Duane
Clubhouse & Pro Shop, Jameson's Grill & Bar Restaurant
Resort golf at it's best, featuring gently rolling fairways and
generous greens. Host to many PGA tournaments & national championships.
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Kapalua Plantation Course
North of Ka'anapali, 808-669-8877
Open: 6 a.m. - 7 p.m.
7,263 yards, par 73
Fees: Seasonal: $220 & up, twilight rates $84+ (after 2 p.m.)
Designers: Ben Crenshaw & Bill Coore
Clubhouse & Pro Shop, the Plantation House Restaurant
Rated among the most unique and beautiful courses in the world.
Site of PGA Tour's season-opening Mercedes Championships comprised
entirely of the preceding years' winners. The course is designed
on a grand scale, winding though the geographic formations and pineapple
plantation fields with breathtaking views.
South Maui Golf Courses
Elair Maui Golf Club
Pi'ilani Hwy., Kihei - 808-874-0777
Open 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
6,016 yards, par 71, White Tee; 6,404 yards, par 71
Fees: $85 year-round, twilight rate $65 (after 1 p.m.)
Designer, Bill Newis
Clubhouse with Restaurant & Pro Shop
Expansive views of the Pacific Ocean, Haleakala and the West Maui
Mountains. Generally windy conditions late morning and afternoon
with trades coming from the northwest.
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Makena South
South of Wailea, 808-879-3344
Open: 6 a.m. - 7 p.m.
7,017 yards, par 72
Fees: Seasonal ($175 and up) Twilight rates (after 1 p.m.)
Designer: Robert Trent Jones, Jr.
Clubhouse, Restaurant & Pro Shop
Ranked one of the top courses in the nation, site of the Hawaii
State Open, the Senior Challenge and many Hawaiian events. Awesome
views of the Pacific, Mt. Haleakala, Ka'aholawe, and Molikini.
Makena North
South of Wailea, 808-879-3344
Open 6 a.m. - 7 p.m.
6,914 yards, par 72
Fees: Seasonal ($155 & up) Twilight rates (after 1 p.m.)
Designer: Robert Trent Jones, Jr.
Clubhouse, Restaurant & Pro Shop
Carved from jagged lava beds of the foothills of Mt. Haleakala.
Stunning ocean and mountain views winding through Hawaiian forests
and lava beds. Top PGA pros on staff.
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Wailea Blue Course
Wailea, 808-875-5155
Open 6:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
6,758 yards, par 72
Fees: Seasonal ($140 & up) Twilight rate (after 12 p.m.) &
Kama'aina rates. New 9-hole rate, after 4 p.m., $50 w/special rates
on rentals & more.
Designer: Arthur Jack Snyder
Clubhouse & Pro Shop, Mulligan's Restaurant.
High-ranked course with awesome ocean and mountain views. A favorite
with golf professionals and beginners alike.
Wailea Emerald Course
Wailea, 808-875-7450
Open 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
6,825 yards, par 72
Fees: Seasonal ($150.00 & up), no twilight rate.
Designer: Robert Trent Jones, Jr.
Clubhouse, & Pro Shop, Sea Watch Restaurant.
Ranked in the top 10 by Golf Digest & Golf Magazine. A breathtaking
tropical landscape and miles of fragrant flowers are why it has
been called Maui's most beautiful golf course.
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Wailea Golf Course
Wailea, 808-875-7450
Open 6:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
7,070 yards, par 72
Fees: Seasonal ($160 & up), no twilight rate
Designer: Robert Trent Jones, Jr.
Clubhouse, & Pro Shop, Sea Watch Restaurant.
Home to PGA's Sr. Skins Game. Tied for 1st place in Traveler Magazine
as the best designed golf course in the world, rated one of America's
tom 10 new courses by Golf Magazine , and ranked a top course in
public polls. Both sleek and Rugged, it offers golfers of all abilities
magnificent views and exciting challenges.
Central Maui Golf Courses
Dunes at Maui Lani
1333 Maui Lani Parkway, Kahulai, 808-873-0422
Open: 6:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.
6,000 yards, par 72
Fees: $95.00 year-round, twilight rate $45 (after 2 p.m.)
Designer: Robin Nelson
Clubhouse & Pro Shop, The Dunes Restaurant
www.dunesatmauilani.com
Named one of the best new courses in America by Golf Magazine, its
unique design a challenge to any level of player.
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Waiehu Municipal Course
North of Wailuku, 808-270-7400
Open: 7 a.m. - 5 p.m., wkdys; 6 a.m. - 5 p.m. weekends & holidays
6,330 yards, par 37-35-72
Fees: $26 weekdays; $30 weekends & holidays, carts: $8.30, walker's
pull carts: $2, clubs: $16.60 set.
Reservations: 2 days in advance for 2 - 6 players
Restaurant & Pro Shop
An oceanside course on Maui's Windward side. Expansive views of
the Pacific, the West Maui Mountains, and Mt. Haleakala. Designed
and built by Maui Civil Engineers in the 1920's
Sandalwood Golf Course
2500 Honopi'ilani, Wailuku, 808-242-4653
Open: 6 a.m. 6:30 p.m.
6,469 yards, par 72
Fees: $80, twilight rate = $50 (after 12 p.m.)
Designers: Robin Nelson and Rodney Wright
Clubhouse, Pro Shop, Restaurant & Banquet Facilities
www.sandalwoodgolf.com
Nestled in the foothills of the West Maui Mountains with spectacular
views of the Pacific Ocean from both shorelines.
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North Shore Golf Course
Maui Country Club
Sprecklesville, 808-877-7270
Open to public Mondays only, 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
3,275 yards, par 36
Public fees: $38, 9 holes, $75, 18 holes, Kama'aina rates available
Designer: George Bell
Pro Shop
Maui's oldest golf course featuring a classic links design.
Upcountry Golf Course
Pukalani Country Club
Pukalani, 808-572-1314
Open: 7 a.m. - 4 p.m.
6,962 yards, par 72, 19 holes
Public Fees: $50 from 6:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., $40 from 11 a.m. to
2- p.m., $30 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., $600 annual membership available.
Designers: Robert E. Baldock Sr. & Jr.
Restaurant & Pro Shop
www.pukalanigolf.com
a 1,200-foot elevation provides panoramic views of the ocean the
valley, the West Maui Mountains, and the North and South shores.
One of Maui's best kept secrets for cooler, relaxed afternoon golf.
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Other Activities
 Other
activities include whale watching (winter), golf,
tennis, helicopter tours, glass bottom submarine tours, bicycle
riding, surfing, Maui Ocean Center, dinner shows, Lu'au's, hiking,
incredible shopping, day trips to Lanai or Molokai, catamaran rides,
raft through caves, sport fishing, diving, scuba, cocktail or dinner
cruises, sailing, Friday night 'Art Night' on Front Street, weekend
art shows under the Banyon tree, and every kind of restaurant
you could want!
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Contact
us directly with any questions you have about any activities.
This is just a sampling of the multitude of activities offered
on Maui.
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