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Activities in Maui,
Hawaii
Have
you ever wanted to do something a little bit wild or out of the
ordinary?
Something not like "YOU"? We'd love
to introduce
you to another side of "YOU"! In addition to being a beautiful
tropical
island, Maui offers a multitude of unique, challenging and exciting
activities.
We would like to enhance your Maui experience and invite you to
participate
in any, or all of the following. We have selected one or two operators
in each category based on personal experience and client feedback.
The best activities
will always sell out early (Old Lahaina Luau, Trilogy excursions,
Ulalena
etc). As soon as your dates are set, you
should consider booking your activities. Check
our activities site, filled with helpful
info, and discounted
prices: http://www.barefoottours.com/mauivacationproperties
OR call Andreas at 888-222-3602, or 808-244-6200. He
has tried them all, and is full of helpful info!
Call
us
today to discuss your Maui,
Hawaii
vacation plans!
One phone call can save days of emails!
800.782.6105
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DIVING
AND SNORKELING
Snorkeling is one of our favorite activities, and there are plenty of
snorkeling sites that you can access from the beach - FREE.
When
you arrive in Maui, stop at Maui Dive
Shop
(Kihei or Lahaina) for their FREE, full color snorkel/dive
guide.
This will give you the location details, entry points, and tips to make
your
snorkeling experience a safe one. Both
day and night dives can be arranged to exciting sites, with enticing
names such
as "Cathedrals", "Monolith", and "Sharkfin Rock".
Some of the best snorkeling can be found at Honolua and Kapalua Bays
(west
end of Maui), Olowalu
(located at 14 mile marker south of Lahaina) and Ahihi and La Perouse
Bays at
the south end of Maui. These areas
are prime
locations allowing you to see fish in a natural state in protected
marine
preserves.
Andreas can help you compare the
various boat trips offered. Call him at 888-222-3602 or CLICK HERE
FOR MORE
INFO |
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LUAU
Reserve through Andreas at 888-222-3602 or CLICK HERE
FOR MORE
INFO
The most
authentic and favorite of the luaus - the
Old Lahaina Luau offers a traditional feast, Hawaiian music and a hula
show.
Although most of the major hotel chains offer a similar experience, the
Old
Lahaina Luau is picked to be the least commercial favorite.
NOTE: The show is the history of hula,
and might be a little boring for young children. You might have a
better
evening if you leave the little ones with a sitter (we recommend the
Nanny
Connection).
IMPORTANT: Make your reservations well
in advance, as this is
sold out most evenings. Seating is made based on when you make
your
reservation (best seats are for those that booked first), so make your
reservation as early as possible).
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BICYCLING ON MAUI
There are a
couple of
different types of bicycle tours on Maui.
Most are follow the leader style, pulling over every couple of minutes
to let
the traffic pass. If you seldom get on a bike, this might be the
best
option for you.
But if you're a
little more active, and want something
a little
more fun, we highly recommend cycling on your own. One of our
guests gave us this feedback about cycling on Maui:
"The ride from Twin Falls to
Keanae
is physically the most amazing ride I have ever done. It is an
amusement park ride from the physical standpoint, with wonderful twisty
descents challenging you to go ever faster, while the uphills are
barely noticed as you soak in the lush scenery and amazing ocean views.
The road is stressful to travel by car, but fabulous on a bike.
Few locals will ride beyond Hana and Kipahulu because of the dirt and
rough pavement around Kaupo, but that very fact means there is almost
no traffic and the ride feels quite adventurous, challenging your
riding skills, while moving through many totally different climate
zones. For those of us who live in mono-climatic regions of the country
(world) the ride around South Maui and all the way back through
Ulupalakua and Kula is truly a life-changing experience. For me, riding
through dry cattle country with crashing surf on my left and views of
lush forest high on the mountain, complete with water falls through
sharp valleys on that distant hillside to my right was awe-inspiring.
Sugarcane valley, Hookipa surf, Rain forest, Hana's pastoral cattle
ranches, high cliffs on rugged shoreline, dry cattle
country, nearly barren lava beds, high eucalyptus forest and high
grassland....there are precious few places in the world where you can
experience all of this in a single day of biking !
The
West Maui loop was my first experience on the island, since Shawn
Conners dragged me out for the West Maui Metric Century event 6 or
so years ago. The stretch of road past Lahaina and the other resorts
kind of sucks, but then all of a sudden it becomes small twisty road
and you pass the blowholes, and eat up great ocean views and do more
twisty up and down to Kahakuloa, after which the road gets even smaller
and more personal before reaching the screaming descent to Waihee.
That's another "amusement park ride" there...
The
volcano is a natural challenge that many riders will want to do as a
milestone in their lives, but it's a lot of work for a long time, and
after you have been spoiled by the sheer amount of sensory input on
other rides it is hardly boring, but it can seem like a long
"slog". I didn't bother to do it this year.
Cycling
on Maui is not for the faint of heart or for those who are not fit,
because most of the great rides involve climbing and descending,
but among cycling aficionados Maui would be considered an undiscovered
paradise. I am hoping to organize a group trip in the next year
or two for the sheer pleasure of watching the looks on my friends'
faces and hearing them talk about their experiences doing some of these
rides. You'll hear from me when that takes shape."
Courtesy of Glenn Swan
Resources:
Go Cycling Maui - challenging rides with Donnie and his crew -
808.579.9009
Na Ala Hele trail system - click
here to visit
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SAILING
EXCURSIONS
The
Trilogy trips have
always been a favorite with our clients. They operate well
maintained
catamarans with snorkel trips to Molokini and Lanai.
The Lanai trip takes the better part
of a day
but is well worth it. Start with hot cinnamon buns and fresh Kona
coffee, a
delightful sail to Lanai, snorkeling
in the
Hulopoe marine preserve, followed by a great barbecue lunch on the
beach. They
also provide a van tour of Lanai, guided by a Lanai
resident. Our opinion - "There are
less expensive trips, but Trilogy seems to offer the best value!"
To
quote SAILING MAGAZINE "..is the one that's most like sailing on a
friend's boat. It's an unusual excursion, without the slick phoniness
that
afflicts many cruises."
Other options: American II (high performance), Angelique,
Kapalua Kai, Kiele V, Paragon, and Scotch Mist. CLICK
HERE
FOR MORE INFO |
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SURFING, KITE SURFING
or WINDSURFING
Equipment: KANAHA KAI - 808-877-7778
Lessons: MAUI SPORTS UNLIMITED -
808-280-7060
The
North
and South shores of Maui have great
surfing
spots year round for both beginners and experts. The winter months see
swell on
the North and the summer in the south.
NeW tried surfing, kite surfing or
windsurfing? No problem - lessons will have you achieving some
degree of
success on your first day. Call Linda and crew at 808-280-7060.
Already know how to surf or windsurf, but
need a board? No problem - stop in at Kanaha Kai in Kahului, for
a great
selection of surf and windsurf board rentals. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO Our opinion - "This is an activity that
you probably didn't consider when you planned your trip, but one that
will
leave you with a great sense of accomplishment".
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BOOGIE BOARDING
Go for it! Buy or rent a
boogie board with fins, and follow the surf! Boogie boarding is fun,
easy, and
will be enjoyed by young and old alike. It's not unusual to see local
children
as young as three out enjoying the small waves. Don't
know how? Don't worry, it's
easy. If you feel that a lesson is in order, call Linda at Maui Sports Unlimited 808-280-7060.
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KAYAKING
Kayaking can
actually be quite dangerous, particularly with the offshore breezes of
the South
Shore.
BUT, it can also be a lot of fun. This can be an opportunity to
see
marine life that you wouldn't normally get a chance to see. We've
been
out at LaPerouse
Bay
with hundreds of dolphins - a true
nature experience! If you want to kayak, there are a number of
tour
operators offering kayak tours and rentals. Use
your judgment, and exercise extreme
caution!
Reserve through Andreas at 888-222-3602 or CLICK
HERE FOR MORE INFO
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WHALE WATCHING
Reserve through Andreas at 888-222-3602 or CLICK HERE
FOR MORE
INFO
December
through March the whales come to Hawaiian
waters to breed and bear calves. It's almost impossible to imagine
these huge
creatures, until you're out on the board, and see one come up beside
you.
This is definitely a MUST DO for a winter vacation.
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SATURDAY MORNING FLEA
MARKET
Entry fee .50 cents
(children free)
This will add some local color to your
trip. Visit the Saturday morning flea market in Kahului (next to
the Post
Office, and across from McDonalds). This is an unusual blend of
junk,
treasures, fruits & veggies, flowers, and T-shirts ($4-$5
each). A
great place to pick up souvenirs. Many clients shop for their
week's
supply of produce. |
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GUIDED OR
SELF GUIDED TOURS
It's exciting to explore a tropical island. Whether you take a guided
tour or
venture out on your own, there are a few sights you shouldn't miss:
1. Haleakela National
Park
- Weather Report and Conditions - 808-572-4400 (office) and
808-877-5111
(weather)
Haleakela
Park
is visited by a million people a
year. This dormant volcano's vast moon-like cratered floor with its'
towering
cinder cones is a geological wonder. Sunrise
and sunset are two glorious times of the day to view the crater in
extremely
beautiful settings. The road leading to the summit is just 38 miles
long - 1
1/2 hours from the center of Kahului. If you are planning to go for
sunrise,
plan to be AT THE TOP approx. 45 minutes before actual sunrise.
By SUNRISE time,
the color show is pretty much over. The
crater can be cold! Whenever you choose to visit the crater, call and
check on
weather and general viewing conditions. For ranger led hikes and
talks
check park bulletin boards or call the above number.
2. Iao
Valley -
Three miles inland from the center of old Wailuku
town is one of Maui's most beautiful
spots -
The Iao Valley. The centerpiece of the valley is the Iao Needle which
stands
2250 feet high, constructed naturally of lava and overgrown with lush
green
foliage. Walking through the park you will see many varieties of exotic
flowers
and trees and enjoy the views from the sheltered lookout.
3. Hana - The Hana road
meanders along the northern
coastline, a breathtaking experience of cliffs, lush valleys, streams,
waterfalls and pools. The road has 617 curves and 56 one lane bridges
before
straightening out just before Hana. This area has many beautiful hikes,
trails
and beaches to explore and enjoy. The
Seven Sacred Pools is just beyond Hana,
and you might want to turn around here or take the back road
home. If
you're driving to Hana on your own, pick up a Hana Tour CD (available
at
many locations) or call 808-871-1555. The CD will be your guide, giving
you
info on the vegetation, points of interest, Hawaiian tales, etc...
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HORSE BACK
RIDING
Reserve through Andreas at 888-222-3602 or CLICK HERE
FOR MORE
INFO
Maui has a wonderful variety of terrain that can be explored on
horseback - Haleakala crater, eucalyptus forests, beach areas, and
Hana coastline. Guests are appropriately screened, to select
riding tours suited to their ability. |
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SPEND A DAY UPCOUNTRY
Many people come to Maui,
and spend their entire vacation on the beach on the South Shore.
But there is plenty more to see. Spend a morning or afternoon
Upcountry. You could start with sunrise at the top of Haleakala
(but
you'll need to get up super early), followed by breakfast at Kula
Lodge.
Then perhaps a stop at the winery or a protea farm. Make sure to
stop in
Makawao to enjoy the quaint collection of shops (clothing, art, unusual
items). If you don't want the early start, plan to sightsee in
the
afternoon, ending with sunset at Haleakala. Stop at Casanova's
in
Makawao for dinner on your way home. |
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HIKING
All over Maui
there are many great hiking trails ranging from an hour to full day
journeys
through beautiful rain forests, open fields or the crater floor. There
are
plenty of informative books to help you take yourself into some very
exotic
terrain - with crisp fresh water pools to swim in - and some great
walks to get
the blood flowing! For the true hiker, check into the GPS hikes
available on Maui. |
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TENNIS
Wailea Tennis Club - 808-879-1958
Many condo properties have
tennis courts, but if you prefer the atmosphere of a tennis club,
Wailea tennis
offers three grass courts, eleven plexi-pave courts and excellent
instruction.
They will also match you for play with other players of similar ability.
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HELICOPTER TOURS
Reply on Andreas' expertise to compare the
various trips for you. Give him a call at 888-222-3602 or
CLICK HERE
FOR MORE
INFO
See the island like a
bird! There is no other way to get this total overview.
Waterfalls, rain
forests, Haleakala Crater, the Hana coastline, West
Maui! |
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FOR THE MORE ADVENTURESOME
Sky-line Eco Adventures -
Cross a
canyon on
a zip-line
This is a popular activity, so book very early.
Call Andreas at
888-222-3602 or CLICK HERE
FOR MORE
INFO
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WHALE WATCHING
There is no way to adequately describe the magnificence of the humpback
whales. Huge, graceful, gentle, loving, playful are just a few
words.
Contact Andreas (888-222-3602) to arrange a whale watch
adventure (winter only).
Our favorite... the Pacific Whale
Foundation. |
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